Several pork cuts recorded volume growth during the 12-week period to March 27, sitting within an overall beef, lamb, pork, bacon and poultry market which increased by 3% in comparison to the same period in 2015, according to the latest UK Pig Meat Market Update from AHDB Pork.
While volumes were up overall, however, prices (for all meats) declined by 3% on the year for the 12-week comparison and by 4% when comparing the final four weeks up to March 27 with the same four-week period last year.
Based on information provided by Kantar Worldpanel, the pork cuts showing good volume growth included leg, loin and shoulder roasting joints and marinades.
“The 12-week period in question covered the start of the Pulled Pork campaign,” said AHDB pork. “There is an inference therefore that, as well as boosting shoulder sales, this may have had a halo effect on other cuts of pork.
“However, expenditure levels are still down on the year, highlighting the continuing decreasing value of pork.”
The Kantar data also showed that the consumer convenience category is maintaining its growth with the chilled main meal accompaniment market growing by just under 8% year-on-year in volume terms and with pork products in this category continuing their strong growth by adding 51% in volume, to reach just over 5% of the total category.