The interest by an expansive base of shoppers in cooked, fried and smoked meat and poultry creates attractive revenue opportunities for retailers. With a robust segment of consumers willing to pay more for the convenience of ready-to-eat or heat-and-eat selections and the unique flavor profiles of such items, astute meat and poultry processors can generate greater payback from the category.
The Power of Meat 2017 report, for instance, notes 40 percent of shoppers say they purchase ready-to-eat meat and poultry at least once a week, up from 33 percent in 2010. Forty-five percent of shoppers, meanwhile, say they prepare heat-and-eat items at least once a week, an increase from 29 percent in 2010.