Sales of lamb and cheese rose by 80% during lockdown thanks to the nations love for kebabs and pizzas, according to estimates by Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) analysts.

Latest research shows that during lockdown, Chinese, Indian and pizza takeaways fared the best out of all food delivery outlets, leading to lamb volume sales in takeaways rising by 82% and cheese up 78%.

Research also shows that other sectors fared less well, with the loss of major burger outlets hindering beef and potato performances with volumes falling 22% and 35% respectively.

“The volume of lamb used in takeaways rose by 1,300 tonnes with a full 60%  used in lamb kebabs. Cheese volumes in takeaways grew by 4,600 tonnes, boosted by pizza chains which remained open during lockdown.”

Kim Malley, AHDB retail insight manager, said: “The takeaway and delivery market is more important for some AHDB sectors than others, because of the nature of the dishes popular in this channel.

“The volume of lamb used in takeaways rose by 1,300 tonnes with a full 60%  used in lamb kebabs. Cheese volumes in takeaways grew by 4,600 tonnes, boosted by pizza chains which remained open during lockdown.”

Overall, the takeaway and delivery market fell by 41% in April, with the data also showing a major shift in how meals were distributed to consumers.

In April, takeaway collections and drive-throughs saw their share collapse from 84% to just 31% as consumers observed strict social-distancing rules and a growth in routes that involve minimal contact.

With major chains now returning to the takeaway and delivery market and eating-out not a possibility until July 4th, AHDB estimates suggest this market will peak in June but will maintain double-digit growth until the eating-out market starts to normalise.