Where do UK consumers like to buy their steak?

Conducted as part of the World Steak Challenge event, 1,004 people were interviewed by the consumer research firm in April, with 59% of participants purchasing steak from supermarkets in-store.

The survey was representative of age, gender and region profiles of the UK and selected consumers at random on the weekly ‘omnibus’ study.

Local butchers came in at second at 33%, while 16% said they would never buy steak. Other overall results showed that 10% purchased steak from farm shops and 9% online through a supermarket or other food store.

Participants’ income and age played a major factor in where consumers purchased steak. Percentages increased in the local butcher and online sector for those who earned a higher wage and people aged between 25 and 34.

Those with a higher income – £48,000 and above – preferred to buy steak from a local butcher, at 43%, while those aged between 25 and 34 opted to buy steak online, at 18%.  

As consumers become increasingly curious where their meat comes from, the research found that older people preferred their steak to be ‘British’.

Overall, 28% said they preferred buying steak produced in the UK, while further evidence showed that consumer confidence in buying steak produced from another country was still low, with only 3% doing so.

Quality endorsements of steak were also flagged up as an important element, with more people inspecting farming trademarks and awards displayed on product packaging.

Research found that the younger generation were more likely to find this important, while older age groups and those with a lower income – up to £14,000 – were less likely to find them important.

The research was conducted to gain an insight into UK consumers’ steak preferences in the run-up to the anticipated World Steak Challenge event on 4 July.

The event, which is held at the Magic Roundabout venue in London, is inviting the world’s best producers to enter the competition and to earn the coveted title of the World’s Best Steak.

Think your steak is a cut above the rest and wanting to beef up your business? Then this is the perfect opportunity to do so.

Deadline for entries is 4 June and you can enter through the World Steak Challenge website​.