Beef and Lamb Roasting Joints Drive April Meat Inflation, Says AIMS

Meat and poultry prices rose by 4.06% in the 12 months to April 2026, according to the latest inflation report from the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers.

The annual figure is lower than the 7.95% recorded in the 12 months to March, but prices still moved upwards on a monthly basis, rising by 0.65% during April.

AIMS said beef and lamb were the main drivers of the monthly increase, with beef prices rising by 1.16% and lamb by 1.04% compared with March. These rises were partly balanced by falls in pork and chicken, which were down by 1.39% and 0.22% respectively.

Of the 30 meat and poultry lines tracked in the report, seven fell in price, seven remained unchanged and 16 increased. AIMS said beef roasting joints, up 9.57%, and lamb roasting joints, up 11.45%, were the standout increases.

Year on year, the overall meat and poultry inflation figure of 4.06% remains ahead of the 3.4% figure for food and non alcoholic beverages reported by the Office for National Statistics.

AIMS said annual price increases for beef and lamb continue to be the main contributors to meat inflation, while some chicken and pork cuts are still offering better value for shoppers at the chilled fixture. Chicken breast portions and thigh fillets have fallen year on year, while pork loin steaks, chops and mince are also giving consumers lower cost options.

Looking ahead, AIMS warned that rising costs across packaging, plastics, fuel, labour and farm inputs such as feed and fertiliser could continue to put upward pressure on meat and poultry prices in the coming months.

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Source: AIMS | 4 May 2026

Irish Hogget Prices Rise as Factory Supplies Tighten

Irish hogget prices have moved higher again as processors respond to tighter supplies and a slower moving lamb market.

Factories have lifted quotes for both spring lamb and hogget by 10c/kg, despite reports from factory representatives that lamb sales remain “sticky”. Hogget is now being quoted at €9.40/kg plus a 20c/kg quality assurance bonus across several major plants.

For spring lamb, Dawn Ballyhaunis and Kildare Chilling are quoted at €10.00/kg plus a 20c/kg quality assurance bonus, while the two ICM plants are quoted at €9.90/kg plus 20c/kg QA.

The latest price lift reflects the pressure on processors to secure numbers, with lower hogget throughput adding support to the trade. For producers, the improved quotes will be welcomed, although wider market demand remains cautious.

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Source: Irish Independent | 28 April 2026

AIMS March Inflation Report: “Calm before the storm” as supermarket meat prices fall again

UK supermarket meat and poultry prices fell for a second consecutive month in March, according to the latest AIMS meat and poultry inflation report, with the trade body warning that Middle East conflict related cost pressures are now starting to filter into the “four F’s of farming” and could reverse the recent easing.

AIMS said its March survey of four supermarket fixtures showed a 0.89% overall month on month fall, despite pork rising by 0.7%. Beef (-1.64%) and lamb (-0.92%) drove the decline, while chicken was unchanged at £4.63/kg.

Tony Goodger, Head of Communications at AIMS, said the month provided the price stability consumers and government have wanted to see after sharp increases during 2025.

However, AIMS said the longer term trend remains upward. Over the last twelve months, prices across beef, lamb, pork and chicken are reported to have risen by 7.95%, driven by beef, with the beef fixture up +15.81%. AIMS added that pork and chicken, often viewed as the proteins households have switched to during fast paced food inflation, have broadly maintained near price parity.

Looking ahead, AIMS linked the outlook to rising production and processing costs tied to the conflict in the Middle East. Goodger said the war is now impacting the “four F’s” of farming costs, meaning feed, fertiliser, fuel and finance, with higher costs likely to move along the supply chain and eventually be passed on to consumers.

The press release also references recent government messaging in Parliament, noting the Chancellor’s comments that supermarkets and banks would be brought together to discuss further customer support.

AIMS also points to the Government’s recent Land Use Framework, which it says highlights the need to drive productivity improvements and expand highly efficient sectors. It notes that the poultry sector has been identified as having potential to increase domestic production quickly. Goodger argues that planning applications for efficient poultry and egg production should be fast tracked as permitted development, to reinforce the message that “food security is national security”.

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Source: Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) | 3oth March 2026

Middle East instability could shift UK meat prices as AIMS tracker turns negative

UK meat and poultry prices slipped slightly in February, with the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) reporting the first negative month on month movement since it launched its inflation tracker.

AIMS said the overall month on month inflation figure moved to -0.16% (down £0.02 per kg), with beef (-0.45%), pork (-0.56%) and chicken (-0.43%) all showing falls. Lamb was the only category to rise, up +0.58%.

Tony Goodger, Head of Communications at AIMS, said February pricing was “by and large” flat, but pointed to continued upward pressure on an annual basis. Comparing February 2025 with February 2026, AIMS reported prices up 11.99% (around £1.32 per kg), driven mainly by beef. In the tracker, lean minced beef rose £2.55 per kg (+31.91%) year on year, while beef roasting joints increased £3.95 per kg (+30.48%).

Goodger added that pork (+1.84%) and chicken (+0.43%) remain the more affordable switch for consumers seeking to stretch weekly food budgets.

Looking ahead, AIMS warned that developments in the Middle East could influence meat and poultry pricing through both trade flows and logistics.

One scenario outlined by AIMS is that Brazil, a major poultry supplier to the Middle East and one of the world’s largest beef exporters, could look to redirect volumes into markets such as the EU. AIMS said that could potentially pressure European pricing and, in turn, encourage additional EU exports, including Irish beef, into the UK market.

AIMS also highlighted shipping risk. It said disruption in the Red Sea and particularly the Strait of Hormuz can push southern hemisphere routes around the Cape of Good Hope, adding 10 to 14 days to transit times. AIMS said longer routes increase fuel use by up to 40% and raise freight and insurance costs, which can ultimately be passed through the supply chain.

Longer term, AIMS noted that input costs such as fertiliser, animal feed and oil could add inflationary pressure for producers, including in the UK. However, it also suggested that if Middle East tourism and demand were heavily impacted, import volumes could decline, potentially leaving more UK production in the domestic market.

“As ever, with economic thinking, there is rarely a simple answer,” Goodger said, adding that the next few months would be closely watched in the tracker.

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Source: Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) | 2 March 2026

IFA Criticises Sheep Factories Over Pricing Dispute

The Irish Farmers’ Association has accused sheep processors of failing to reflect true market returns in current lamb pricing.

In a statement issued on 23 February, the IFA described recent factory pricing behaviour as unacceptable and out of step with prevailing market conditions. The association argues that tighter domestic supplies and stronger prices in key UK and EU markets should be supporting higher farmgate returns.

The IFA has pointed to significantly higher lamb prices in Britain and across parts of continental Europe, maintaining that Irish processors should be passing back the full value of the market to producers.

Sheep kill numbers have remained relatively tight, adding weight to farmers’ claims that supply fundamentals do not justify subdued pricing. However, processors have previously cited retail resistance and market volatility as constraints on upward price movement.

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Source: Irish Farmers’ Association | 23 February 2026

Producers Given Confidence Boost on Lamb Prices

The UK sheep sector has been given cautious encouragement for 2026. Industry leaders suggest there is reason for confidence in market performance.

According to reporting by Irish Farmers Journal, National Sheep Association chief executive Phil Stocker believes supply fundamentals and consumer demand trends could underpin stronger prices this year.

While recent weeks have seen volatility in lamb markets, tightening domestic supply and ongoing global demand for sheep meat are expected to provide support.

Industry observers note that currency movements and export market access will remain key variables shaping price direction throughout 2026.

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Source: Irish Farmers Journal | 12 February 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

Hogget Prices Ease as Heavy Carcases Pressure Irish Sheep Trade

The Irish hogget trade has come under renewed downward pressure, with heavier carcase weights creating challenges for processors and dragging on prices across the market.

Base hogget quotes have eased back to around €7.50–€7.60/kg, plus quality assurance bonuses. Producers with larger numbers of hoggets that closely match current market specifications have been able to negotiate slightly stronger prices, but reports suggest an increasing proportion of heavy carcases in the kill is proving difficult to place.

Processors are encountering resistance from both retail and carcase customers, who continue to show a clear preference for lighter-weight lamb, limiting flexibility in the trade.

The average reported deadweight price for the week ending 24 January fell by 5c to €7.56/kg, remaining well behind the same period last year when prices averaged €8.92/kg. In Great Britain, reported deadweight prices declined by 13c/kg, while Northern Ireland prices dropped by 18c/kg to €6.97/kg.

Southern Hemisphere markets showed mixed trends. In Australia, a flush of new-season lambs combined with higher carcase weights weighed on prices, although heavy lamb values edged 3c/kg higher to the equivalent of €6.05/kg. New Zealand lamb prices improved to around €5.40/kg, with stronger supply influencing trade dynamics.

Sheep throughput in DAFM-approved plants for the week ending 24 January totalled 36,333 head, running 2% behind the same week in 2025. However, year-to-date throughput is 4% ahead of last year, with increases across all sheep categories. Industry sources suggest a stronger carryover of hoggets into 2026, which may support higher hogget throughput during the first quarter.

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Source: Bord Bia | Sheep Trade & Prices | 6 February 2026

Australian Weekly Cattle and Sheep Market Wrap

Australian cattle and sheep markets experienced a sharp rebound in supply this week following widespread saleyard closures caused by extreme heat and the Australia Day public holiday, with cattle prices holding steady while sheep markets came under pressure.

According to Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), yardings increased significantly across all NLRS saleyards as deferred numbers came forward. Despite the surge in supply, cattle prices proved resilient, supported by ongoing demand and tightening seasonal conditions across large parts of New South Wales, where rainfall has been below average for four consecutive months.

At Dubbo, large numbers of cow-and-calf units were offered, while Wagga saw a notable lift in calves sold directly off cows. The National Young Cattle Indicator remained steady week on week at 450¢/kg liveweight, while the Eastern Young Cattle Indicator held at 842¢/kg carcase weight. The Processor Cow Indicator eased slightly, falling 5¢ to 361¢/kg liveweight.

Sheep markets were more volatile. Domestic demand was erratic, particularly across southern NSW and Victorian centres, although feedlot buying helped underpin trade lamb prices. Mutton buyers focused on very heavy lines. The Mutton Indicator held firm at 766¢/kg carcase weight, while the National Trade Lamb Indicator fell 27¢ to 1,108¢/kg cwt.

Slaughter numbers declined across all species during the week ending 30 January, reflecting the public holiday. Cattle slaughter fell to 124,662 head week on week, although throughput remains above both 2024 and 2025 levels. Lamb slaughter totalled 367,629 head, running around 13% below last year, while mutton slaughter dropped to 138,360 head, remaining 21% lower year on year.

MLA analysts noted that while short term supply surges can pressure prices, underlying fundamentals remain influenced by seasonal conditions, herd dynamics and ongoing producer decision making.

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Source: Meat & Livestock Australia | 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