Coronavirus: Butchers’ shops see red meat sales soar
Independent butchers have seen a spike in trade during the coronavirus lockdown, with sales of some red meat up by almost 50%.
Figures released by market analyst Kantar Worldpanel show a UK-wide increase in red meat sales for the 12 weeks to 17 May 2020.
But the rise in sales through high street butchers has been almost double the national average.
While retail sales of beef increased by 26.9% across Britain compared with the same 12 weeks last year, the trade through independent butchers rose by 49.1%.
Likewise, the average UK pork trade was up 24.2% on year-earlier figures but specialist butchers saw a 48.4% jump in sales.
And although lamb sales were flat through supermarkets – attributed to Easter and Ramadan both falling during lockdown – butchers’ shops saw a 24.9% rise.
The Kantar figures were welcomed by Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC).
HCC market development officer Kirstie Jones said: “Although most meat is still sold at the big retailers, the current crisis has seen many people return to high street butchers’ shops.”
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