Red meat sector expects further growth due to Jubilee festivities
According to a report by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), burgers and other barbeque products are expected to experience a growth in sales in line with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June.
This news follows the latest survey from Kantar, in which head of retail and consumer insight, Fraser McKevitt, predicted a rise in sales of barbeque products: “Just like ten years ago, we’d expect barbeques to be fired up across the country and drive demand for anything that goes on the grill.”
According to AHDB, in the run up to the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2012, sales soared by more than 13% and this year’s jubilee is expected to follow suit.
For the Diamond Jubilee, sales of pork pies were up almost 8% year-on-year, with sausage roll sales up 6%. These products, along with many other snack items, are expected by AHDB to be highly popular items as people across the country plan their own celebrations.
In 2012, shoppers spent an additional £202 million on food and drink in the week leading up to the celebrations, with the country seeing more BBQs, picnics and afternoon tea occasions.
AHDB said that the dairy sector could also enjoy an uplift next week, with cheese sales – particularly cheddar and soft white for sandwiches – rising 9.1% for the 2012 celebrations compared to the previous year.
Expect an uplift
AHDB senior retail insight manager Kim Heath said: “With the UK preparing for street parties and family celebrations, we expect to see a rise in sales of party foods with burgers, pork pies and sausage rolls among the favourites.
“When we look at the spend ten years ago for the Diamond Jubilee, we see that meat products did exceptionally well – so we can expect to see an uplift next week.”
However, AHDB warned that the current economic crisis could impact the size and spend of celebrations. Heath added: “While the Platinum Jubilee is a bigger celebration, it is important to keep in mind that the current cost of living crisis, and of course the weather, could impact how much families are able to spend.”
She added: “We know that seasonal celebrations and events represent important and lucrative times of the year for the retail and foodservice sectors, therefore it is important that they capitalise on the Platinum Jubilee to make the most of this historic celebration.
“With many people struggling financially, retailers would benefit from ensuring they provide simple solutions and value for money, so that more people across the UK can afford to host their own celebrations.”
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