Climate Change Raises Lamb Prices for Easter 2026 | Food Inflation Analysis - News and Statistics
Apr 5, 2026
Climate Shocks Drive Up Lamb Prices Ahead of Easter 2026
An analysis by Zero Carbon Analytics for the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit indicates that repeated climate-related disruptions since 2022 have increased lamb prices in the United Kingdom. Each event has raised prices by a range of seven to twenty-one percent.
For households in the UK that frequently consume lamb, these cumulative increases have resulted in significant additional expenditure over a three-year period. Across continental Europe, meat prices have also risen sharply, with certain countries experiencing increases exceeding twenty percent. General food prices in the European bloc rose last year at a rate above the average inflation.
Lamb was among the food items with the most rapid price growth in Europe. Another traditional Easter product, chocolate, saw the largest price surge overall.
Analysts note that climate change, intensified by human activity, is increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather. This relationship is linked to the atmosphere’s capacity to hold more moisture with rising temperatures, which can result in heavier rainfall.
The research specifically connected heavy rainfall in the UK during one winter period to a direct price increase for a lamb roast the following Easter, with a further rise projected for the subsequent year. Experts observe that such weather events can create lasting effects on prices even in nations with advanced agricultural systems.
Farmers report that consecutive wet winters have negatively impacted grass growth, leading to lambs being sent for processing at lower weights and yielding less meat per animal.
Globally, the food and agriculture sector is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. Within the European Union, foods derived from animals account for a large majority of emissions from food production while providing a smaller share of dietary calories and protein.
Lamb production is frequently highlighted as a significant contributor to environmental impacts within the food industry. A separate assessment tool indicates a high emissions equivalent for a standard serving of lamb.
A major international report published in 2025 concluded that a global shift toward primarily plant-based diets could substantially reduce agricultural emissions and potentially prevent millions of annual deaths.
Separate data shows a high volume of lamb imports into Italy during a spring period last year, with concerns raised about the duration and conditions of transport for these animals.
Interactive table based on the Store Companies dataset for this report.
| # | Company | Headquarters | Focus | Scale | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alliance Group | New Zealand | Lamb, mutton, beef | Major exporter | Farmer-owned cooperative |
| 2 | Silver Fern Farms | New Zealand | Lamb, venison, beef | Major exporter | Farmer-owned cooperative |
| 3 | JBS S.A. | Brazil | Beef, poultry, lamb | Global meat giant | Operates in Australia & NZ |
| 4 | Australian Country Choice | Australia | Beef, lamb | Large integrated | Major supplier to domestic market |
| 5 | Teys Australia | Australia | Beef, lamb | Large processor | Joint venture with Cargill |
| 6 | Fletcher International Exports | Australia | Lamb, mutton | Major exporter | Significant processor |
| 7 | Irish Country Meats | Ireland | Lamb | Major EU processor | Part of Dawn Meats group |
| 8 | Dawn Meats | Ireland | Beef, lamb | Major EU processor | Significant lamb operations |
| 9 | Kepak | Ireland | Beef, lamb | Major EU processor | Large Irish meat processor |
| 10 | Moy Park | United Kingdom | Poultry, lamb | Major UK processor | Part of Pilgrim’s Pride |
| 11 | Dunbia | United Kingdom | Beef, lamb, pork | Major UK processor | Part of Dawn Meats group |
| 12 | 2 Sisters Food Group | United Kingdom | Poultry, lamb | Large UK processor | Multi-protein processor |
| 13 | Cranswick plc | United Kingdom | Pork, poultry, lamb | Major UK processor | Diversified meat producer |
| 14 | Vion Food Group | Netherlands | Pork, beef, lamb | Large EU processor | Operates in multiple countries |
| 15 | Gansu Tianzow Animal Husbandry | China | Lamb, mutton | Large Chinese producer | Integrated operation |
| 16 | Inner Mongolia Prairie Xingfa | China | Lamb, mutton | Large Chinese producer | Major regional producer |
| 17 | Murgaca | Uruguay | Lamb, mutton | Significant exporter | Key South American processor |
| 18 | Frigorífico Las Piedras | Uruguay | Lamb, beef | Significant exporter | Major Uruguayan plant |
| 19 | Frigorífico Carrasco | Uruguay | Lamb, beef | Significant exporter | Uruguayan processor |
| 20 | Manuka | South Africa | Lamb, mutton | Major South African | Processor and exporter |
| 21 | Karan Beef | South Africa | Beef, lamb | Large South African | Diversified red meat |
| 22 | Tönnies Holding | Germany | Pork, lamb | Large EU processor | Significant lamb division |
| 23 | Westfleisch | Germany | Pork, beef, lamb | Large cooperative | German meat processor |
| 24 | NH Foods Ltd | Japan | Beef, pork, lamb | Global processor | Operations in Australia |
| 25 | Aurivo (Connacht Gold) | Ireland | Dairy, lamb | Cooperative | Processes lamb |
| 26 | Scottish Meat Company | United Kingdom | Lamb, beef | UK processor | Specialist red meat |
| 27 | Frigorífico Modelo | Argentina | Lamb, mutton | Argentine processor | Patagonian producer |
| 28 | Cactus | France | Lamb, beef | French cooperative | Major French producer |
| 29 | Socopa | France | Beef, lamb | French processor | Part of Bigard group |
| 30 | Meyer Natural Foods | USA | Beef, lamb | US natural meat | Includes lamb operations |
This report provides an in-depth analysis of the global market for lamb and sheep meat. Within it, you will discover the latest data on market trends and opportunities by country, consumption, production and price developments, as well as the global trade (imports and exports). The forecast exhibits the market prospects through 2030.
- Global market volume and value
- Per Capita consumption
- Forecast of the market dynamics in the medium term
- Global production, split by region and country
- Global trade (exports and imports)
- Export and import prices
- Market trends, drivers and restraints
- Key market players and their profiles
1. INTRODUCTION
Report Scope and Analytical Framing
- Report Description
- Research Methodology and the Analytical Framework
- Data-Driven Decisions for Your Business
- Glossary and Product-Specific Terms
2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Concise View of Market Direction
- Key Findings
- Market Trends
- Strategic Implications
- Key Risks and Watchpoints
3. MARKET SIZE AND DEVELOPMENT PATH
Market Size, Growth and Scenario Framing
- Market Size: Historical Data (2012-2025) and Forecast (2026-2035)
- Growth Outlook and Market Development Path to 2035
- Growth Driver Decomposition
- Scenario Framework and Sensitivities
4. CATEGORY SCOPE, DEFINITIONS AND BOUNDARIES
Commercial and Technical Scope
- What Is Included and How the Market Is Defined
- Market Inclusion Criteria
- Product / Category Definition
- Exclusions and Boundaries
- Distinction From Adjacent Products and Substitute Categories
5. CATEGORY STRUCTURE, SEGMENTATION AND PRODUCT MATRIX
How the Market Splits Into Decision-Relevant Buckets
- By Product Type / Configuration
- By Application / End Use
- By Customer / Buyer Type
- By Channel / Business Model / Technology Platform
- Segment Attractiveness Matrix
- Product Matrix and Segment Growth Logic
6. DEMAND, CUSTOMER AND CONSUMER ARCHITECTURE
Where Demand Comes From and How It Behaves
- Consumption / Demand by Country or Region: Historical Data (2012-2025) and Forecast (2026-2035)
- Demand by End-Use and Buyer Group
- Demand by Customer / Consumer Segment
- Purchase Criteria, Switching Logic and Adoption Barriers
- Replacement, Replenishment and Installed-Base Dynamics
- Future Demand Outlook
7. PRODUCTION, SUPPLY AND VALUE CHAIN
Supply Footprint, Trade and Value Capture
- Production by Country
- Manufacturing Footprint and Supply Hubs
- Capacity, Bottlenecks and Supply Risks
- Value Chain Logic and Margin Pools
- Route-to-Market and Distribution Structure
8. TRADE, SOURCING AND IMPORT DEPENDENCE
Trade Flows and External Dependence
- Exports by Country
- Imports by Country
- Trade Balance and Sourcing Structure
- Import Dependence and Supply Resilience
- Strategic Trade Corridors
9. PRICING, PROMOTION AND COMMERCIAL MODEL
Price Formation and Revenue Logic
- Price Levels and Price Corridors
- Pricing by Segment / Specification / Geography
- Cost Drivers and Margin Logic
- Promotion, Discounting and Procurement Patterns
- Revenue Quality and Commercial Levers
10. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE AND PORTFOLIO POWER
Who Wins and Why
- Market Structure and Concentration
- Competitive Archetypes
- Segment-by-Segment Competitive Intensity
- Portfolio Breadth and Product Positioning
- Capability Matrix
- Strategic Moves, Partnerships and Expansion Signals
11. GEOGRAPHIC LANDSCAPE AND COUNTRY ROLES
Where Growth and Supply Concentrate
- Core Demand Markets
- Core Production Markets
- Export Hubs
- Import-Reliant Markets
- Fastest-Growing Markets
- Country Archetypes and Strategic Roles
12. GROWTH PLAYBOOK AND MARKET ENTRY
Commercial Entry and Scaling Priorities
- Where to Play
- How to Win
- Build vs Buy vs Partner
- Route-to-Market Choices
- Localization and Capability Thresholds
- Entry Risks and Mitigation
13. WHERE TO PLAY NEXT: MOST ATTRACTIVE GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES
Where the Best Expansion Logic Sits
- Most Attractive Product Niches
- Most Attractive Customer Segments
- Most Attractive Markets for Commercial Expansion
- White Spaces and Unsaturated Opportunities
- High-Margin and Underpenetrated Pockets
- Most Promising Product Adjacencies
14. PROFILES OF MAJOR COMPANIES
Leading Players and Strategic Archetypes
- Leading Manufacturers and Suppliers
- Regional Specialists and Challengers
- Production Footprint and Manufacturing Capacities
- Product Portfolio and Segment Focus
- Pricing Positioning and Indicative Price Logic
- Channel / Distribution Strength
- Strategic Archetypes
15. COUNTRY PROFILES
Detailed View of the Most Important National Markets
15.1
United States
- Market Size
- Demand Drivers
- Country Role in the Market
- Supply Capability / Production Potential / External Dependence
- Competitive Presence
- Strategic Outlook
15.2
China
- Market Size
- Demand Drivers
- Country Role in the Market
- Supply Capability / Production Potential / External Dependence
- Competitive Presence
- Strategic Outlook
15.3
Japan
- Market Size
- Demand Drivers
- Country Role in the Market
- Supply Capability / Production Potential / External Dependence
- Competitive Presence
- Strategic Outlook
15.4
Germany
- Market Size
- Demand Drivers
- Country Role in the Market
- Supply Capability / Production Potential / External Dependence
- Competitive Presence
- Strategic Outlook
15.5
United Kingdom
- Market Size
- Demand Drivers
- Country Role in the Market
- Supply Capability / Production Potential / External Dependence
- Competitive Presence
- Strategic Outlook
15.6
France
- Market Size
- Demand Drivers
- Country Role in the Market
- Supply Capability / Production Potential / External Dependence
- Competitive Presence
- Strategic Outlook
15.7
Brazil
- Market Size
- Demand Drivers
- Country Role in the Market
- Supply Capability / Production Potential / External Dependence
- Competitive Presence
- Strategic Outlook
15.8
Italy
- Market Size
- Demand Drivers
- Country Role in the Market
- Supply Capability / Production Potential / External Dependence
- Competitive Presence
- Strategic Outlook
15.9
Russian Federation
- Market Size
- Demand Drivers
- Country Role in the Market
- Supply Capability / Production Potential / External Dependence
- Competitive Presence
- Strategic Outlook
15.10
India
- Market Size
- Demand Drivers
- Country Role in the Market
- Supply Capability / Production Potential / External Dependence
- Competitive Presence
- Strategic Outlook
15.11
Canada
- Market Size
- Demand Drivers
- Country Role in the Market
- Supply Capability / Production Potential / External Dependence
- Competitive Presence
- Strategic Outlook
15.12
Australia
- Market Size
- Demand Drivers
- Country Role in the Market
- Supply Capability / Production Potential / External Dependence
- Competitive Presence
- Strategic Outlook
15.13
Republic of Korea
- Market Size
- Demand Drivers
- Country Role in the Market
- Supply Capability / Production Potential / External Dependence
- Competitive Presence
- Strategic Outlook
15.14
Spain
- Market Size
- Demand Drivers
- Country Role in the Market
- Supply Capability / Production Potential / External Dependence
- Competitive Presence
- Strategic Outlook
15.15
Mexico
- Market Size
- Demand Drivers
- Country Role in the Market
- Supply Capability / Production Potential / External Dependence
- Competitive Presence
- Strategic Outlook
15.16
Indonesia
- Market Size
- Demand Drivers
- Country Role in the Market
- Supply Capability / Production Potential / External Dependence
- Competitive Presence
- Strategic Outlook
15.17
Netherlands
- Market Size
- Demand Drivers
- Country Role in the Market
- Supply Capability / Production Potential / External Dependence
- Competitive Presence
- Strategic Outlook
15.18
Turkey
- Market Size
- Demand Drivers
- Country Role in the Market
- Supply Capability / Production Potential / External Dependence
- Competitive Presence
- Strategic Outlook
15.19
Saudi Arabia
- Market Size
- Demand Drivers
- Country Role in the Market
- Supply Capability / Production Potential / External Dependence
- Competitive Presence
- Strategic Outlook
15.20
Switzerland
- Market Size
- Demand Drivers
- Country Role in the Market
- Supply Capability / Production Potential / External Dependence
- Competitive Presence
- Strategic Outlook
15.21
Sweden
- Market Size
- Demand Drivers
- Country Role in the Market
- Supply Capability / Production Potential / External Dependence
- Competitive Presence
- Strategic Outlook
15.22
Nigeria
- Market Size
- Demand Drivers
- Country Role in the Market
- Supply Capability / Production Potential / External Dependence
- Competitive Presence
- Strategic Outlook
15.23
Poland
- Market Size
- Demand Drivers
- Country Role in the Market
- Supply Capability / Production Potential / External Dependence
- Competitive Presence
- Strategic Outlook
15.24
Belgium
- Market Size
- Demand Drivers
- Country Role in the Market
- Supply Capability / Production Potential / External Dependence
- Competitive Presence
- Strategic Outlook
15.25
Argentina
- Market Size
- Demand Drivers
- Country Role in the Market
- Supply Capability / Production Potential / External Dependence
- Competitive Presence
- Strategic Outlook
15.26
Norway
- Market Size
- Demand Drivers
- Country Role in the Market
- Supply Capability / Production Potential / External Dependence
- Competitive Presence
- Strategic Outlook
15.27
Austria
- Market Size
- Demand Drivers
- Country Role in the Market
- Supply Capability / Production Potential / External Dependence
- Competitive Presence
- Strategic Outlook
15.28
Thailand
- Market Size
- Demand Drivers
- Country Role in the Market
- Supply Capability / Production Potential / External Dependence
- Competitive Presence
- Strategic Outlook
15.29
United Arab Emirates
- Market Size
- Demand Drivers
- Country Role in the Market
- Supply Capability / Production Potential / External Dependence
- Competitive Presence
- Strategic Outlook
15.30
Colombia
- Market Size
- Demand Drivers
- Country Role in the Market
- Supply Capability / Production Potential / External Dependence
- Competitive Presence
- Strategic Outlook
15.31
Denmark
- Market Size
- Demand Drivers
- Country Role in the Market
- Supply Capability / Production Potential / External Dependence
- Competitive Presence
- Strategic Outlook
15.32
South Africa
- Market Size
- Demand Drivers
- Country Role in the Market
- Supply Capability / Production Potential / External Dependence
- Competitive Presence
- Strategic Outlook
15.33
Malaysia
- Market Size
- Demand Drivers
- Country Role in the Market
- Supply Capability / Production Potential / External Dependence
- Competitive Presence
- Strategic Outlook
15.34
Israel
- Market Size
- Demand Drivers
- Country Role in the Market
- Supply Capability / Production Potential / External Dependence
- Competitive Presence
- Strategic Outlook
15.35
Singapore
- Market Size
- Demand Drivers
- Country Role in the Market
- Supply Capability / Production Potential / External Dependence
- Competitive Presence
- Strategic Outlook
15.36
Egypt
- Market Size
- Demand Drivers
- Country Role in the Market
- Supply Capability / Production Potential / External Dependence
- Competitive Presence
- Strategic Outlook
15.37
Philippines
- Market Size
- Demand Drivers
- Country Role in the Market
- Supply Capability / Production Potential / External Dependence
- Competitive Presence
- Strategic Outlook
15.38
Finland
- Market Size
- Demand Drivers
- Country Role in the Market
- Supply Capability / Production Potential / External Dependence
- Competitive Presence
- Strategic Outlook
15.39
Chile
- Market Size
- Demand Drivers
- Country Role in the Market
- Supply Capability / Production Potential / External Dependence
- Competitive Presence
- Strategic Outlook
15.40
Ireland
- Market Size
- Demand Drivers
- Country Role in the Market
- Supply Capability / Production Potential / External Dependence
- Competitive Presence
- Strategic Outlook
15.41
Pakistan
- Market Size
- Demand Drivers
- Country Role in the Market
- Supply Capability / Production Potential / External Dependence
- Competitive Presence
- Strategic Outlook
15.42
Greece
- Market Size
- Demand Drivers
- Country Role in the Market
- Supply Capability / Production Potential / External Dependence
- Competitive Presence
- Strategic Outlook
15.43
Portugal
- Market Size
- Demand Drivers
- Country Role in the Market
- Supply Capability / Production Potential / External Dependence
- Competitive Presence
- Strategic Outlook
15.44
Kazakhstan
- Market Size
- Demand Drivers
- Country Role in the Market
- Supply Capability / Production Potential / External Dependence
- Competitive Presence
- Strategic Outlook
15.45
Algeria
- Market Size
- Demand Drivers
- Country Role in the Market
- Supply Capability / Production Potential / External Dependence
- Competitive Presence
- Strategic Outlook
15.46
Czech Republic
- Market Size
- Demand Drivers
- Country Role in the Market
- Supply Capability / Production Potential / External Dependence
- Competitive Presence
- Strategic Outlook
15.47
Qatar
- Market Size
- Demand Drivers
- Country Role in the Market
- Supply Capability / Production Potential / External Dependence
- Competitive Presence
- Strategic Outlook
15.48
Peru
- Market Size
- Demand Drivers
- Country Role in the Market
- Supply Capability / Production Potential / External Dependence
- Competitive Presence
- Strategic Outlook
15.49
Romania
- Market Size
- Demand Drivers
- Country Role in the Market
- Supply Capability / Production Potential / External Dependence
- Competitive Presence
- Strategic Outlook
15.50
Vietnam
- Market Size
- Demand Drivers
- Country Role in the Market
- Supply Capability / Production Potential / External Dependence
- Competitive Presence
- Strategic Outlook
16. METHODOLOGY, SOURCES AND DISCLAIMER
How the Report Was Built
- Modeling Logic
- Source Register
- Publications, Regulatory and Industry References
- Analytical Notes
- Disclaimer
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Alliance Group
Farmer-owned cooperative
Silver Fern Farms
Farmer-owned cooperative
JBS S.A.
Operates in Australia & NZ
Australian Country Choice
Major supplier to domestic market
Teys Australia
Joint venture with Cargill
Fletcher International Exports
Significant processor
Irish Country Meats
Part of Dawn Meats group
Dawn Meats
Significant lamb operations
Kepak
Large Irish meat processor
Moy Park
Part of Pilgrim’s Pride
Dunbia
Part of Dawn Meats group
2 Sisters Food Group
Multi-protein processor
Cranswick plc
Diversified meat producer
Vion Food Group
Operates in multiple countries
Gansu Tianzow Animal Husbandry
Integrated operation
Inner Mongolia Prairie Xingfa
Major regional producer
Murgaca
Key South American processor
Frigorífico Las Piedras
Major Uruguayan plant
Frigorífico Carrasco
Uruguayan processor
Manuka
Processor and exporter
Karan Beef
Diversified red meat
Tönnies Holding
Significant lamb division
Westfleisch
German meat processor
NH Foods Ltd
Operations in Australia
Aurivo (Connacht Gold)
Processes lamb
Scottish Meat Company
Specialist red meat
Frigorífico Modelo
Patagonian producer
Cactus
Major French producer
Socopa
Part of Bigard group
Meyer Natural Foods
Includes lamb operations
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