Supermarket Perimeter - February 2024 - 11

F
irst it was because of the pandemic, now it's inflation.
Whatever the cause, Americans are shifting their food dollars from
foodservice to retail, and that's unlikely to change in the coming year.
And when it comes to fresh meat and poultry products, retailers have a huge
Right-sized
convenience
opportunity to tap into consumer demand not only for value, but for convenience,
variety, health and companies whose values align with their own.
The challenge will be finding the right formula to combine so many different
wants and needs.
" Consumers are cooking many of their meals at home and we don't anticipate
that this trend will change at the start of 2024, " said Monica Camarin, senior brand
manager for Prairie Fresh.
Pork is perfect for this trend, Camarin said. It doesn't cost as much as other
meats and it's well-suited for consumers looking to " maximize culinary creativity. "
The Prairie Fresh portfolio, which includes Prairie Fresh USA Prime and Prairie
Fresh Signature products, offers a variety of cuts and products that cater to many
consumer preferences and cooking levels, she said.
" Shoppers are on the hunt for high-value products that are nutritious and
delicious yet don't break the bank. Pork is an excellent choice for value-minded
shoppers. With the variety of lean cuts available at exceptional price points, health
benefits and culinary versatility, it's a wholesome protein source that anyone will
be confident serving their family. "
Price - and value
Jake Fazio, vice president of retail sales for Niman Ranch, characterizes the
current dominant consumer attitude toward fresh meat purchases as a " having
your cake and eating it too " phenomenon.
" They're certainly keeping an eye on their grocery budgets and looking for
ways to save when possible, but without compromising on quality or their values. "
For instance, demand for claims on meat has been climbing for years and
should continue in 2024, despite inflationary pressures.
" It's really exciting to see consumer values, particularly with younger
generations, driving growth, " Fazio said. " Millennials and Gen Z are shopping with
their values. "
That means supporting brands, like Niman Ranch, that offer humanely raised,
antibiotic-free meats produced sustainably by independent family farmers.
" Consumers want to know the story of their food and to feel good about their
purchases, " Fazio said. " Transparency is critical. "
Camarin agreed that price won't be the only thing on consumers' minds in
2024. Convenience is still at the top of the list, even if that means spending a
bit more.
Pre-seasoned products like Prairie Fresh Signature, for instance, are a simple
way for shoppers to reduce the number of items to purchase to prepare a
wholesome and flavorful meal, Camarin said.
" Value-added lines deliver convenience and quality in one package for a hasslefree
home-cooked meal. "
Prairie Fresh has many new products in the pipeline in 2024 that will continue
to grow the company's value-added product roster.
When it comes to flavor trends, there's nothing hotter than spicy, Camarin said.
Prairie Fresh is tapping into the demand for all things spicy with its new Prairie
Fresh Signature Nashville Hot pork loin filet.
" It's an unexpected twist on a popular flavor profile, " Camarin said.
Simpler is better
In 2024, Niman Ranch will streamline some of its retail offerings.
supermarketperimeter.com
RISE OF THE NO-COMPROMISE
CONVENIENCE HUNTER
Time-strapped consumers are looking for more
ways to cut corners on time but not on taste
in 2024. Tyson Foods expects to see more of
these No-Compromise Convenience Hunters
dominating the grocery store aisles as they
seek out protein products that save them prep
time without sacrificing flavor or freshness.
Purchase intent for these types of products has
doubled over the past seven years and shows
no signs of dropping off. A few ways this will
show up are pre-seasoned meat cuts and meal
packs that combine a protein serving with all
the other necessary ingredients, so people can
make a great-tasting meal without making a
last-minute dash to the store.
SLOW-MO BREAKFAST IS A NO GO
With commute times returning to near-prepandemic
levels, consumers are in a bind:
they don't feel they have time for a leisurely
breakfast, yet they don't want to give up on a
healthy starter meal that packs in the protein.
Tyson Foods is seeing a rising interest in
breakfast foods that are held in the hand and
are enjoyed on the go. Breakfast sandwiches
were the fastest-growing item at fast-food
restaurants and at convenience stores, too,
according to data from Circana. But that
doesn't have to mean a granola bar or cold
toaster pastry - people with no time for a
slow-mo breakfast are leaning toward nutrientdense
foods and scrutinizing the grams of
protein per serving.
SHOP SMALL OR NOT AT ALL
Faced with the prospect of growing inflation
and interest rates in 2024, some consumers
are saying less is more at the grocery store.
In 2024, that means both smaller basket size
and smaller packages of fresh meat, with lower
prices to match. Where do consumers most
want to see smaller sizes? Fresh chicken breast
filets. Tyson is meeting the needs of smaller
households and families who want affordable
prices at reasonable net sizes, like its twin pack
of 6-ounce pre-seasoned, marinated fresh
chicken breast fillets.
FEBRUARY 2024 - 11
https://www.washingtonpost.com/food/2023/10/24/breakfast-sandwich-popularity-cereal/ http://www.supermarketperimeter.com
Supermarket Perimeter - February 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Supermarket Perimeter - February 2024
