Meat in the United Kingdom

2021 DEVELOPMENTS

Total volume sales start to recover from impact of pandemic

As local consumers continue to spend longer periods of time outside of the home compared to 2020, meat sales to the foodservice and institutional channels are improving in 2021, with both recording double-digit growth following the impact of the lockdown. Consequently, meat purchases through retail which had witnessed an upturn in demand during 2020 due to heightened home consumption occasions, are set to decline in 2021.

Labour shortages and energy crisis drive strong price increases

In light of COVID-19 and Brexit, the British meat industry is challenged by ongoing labour and gas shortages. On the one hand, as the pandemic has forced many people to return to their home countries, the post-Brexit immigration system has further limited the number of EU workers.

PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Elevated at-home demand will support the retail sales for beef and poultry

Aligned with the successful rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine, an increasing number of local consumers will feel confident in socialising and spending greater time outside of the home, further supporting the recovery of foodservice establishments. For this reason, meat sales through foodservice are set to record strong volume growth rates during the forecast period and are predicted to exceed 2019 levels by 2024 for the first time since the emergence of the pandemic.

Meat processors will focus on communicating the benefits of meat consumption

The accelerating awareness of animal welfare and sustainable consumption, combined with the rising trend towards plant-based diets for environment and health-related considerations, will lead to a strong increase in sales of meat substitutes, hampering the growth of fresh meat. Responding to this threat, meat processors are expected to invest in communicating the benefits of meat consumption.