The latest inflation report from the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) has found that meat and poultry rose by 4.06% in the 12 months to April 2026.
This was down from 7.95% in the 12 months to March, and on a monthly basis, meat and poultry prices rose by 0.65% in April.
Tony Goodger, head of communications at AIMS, commented: “Looking at April 2026 compared to March beef and lamb prices rose by 1.16% and 1.04% respectively but were balanced by falls of 1.39% and 0.22% in pork and chicken.
“Of the 30 prices covered, seven have fallen, seven have remained unchanged and the rest (16 lines) have, with the exception of beef (+9.57%) and lamb (+11.45%) roasting joints risen by an average of just 2.20%.
“Year-on-year the overall meat and poultry inflation figure of 4.06% is ahead of the total food and non-alcoholic beverage number of 3.4%, as reported by ONS.”
Value-seeking consumers purchase chicken breasts and thigh fillets
Goodger continued: “Annual increases for beef (+8.22%) and lamb (3.38%) are still the main drivers, while key cuts in chicken, such as breast portions (-4.23%) and thigh fillets (-9.47%), are leading the market in terms of consumer value.
“And pork loin steaks, chops and mince are providing the consumer with further options at the chilled fixture.”
Goodger highlighted his view that the “increased costs of other elements within the overall price are likely to be the drivers of inflation in the coming months”.
He said that plastics, packaging, fuel costs, labour and rising input costs at farm level, such as fertilisers and feed, are “likely to keep prices for meat and poultry rising”.
