January 7, 2016

Consumer demand drives lamb retail sales in UK

Sales of lamb in the UK both in terms of volume and value were up 8% and 7%, respectively, in the 12 weeks through Dec. 6 compared with the same period in 2014, according to the latest 12-week figures released by AHDB Beef & Lamb.

Leg roasting joints were the star performer, its sales increasing 12%.

Lamb mince also performed well, up 5% in spend over the 12-week period, compared with last year, while chops were also up in value.

The growth in volume sales was mainly driven by consumers purchasing the product more frequently, though the amount purchased per shop was also up, said the AHDB Beef & Lamb, a division of the UK's Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board.

"These figures for lamb retails sales are a really positive way to end what has been a difficult year for many sheep meat producers," said Laura Ryan, AHDB sector strategy director for beef and lamb.

"All of the major retailers, except one, have seen an increase in lamb volume sales over the 12-week period. I think this is a really positive place for us to be and something we can build on in 2016", she added.

Ms Ryan said they would continue to ensure that lamb remains an important part of a modern diet, adding they have a programme of activity throughout 2016 to help support lamb products among consumers.

The lamb TV campaign in 2015 ran for four of the 12 weeks that lamb sales were assessed.

Meanwhile, beef sales over the same 12-week period were down very slightly-1% both in value and volume. However, beef mince and frying/grilling cuts were both up.