Meat Wholesaling in the UK - Market Research Report (2014-2029)

Leaner meat: In 2022-23, strong price inflation will likely sustain growth in industry revenue despite a fall in demand

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.

Meat wholesalers are highly susceptible to fluctuations in levels of disposable income, which can affect the level of demand from its key downstream markets. The ongoing cost-of-living crisis has forced households to tighten their purse strings, with expenditure on meat falling as a result. Households are trading down from more premium meats (such as beef and lamb) to cheaper meats (such as chicken and pork). Rising levels of vegetarianism and veganism, for reasons including morality, increased health consciousness and environmental awareness, have eaten into industry revenue. Concerns regarding the level of environmental degradation that comes from rearing animals for consumption have led to the development of non-meat alternatives, which is drawing demand away from the industry.

Operators in the Meat Wholesaling industry wholesale fresh and frozen meat and meat products. Businesses in this industry generally purchase meat from slaughterhouses and sell it to retailers such as grocery stores, butchers, restaurants and caterers. Wholesalers perform little or no additional processing beyond repackaging, instead focusing on storage and distribution.