Spending on pork increased 6% during the 12 weeks to 10 November, according to figures from Kantar Worldpanel.
BPEX’s Pig Market Weekly reports that growth has been driven by volume gains of 3%, a welcome reverse to the trend seen in recent months.
All cuts except leg and belly contributed to the category performance. Chops and steaks returned to positive volume growth for the first time this year, boosted by shoppers buying them more frequently. Shoulder roasting joint purchases were up 4%, with a number of consumers switching in from beef roasting joints.
Volume growth has been driven by younger consumers in particular. Marinades have continued their good performance with volumes up 5%, showing consumer appetite for value added products remains strong.
Spending on bacon fell during the period, due to a 6% drop in the amount purchased, as fewer shoppers have been buying bacon and the remaining shoppers have been doing so less often. However, the brunt of the fall was taken by Dutch and Danish product as British bacon has recorded volume and value gains again this period.
Sausages continue to record expenditure gains driven by price rises, while volumes purchased were 6% behind last year. Premium sausage growth has now slowed, while low fat sausages are a small bright spot, with purchases up 23%. Spending on cooked ham has increased 3%, supported by volume gains of 1%, ahead of the growth seen for other cooked meats.