Figures from data analyst Kantar Worldpanel showed that in the 12 weeks to January 5 2014, the purchase of pork and pork products increased by 2% overall, and rose by nearly a third year-on-year.
Expenditure on lamb saw a rise of 2.8% in the 12 weeks to January 5, while expenditure on beef rose by 3.5% for the same period.
Although data showed a rise in the purchase and spend on some meats, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) said more consumers were turning to a vegan lifestyle.
£625M in meat-free sales
The sale of meat-free foods in the UK rose by more than 20% in the last five years and topped £625M in sales in 2013, said Peta after the launch of a new London Underground-based ad campaign today (February 3).
As part of its campaign, commuters came across a dozen giant food “animals” holding signs that read 'Love me. Don’t eat me', to coincide with a series of ads displayed in 25 of the capital’s busiest stations.
“Our new campaign will give people food for thought,” Peta associate director Mimi Bekhechi said. “We want everyone to consider that what they choose to eat can mean a sad life and a horrifying death for wonderful animals – and instead try vegan.”
Meanwhile, the UK’s beef and lamb levy board EBLEX and the UK’s pig levy board BPEX, declined to comment on Peta’s campaign.