Lamb joints up to 50% more expensive as Easter demand rises

Consumers can expect a more expensive Easter lunch this year, with lamb joints seeing significant year-on-year inflation.

Analysis of Assosia data by The Grocer shows some joints are almost 50% more expensive in the major multiples than they were last Easter, amid a big tightening in supply and sky-high farmgate prices.

With three weeks to go until Easter, prices are up by an average of 14.8% across the traditional big four, discounters and Waitrose, when compared with the corresponding period last year, when Easter fell earlier [Assosia 31 March 2025 vs 11 March 2024].

Some three-quarters (73.6%) of lamb joint SKUs are more expensive year on year, the data shows. 

The biggest increase in price is for a Tesco Finest Boneless Lamb Leg with Cornish Sea Salt & Black Pepper (720g) which shot up by 47.7%, from £12.60 in the run-up to Easter last year to £18.61 this year. The larger variant of this SKU, at 1,367g, rose by 34.2%.

Waitrose No.1 Lamb Boneless Half Shoulder with Garlic and Herbs rose by 35.9% to £26.50. The next two biggest rises were at Sainsbury’s, where its British or New Zealand Half Lamb Shoulder (Approx 925g) and its British or New Zealand Lamb Breast (Approx 775g) both rose by over 30%.

Lamb prices soar as supply drops

“Lamb prices are under pressure from ongoing supply challenges and continued consumer demand,” said Harvir Dhillon, economist at the BRC. “While domestic production is expected to increase slightly in 2025, it comes after a year of strong demand and significant supply issues, which pushed prices up.”

According to Defra data, UK sheep meat production declined by 7% in 2024. Meanwhile, the GB SQQ deadweight farmgate price for lamb rose by 47.5% between January 2024 and May 2024 to a peak of 893p/kg. However, the price has since stabilised, standing at 730.5p/kg on 22 March.

Dhillon’s comments are reinforced by NIQ data for The Grocer’s 2024 Top Products Survey, which revealed lamb sales volumes rose by 4.3% last year, with value sales up £37m to £242.1m, as shoppers returned to the category. 

Read more: Fresh – meat, fish & poultry 2024: red meat soars as beef adds £242m

These price rises are not just limited to joints with less festive lamb cuts also seeing significant rises and category wide prices are up 17%.

The biggest rises were Tesco Finest Moroccan Inspired Lamb Kebabs (460g) up by 66.7% from £5.40 to £9 and Tesco Finest Lamb Steak, Sage & Rosemary Butter (200g) up 60% from £3.75 to £6, in the same period.

Four other lamb lines, including Tesco British Lamb Mince 10% Fat 250g, Waitrose 4 British Extra Trimmed Lamb Leg Steaks 1kg, Waitrose 2 British Lamb Loin Chops 1kg, and Duchy Organic British Lamb Half Leg 1kg, have all seen price increases of 40% or more.

And according to The Grocer’s Assosia Key Value Items tracker, own label lamb chops have increased in price by 19% since this time last year. 

Easter lunch cost pressure

Other components of the Easter Sunday lunch have also faced inflationary pressure, with potatoes up on average 9.4% since last year, with some lines up by as much as 20.8%. Carrot prices have also soared, with rises up to 25% in the category and on average price hikes of 7% in a year. 

It comes as supply chain consultancy Inverto this week warned the cost of making a traditional Sunday roast had surged by 22% in the past 12 months and by 76% over the past five years.

The biggest driver of this increase is the soaring cost of beef, which has risen 27% in just a year and by 177% since 2019. Over the past five years, the price of potatoes has also jumped 84%, while the price of cabbage has increased by 29%, the business reported. 

Elsewhere, Pilgrim’s Europe has announced it will be scaling up its lamb production to meet anticipated Easter demand. It said British lamb remained the preferred centrepiece for the dinner table at Easter, estimating joints would account for 64% of lamb volumes sold over the period.

“With Easter falling later this year, we anticipate warmer weather, potentially shifting consumer preferences to a spread across traditional roasting joints alongside lighter, summery recipes and alternative cuts,” said Jason Winstanley, head of research and insight at Pilgrim’s Europe. “This presents a clear opportunity for retailers to optimise their offering across joint sizes and cuts, ensuring comprehensive consumer choice for all celebrations.”

All retailers mentioned were approached for comment.

A Waitrose spokesperson said: “We support British, sourcing British lamb all year round and always ensure that we pay our farmers fairly, offering the best value and quality across all of our products.”