Supermarket Perimeter - May 2024 - 68

Meat & Poultry: Case ready
" It's extremely encouraging how consumers feel about the quality of
the product that comes into a store that's case-ready, " he said. " A lot of
consumers don't understand the difference as case-ready has become
more the norm. And case-ready is certainly a necessity today. "
Jamie Dik, head of Cargill's case-ready protein business, said that for
retailers, one of the most exciting trends is that 9 of 10 shoppers believe
case-ready meat is the same quality or better as meat that is cut and
packaged in-store.
" That's a record-high acceptance rate according to Cargill's recent
research, and it provides retailers with the opportunity to utilize caseready
meat as a labor-saving option, " Dik said. " It allows their meat
department employees to spend less time in the back room and more
time out front helping shoppers. "
Kelly Zimmerman, innovation and insights manager for Harrisonburg,
Va.-based Farmer Focus, noted as people are returning to work and
looking for added convenience in general, these value-add items really
help to make the meat case a destination in the grocery store.
" Our year-to-date dollars per store selling is up 35% solely case-ready
product, " she said. " We attribute this to consumer support of 'better for
you' brands, as well as shifting generational mindsets. Consumers want
to build relationships with brands, and the on-pack messaging on caseready
products allows a unique connection point between shoppers
and brands that isn't always available at the meat counter. "
There are a growing number of product offerings in case-ready as it
has increased beyond core products to include new cuts, proteins, and
value-add items.
" With 75% of shoppers looking to recreate restaurant meals at home,
case-ready provides solutions to make every meal occasion special, "
Zimmerman said. " 63% of consumers like to know where their food
comes from, and case-ready packaging provides them an opportunity
to learn more about the products and brands they are shopping. "
The category expands
To remain at the forefront of industry trends, it's imperative that
companies expand and diversify their case-ready portfolio.
For instance, the innovations team at Tyson Foods is constantly
working to identify opportunities for growth, consistently prioritizing its
case-ready product line.
" This focus is strategic and is not only critical for our team, but for the
industry as a whole, " Ingram said. " Our roll stock case-ready portfolio is
expanding, featuring new Chairman's Reserve Platinum Beef offerings
and two additional Chairman's Reserve Prime Pork items. Our Tyson
seasoned and marinated case-ready portfolio is also growing to include
pork loin filets in five flavors, pork loin griller steaks in steakhouse, herb
and olive oil, homestyle rotisserie, teriyaki and Southwest. "
Tyson Foods will also be introducing seasoned and marinated poultry
such as portioned chicken breast filets, chicken breast fajita strips,
chicken tenders and thighs in the year ahead.
LaPerriere noted rollstock vacuum packaging has become really
accepted by consumers.
" When they were first introduced, it was difficult to believe
consumers would accept something in a brick form, but they have, " he
said. " Our products have an easy-open, easy-peel, and is freezer ready,
which I think consumers are looking for. "
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Danielle Marta, director of marketing and product management
for Thomas Foods International, USA, noted case-ready meats are
incredibly versatile and a great way to shop for fresh meats for day-of
preparation, weekly meal planning, and even for consumers to stock up
their freezers for a later day.
" Most items are recipe- and grill-ready and already cut to portion
size, " she said. " Case-ready proteins offer an extended shelf life, so we
should highlight their overall freshness for meal planning, convenience
as a grab-and go selection in the meat case, and easy preparation. "
Thomas Foods offers a full portfolio of case-ready meats including
pasture-raised lamb, grass fed and organic beef, Angus, Wagyu, milk-fed
veal, free range goat, pork, and exotics including bison and venison.
Alicja Spaulding, chief marketing officer for Rastelli Foods Group,
a global food processor and distributor based in Swedesboro, N.J.,
noted that the Annual Meat Conference spotlighted a trend towards
proportioned steaks and meat cuts representing an important shift
towards efficiency and sustainability in the meat industry.
" This trend is a response to consumers' needs for products that are
easy to manage, store, and cook, reducing waste and optimizing value, "
Packaging with QR
code links to recipes,
preparation tips and
other information is a hit
with consumers hungry
to learn more about the
products they eat.
Thomas Farms, Tyson Foods
http://www.supermarketperimeter.com
Supermarket Perimeter - May 2024

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