UK beef spending rises 7.5% as higher prices reduce purchase volumes

UK – Consumer spending on beef in the UK increased by 7.5% during the 12 weeks ending May 17, although overall purchase volumes declined as higher prices continued to affect buying behaviour, according to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).

The increase in retail expenditure was primarily driven by a 12% rise in average beef prices compared with the same period last year.

Total beef volumes fell by 4%, equivalent to approximately 5,150 tonnes, reflecting reduced purchases across several product categories.

Primary beef products recorded a 5.6% decline in sales volumes, while average prices in the category rose by 14.7% year on year.

Mince, which remains the largest primary beef category, saw volumes decrease by 3.5%, although consumers purchased it more frequently than other beef products.

AHDB said the trend suggests mince remains a regular purchase for many households despite broader pressure on food budgets.

Processed products record steeper declines

Sales of processed beef products fell by 8.1% during the reporting period, with AHDB linking the decline to rising prices and increasing consumer scrutiny of ultra-processed foods.

Burger purchases also weakened, with volumes declining by 8.5% compared with the previous year.

In contrast, added-value beef products recorded growth, with purchase volumes rising 6.5% and consumer spending increasing by 17.7%.

The category benefited from more shoppers purchasing these products and buying greater quantities per shopping trip.

Sous vide beef products delivered some of the strongest growth, with volumes increasing by 20.1% year on year.

AHDB noted that while overall beef sales volumes remain below previous levels, the pace of decline has slowed compared with earlier reporting periods.

The organisation said this could indicate that some of the pressure on household spending is beginning to ease, although consumers continue to adjust purchasing decisions in response to elevated food prices.

The figures come as UK beef production faces ongoing supply challenges linked to declining cattle numbers, with imports expected to play a greater role in meeting domestic demand.

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