Sales of beef in the UK retail market during 2019 were down 1.8% year on year, figures from market consultancy firm Kantar indicate.

In terms of volume, beef sales were back 1.2%, which equates to 4,641t, and the average retail price was back by 4p/kg to £7.73/kg.

Across different cuts, sales of roasting joints were back 7.6% and frying steak sales were down 4.3%.

However, there were positive trends in more convenient cuts, with sales of mini roasting joints up 5% and mince saw a 2.1% increase in sales.

According to the LMC, beef sales have been affected by some consumers deciding to eat less meat.

However, 86% of UK households still bought beef during 2019.

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