Total meat consumption

IBISWorld estimates that total meat consumption is expected to decline over the five years through 2025-26. Meat consumption trends largely follow economic conditions in the United Kingdom. Household disposable income levels influence individual's consumption choices, as income falls consumers tend to shift away from more expensive meat products. The price of meat also affects UK consumers' consumption of meat. According to DEFRA, on average, meat is one of the most price elastic foodstuffs with a 1% increase in price resulting in a 0.8% decrease in consumption.

Meat consumption is also affected by changing consumer tastes. Over the five years through 2022-23, a significant increase in diets that cut down on meat or eliminate meat completely for ethical and environmental reasons is expected to lead to a decline in meat consumption.

In 2020-21, a fall in household in household disposable income, partly due to the economic shock caused by the coronavirus outbreak is expected to reduce meat consumption, with majority of households eat less meat on a weekly basis, especially for more expensive cuts of meat. A fall in consumer confidence and customers seeking healthier diets in order to boost their immune system opted for more vegetables in their diet. The trend of increased health awareness will accelerate a consumer shift away from meat consumption and a larger share of the population adopting flexitarian and vegan diets. Lockdown measures to combat the spread of the coronavirus led to the closure of food service and catering businesses contributing to a reduction in meat consumption during the year. Rising infections rates led to further lockdown measures in December 2020, which kept food service premises closed until early in 2021. These measures were eased from April 2021 which led to reopening of restaurants and catering businesses which is expected to lead to an uptick in meat consumption. A significant proportion of meat was consumed in these establishments as lockdown measures eased. Despite this, meat consumption declined by 4.4% in 2021-22. Meat consumption is forecast to decline by 0.9% in 2025-26 due to lower meat consumption and significantly higher prices driven by inflationary pressure. Rising feed prices has contributed to increased production costs leading to a sharp expansion in meat prices. Over the five years through 2022-23, total meat consumption is forecast to decrease at a compound annual rate of 1.8%, to reach 889.5 grams per week.