UK: Demand for frozen red meat gains share while imports decline

Frozen Bone-In Beef

Other Frozen Pork Cuts

Lamb

Meat

United Kingdom

Published Jun 3, 2023

Tridge summary

While the increase in spend will have been heightened due to food-price inflation, volumes sold increased by 537k kilograms (1.4%) YOY and were also up 1.3% versus pre-pandemic levels (12 w/e 21 April 2019). The cost-of-living crisis has impacted consumer purchasing patterns, with consumers switching to frozen red meat due to its lower price point at £4.83/kg, on average 39.2% cheaper than its fresh counterpart. Therefore, we take a look at how these purchasing volumes vary between different red meats, whether this has had an impact on frozen red meat imports, and what the opportunities are for frozen red meat in supermarkets.

Original content

Overall, volumes of frozen beef and pig meat purchased in supermarkets have bucked the general trend, seeing YOY increases despite the declines seen for fresh and grocery volumes. Nevertheless, frozen lamb has seen declines. Yet, year-to-date (YTD) imports of carcases, primal and primary frozen cuts of red meat are down YOY, especially from the EU for beef and pork (HMRC, Trade Data Monitor LLC). It will be interesting to see whether the demand increases for frozen meat will be reflected in trade data in the coming months. Frozen beef accounts for 12.7% of total beef volumes and is gaining share, as in the 12 w/e 16 April 2023 (Kantar), total volumes of frozen beef sold increased slightly (+1.8%, 303k kg) YOY. While only marginal, this has taken volumes from more expensive, fresh beef which saw declines. Growth in frozen beef was driven by ready meals and added value products. Purchases of frozen ready meals rose by 8.8% (558k kg) YOY, slowly increasing over the last 18 months. ...

Source: Ahdb