Butcher sales during April improved on levels in March, though values were mixed compared with a year ago, according to a Millward Brown monthly survey of Australian butchers.
Meat and Livestock Australia reports that a shift by consumers from dining out to cooking more at home may have assisted the increase in meat sales.
Also, improved consumer sentiment over the first half of April, due to the government's economic stimulus measures, may have assisted in boosting sales.
In reporting the survey findings, MLA states that in April 46pc of respondents reported "very good to excellent" beef sales, up from 44pc in March, but below responses in April 2008 (52pc).
For lamb, 43pc of butchers surveyed noted that sales were "very good to excellent", higher than the 27pc of respondents in March reporting such sales and 40pc in April 2008.
About 31pc butchers reported "very good to excellent" pork sales during April compared to 14pc in March and 23pc in April 2008.
During the same period, around 44pc of respondents noted "very good to excellent" sales of chicken, up from 25pc on the previous month, although below the 48pc registered in April last year.
Price information provided by 100 butchers during April indicated mixed beef prices, while lamb prices remained relatively strong on a year earlier.
