UK retail purchases of pigmeat meat grew slightly over the first three months of 2025, driven by an increase in primary cut volumes, according to Kantar data.
In the 12 weeks to March 23, overall retail sales volumes were up 0.3%, equivalent to 542 tonnes more than the same period last year, according to AHDB analysis of the data. Spend on pigmeat increased by 1.5% year-on-year on the back of a 1.2% increase in average prices paid.
Purchases of primary cuts were up by 1% over the period, with total roasting up 3.4%, driven by leg roasting (+18.1%) and shoulder roasting (+2.2%) performance. Leg roasting saw an increase in shopper numbers during the period, likely helped by a decrease in the average prices paid due to an increase in promotional activity year-on-year, AHDB analyst Hannah McLoughlin said.
Belly volumes were up 1.2% due to an increase in buyers this period, while mince volumes were up 3.9%.
Processed pig meat saw a 0.4% decrease in volumes purchased, despite a 4.2% increase in sausage volumes due to increased volumes purchased per buyer. Total gammon volumes increased by 0.4%, driven by an increase in volumes purchased per buyer, likely helped by increased promotional activity during the period, Ms McLoughlin added.
Added value purchases increased by 2.4%, with marinades up by 30.1%, while sous vide saw volumes increased by 1%.
Beef and lamb sales
In comparison, volumes of beef purchased decreased by 0.7% over the period, but spend increased by 4.4% year-on-year due to a 5.2% rise in average prices paid.
Lamb saw a marked 16.9% decrease in volumes purchased year-on-year, but this was due to Easter falling earlier last year. Spend was down 12.7% during the period, despite a 5% increase in average prices paid.