Main content

We're told we need to eat a lot less of it, and UK consumption has fallen to record lows, so how is the industry responding? Evan Davis meets three parts of the supply chain.

UK consumers are eating less meat than at any point since records began 50 years ago, according to the latest government figures, so how are farmers, processors and retailers responding?

The cost of living crisis is part of the reason for a recent drop-off in demand, but warnings about meat's impact on the planet and our health might also play a role, and plant-based alternatives have been eating into meat’s market share in recent years.

So does the industry feel under attack, or are they adapting their businesses and their products to meet these challenges? And what does it take to get an animal from a field to our plate anyway?

Evan Davis is joined by:

Anna Longthorp, of Anna’s Happy Trotters;
Phil Hambling, head of CSR at ABP Food Group;
Charlotte Mitchell, owner of Charlotte’s Butchery.

PRODUCTION TEAM:

Producer: Simon Tulett
Researcher: Paige Neal-Holder
Editor: Matt Willis
Sound: Rod Farquhar and Neil Churchill
Production co-ordinator: Rosie Strawbridge

The Bottom Line is produced in partnership with The Open University.

(Picture: A butcher arranging meat at store window in Leeds. Credit: Reza Estakhrian/Getty Images)

Available now

34 minutes

Last on

Mon 5 Feb 2024 11:30

Broadcasts

  • Thu 1 Feb 2024 20:30
  • Mon 5 Feb 2024 11:30

Explore further with The Open University

Find out what can help to build sustainable organisations for better business.

Podcast