Food inflation has put pressure on red meat sales with families choosing cheaper proteins, such as eggs, to fill shopping trolleys over the last 12 months, the World Meat Congress heard last week.

Reduced portion sizes in processed meat and ready-to-go meals means that UK consumers are consuming less meat in 2025. “What’s really vexing consumers is that global food prices have increased by 35% from pre-COVID-19 levels but incomes haven’t seen a similar rise,” Professor David Hughes from the Imperial College in London said.

Global egg consumption is forecast to grow by 22% between 2025 and 2035 as shoppers look for value in protein options. JBS, one of the world’s largest beef companies have recently acquired a 50% share in the largest egg producing company in South America.

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“The next generation of consumers want instant food. This means ready meals and air fryer meals dominating the diet and that’s concerning for the meat industry,” Hughes said.