Lamb takes Easter crown
HCC’s Market Bulletin for the month of May looks at lamb consumption trends at GB retail during Easter 2026.
Key points:
- Early April saw a year-on-year growth of 0.9% in take-home grocery sales, while grocery inflation eased slightly to 3.8%, its lowest level since April 2025 (Worldpanel by Numerator UK). Consumers were heavily promotion driven.
- Primary red meat significantly outperformed both total grocery and the wider Meat, Fish and Poultry category in both value and volume growth, reinforcing the importance of roasting joints and celebratory meals during Easter trading. Lamb emerged as one of the standout proteins, with an 8.6% year-on-year increase in lamb roasting volumes
- Looking ahead, celebratory occasions will continue to offer opportunities around seasonal, premium and in-home dining occasions. Ongoing cost-of-living pressures means that consumers will continue to seek value, but growing interest in high-protein and less-processed foods makes lamb an attractive choice for others.
For the full analysis, click HERE to read the Market Bulletin for May. It also includes a monthly market round-up on recent prices for cattle, sheep and pigs.
