- Beef producers’ share of retail prices has increased from 43% to 45% from 2000 to 2013 while lamb producers’ share has decreased from 55% to 53%
- Lamb prices have escalated above other meat prices as producers have passed on supplier increases
- Retailers have been unwilling to cushion these increases
- Retailers have cushioned an increase in beef producer prices and taken smaller margins
- Retail prices of beef have risen at a slower rate than producer prices
- Beef consumption is growing with the rise of the middle class while lamb consumption is declining
- Demand for beef is higher than lamb due to affordability
- Retailers are willing to take less margin on beef in order to maintain foot traffic through their stores
