Red Meat Prices Have Surged in 2025 - Eating At Home Or Dining Out Costs More

1st November 2025

Red meat prices in the UK have surged in 2025 due to reduced domestic production, higher feed and energy costs, and strong global demand.

Beef prices alone have risen by up to 39% year-on-year, putting pressure on retailers, restaurants, and consumers.

The cost of red meat in the UK has climbed sharply this year, and it's not just your imagination.

According to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), average prices for beef products rose by over 10% in the past 12 weeks, with prime cuts like steak and mince seeing increases of nearly 20%.

Butchers and supermarkets are feeling the squeeze, and many are passing those costs on to shoppers.

One of the biggest drivers is lower UK production.

The size of the beef breeding herd has shrunk by 18% since 2005, and analysts expect a further 5% decline in 2025. Fewer cattle means tighter supply, which pushes prices up. Slaughter rates are also down by 4% in early 2025 adding to the pressure.

Feed and energy costs have soared, making it more expensive to raise livestock. Farmers are grappling with inflation across the board, from fuel for machinery to the cost of fertiliser and grain. These expenses trickle down through the supply chain, ultimately landing on your dinner plate.

Meanwhile, global demand for British beef remains strong, especially from export markets. This keeps farmgate prices high, even as domestic consumers cut back. Retailers are seeing a drop in volume sales—people are buying less meat—but overall spending is still up because prices are so much higher.

Restaurants and caterers are also feeling the pinch. Many are rethinking their menus, swapping out expensive cuts for cheaper alternatives or reducing portion sizes to stay profitable. Some are even considering plant-based options to offset costs and appeal to budget-conscious diners.

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