The latest data from Kantar reveals that the volume of pigmeat sold by UK retailers experienced a decline of over 2% in 2024. However, despite this decrease in volume, the overall spend on pigmeat increased slightly, primarily driven by higher prices. In the 12 months leading up to December 29, the total volume of pork products dropped by 2.4% to 0.9 billion kg, while the value of these sales rose by 0.3% to £6.7 billion, attributed to a 1.1% increase in average prices.

During the 12-week period ending on December 29, the decline in volume was less significant, with sales down 2% to 0.2 billion kg. This resulted in a 0.9% year-on-year decrease in spend on pigmeat, despite a slight increase in average prices paid (+1.1%).

AHDB’s analysis of the data for the year ending on December 29 shows that primary pork sales, where British pork holds a strong position, experienced a relatively modest decline of 1.4% to 135 million kg. However, spend on primary pork sales increased by 0.7% to £844 million, driven by a 2.1% increase in prices. Within this category, there was variation in performance, with shoulder and loin roasting volumes increasing by 10% and 7.5% respectively, while belly and mince also saw growth. On the other hand, chops, steak, and ribs experienced declines. The overall decline in primary pork sales was primarily due to a 3.3% decrease in processed pork volumes to 525 million kg, resulting in a 0.4% decrease in spend to £4.1 billion.

In the final 12 weeks of 2024, volumes of primary cut pork sales dropped by 0.6% to 33 million kg, with spend slightly increasing to £208 million. The roasting category saw a 1.9% increase in volumes, driven by improved performance in leg and loin cuts. However, chops, steaks, and ribs experienced declines. Processed pig meat volumes fell by 4%, leading to an overall decline in pig meat performance, with spend down 2.9% despite a rise in prices.

In comparison to other red meats, pork performed similarly to lamb in volume terms, with both experiencing a 2% decline in the 12 weeks to December 29. However, spend on lamb increased by 3.3% during this period, attributed to a rise in average prices paid. Spend on beef products, on the other hand, increased by 4.4% year-on-year, driven by a slight volume increase and an increase in average prices.

Overall, the data from Kantar highlights the shifts in the UK pigmeat market, with fluctuations in both volume and spend influenced by changing consumer preferences and market dynamics. Despite challenges in volume sales, the slight increase in overall spend indicates the resilience of the pigmeat market in adapting to changing conditions and pricing strategies.