Supermarket Perimeter - June 2023 - 42

Meat & Poultry
PORK
By Andy Nelson
RETAIL DEMAND FOR FRESH PORK continues to hold strong,
but the supply chain is struggling due to fluctuations in the global
export market.
Those supply chain issues have resulted in low and unstable prices
that the industry is working through, said Jim Rogers, senior vice
president of Arkansas City, Kan.-based Creekstone Farms.
" What's encouraging is that consumer demand remains high and
steady, and due to the market's current pricing volatility, shoppers are
currently able to get a great value on pork when they're filling their
baskets at the supermarket, " Rogers said. " Overall, pork continues to be
a win for shoppers who are looking for an accessible premium protein
and an elevated eating experience. "
According to recent consumer research, two-thirds of shoppers
believe that pork is a good value compared to other meat proteins -
and price is still the number one indicator of purchasing intent.
Dollar sales of both pork and beef are up since 2020, with pork (3%)
slightly outpacing beef (2.5%), according to Nielsen data cited by Rikki
Ingram, director of fresh meats marketing for Springdale, Ark.-based
Tyson Foods.
That difference is not a factor of price inflation, she said, because the
price of pork and beef increased at similar rates in that time (12.1% and
12.4%, respectively).
" We know inflation is impacting consumers' shopping habits, " Ingram
said. " For example, they may be trading proteins based on price or
upgrading to premium cuts in lieu of dining out. With that change in
42 - JUNE 2023
behavior comes a valuable opportunity to educate consumers on all the
benefits pork has to offer. "
Namely: it's versatile and rich in flavor, and it can help consumers'
dollars stretch a bit further when shopping for nutritious protein for
their families.
" Pork is truly the perfect protein in inflationary times. "
Despite the inflationary climate, Merriam, Kan.-based Seaboard
Foods, producers of Prairie Fresh meats, is seeing stronger demand for
Prairie Fresh Signature, the brand's pre-seasoned and marinated pork
products, said Emma Pierce, brand manager.
" Consumers are looking for ways to save time, while still putting a
nutritious flavorful meal on the table, " she said.
Pork, Pierce added, offers tremendous value for shoppers who
are navigating the current inflationary environment. It's available to
consumers in a variety of cuts that are economical and well-suited for
numerous cuisines and occasions, giving shoppers a unique canvas for
culinary creativity.
" We're committed to working with retail customers to set
promotional deals and lend merchandising support to help drive
branded pork sales. "
Beyond price
Right on the heels of price among the top reasons consumers choose
pork are packaging callouts highlighting additional attributes that are
important to consumers.
supermarketperimeter.com
Tyson , Niman Ranch
http://www.supermarketperimeter.com
Supermarket Perimeter - June 2023

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