Lamb prices have soared at major UK supermarkets ahead of Easter, with research showing some joints are up to a third more expensive than last year
Easter Sunday is fast approaching, taking place on April 5 this year. It’s an excellent chance to gather with family and friends for dinner, with lamb often served as the star attraction of this meal.
When it’s paired with fresh spring vegetables and potatoes, it’s the perfect dinner. However, shoppers buying lamb from major supermarkets have been warned that it could be pricier this year. New research by The Grocer has revealed that lamb joints have soared in price compared to Easter last year.
The analysts discovered that lamb could be up to a third more costly than it was a year ago. The most significant increases were reportedly at Sainsbury’s, where its British Lamb Butterflied Leg climbed by 33.3% year on year, from £15 to £20.
This was followed by its Taste The Difference Welsh Hill Lamb Half Leg, which rose by 22.4% from £14.50 to £17.75, reports the Express.
The next largest jump was at Tesco, where its Finest Lamb Shoulder with Cornish Sea Salt and Black Pepper reportedly surged from £16.75 to £19.50, a rise of 16.4%
In fact, the experts discovered that over 80% of the 40 lines at the major supermarkets, including discount retailers and Waitrose, increased above the rate of inflation since last Easter.
There are a few things that explain why lamb is more expensive now. One of these is a reduced breeding flock, made worse by the poor weather in recent months.
There’s also greater demand, with processors eager to prepare ahead of significant events like Easter and Ramadan. A Sainsbury’s spokesperson said the chain was ‘focused on offering customers great value on their Easter favourites’, committing over £1bn towards keeping affordable prices.
Meanwhile, a Waitrose spokesperson commented: “We’re proud that all our own-brand lamb is British all year round as part of our commitment to supporting UK farmers, and work hard to deliver great value by offering our customers ethically sourced, quality products at fair prices.” They highlighted its average rise was below 8%, based on internal figures.
Which supermarket offers the best value Easter shop?
Financial experts from Fast Loan UK carried out research to identify the cheapest UK supermarket for the big Easter shop.
They factored in the suggested quantity per individual, including 1kg half a leg of lamb, potatoes (1kg), carrots (100g), petit pois (320g), parsnips (400g), gravy, and mint sauce.
Based on prices from 25 March, Aldi secured the lowest overall price for an Easter meal serving four people with a 1kg leg of lamb. In total, Aldi’s meal costs £18.14. Taking second place is Lidl, with a meal priced only slightly higher at £18.55.
Third position goes to Asda at £20.06. The priciest supermarket currently is Marks and Spencer, according to the data. A four-person meal featuring a 1kg leg of lamb would set shoppers back £29.25.
