26 April 2013

1 minute read

Europe

In the four weeks to 14 April, Kantar Worldpanel figures showed volume sales of fresh lamb were up 26.3 per cent and fresh beef up 10 per cent compared to the same period last year.

Within the beef category, mince showed a 10 per cent increase, first quality roasting joints up seven per cent, steaks five per cent and stewing a rise of 25 per cent.

In contrast, products directly implicated in the horsemeat scandal have continued to dip with beefburger sales down 43 per cent and chilled ready meals falling 18 per cent in the same period.

Nick Allen, sector director for EBLEX, said: “Cuts used as ingredients for homemade meals have been doing well following a number of months of decline.

“It indicates that consumers are cooking more meals from scratch, rather than buying ready meals, which is very encouraging for the beef and lamb sector.

“While the horsemeat scandal has rocked the industry, if consumers are buying quality assured fresh beef, they have reassurance on provenance and traceability. The lasting legacy may also be that people continue to prepare more meals from scratch, rather than purchasing ready meals.”