19 June 2007

2 minute read

Europe

The market has shown strong growth over the past year and recent weeks have been particularly healthy. QMS use comprehensive market data from Taylor Nelson Sofres (TNS) to keep track of changes to the retail market.

Considering fresh pork first, the Scottish market value reached almost £49 million over the past 12 months. This is an increase year on year of more than 6%.

If we consider the four-week period leading up to 22nd May this year, fresh pork achieved 21% growth when compared with the same period last year. This value growth in sales has outstripped that of volume, which over this same period grew 14%.

Market data for fresh beef in Scotland suggests steady growth. Value exceeded £160 million over the past twelve months, up 2% year on year.

The four weeks to 22nd May this year have been particularly good, with the market value up over 20% on last year. All major retailers including butchers have performed well.

The market for fresh lamb in Scotland has also been encouraging with sales over the past 12 months up by over 9% to £8.2million. The last few months in particular have brought even better news to the market with the months of March, April and May showing a substantial increase of more than 30% year on year.

Over the 12 months, butchers remain the top performers for fresh lamb with around 25% of the market share in Scotland.

Finally, demand for Sliced Cooked Meats has risen by almost 6% over the last 12 months. Ham has been performing particularly well and retains its position at the top with a 49% share of the market.

Although the figures above do not take account of exports or the foodservice market, they do provide good news for the industry as a whole.

QMS aim to stimulate further demand for Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb and Specially Selected Pork in the coming months as we use the market information to effectively target consumers and deliver tangible results for the industry.

TheCattleSite News Desk