After years of increasing prices in a volume-challenged marketplace, deflation is profoundly changing the meat purchase yet again. The Food Marketing Institute (FMI) and the North American Meat Institute (NAMI) have released their annual consumer trends analysis of the food retail meat department, finding that price relief is driving a greater willingness for experimentation and premium product purchases among consumers.
In its 12th year, the study, made possible by Sealed Air’s Food Care Division, demonstrates how thoughtful curation of the meat case tailored to shopper needs, trends and innovation can influence incremental sales and provide the industry with opportunities to foster high levels of satisfaction and drive spending and loyalty. The study, for instance, found that selling meat as part of a total meal solution in ready-to-prepare meal kits drew consumer interest and has the potential to yield increased sales.