Retail sales of pigmeat in the UK have slipped back in early 2026 after a stronger 2025, with consumer spend remaining higher even as volumes ease, according to market tracking by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board and industry observers.

For the 52 weeks to 22 February 2026, total retail pigmeat volumes stood at about 925 million kg, roughly flat year on year, while expenditure rose to about £6.85 billion as average prices increased.

Industry data shows 2025 overall growth was supported in part by higher beef prices that encouraged some switching toward pork.

Looking at the most recent 12-week snapshot to 22 February, retailers recorded a 1.6 per cent fall in pigmeat volumes to around 219.6 million kg, even as total spend edged up 0.7 per cent driven by a 2.3 per cent rise in the average retail price.

The AHDB’s consumer insight highlights the short-term contraction in volumes despite rising value.

Primary pork remains the relative bright spot. In the latest 12 weeks primary pork volumes rose by about 1.0 per cent to 32.9 million kg and value increased, with pork mince the standout category, volumes jumped by more than 45 per cent year on year, making mince one of the fastest-growing retail pork items.

Previous AHDB reports and retailer summaries show mince has been a consistent growth area through 2025 and into 2026.

Other traditional roasting and steak cuts have generally lost ground.

Several roasts and steaks recorded notable volume declines in the latest period, reflecting a shift in shopper choices toward lower‑priced formats and convenience options that expanded through 2025 promotional cycles.

Historical seasonal data underline that roasting categories have seen mixed outcomes across the past year.

Processed pork categories contracted in the recent 12 weeks, with overall volumes down and value falling, while added‑value lines bucked the trend: ready‑to‑cook and sous‑vide products showed strong percentage gains from smaller bases.

AHDB analysis points to consumers trading up to premium convenience formats even as staple processed lines such as bacon and sausages weakened.

Retail shelf composition also shifted.

An AHDB Porkwatch snapshot indicated the share of British-sourced fresh pork on supermarket shelves in January reached levels not seen for several years, a development that may support domestic producers if sustained through seasonal buying patterns.

External price dynamics are influential. Beef prices have risen markedly, putting uplifts of more than 16 per cent into retailers’ beef lines in the 12‑week period, which has both suppressed beef volumes and helped underpin pork’s value performance.

Lamb prices were also higher year on year, although volumes held up better than beef. Market commentary from AHDB’s outlook warns that weaker EU prices and wider market pressures have driven UK pig prices to multi‑year lows in early 2026, suggesting a complex backdrop for the rest of the year.

Looking ahead, industry forecasts point to modest volume growth for pork over 2026 compared with 2025 if consumer demand persists and any supply pressures are limited, while prices may find some support later in the year should domestic demand remain firm.

Market analysts caution that wider European trends and animal health issues remain potential downside risks.

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