Bacon in its many forms has been enjoyed right across the country, and overall there are no major variations from region to region - no region deviates more than 10 per cent from the national average. Consumption is higher in the South, Wales, Midlands and Lancashire.

However, more interesting and pronounced regional differences manifest themselves when looking more closely at the individual market sectors, where historical consumption patterns are evident.

Bacon rashers: consumption of bacon rashers is highest in Lancashire, Midlands, Scotland and Wales.

Bacon joints: consumption of bacon and gammon joints is much higher in the South, London, Wales and the South West.

Bacon steaks/Chops: Scottish consumers are by far the heaviest consumers of bacon steaks, followed by consumers in Wales and the Midlands.

Loose versus Prepacked Bacon Rashers: a definite North/South divide, with consumption of loose rashers significantly higher in the north East, Yorkshire, Lancashire and the Midlands.

Bacon Rashers Cuts: again, strong regional differences with higher consumption of middle bacon in the South West and Midlands, as well as the three Northern regions (North East, Yorkshire, Lancashire), while back rashers are the clear favourites in Scotland and Wales. While streaky rashers are a much smaller part of the market, they are most heavily consumed in the South West, South, Midlands, Anglia and London.

Unsmoked versus Smoked Bacon Rashers: preference for smoked bacon is much more evident in Scotland, London, Anglia and the South. Currently, unsmoked is popular in Lancashire, North East, Yorkshire, Midlands and Wales.