The sharp rise in beef price in recent months is having a negative correlation with sale volumes according to the Agriculture Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).

The UK industry body reported that in the 12 weeks leading in to 10 August 2025 the average price for total beef products increased by 15% year-on-year and resulted in a volume decline of 7.5% or 9,640t.

The total spend on beef products increased by 6.4% due to the higher price of products.

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The AHDB reports that primary beef volumes recorded a 10.2% decrease during this period. Retail and Consumer Insight Analyst Charlotte Forkes-Rees says “Mince (-6.5%) and steak (-12.8%) volumes are both in decline, driven by steep increases in average prices (+26.3% and +23.0% respectively).

A year-on-year volume decline of -25.7% was also seen for beef roasting joints, driven by a +15.6% increase in average price”.

She added that despite these category declines products described as economy tier roasting joints and economy and premium tier mince were in growth, however such products are a small proportion of primary cuts.

“Total processed beef saw a -7.3% decline in volume purchased year-on-year. Burgers and grills drove this decline with 1,458 tonnes (-8.0%) fewer being purchased during the period.

"Whilst overall in decline, sliced cooked meats in the premium tier saw a 19.6% increase in volumes purchased due to an increase in buyers and increased frequency of purchase.”.

Added-value products

When it comes to added-value products there was a volume decrease of 10.7% during this period with marinades (-7.3%), sous vide (-12.7%) and ready-to-cook (-11.1%) beef products were all in decline.

The group says that they will continue to monitor the impact that retail price inflation is having on beef demand.