Supermarket Perimeter - November 2023 - 46

Meat & Poultry: Premium cuts
The result is " restaurant-quality right at home. " Varieties in the line
include pork loin back ribs, pork tenderloin, bone-in pork shoulder butt,
boneless pork loin, spareribs and bacon.
Prairie Fresh introduced Prairie Fresh USA Prime at the Annual Meat
Conference in 2023. Camarin said the line fills a void in the meat case, not
only providing products customers crave but also helping deliver value to
retailers.
" We've seen great success already, " she said. " Consumers are in search of
premium cuts to help re-create restaurant-quality meals at home. "
The demand for premium meats isn't as high as it was a few years ago,
but it's still strong, said Michael Uetz, principal of Midan Marketing.
Currently, celebrations are the primary driver in the premium category,
Uetz said.
" One of the top ways we see consumers saving money right now is
by dining out less. This year's Power of Meat report showed that 71% of
consumers say they are eating out less and 87% of those say they are
trying to recreate restaurant meals at home. "
Instead of an anniversary dinner at the local steakhouse, consumers are
picking up premium steaks to cook at home to save a few dollars.
Many shoppers are still hosting friends and family less often than they
did pre-pandemic, but they're willing to splurge on a more premium
product when entertaining.
Pre-seasoned and marinated premium products
Another Prairie Fresh premium product line enjoying strong growth is
Prairie Fresh Signature, the brand's line of pre-seasoned and marinated
pork products.
" It provides consumers with exactly what they're looking for - value
and convenience - in one package, " Camarin said. " Home cooks of all skill
levels can rely on Prairie Fresh Signature products to make a great meal. "
As consumers continue to navigate economic stress and inflation,
finding high-value products in the grocery store is more crucial than ever,
she added.
With the current per-pound price, pork provides exceptional value to
consumers, as well as culinary versatility thanks to a variety of cuts, added
flavors and countless preparations that can satisfy nearly any tastebud.
According to The Power of Meat 2023 report, 57% of consumers said
meat quality and appearance were top reasons for choosing where they
purchase meat products.
With shoppers being more mindful and observant about where their
food is sourced from and how it's grown and raised, Camarin said, retailers
are constantly in search of quality products and reliable partners.
" Prairie Fresh recognized this gap in the market and, in response,
developed Prairie Fresh USA Prime. We also continue to monitor consumer
trends that inspire new flavors and cuts; plus, we track sales data to ensure
our products are performing well. "
Veal: a new take on premium
Veal is among the high-end meats showing up in more
and more retail grocery meat cases. According to
Tastewise data cited by Frans van Dongen, director
of international affairs for the Dutch Meat Industry
Association, veal marsala mentions on social media
have grown by 18.3% in 2023. " We are excited to
see veal gaining popularity, " van Dongen said. " Veal
is a versatile protein that offers an elevated eating
experience. "
Veal is still in the " adoption " stage in the US, van
Dongen added. Famous for its delicate taste and
texture, he said, it's a great fit for adventurous home
cooks who've spent the last few years honing their
skills in the kitchen.
Retailers can capture curious consumers by crossmerchandising
ingredients for veal entrees like
Cotoletta alla Bolognese, van Dongen said. " We're
helping retailers educate consumers on how they
can create a unique and elevated eating experience
with the same high-quality product while cooking
at home. "
European veal exporters are also hoping their brand
story is one that will appeal to American consumers.
Calves marketed under the Trusted Veal from Europe
brand are fed a diet of milk and multigrain fodder,
raised humanely in sustainable environments and can
be traced to their farms of origin.
46 - NOVEMBER 2023
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