BPEX is reporting that the latest figures from Kantar Worldpane show consumer spending on pork was 5% higher in the 12 weeks to May 12, 2013 than in the same period last year.
The growth was mainly driven by an increase in the average price as the amount of pork bought by GB shoppers was similar to last year.
Fresh pork has seen some notable switching into lamb, with on-going promotions and the attractive price point of lamb leg roasting joints drawing in shoppers. With the exception of loin, this has impacted all pork roasting joints.
The amount spent on bacon remained in line with last year but there has been a 2% fall in the quantity purchased by shoppers. This was caused by a reduction in the number of households buying rashers and joints over the 12-week period.
Purchases of sausages also dipped, but an increase in average price meant consumer spending remained positive. There has been evidence of shoppers trading up from standard tier sausages into premium.
During the most recent four-week period, pork recorded a year-on-year increase in volume purchases, the first in nine months.
Sales of sausages also rose, driven by the growth within premium tiers. The improved weather and opportunity for barbecues has also helped improve sales performance.
Meanwhile, sliced cooked ham saw growth in both expenditure and the quantity purchased over both the 12- and four-week periods.