Hopes raised of staycation boost

Despite the relaxation of quarantine restrictions on those returning from holidays abroad in England, more “staycation” holidays could help boost beef sales according to Quality Meat Scotland.

With overall beef sales in July and August tending to hit an annual low, this year’s summer holiday period – and the number of Brits holidaying within their own shores – is likely to have considerable implications for the mix of meat products purchased according toq ms economics guru, Stuart Ash worth.

He said: “Statistics from the UK Office of National Statistics indicate that during the whole of 2019 there were some 60m overseas holiday trips by UK residents,” said Ashworth, “but only some 17m holiday trips into the UK.”

He said that if the number of overseas holiday trips were curtailed this summer, then despite a reduction in overseas visitors to the UK, red meat demand should remain firm through the period.

However he admitted that many questions still hung over the short-term demand for all meats and although the re-opening of food service could augment already increased sales through butchers and supermarkets, he said that it could also reduce sales through these outlets as people reverted to old behaviours.

“Increased opportunities to spend money on leisure and recreational pursuits as the summer progresses could also bring challenges,” he said.

“Also hanging over the market is the future of furlough schemes as well as the potential growth in unemployment and reduced incomes that may bring,” he added.