Consumer spending on pork in the 12 weeks to October 13 increased 3% compared with the same period last year, according to figures from Kantar Worldpanel.
The increase was the result of increased retail prices as the volume sales actually dipped by 2% in the same period.
BPEX’s Pig Market Weekly reports that pork chops and steaks, which account for almost 40% of sales, recorded a 2% fall in purchases. British pork, however, outperformed the market with volumes up 7% and expenditure increasing 13% as a result of more shoppers buying British more frequently.
In the most recent four weeks, however, pork made strong gains of 10% in both volume purchases and spending. These were due to the performance of leg and shoulder joints, in particular, as a result of increased promotions at the major retailers.
Over the whole 12-week period, purchases of shoulder and loin joints fell, but those of leg joints increased 8%, with shoppers switching in from beef and lamb joints, encouraged by the promotional activity.
A 6% reduction in purchases of bacon meant the value of sales dipped 1% in the 12-week period. All cuts recorded declines, with rashers down 5%.
Spending on sausages increased again, driven by a 17% rise in the average price paid. Volume sales have continued to fall, although premium sausages are still performing well.
Low-fat sausages, although a much smaller share of the market, have also shown strong growth.
After a strong summer, volume growth for sliced cooked ham has slowed to 1%, with spending up 3%.