Beef Mince Prices Rise 28.7% in Past Year

Beef mince prices in Great Britain have risen sharply over the past year, with AHDB figures showing the average retail price up by almost 28.7%.

Despite the increase, beef mince remains one of the most important household staples, with 70% of GB households buying it during the latest 52 week period. Retailers sold around 134 million kilos of beef mince, accounting for 73% of all mince purchases.

However, the price rise is beginning to affect buying habits. Retail volumes of beef mince fell by 8.3%, while household penetration also declined as some shoppers switched to cheaper proteins such as chicken.

AHDB said shoppers still have a strong expectation of what a 500g pack of mince should cost, typically between £3 and £5. Once prices move above that level, consumers become more likely to reduce purchases, change pack sizes, switch fat levels or look for lower cost alternatives.

The figures show beef mince remains a core product for British consumers, but continued price pressure may lead to further shifts in shopping behaviour across the meat fixture.

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Source: Agriland.co.uk | 27 April 2026

Cattle and Sheep Prices Firm in Latest Weekly Market Update

Cattle and sheep prices remained firm in the latest weekly market update, reflecting continued supply tightness across the UK.

According to the AHDB weekly cattle and sheep market wrap, prime cattle prices held at elevated levels, supported by limited availability and steady processor demand. Deadweight cattle values continue to track above year earlier levels, while throughput remains relatively constrained.

In the sheep trade, finished lamb prices also stayed strong, underpinned by seasonal supply patterns and stable retail demand. Cull ewe values showed resilience, maintaining recent gains.

The latest figures suggest ongoing supply driven support across red meat markets, with availability and kill numbers likely to remain central to price direction in the weeks ahead.

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Source: AHDB | 25 February 2026

UK Pork Imports Fall to Lowest Level Since 2021

UK pig meat imports declined by 5% in 2025, reaching their lowest annual volume since 2021.

According to reporting from AHDB, the drop came despite a widening price gap between UK and EU pork. Resilient domestic demand and disruptions to shipments from Germany were cited as contributing factors. While imports softened, UK pork exports increased by 3% year on year.

The figures suggest stronger domestic supply retention and shifting trade flows within Europe. Ongoing EU market conditions and currency movements are likely to remain key influences on UK pork trade performance in 2026.

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Source: AHDB | 25 February 2026

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

Prime Cattle Prices Ease as Lamb Trade Weakens in GB

GB prime cattle prices came under pressure in late January as higher numbers forward weighed on the market. lamb prices continued to soften amid weaker domestic and export demand.

In the week ending 31 January, the GB deadweight steer price fell by 4.5p to average 638p/kg, while heifer prices eased 1.5p to the same level. Young bull prices also weakened, down 3.9p to 618p/kg. Estimated GB prime cattle slaughter increased by 900 head week on week to 34,800 head. In addition, year-to-date throughput is now 1% higher than the same period in 2025.

Market feedback suggests that greater supplies are meeting a softer demand profile. Reports indicate slower retail and foodservice demand as consumers rein in spending following the Christmas period.

In contrast, GB cow prices continued to strengthen, rising 3.8p to 512p/kg in the latest reporting week. Cow prices have increased in every week so far in 2026. The differential with prime cattle is narrowing as seasonal demand for manufacturing beef improves. Estimated cow slaughter declined by 900 head to 10,300 head week on week.

Sheep markets remained under pressure. The deadweight old-season lamb (OSL) SQQ dropped a further 10p/kg to 679p/kg, leaving it 31p/kg below year-ago levels. Supplies were reported above last year, while demand has weakened both domestically and for export.

By contrast, the liveweight OSL SQQ (England and Wales) increased 16p to 337p/kg in the week ending 1 February, marginally above the same week last year. Average cull ewe prices eased to £126.90/head. However, this remains £1.30/head higher year on year due to tighter availability.

Estimated clean sheep slaughter for the week ending 31 January totalled 193,600 head, down 2,400 head week on week. However, this was more than 19,000 head higher than the same week last year, which was historically low.

Weaker demand signals are also emerging in continental markets. Prices at Rungis Market in France have been falling steadily since the start of the year, pointing to softer demand conditions.

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Source: AHDB | Weekly Cattle and Sheep Market Wrap | 5 February 2026

AHDB Launches Expanded British Pork Marketing Campaign

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has confirmed the return of its flagship pork campaign, “This is British pork. But not as you know it”, with an expanded programme designed to keep pork relevant all year round.

For 2026, the campaign will run across three TV-led bursts, including the first-ever summer television push for British pork. AHDB said the move reflects a strategy to drive consistent demand beyond traditional seasonal peaks.

The previous autumn campaign delivered record results, with purchase intent reaching 84% and retail pork volumes rising by 2.7%, underlining the effectiveness of sustained consumer-facing promotion at a time when households remain price-conscious.

The refreshed campaign will continue to focus on versatility, quality and modern usage occasions, positioning pork as a flexible protein suited to everyday meals as well as premium dishes. AHDB believes this approach is critical to defending pork’s share of the protein market amid competition from poultry and plant-based alternatives.

Industry representatives have broadly welcomed the expanded marketing effort, noting that demand-side support is essential as producers and processors navigate ongoing cost pressures, changing consumer habits and tighter margins.

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Source: AHDB | 2 February 2026

UK Cattle and Sheep Markets Show Mixed Momentum

The latest weekly cattle and sheep market wrap highlights a mixed picture across UK livestock markets. Cattle prices are broadly steady, lamb values remain under pressure due to higher throughput and variable demand.

According to Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), prime cattle trade continues to be supported by tight supplies and firm processor demand. However, price movements remain cautious as abattoirs manage throughput and margin pressure.

In the sheep sector, lamb prices softened in several regions, reflecting increased numbers coming forward and more selective buyer behaviour. Despite this, AHDB notes that underlying fundamentals remain supportive, particularly given ongoing below-average lamb slaughter levels year-on-year.

Cull cow prices held relatively firm, underpinned by limited availability and sustained interest from processors. Meanwhile, store and breeding sheep demand varied depending on quality and regional conditions.

On the processing side, slaughter data continues to point to reduced sheep throughput compared with last year. However, cattle slaughter remains elevated in some regions as processors catch up following earlier disruptions.

AHDB said weather conditions, seasonal supply patterns, and processor capacity adjustments will continue to influence short-term price direction. Market volatility is expected to persist into the coming weeks.

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Source: AHDB Weekly Cattle and Sheep Market Wrap | 30 January 2026

AHDB Sees Strong Export Potential in MENA Markets

Export prospects for UK sheep meat and dairy into the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region are strengthening. This growth is driven by population growth, rising incomes and limited domestic food production capacity.

According to new analysis from the AHDB, the MENA region is forecast to become the second largest net food importing region globally by 2034.

AHDB highlighted particular potential for UK lamb, where demand is expected to grow for high-quality, premium cuts. This increase is supported by cultural preferences and expanding foodservice sectors. Dairy demand is also forecast to rise. Regional production struggles to keep pace with consumption due to water scarcity and climate constraints.

The organisation is actively supporting UK exporters at Gulfood Dubai, one of the world’s largest food trade exhibitions, helping businesses connect with buyers across the Gulf, North Africa and wider Middle East. AHDB said British provenance, traceability and welfare standards remain key selling points in the region’s premium segments.

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Source: AHDB | 28 January 2026

UK Cattle and Sheep Markets Show Mixed Trends This Week

UK cattle and sheep markets delivered a mixed performance this week, with cattle prices generally steady to slightly firmer, while lamb values showed variation depending on quality and region.

According to the latest update from Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), prime cattle prices remained well supported, underpinned by tight availability and continued processor demand. Slaughter numbers remain historically low, reinforcing underlying market firmness despite ongoing cost pressures further along the supply chain.

Cull cow prices were largely stable, with demand holding up across most regions as processors seek to maintain throughput levels amid constrained supply.

Sheep market

In the sheep sector, lamb prices showed mixed movements, with stronger returns for well-finished and heavier-weight lambs, while plainer types came under pressure. AHDB noted that buyer demand remains selective, reflecting cautious retail and wholesale conditions.

Mutton prices eased slightly in some areas, although overall throughput remains limited following significant destocking earlier in the season.

Slaughter and supply

AHDB data continues to highlight structural tightness in UK red meat supply, particularly in beef. While slaughter levels have stabilised compared with late 2025, they remain well below historical norms, supporting price levels into early 2026.

Market analysts say near-term price direction will remain closely tied to availability rather than demand growth, with limited signs of any material increase in livestock numbers.

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Source: AHDB | 23 January 2026