The Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) has published its meat and poultry inflation report for October showing that over the last month average prices fell by 1p/kg (0.08%) as prices eased on beef steak and mince, several pork cuts and chicken, with the exception of thighs and drumsticks.
“It is way too soon for anyone to say that meat inflation is being brought under control,” said Tony Goodger, head of communications at AIMS, “but it appears that shoppers who have spread their baskets across several stores have found lower prices in the protein category.
“However, the annual rate of meat and poultry inflation continues to be around the 15% mark, and, with the exception of pork, which is 6p/kg cheaper across the cuts surveyed year on year the three other categories are significantly more expensive than they were in October 2024”
“Unsurprisingly, given the continued demand for beef within a market facing supply chain challenges, year on year price increases have averaged 32.3% with Lamb up 7.4% and Chicken, 7%,” said Goodger.
With the budget due at the end of November AIMS urged government to take action to bring down meat and poultry inflation.
“These include removing many of the unnecessary financial burdens which are inhibiting growth which have been imposed on the meat industry by the FSA,” said Goodger, “and also the immediate adoption of the SPS agreement with EU to reduce cost to businesses of trading with the EU.”