Supermarket Perimeter - February 2024 - 58

Meat & Poultry
BACON
By Keith Loria
BACON IS EVERYWHERE. From topping Bloody Marys to wrapping
up a Thanksgiving turkey, bacon has come a long way from its crispy
breakfast beginnings.
In fact, while it remains a breakfast basic, bacon has also become a
major player at lunch and dinner as a featured ingredient in recipes,
burgers, sandwiches, even snacks and charcuterie boards.
Patrick Fleming, new business development manager at Midan
Marketing, said that wherever and whenever consumers get together,
bacon is there to meet their needs and add the extra flavor they crave to
their favorite dishes.
Recent years have seen an increase in different flavors out in the
market, such as Maple Bacon and Jalapeno, and different smokes that
can work across multitudes of recipes and eating occasions.
" Flavor has become a real purchase driver and as prices moderate,
bacon producers are responding to consumer preferences such
as smaller batches with greater levels of flavor. New flavor profiles
including pepper bacon and sweet bacon with honey and brown sugar;
and a wider selection of unique smoked varieties such as applewood
and hickory hardwood-smoked bacon, " Fleming said.
J.D. Enrici, vice president sales and marketing at Coleman Natural
Foods, noted that while inflation continues to drive changes in
consumer behavior, which has impacts across categories including
58 - FEBRUARY 2024
bacon, in some ways, these shifts provide benefits as familiar, versatile
cuts like bacon bring protein variety to the plate.
" Interest in value-added meat, including heat-and-eat, pre-cut or preseasoned
meat, has also grown, as people look for time-saving options
while planning their meals for the week, " he said. " Other bacon category
trends include growing interest in thicker cuts, such as Canadian Bacon
products, and in new flavors and recipes that also highlight bacon's
versatility. "
The category has been growing and evolving for years, and 2024
isn't expected to be anything different, as those in the industry expect
another strong year ahead.
" We see consumers eating it across all parts of the day, whether
traditionally paired with eggs or even eaten as a snack, and consumers
are always looking for new ways to enjoy it, " said Gina Gancheva,
director of brand management for Applegate. " We expect to see
more thick cut bacon in the market as consumers look for a richer,
more decadent eating experience, and we also think we'll see more
convenience plays in this space-this would include fully cooked bacon
or microwave ready bacon. "
Another trend is more companies on shelf with cleaner labels,
offering no antibiotics or no nitrates, as more brands have been joining
the movement each year with higher standards and new launches.
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Supermarket Perimeter - February 2024

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