Native breeds of beef cattle have shown a significant rise in popularity, helped in some instances by a premium in the marketplace, most notably for Aberdeen Angus, analysis by red meat industry promotional body Quality Meat Scotland reveals.

According to Iain Macdonald, senior economics analyst with QMS :"Back in 2013 the three main continental breeds - Limousin, Charolais and Simmental - collectively accounted for 65.4 percent of the beef-sired calf registrations, but by 2018 this had dropped back to 57.8 percent."

Aberdeen Angus went from a 19 percent share of beef-sired registrations in the first half of 2013 up to 21.6 percent this year. Meanwhile, Beef Shorthorns went from 3.6 percent to 5.4 percent, and Hereford doubled from 1.2 percent to 2.4 percent.

Meanwhile, the recent run of hot, dry weather has led to substantial growth in barbecue foods (burgers, sausages and chicken) in the 12 weeks ending 15 July, according to the latest data from Kantar Worldpanel.

Unsurprisingly, beef burgers and grills sales increased significantly during the period. Volumes increased by 19 percent compared to last year's levels, with fresh product being the real winner with a nearly 30 percent uplift in volumes sold. Average prices of beef burgers and grills were actually 3 percent higher than last year during the period, showing the demand for barbecue food was such that shoppers were undeterred.

Primary lamb cuts (including chops, mince and roasting joints) suffered badly in the hot weather, with the volume of fresh and frozen lamb cuts declining by 9 percent year-on-year in the 12 weeks ending 12 July. Increases in the average retail prices may have been a contributory factor towards the declining lamb sales. Market penetration also didn't fare well in the heat, with significant drops for nearly all cuts in the category. Total spend on fresh and frozen lamb declined by 6 percent in the period compared to year earlier levels.

Sales volumes of pork sausages and fresh pork pies increased by 4 percent and 5 percent respectively, most likely driven by al fresco dining in the warm weather. Fresh and frozen poultry sale volumes also had a significant uplift of 8 percent compared to the previous year.

Market round-up

C&D Auction Marts Ltd sold 3912 prime lambs in Longtown yesterday to a top of £105 per head and 247p per kg to average 185p (-12.2p on the week).

Another large entry of 7591 cast sheep saw heavy ewes sell to £150 for Texels and average £66.54 (-£11.98), while light/export-type ewes peaked at £68 for Blackfaces and Cheviots to level at £30.84 (-£4.62). Rams sold to £118 for a Texel and averaged £60.41.