New figures produced by AHDB market intelligence put the average per-capita pig meat consumption in the UK at 24.1kg carcase weight equivalent in 2013.
Calculated based on supplies of pork available for consumption, this figure was down by 0.7kg or 3% compared with 2012 and the lowest since 2002. Lower supply availability and increased retail prices contributed to the fall.
Information from Kantar WorldPanel data shows the average purchase price in the week ended January 5, 2014, was 5% higher year-on-year.
Poultry meat per-capita consumption in 2013 also declined, falling to 31.2kg. This was the first time it had fallen since 2008, withthe change through to be due to a 7% rise in the retail price leading to a softening of demand.
Mutton and lamb was the only meat to record an increase in 2013 as a result of higher supply and lower prices
Total meat consumption in 2013 fell to 77.3kg carcase weight equivelant, down by 1.3kg compared with 2012.