Here are a few predictions to consider as we saddle up for 2023.

Bacon remains popular as a versatile but familiar comfort food.

Driven by the huge increase in at-home meal occasions during the COVID-19 pandemic, bacon, like numerous other proteins, has seen an upsurge in overall buyers vs. a year ago for the latest 52 weeks, ending June 14, 2020, in multi-retail outlets, excluding convenience, according to IRI, Chicago. 

With the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. consumer purchase behavior has shifted to more retail and less foodservice, and ground products have been go-to-products for people sheltering in place. In turn, increased demands to meet production needs are challenging processors to keep grinding and stuffing equipment highly operational at top speeds.

Is the time right for foodservice operators, particularly upscale casual restaurants, to adjust their menus to a post-recession reality?

Meat and poultry, which traditionally have been powerful supermarket deli magnets, are becoming less forceful.