United Kingdom: Market for Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat 2024

Market Size for Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat in the UK

For the fourth year in a row, the UK market for horse, mule and donkey meat recorded growth in sales value, which increased by 2.8% to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, consumption showed a resilient increase. Horse, mule and donkey meat consumption peaked in 2022 and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Production of Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat in the UK

In value terms, horse, mule and donkey meat production stood at $X in 2022 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +2.2% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being observed in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when the production volume increased by 8.5% against the previous year. Horse, mule and donkey meat production peaked at $X in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, production failed to regain momentum.

The average yield of horse, mule and donkey meat in the UK amounted to X kg per head in 2022, surging by 2.1% against the previous year. In general, the yield, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The horse, mule and donkey meat yield peaked at X kg per head in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, the yield stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In 2022, number of animals slaughtered for horse, mule and donkey meat production in the UK shrank slightly to X heads, waning by -1.7% compared with the previous year's figure. Over the period under review, the number of producing animals, however, continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of 3.4%. Over the period under review, this number hit record highs at X heads in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2022, producing animals failed to regain momentum.

Exports of Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat

Exports from the UK

In 2022, approx. X tons of horse, mule and donkey meat were exported from the UK; shrinking by -18.9% against the previous year's figure. Overall, exports continue to indicate a precipitous curtailment. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 when exports increased by 39% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports reached the maximum at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, horse, mule and donkey meat exports contracted slightly to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, exports faced a dramatic setback. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 53%. The exports peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

France (X tons) was the main destination for horse, mule and donkey meat exports from the UK, with a approx. 99% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume to France amounted to -24.5%.

In value terms, France ($X) also remains the key foreign market for horse, mule and donkey meat exports from the UK.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value to France stood at -23.7%.

Export Prices by Country

The average export price for horse, mule and donkey meat stood at $X per ton in 2022, jumping by 19% against the previous year. Over the last decade, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.5%. Over the period under review, the average export prices attained the maximum at $X per ton in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

As there is only one major export destination, the average price level is determined by prices for France.

From 2012 to 2022, the rate of growth in terms of prices for Belgium amounted to +2.5% per year.

Imports of Horse, Mule and Donkey Meat

Imports into the UK

In 2022, overseas purchases of horse, mule and donkey meat decreased by 0% to X tons, falling for the third consecutive year after two years of decline. Over the period under review, imports faced a precipitous descent. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of 7,293%. Imports peaked at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, horse, mule and donkey meat imports totaled $X in 2022. Overall, imports faced a deep slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 with an increase of 3,280%. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Romania (X tons) constituted the largest horse, mule and donkey meat supplier to the UK, with a 71% share of total imports. Moreover, horse, mule and donkey meat imports from Romania exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Australia (X kg), twofold.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume from Romania was relatively modest.

In value terms, Romania ($X) constituted the largest supplier of horse, mule and donkey meat to the UK, comprising 74% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Australia ($X), with a 26% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value from Romania was relatively modest.

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the average import price for horse, mule and donkey meat amounted to $X per ton, approximately reflecting the previous year. In general, the import price saw a strong increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 an increase of 230%. Over the period under review, average import prices attained the peak figure at $X per ton in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2022, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major supplying countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Romania ($X per ton), while the price for Australia totaled $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Ireland (+1.8%).

Source: IndexBox Platform

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