AS with the previous set of retail sales data, burgers and other BBQ products are currently performing strongly, according to Kantar Worldpanel. The volume of fresh burgers and grills grew by almost 20 per cent on-the-year during the 12 weeks ending 17 June, although this was somewhat offset by a decline in frozen burgers.

Perhaps also unsurprising in this spell of hot weather, roasting joints suffered considerably, with the volume down 17 per cent year-on-year. Looking at other meat purchases, neither lamb nor pork roasting joints have performed well in the heat either. The volume of fresh/frozen lamb sold at retail declined 14 per cent on-the-year.

Meanwhile, pork sausages recorded a small uplift, again thanks to barbecuing, although not as strong as the sales of beef burgers and grills. Poultry has also sold well during the 12 weeks ending 17 June, with the volume of whole chicken sold up 10 per cent year-on-year.

With the heat wave in more recent weeks forecast to continue for several more, the next update is likely to show further increases in demand for BBQ products.

Market round-up

C&D Auction Marts sold six prime heifers in Dumfries on Wednesday to a top of 235p per kg and an average of 201p.

In the rough ring 60 beef cows sold to 197p and averaged 138.8p, while 40 dairy cows peaked at 146p and levelled at 107p.

Due to the depressed trade nationally there were only 202 prime lambs forward that sold to a top of £90 per head and 195p per kg to average 186p (-9p on the week).

There was also a small show of 89 cast sheep when heavy ewes sold to £145 for a Texel and averaged £70.

Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 450 prime lambs in Newton Stewart on Wednesday to a top of £100 and 191.3p to average 178.6p (-21.6p). The auctioneer reports that lighter, leaner lambs took the biggest price hit on the day.

The 97 heavy cast ewes forward sold to a top of £117 for Texels and an average of £70.23, while 116 light/export-type ewes peaked at £54 for Blackfaces and levelled at £41.13.

The firm went on to hold a sale of store cattle at Ayr yesterday when there was a plainer show for quality that met an easier trade on the previous sale. The 122 heifers forward sold to £1,310 per head and 247.5p per kg to average £883.57 and 204.8p (+1.2p on the fortnight), while 124 store, beef-bred bullocks peaked at £1,220 and 236.6p to level at £888.26 and 206p (-15.4p). Sixty-eight store, B&W bullocks sold to £1115 or 184.3p for the same pen to average £673.01 and 148.2p (-24.3p).