Bacon sales up

British shoppers increased the amount spent on bacon to more than £1bn (1.49bn) in the past year, latest figures show.

The 6% year-on-year rise was mainly due to rashers getting more expensive.

On average, British households buy bacon three times per week, according to figures from market analysts TNS Worldpanel.

Pork chops suffered the biggest popularity dip with sales down 24% year-on-year.

Overall spending on all bacon, pork chops and gammon steaks increased 6% to £1.04bn (€1.44bn).

Producers have tried hard to promote healthier options in the wake of obesity concerns.

“There has been a rise in sales of products offering a lower fat and salt content and an increase in customer interest in premium bacon,” according to a report in The Grocer.