Best Seller For Iftar Dishes During Ramadan, Lamb Prices Skyrocket In The UK

JAKARTA - The price of sheep in the UK has skyrocketed by 17 percent over the same time last year, as farmers see a surge in demand during Ramadan.

Previously, the UK's Agricultural and Horticultural Development Agency (AHDB) had been monitoring sheep prices, which have continued to soar since the start of the year.

Rebecca Wright, senior red meat analyst at AHDB told The National, that prices could continue to climb over the next few weeks.

"The price of ewes is 17 percent above the previous year's level of around £105 (Rp1,964,443) per head," he said, quoted by The National News, April 12.

"Prices tend to peak around Easter because supply in the UK is lowest. It's the same when demand peaks and especially this year with Ramadan falling at the same time as Easter."

"Demand for lamb always increases ahead of Islamic holidays, because demand for consumption increases with social gatherings."

"Prices have increased in recent years, driven by tightening global supply of sheep and goats, as well as increasing demand in Asia, which has pulled New Zealand products from the European market," he said.

Furthermore, Wright also said that lamb is often served on various iftar occasions together.

"Lamb and mutton are very prominent. Lamb meat is usually used in kebabs and curries," he said.

Wright also added that sheep prices usually hit their lowest point in the fall, when supplies are plentiful.

It is known, the price of sheep last fall decreased by 70 percent, to 70 pounds (IDR 1.309.629) per head.