UK beef retail spend up 7.5% but volumes fall as prices climb
Prices up 12% as shoppers cut back on primary and processed cuts
18 June 2026
1 minute read
By: Over a 12-week period ending May 17, total UK beef retail spend increased by 7.5%, driven mainly by prices rising 12% year over year, while overall volumes fell 4%, equivalent to 5,150 tonnes, according to AHDB's red meat retail performance report.
Primary beef volumes declined 5.6%, with average prices up 14.7% year over year. Mince, the largest primary beef category, saw volumes fall 3.5%, though shoppers bought it more frequently, indicating it remains a staple for many households.
Processed beef volumes fell 8.1%, a decline AHDB attributed to ongoing price increases and growing consumer concerns around ultra-processed foods. Burger volumes dropped 8.5%.
Added-value beef products were an exception, with purchase volumes up 6.5% and spend rising 17.7% year over year. Growth was driven by more shoppers buying these products and purchasing larger volumes per trip. Sous vide performed particularly well, with volumes up 20.1% year over year.
AHDB noted that while volumes are still declining, the rate of decline has slowed compared to previous periods, which may indicate some easing of pressure on shoppers.
