Butchers in the UK - Industry Market Research Report

Thinner Cuts: The Local Shopping Trend Continues to Prop Up Sales, But Inflationary Pressures Pick Away at Profit

Butchers are sensitive to changes in household disposable income, support for local businesses, environmental awareness, health consciousness and livestock prices. The COVID-19 outbreak led to the closure of many food-service businesses during lockdown periods, with social groups opting to hold dinner parties instead of going out, supporting sales of premium cuts of meat. There was also a considerable want to support local businesses during the outbreak, boosting butchers' revenue. The soaring rate of inflation is pushing up the production cost of meat and butchers' purchase costs as a result. However, the cost-of-living crisis limits the extent to which butchers can pass these additional costs onto their customers, hitting profitability hard. Price inflation and strong underlying demand for high-quality meat drive estimated revenue growth of 2.3% in 2022-23. Companies in this industry specialise in the sale of meat such as poultry, beef, lamb and pork. Value-added products and services such as cookbooks and butchery classes are also included in the industry. The industry excludes products sold in supermarkets. This report covers the scope, size, disposition and growth of the industry including the key sensitivities and success factors. Also included are five year industry forecasts, growth rates and an analysis of the industry key players and their market shares.