Sales of lamb and pork via food delivery apps are growing, creating new opportunities for red meat as consumers change the way they purchase takeaways and groceries.

New analysis from The Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) shows that, while the wider takeaway and delivery market is under pressure, delivery apps are proving more resilient, with spending rising and red meat categories performing particularly strongly among engaged users.

The takeaway and delivery market accounts for 26% of all ‘out-of-home’ spending, worth £17.7 billion over the past year¹. However, the sector has lost £400 million in spend, representing a year-on-year decline of 2.2%.¹

The reduction has been driven by smaller basket sizes, fewer takeaways overall and some consumers leaving the market behind altogether. Rising cost-of-living pressures continue to influence purchasing decisions, with 80% of consumers now ‘extremely or very concerned’ about the cost of living, up 8% on last year.² Seventy-two per cent of takeaway users now view it as a luxury purchase.³

Despite this downturn, one area of the takeaway and delivery market is showing promise.

Platforms such as Deliveroo, Uber Eats and Just Eat generated £2.6 billion in takeaway and delivery spending over the past year.¹ One in five consumers in Great Britain now uses these apps, with loyalty schemes encouraging regular engagement and repeat purchasing. Spending through delivery apps increased by 0.5% year-on-year.¹

Lamb and pork are benefiting strongly from this trend, with spending through delivery apps growing faster than the overall market, highlighting an opportunity for the red meat sector to capitalise on changing consumer behaviours and evolving meal occasions.

Lamb spending through delivery apps increased by 36.7% year-on-year¹, outpacing growth across the wider takeaway and delivery market. Pork is also seeing strong growth through delivery apps, with spending rising 54.7% year-on-year¹. Burgers, sandwiches and pizzas continue to underpin performance within the category.¹

Emma Wantling, Retail & Consumer Insight Manager, said: “The findings demonstrate the importance of understanding how consumers are adapting their purchasing habits in response to economic pressures and changing expectations around convenience.

“As delivery channels continue to evolve, lamb and pork are well placed to benefit from the growing role of apps in both takeaway and retail purchasing, helping to create new occasions for consumption and support future category growth.”

The research also identifies growing crossover between takeaway and grocery purchasing; shoppers using delivery apps for takeaways are increasingly adding grocery items to their baskets, creating further opportunities for retailers and suppliers of red meat products.

With younger consumers increasingly using digital platforms for both meals and grocery shopping, app-based ordering is expected to play an increasingly important role in shaping future food purchasing habits and creating new opportunities for red meat categories.

For more information, visit:

ahdb.org.uk/news/consumer-insight-lamb-and-pork-grow-through-delivery-apps

ahdb.org.uk/consumer-insight-foodservice-insight

References

1 Worldpanel by Numerator UK, OOH panel, Total Delivery | 52 we 22nd March 2026

2 Sparkminds, Ear to the ground, June 2026

3 Mintel Foodservice Delivery and Takeaway UK, 2026

- ends -

Notes to editors

About AHDB

AHDB is the independent, evidenced-based statutory levy board funded by around 100,000 producers in the food supply chain. We support every farmer, grower and processor in the beef, lamb and pork sectors in England, dairy in Great Britain and cereals and oilseeds in the UK.

Our purpose is to unlock the success of British agriculture. Through one-of-a-kind data analysis, research and development, we uncover the insights that deliver easy-to-use products, tools and services that help levy payers make informed decisions. Together, we improve business performance, allowing levy payers to be competitive in the global marketplace.

We share our knowledge through a regional team of experts who are all focused on our mission to add value to world-class British produce. From domestic marketing activity for meat and dairy to international export programmes, we promote opportunity and success for our levy payers.

Our people are passionate about bringing farmers and others together, to collaborate, innovate and drive change, ensuring our industry can thrive.

Established in 2008 AHDB is classified as a Non-Departmental Public Body. For more information visit ahdb.org.uk.

Contact

For further information contact AHDB press.office@ahdb.org.uk or 024 7647 8800

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