The continued squeeze on incomes and high inflation fuelled double-digit value growth in the market in 2023. Sharply slowing inflation in 2024 meanwhile saw growth in the market slow. While incomes remain subdued, savvy shopping habits will endure. Once consumer confidence improves, the market will face more intense competition from pricier alternatives like meat cuts and foodservice meals. However, improving confidence should also create opportunities to encourage trading up.
One in four processed meat buyers list health benefits among the top attributes that would encourage them to pay more for these products. This points to promising potential for the category to play in the better-for-you space. Aligning with this interest will become increasingly relevant going forward, with healthy eating expected to gain interest as consumer confidence improves.
Sustainability as an issue is expected to gain prominence, creating both challenges and opportunities for the category moving forward. Promisingly, 31% of meat/poultry eaters would choose meat products made in a greener way if looking to be more sustainable. This points to a valuable opportunity for brands embracing sustainable practices to highlight their efforts in order to keep users onside.
Slowing category inflation saw value growth slow in 2024. A keener focus on health and sustainability will present both opportunities and challenges to the market.
Isabelle Shilling, Research Analyst
This Report examines the UK retail market for processed poultry and red meat meal components. Throughout this Report, ‘processed meat’ is used as an umbrella term referring to both red meat and poultry products.
In this Report, processed poultry/red meat meal components are defined as chilled and frozen poultry and red meat which has been altered from its original carcass form and has been taken a stage further than cutting into portions or adding a marinade or sauce, and which are typically eaten as part of a main meal.
The market size given in the Report includes sales of the following:
Other processed poultry and red meat products are also covered in the consumer research, including meatballs, cooked meat pieces and luncheon meat/corned beef.
Poultry includes chicken, turkey, duck and goose. Red meat includes beef, pork and lamb (including mutton).
Unprocessed poultry and red meat, defined as chilled and frozen primary cuts of red meat such as joints, steaks and chops, and poultry in whole bird or portion format, minced, diced and stewing meats, offal products such as liver, as well as red meat and poultry which has been marinated or glazed with a sauce are excluded from this Report.
Meat snacks are excluded from this Report and are covered in Mintel’s Crisps, Savoury Snacks and Nuts – UK, 2022 Report. Meat encased in pastry such as Cornish pasties or sausage rolls is excluded from this Report.
Sales via catering or foodservice establishments are excluded, although references and comparisons to these sectors may be made where relevant.
Value figures throughout this report are at retail selling prices (rsp) and include VAT unless stated otherwise. Market sizes at constant 2023 prices are devised using Mintel’s all items deflator.
Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of His Majesty’s Stationery Office and the King’s Printer for Scotland.
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