Supermarket Sleuths: Aussie butchers share insights on spring and summer meat trends
One of Australia's favourite 'cheap eats' is the latest victim of cost of living pressures, just as barbeque season is heating up.
Sausage prices are on the rise, with supermarket shoppers noticing higher prices for everything from basic snags, usually bought in bulk, to popular gourmet varieties.
Matthew Oltoumis, General Manager at Cannings Butchers in Melbourne, confirms to nine.com.au: "Yes, sausage prices have risen slightly, mainly due to higher beef, lamb, and pork costs.
Supermarket shoppers have noticed sausage prices are on the rise. Nine
"But they're still one of the best-value options when you need to feed a family or a big group, and they'll always be a barbecue favourite.
"Sausages remain one of the most affordable barbecue staples, even though prices have crept up a bit across the industry because of supply-chain costs."
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The price hikes are 'mainly due to higher beef, lamb, and pork costs'. Nine
Craig Collins, Retail Supervisor at Bush's Meats, attributes rising sausage prices across the market to "rising production and ingredient costs".
"However, we work hard to stay competitive and keep this everyday favourite affordable for our customers. We also love to offer variety — creating new and interesting flavours that are great quality and still well-priced."
2025 has seen the price of all meats increase and a resulting change in behaviour by customers who are "becoming more selective" when it comes to choosing meat products.
"Instead of buying big bulk packs, they're looking for quality and value in each meal. We've seen a real shift toward versatile cuts that stretch further," Oltoumis says.
"Things like chicken thighs, beef mince, and lamb shoulder."
Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland are the highest spending states when it comes to butcher sales, making up 80 per cent of nation-wide sales, according to data released by business payment platform Tyro.
Total butcher spend nation-wide is on par with 2024 stats. Tyro
Matthew Oltoumis, General Manager at Cannings Butchers in Melbourne. Chalk Studio
December is still expected to be the top performing month for meat sales, accounting for 12 per cent of yearly turnover in previous years thanks to a boost from Christmas and summer holiday sales.
As customers become more mindful about how they spend their supermarket budgets, Oltoumis has noted more demand for free range chicken, lamb, sustainable seafood "and any cuts that make quick, easy meals".
"Barbecue favourites like sausages, chicken skewers, and butterflied lamb legs always take off once the weather warms up. And of course, premium beef steaks like rib-eye and scotch fillet are still popular for weekend entertaining."
Customers have become more mindful about how they spend their supermarket budgets. Nine
"Family boxes and mixed BBQ packs have also become more popular because they offer convenience and value without cutting corners on quality."
Collins says beef is still a favourite for barbeques, "especially premium cuts like Scotch fillet".
"Spring lamb also makes a big comeback this time of year."
Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland are the highest spending states. Tyro
Craig Collins, Retail Supervisor at Bush's Meats. AJ Bush Meats
He too has noticed customers are "being a bit more mindful with their weekly shop, but they still want quality meat and the cuts they love".
"Many are choosing value items like mince, diced meat, and crumbed products during the week, then treating themselves to premium cuts — like steaks or roasts — for the weekend.
"While buying habits have adjusted slightly, the average sale per customer has actually increased in line with price rises."
'Many are choosing value items.' Nine
'The average sale per customer has actually increased in line with price rises.' Nine
Oltoumis says the most most affordable cuts of meat at the moment are "chicken thighs, drumettes, and pork ribs are still really good value, and you can do so much with them".
"Pork roasts and shoulders are also great options for slow cooking or pulled-pork dishes that feed a crowd.
Collins says customers can look out for "bulk-buy options and weekly specials" to save.
Despite cost of living pressures, Christmas is shaping up nicely.
"We expect another strong Christmas for butchers. Classic barbecue cuts like scotch fillet, rump, T-bone, and lamb chops will be in high demand right through December," Oltoumis says.
"Slow-cooked favourites like pork and lamb shoulder are also trending for festive feasts. Hams are already generating plenty of interest, especially traditionally smoked, bone-in hams, and customers are getting in early with pre-orders.
"It does feel like people are planning ahead more than ever this year."
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Classic barbecue cuts like scotch fillet, rump, T-bone, and lamb chops will be in high demand. Nine
Collins also feels it will be a "very promising" Christmas.
"Customers are already asking about popular cuts like Scotch fillet and rib eye, as well as special items such as turkey and porchetta.
"Everyone wants their Christmas table to look delicious and offer plenty of variety. Our Christmas hams are always a favourite and tend to sell out quickly. They'll be in stores from the first week of December."
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