Meat prices ended the year nearly 16% up on average, having increased by close to 1% in December alone, according to the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers.
While inflation eased towards the end of 2025, meat prices had increased by 15.9% over the year, the body said using its own and AHDB data.
Beef was a key driver of the overall category inflation, with prices up 32.3% as production slumped.
This decline in supply due to lack of production could be filled by Australian imports as AIMS said it had been approached by Australian beef business and State Agriculture departments to assist with their expansion into the UK.
“It has now been two-and-a-half years since the trade deal with Australia was signed and looking at beef production down under there is every indication that this has increased, no doubt with the high beef prices in the UK making us a desirable market for Aussie exporters,” said Tony Goodger, head of communications at AIMS.
Lamb and chicken also increased more than average inflation levels with price increases of 8.9% and 7.6% respectively.
“With so many consumers struggling to afford Christmas it was unsurprising that many have switched to chicken, with the price of a whole large British chicken up 4.2% due in part no doubt to some supply size issues across the UK and EU due to bird flu,” said Goodger, who also called out a 4.5% increase in chicken thigh fillet prices.
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However, pork saw a smaller rate of inflation, on average up 16p per kilo across cuts surveyed. Goodger said this pointed to a “good year for pork” in 2026 too.
“I fully expect to see more pork steak cuts on menus in the out-of-home sector and whereas in the past this has been limited to one pork dish, I believe that operators will introduce two or three ideas to menus”, Goodger added. “Pork tomahawks, for example, are already increasing in popularity.”
As previously reported by The Grocer in its annual Top Products report, pork has been one of the greatest beneficiaries from consumers moving on from beef, with its 2.4% volume growth down to the sector’s ability to control inflation.
According to AIMS, the watchword for 2026 will be “value”, with supermarket and foodservice buyers looking to use spot price deals from the global market to lead promotional pricing.
However, the organisation has called for the government to “get a grip on farm planning applications” to help boost supply.
“It is only through an increased supply of high-quality British produced pork, chicken, and eggs that we can maintain a profitable industry as well as countering imports from overseas lower welfare production systems,” said Goodger.
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