GB Pig Prices Stumble into Christmas as UK–EU Gap Widen

GB pig prices have continued to weaken heading into the Christmas period, with the Great Britain Standard Pig Price (SPP) falling to its lowest level since summer 2022, according to the latest update from AHDB.

The SPP has dropped to 198.03p/kg, extending the recent downward trend and deepening pressure on domestic producers at a traditionally sensitive time of year. AHDB notes that the decline has also driven the price gap between UK and EU pork to a record 58p/kg, significantly undermining competitiveness.

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Source article: AHDB 18 December 2025

UK Cattle and Sheep Numbers Continue to Decline, Defra Survey Shows

The UK’s cattle and sheep populations continue to contract, reinforcing concerns over long-term livestock availability, according to the latest analysis from AHDB based on Defra’s June 2025 survey.

The total UK cattle herd fell by 1% year on year to 9.29 million head, with a sharp 4% reduction in the suckler herd only partially offset by a 1% increase in dairy cow numbers. The continued decline in beef breeding animals is adding to pressure on future prime cattle supplies.

The sheep sector shows a similar trend. The UK sheep flock fell by almost 2% to 30.48 million head, while the number of lambs under one year old dropped to its lowest level since 1984. AHDB notes that this decline in younger stock has significant implications for lamb availability and throughput in the years ahead.

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Source article: AHDB | 18 December 2025

New data from AHDB’s red meat retail performance report for the 12 weeks ending 30 November 2025 reveals contrasting trends across beef, lamb and pork categories in UK households. The latest insights show that sustained price inflation is reshaping consumer purchasing behaviour, with implications for suppliers and processors ahead of the festive season.

In the beef category, total retail spend increased by 10.8%, driven by a substantial 19.3% rise in average prices, while volumes purchased fell by 7.1% compared with the same period last year. Primary beef cuts saw notable volume declines, with only stewing cuts showing modest growth, supported by increased promotional activity and shopper frequency.

Total processed beef volumes also declined, particularly in burgers and grills, although ready-to-cook offerings saw a near 16% increase in volumes, reflecting changing consumer preferences in busy seasonal periods.

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Source: AHDB | 16th December 2025

UK weekly cattle & sheep: all-prime ~640p/kg; lamb NSL SQQ 756p/kg as kill slips

8 August 2025 — UK | GB finished cattle prices edged up again, while deadweight lamb values defied seasonal pressure. AHDB reports the GB deadweight all-prime cattle average at ~640–641p/kg (↑1p w/w) and the GB NSL deadweight SQQ at 756p/kg (↑2p w/w). Clean sheep throughput fell as later lambs and poor grazing slowed the flow.

Another small weekly rise keeps prime cattle near record territory, with limited numbers of heavyweight, finished cattle supporting the trade. Lamb prices remain firm against the seasonal grain, aided by tighter supplies.

Market/Context

Cattle

• Price: All-prime around 640–641p/kg (↑1p). Steers/heifers up a shade; young bulls +2p.

• Throughput: 31,700 head prime slaughter (↑200 w/w; slightly above last year).

• Cows: Overall 509p/kg (↑2p) with 8,600 head forward (↑600). Leaner cows showing; heavy, well-finished cows keenly sought.

• Stores: Forward stores and named-sire natives at premiums; caution on longer-keep types amid forage worries.

Sheep

• Price: GB NSL deadweight SQQ 756p/kg (↑2p); England & Wales liveweight SQQ 347p/kg (↑1p; +39p y/y).

• Throughput: Clean sheep kill 155,100 head (−5,600 w/w; ~−9% y/y). Store demand firm for stronger lambs; appetite softer for long-term stores until grass improves.

What to watch

• Processor competition for prime cattle if grass tightens further.

• New-season lambs and pasture conditions into late August.

• Whether deadweight lamb prices can hold above mid-summer norms as numbers lift.

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Attribution

Publisher: Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) — Weekly cattle and sheep market wrap.
Author: Tom Spencer.

Halal meat now accounts for 30% of lamb sales in the UK, according to new research from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).

The findings shed light on how the consumption habits of halal meat consumers have evolved since the Covid pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis, providing valuable insights for farmers and the wider meat industry.

The AHDB report delves into the behaviours and preferences of halal meat consumers, helping businesses in the sector better understand what drives their purchasing decisions. It also highlights the significance of Islamic festivals and offers key opportunities for the halal meat sector to meet the growing demand for specific products.

While Muslims represent around 6.5% of the UK population, they are a crucial consumer base for lamb, contributing to a notable portion of the market. Despite a steady decline in lamb consumption over the last two decades, mainly due to the higher price of lamb compared to other meats such as chicken, lamb continues to be a key protein source for the Muslim community. In fact, 80% of halal consumers eat lamb weekly, and 64% consume mutton weekly—figures that far exceed the 6% of the general UK population who include lamb in their diets.

The research also reveals that Muslims spent £823 million on halal meat alone in 2023, a substantial sum that highlights the growing market for halal products. In comparison, in 2016, UK Muslims were estimated to have spent £4.64 billion on halal food and beverages, reflecting a significant shift in spending patterns and consumption habits in recent years.

The findings indicate that farmers and producers could benefit from gaining a deeper understanding of the halal market and its unique requirements. By tailoring offerings to suit the preferences of halal consumers, the industry has the potential to tap into a lucrative and loyal consumer base, ensuring long-term growth for the sector.

As demand for halal products continues to rise, the AHDB’s report offers a timely opportunity for the industry to better meet the needs of Muslim consumers, ensuring that they continue to enjoy high-quality halal lamb and mutton products while supporting the growth of this important market.

Source: AHDB

The latest report focuses on EU markets including Ireland, Germany, Poland, France and the Netherlands.

The reports, which are independently reviewed, evidence the current position regarding farmgate production standards at both a regulatory and voluntary level in England. This will help provide transparency for the English beef and lamb sector and the reputation that underpins it.

The report found that Red Tractor achieves a higher weighted average score than the other schemes assessed.

However, the Netherlands’ Beter Leven scored higher in husbandry procedures and youngstock management. It also matched Red Tractor for animal health and welfare.

Germany’s Quality System scheme scored the highest in livestock transport, food safety and traceability.

AHDB