Christmas trading in meat industry good overall
The 2022 Christmas period for the UK turkey sector in particular, was blighted by avian flu but the overall conclusion seems to be ‘it could have been worse.’
Speaking for the butchery trade John Mettrick, independent retailer and National Craft Butcher’s legislation director said: “Feedback from butchers was that overall, it was a good Christmas trade.
“There was considerable apprehension about bird flu and the price of turkeys in the run-up. Members reported that some customers took turkey crowns early and froze them others decided to make beef the centre piece of Christmas, particularly ribs of beef.
“Pigs in blankets and pork pies were very popular with many butchers selling more than the previous Christmas. Whilst trade was good butchers are mindful of the increased raw material and energy costs involved and are keen to encourage customers to continue shopping with them through discount vouchers that can be redeemed in January.”
NCB managing director, Eleanor O’Brien said: “Christmas for most Craft Butchers was strong, despite concerns about the cost-of-living crisis and avian flu most retail butchers report strong sales on par with the previous year. Though margins for many were tighter as members continue to try and minimise the cost they pass on to their customers. Media coverage of avian flu and ongoing trends saw a decrease in whole turkey orders for many, but they saw increases in both beef and pork sales. The increase in Beef sales has been a trend through Covid and continues now. Pigs in blankets and pork pies also continued an upward trend in sales.
“As a general note, we had very few members affected by last minute turkey issues. The vast majority ended up with no shortages though this is mostly down to their preparation in ensuring they order and potentially the decrease in turkey orders.”
Marketing and communications officer for AIMS, Tony Goodger said: “Given the many factors working against the industry; lack of labour, cost of living, avian influenza, food inflation etc., it could easily have been expected that sales would struggle. However, the great British consumer knows that when times are tough, a moment to come together and eat a great roast, be it beef, pork, lamb, chicken, turkey, goose or duck is not to be missed.
“There will no doubt be some who have taken advantage of deep price cut at the supermarkets on beef and lamb roasting joints to put one or two in their freezer and this may dampen down some sales in the early part of the New Year.
“We were also delighted to see that NPD in the meat and poultry category and Christmas still go hand in hand. In addition to several gammon joints with glazes, the Waitrose Pork, Sage and Onion Stuffing Melt wrapped in Bacon and filled with bread sauce and in their party range, Chicken Balti Inspired Baubles with Mango Glaze are both worthy of mention.
“Our catering butcher members report steady as opposed to spectacular sales, but given the issues over the last couple of Christmas’s consumers have ventured out to eat, drink and be merry.”
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