US: National Meat Case Study 2007 published

The National Meat Case Study for 2007 has revealed that consumers are still looking for convenience and ease in preparing meals.

Director of retail marketing for the Pork Checkoff, Jarrod Sutton, says that there is a need for retailers to simplify shopping for consumers by increasing communications on packaging.

The 2007 study included 121 retail supermarkets and 10 club stores in 48 metro markets across 34 states.

The study, sponsored by Sealed Air's Cryovac Food Packaging, the Beef Checkoff and the National Pork Board, indicated that pork leads the trend of value-added products. Fresh pork increased 11 percentage points to 23% of fresh pork packages. Turkey was up 5 percentage points to 19% and beef was up 3 percentage points to 7%.

Natural and organic meats
An increase in natural and organic meats was revealed with chicken at 67% with the highest share. Fresh pork followed behind beef at 15%.

A significant shift towards more case ready packaging such as microwavable packaging was shown and away from in-store packaging.

In 2007, 64% of the meat packages were case ready compared to less than 50% in 2002. Lamb/veal and pork had the largest percentage point change.

"The National Meat Case Study provides valuable information that's used widely," said Sutton. "We will share this information with retailers as they review their current merchandising strategies."

Related website:

Pork Checkoff

For the latest pig news, subscribe here