Red Meat Retail Sales Show Mixed Start to 2026

Red meat retail performance in Great Britain delivered a mixed picture in the latest reporting period, with value growth supported by pricing, while volumes remained under pressure.

According to new consumer insight from AHDB, total red meat retail sales for the period ending 25 January 2026 reflected ongoing shifts in shopper behaviour following the Christmas trading window.

Beef and lamb categories experienced fluctuating volumes, influenced by post-holiday demand adjustments and price sensitivity among consumers. Promotional activity and cut selection continue to shape purchasing decisions, with shoppers increasingly balancing value considerations against quality and provenance.

Pig meat performance also reflected cautious consumer spending, as households manage budgets amid wider cost-of-living pressures. Despite softer volumes in some categories, overall value sales remain resilient due to sustained average price levels.

AHDB noted that changing consumer habits, including a continued focus on convenience and meal planning, are influencing category dynamics. Retailers and suppliers are expected to monitor promotional strategies closely as the market transitions into the spring trading period.

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Source: AHDB | Consumer Insight – 25 January 2026

GB Cattle Prices Ease as Lamb Market Faces Pressure

Prime cattle prices in Great Britain edged lower in the latest reporting week, while lamb values also came under pressure amid softer demand.

According to the latest market wrap from AHDB, greater numbers of finished cattle coming forward weighed on deadweight prices. The overall GB steer price fell week-on-week, with heifers and young bulls also recording declines as supply outpaced demand.

Estimated prime cattle slaughter rose slightly compared with the previous week, and year-to-date throughput remains marginally ahead of the same period in 2025. Domestic retail and foodservice demand has reportedly softened post-Christmas, contributing to price adjustments.

In contrast, GB cow prices continued to strengthen, supported by seasonal demand for manufacturing beef. The price gap between prime cattle and cows narrowed further in the latest data.

In the sheep sector, the deadweight old season lamb price declined week-on-week and remains below year-ago levels. Industry reports indicate weaker domestic and export demand, with French market prices also trending lower. Clean sheep slaughter is running ahead of last year’s historically low levels.

Market participants will continue to monitor supply flows and consumer demand as the spring marketing period approaches.

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Source: AHDB Weekly Cattle and Sheep Market Wrap

Australian  Regulators Reinforce Abattoir Standards

The Western Australian Government has announced strengthened oversight of meat processing facilities. This follows the completion of a targeted inspection programme across the state’s abattoirs. These measures are part of ongoing efforts to ensure WA abattoir safety standards are met and maintained.

According to the official release from the Government of Western Australia, the programme reviewed compliance with hygiene, food safety and operational standards. Regulators identified areas for improvement and implemented corrective actions where required.

The inspection initiative forms part of a broader effort to ensure public health protection and uphold export certification requirements. It is also intended to maintain confidence in Western Australia’s meat supply chain. Authorities confirmed that overall compliance levels were high. However, some facilities were required to address procedural shortcomings relating to documentation, sanitation practices and operational controls.

The programme also highlights the increasing regulatory focus on traceability, workforce training and continuous improvement within processing plants. Industry bodies have acknowledged the importance of transparent inspection systems in preserving market reputation and protecting biosecurity standards.

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Source: Government of Western Australia | 10 February 2026

January Beef Kill Down 26,000 Head as Factory Supplies Tighten

Factory cattle supplies in Ireland have fallen sharply at the start of 2026, with the cumulative January beef kill down by 26,000 head compared with the same period last year, according to the latest slaughter data.

Figures reported by Agriland show that weekly cattle kill numbers remained relatively steady throughout January, averaging just over 30,000 head per week. However, despite this apparent stability, overall throughput has declined significantly year on year.

The total beef kill to date this year stands at just over 145,000 head, excluding veal. This compares with much higher cumulative volumes at the same point in 2025, reflecting a tightening supply of finished cattle coming forward for slaughter.

In contrast, January 2025 saw far greater volatility in weekly factory supplies, with kill numbers fluctuating from around 22,500 head to almost 39,000 head per week. The narrower weekly range this year suggests a more controlled flow of cattle, albeit at lower overall levels.

The reduced kill comes against the backdrop of a smaller national cattle herd and cautious producer selling behaviour. While beef prices came under pressure in the latter part of 2025, they have stabilised in recent weeks, with modest price improvements reported in some cow categories.

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Source: Agriland | 9 February 2026

Isle of Man Farmers Urge UK Trade to Be Made a Priority

Farmers on the Isle of Man are calling on their government to make continued, friction free trade with the United Kingdom an urgent priority. They warn that any disruption would have serious consequences for the island’s agricultural sector.

The Manx National Farmers Union (MNFU) has issued a strong appeal, stressing that the UK remains the primary and most critical market for Manx agricultural produce. According to the union, access to Britain underpins farm incomes across the island. It is also essential for long-term viability.

The MNFU has highlighted growing uncertainty around future trading arrangements. It warned that even minor barriers or delays could significantly impact producers who depend on smooth supply chains into the UK market. Therefore, farmers have urged the Isle of Man government to work closely with UK authorities to safeguard existing trading links. They want to avoid unnecessary administrative or regulatory friction.

Concerns have also been raised about the potential knock-on effects of new UK trade agreements with third countries. The MNFU has called for Manx agriculture to be fully considered in future negotiations. It warned that failure to do so could leave island producers exposed to increased competition or disadvantaged by changing market rules.

The appeal reflects broader unease within smaller agricultural regions about market access and representation. This comes as UK trade policy continues to evolve post-Brexit.

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Source: Manx Radio | 9 February 2026

MLA Releases 2026 Global Meat Market Snapshots

Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) has published its 2026 Global Market Snapshots to provide insights into the global meat market outlook. The publication outlines key trends shaping beef, sheepmeat and goatmeat markets across major international destinations. These changes are happening as global supply tightens and trade flows adjust.

The snapshots highlight ongoing cattle herd contraction in the United States and continued strong demand across Asian markets. There is also a rebalancing of global beef supply led by exporters such as Australia, Brazil and New Zealand. MLA notes that declining US beef production is expected to support global prices. This trend is also creating new export opportunities for southern hemisphere suppliers. As a result, the global meat market outlook has become particularly relevant for exporters navigating these changes.

In sheepmeat, global supply remains constrained, with Australia and New Zealand continuing to dominate export availability. Meanwhile, demand from the Middle East, China and emerging Asian markets is expected to remain resilient. However, price sensitivity is increasing in some regions amid economic pressure. These factors are central to discussions on the global meat market outlook for 2026.

MLA said the snapshots are designed to provide exporters, processors and producers with a clear, comparable overview of international market conditions. Anyone involved in strategic planning or risk management should consider the global meat market outlook as outlined by MLA when making decisions in an increasingly volatile global environment.

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Source: Meat & Livestock Australia | 6 February 2026

China’s Ongoing Lockout of US Beef Continues

China continues to block most US beef exports. The majority of American beef production has been effectively locked out of the Chinese market since March 2025, according to industry leaders.

The issue stems from China’s ongoing refusal to renew export registrations for US beef production plants and cold storage facilities. Without valid registrations, product from these facilities cannot legally enter the Chinese market. Only a small fraction of US beef is eligible for export.

The US Meat Export Federation (USMEF) has warned that the prolonged exclusion is undermining the overall value of the US beef carcase at a critical time for the industry. US cattle inventories are at historically low levels. Therefore, access to high-value export markets is seen as essential to maximising returns across the full range of cuts.

USMEF leaders stress that China plays a disproportionate role in carcase balance because it absorbs cuts that attract weaker demand domestically. The continued lockout is therefore placing pressure on prices for certain muscles and by-products. This is happening even as overall beef supplies remain tight.

Industry sources say the situation remains unresolved despite ongoing dialogue between US authorities and Chinese regulators. The registration impasse highlights broader trade tensions and regulatory friction between the two countries. There is little clarity on when or how access might be restored.

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Source: Beef Magazine | 6 February 2026

USA Increases Argentine Beef Quota to Tackle Rising Prices

The United States has moved to ease pressure on its domestic beef market by temporarily increasing imports of Argentine beef, as record-low cattle numbers push ground beef prices sharply higher.

In a proclamation issued by The White House, the US President approved an additional 80,000 metric tonnes per year of tariff-rate quota access for lean beef trimmings from Argentina. The measure is designed to support burger and manufacturing beef supplies, where shortages have been most acute.

US cattle inventories are currently at their lowest levels in decades following prolonged drought, wildfire losses and herd liquidation. The situation has been compounded by reduced imports from Mexico, further tightening supplies of lean grinding beef used across retail and foodservice.

According to the White House fact sheet, the quota increase is intended to stabilise consumer prices while maintaining existing food safety and import standards. Officials stressed that the move is temporary and targeted, rather than a broader liberalisation of beef imports.

Market analysts say the decision highlights the growing structural imbalance in the US beef sector, where declining domestic production is increasingly colliding with resilient consumer demand. The additional Argentine supply is expected to flow primarily into manufacturing channels, easing pressure on packers and quick-service restaurant operators.

For global exporters, the move reinforces Argentina’s strategic role in supplying lean beef to the US market at a time when alternative sources are constrained and global beef trade flows are being reshaped.

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Source: The White House | 6 February 2026

Britain’s meat inflation eases in January, but Ramadan set to push Halal lamb prices higher

Britain’s meat inflation slowed sharply in January, according to the latest AIMS Meat Inflation Report, although upward pressure is expected to return as Ramadan approaches.

The January 2026 report shows that average meat prices rose by just 0.32% (£0.04 per kg) during the month. However, year-on-year inflation remains elevated, with average prices up 12.58% (£1.38 per kg) compared with January 2025.

Monthly trends across beef, lamb, pork and chicken

During January, all four major categories — beef, lamb, pork and chicken — saw some individual cuts remain flat or fall slightly in price. Overall movements, however, varied by species.

Beef prices increased by 0.75% month on month, driven largely by a £1.18 per kg rise in roasting joints. Lamb prices also edged higher, rising 1.58%, with leg joints up £2.11 per kg. Both cuts were heavily promoted by retailers during December, and January pricing suggests supermarkets sought to recover margin following the festive period.

By contrast, pork prices fell slightly, down 0.14%, while chicken prices dropped more sharply by 5.68%. Together, these declines offset beef and lamb increases, keeping overall meat inflation modest for the month.

Annual inflation still driven by beef and lamb

Looking at the 12-month period from 1 February 2025 to 31 January 2026, all four categories recorded inflation, although the scale varied significantly.

Chicken showed the lowest annual increase at just 0.22%, with several cuts — including bone-in and filleted thighs — cheaper than a year earlier. This has been influenced by retailer price-matching and rollback promotions, particularly from Aldi and Asda.

Pork prices rose 1.27% year on year, led by roasting cuts. Leg increased by 10.87%, while shoulder rose 10.51%. Despite this, AIMS notes that pork continues to offer strong consumer value, aligning with AHDB’s current “British Pork, But Not As You Know It” campaign.

However, it is beef and lamb that continue to drive overall inflation. Lamb prices are up 4.46% year on year, while beef has surged by 29.9%, reflecting tight supply and strong demand.

Ramadan expected to lift Halal lamb prices

Looking ahead, AIMS expects further upward pressure on prices during February and March. With Valentine’s Day approaching, beef and lamb steaks are likely to rise. In addition, Ramadan (17 February to 18 March) is expected to significantly increase demand for Halal lamb and Halal chicken.

Weekly lamb throughput is already down by 2,387 head (1.22%), suggesting farmers may be holding stock back in anticipation of stronger Ramadan-driven liveweight prices.

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Source: Aims | 5 February 2026

NPA Welcomes EFRA Committee Recommendations on EU-UK SPS Deal

The National Pig Association has welcomed a new report from Parliament’s EFRA Committee on the ongoing negotiations for a UK-EU sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement, urging the government to adopt safeguards that protect domestic producers.

The EFRA Committee’s report calls on ministers to avoid automatic regulatory alignment with the EU where it could disadvantage UK farmers. Key recommendations include securing carve-outs on animal welfare standards, strengthening border controls, and protecting the UK’s ability to advance precision breeding technologies.

The NPA said the report reflects long-standing concerns within the pig sector that UK producers could be undercut by lower-standard imports if regulatory differences are not carefully managed. It also stressed the importance of robust import checks to maintain biosecurity and protect the UK herd.

The association urged the government to use the SPS negotiations to deliver practical trade facilitation without weakening domestic standards, warning that producers are already operating under higher regulatory and cost pressures than many EU competitors.

The EFRA Committee has also recommended a phased implementation period for any regulatory changes, giving farmers and processors time to adapt if an agreement is reached.

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Source: National Pig Association | 5 February 2026