Total pigmeat retail volumes declined by 0.9% in the 12 weeks to August 9, but spend was up 0.5% on the back of a 1.4% year-on-year increase in prices, according to data from Worldpanel by Numerator UK, summarised by AHDB.Â
Total primary pig meat volumes increased 0.8% year on year, while spend moderately declined by 0.5%. Pigmeat mince, again led the way, with volumes increasing by 26.6%. Many shoppers switched from beef mince to pork mince in the period, as well as buying pork mince more frequently, and purchasing more on each shopping trip. Pig belly also grew by 8.8%, while several other cuts saw declining sales.
Processed pig meat volumes fell by 2.9% year on year, however, with bacon rashers recording the biggest decline – 1,673 tonnes compared with the same period last year – and sliced cooked meats and sausages volumes also falling.
Added value pig meat remained a key growth area, with volumes increasing 6.6% and spend rising 7.7%. Growth was driven by sous vide (+13.0%) and marinades (+8.9%), highlighting continued shopper demand for convenient meal solutions, AHDB said.
Beef and lamb volumes recorded bigger year-on-year volume declines than seen in the pig sector.