Chicken Prices Drive Meat and Poultry Inflation

Chicken Price Surge Drives Meat Inflation as Summer Heat and Holidays Boost Demand

UK meat and poultry prices edged up slightly in August, but chicken emerged as the main driver of inflation as hot weather and holiday barbecues fueled demand.

According to the AIMS Meat and Poultry Inflation Tracker, overall prices across the category rose just 0.25%, yet chicken jumped by 2.24%—the steepest increase among proteins.

“Looking at the chicken category as a whole, it appears that consumers have moved to convenience this month,” said Tony Goodger, Head of Communications at AIMS. “Diced breast was up 4.8%, no doubt BBQ demand driving this, while thigh fillets (+2.26%) and drumsticks (+2.67%) are also popular for barbecues and picnics.”

Rising feed, staffing, energy, and even security costs are further straining poultry production, adding to price pressures along the supply chain.

Red Meat Trends Diverge

Beef prices saw a modest 0.4% rise in August. However, roasting joints fell by 4.5%, likely due to supermarkets cutting prices as consumers shifted toward lighter meals in warmer weather. Lamb leg prices also dropped by 2.14%, while pork leg went against the trend, rising 4%.

“With beef and lamb roasting joints both costing in excess of £15 per kilo, pork leg’s value for money at under £6.50 per kilo could have encouraged switching for the weekend roast,” Goodger explained.

Inflation Still High Over the Year

Despite August’s relatively modest month-on-month movement, the annual picture remains stark. Over the past 12 months, meat and poultry prices have surged 15.6%, led by beef.

Beef now averages almost £20 per kilo across key cuts, with mince showing the sharpest increases; lean mince up 48.4% and standard mince up 37%. Beef steaks are also up 27% year-on-year.

Pork and chicken are increasingly seen as alternatives. Chicken has risen by 12.05% over the past year but remains attractive to households under cost-of-living pressures due to its versatility, quicker cooking time, and lower energy use.

Call for Government Action

Goodger warned that the drivers of inflation are numerous and complex.
“There are so many factors driving year-on-year meat and poultry inflation that the government must consider before the October budget if they wish to get overall food inflation under control,” he said.