Lamb sales dropped 4% on the year for the 12-week trading period up to the end of 2019, according to consumer research company Kantar Worldpanel.

The average price of lamb sold rose by 2% for the same period when compared to last year. Chops, steaks and leg roasting joints lost appeal with shoppers, while sales of shoulders rose.

Beef

Meanwhile, beef sales were similar to last year, but the amount spent fell 2%. Roasts and mince sales dipped while cheaper beef drove shoppers to pick up 3.5% more steaks as their price fell 4%.

Spending on pork remained stable on the year. Shoppers bought 4.5% more but paid 4.5% more. Again roasts, chops and steaks struggled to sell. However, shoppers bought more premium range and healthy trimmed bacon packets.