Meat and poultry prices have seen continued inflationary pressures, according to new data from the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS).

The AIMS Fresh Meat and Poultry Monthly inflation report, published today, shows that prices have risen by 0.9% over the last month across the four farmed species covered: beef, lamb, pork and chicken.

The latest inflation figures from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) put fresh food inflation at 1.8%.

“In the BRC food inflation figures published yesterday (27 May), CEO Helen Dickinson noted that ‘red meat eaters may have noticed their steak got a little more expensive as wholesale beef prices increased,’” said AIMS head of communications Tony Goodger.

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The current reporting period included two bank holidays and prolonged periods of warm weather, which impacted meat prices, said Goodger.

“Our analysis of beef steak and lean mince shows an average of +3.71% for the month whilst with the Easter beef roasting joint promotions now passed, these dropped back by 4p/kg,” he added.

The AIMS figures show that beef and lamb prices have seen the biggest increases due to growing demand in both domestic and international markets, while pork and chicken prices have seen increased input costs for feed, energy, labour, insurance and biosecurity investments.

“I fully expect the upward year-on-year trend to continue, especially as the impact of the changes to the minimum wage and national insurance really begin to kick in. That said, there are sill some great value and versatile lines available such as pork fillet and mince and British chicken drumsticks and legs,” said Goodger.