The turkey industry’s economic recovery picked up steam through most of 2014 and seems well-positioned going into the expected production bump (based on poultry placements) in September-October production. However, the key to the successful business of profitable production is to increase the consumer demand for turkey.
The National Turkey Federation, led by chairman Gary Cooper of Cooper Farms, has identified opportunities for increasing demand beyond the annual consumption of 16-17 pounds of turkey per capita. Rather than the umbrella-type marketing of recent decades, Cooper’s goal is product promotion and increased awareness among key influencers of retail and foodservice consumers.