EASTER is one of the important periods for British lamb producers, providing a key opportunity for farmers to market their lambs. However, the latest data released for Kantar Worldpanel shows there was lacklustre lamb demand from UK consumers in Easter 2017.

In the 12-week period leading up to April 24, total lamb sales fell by 14 per cent compared with the previous year. Despite the latest data now including the pivotal Easter period, this has not been able to create the surge in demand which is normally present at this time of year.

Leg roasting joints, which make up around half of the volume of lamb sold in the UK, declined by 17 per cent. However, it wasn't only lamb that suffered, with roasts driving a decline across other proteins as well, with the traditional meat centrepiece recording a year-on-year drop in volumes sold.

The volume of chops and steaks sold in the 12-week period also recorded a decrease on the year, falling back 13 per cent. Volumes of mince also fell, albeit by the smaller amount of four per cent.

The retail price of lamb experienced inflation over the 12-week period, with average prices increasing by eight per cent to £8.26/kg. This increase in retail price, coupled with a reduction in volumes, led to the overall spend on lamb falling behind last year by nearly seven per cent.

Out of the major proteins, lamb has been the most unsuccessful during the Easter period. Total fresh and frozen primary red meat saw a year-on-year increase in volume sold and overall spend, by two per cent and one per cent respectively.

With the good weather throughout April, BBQ sales have been strong, pushing the demand for alternative proteins. Sales of sausages recorded growth over the last 12 weeks with an additional 450,000 households buying this product.

Market round-up

Harrison & Hetherington Ltd sold 58 store heifers in St Boswells on Thursday to a top of £1080 per head and 250.9p per kg to average £863.10 and 231p, while 82 store bullocks peaked at £1350 and 303.8p to level at £962.20 and 243.1p.

C&D Auction Marts Ltd sold 3579 prime hoggs in Longtown on Thursday to a top of £126 per head and 242p per kg to average 199.6p (-0.4p on the week), while 616 prime lambs peaked at £132 and 300p to level at 238p (+7.5p).

The firm also had 3473 cast sheep forward when heavy ewes sold to £148 for Texels and averaged £81.60 (+£4.70), while light ewes peaked at £78 for Blackfaces and levelled at £50.30 (+£1.07). Rams sold to £150 for a Texel and averaged 379.60.