Supermarket Perimeter - September 2022 - 43

OCTOBER IS NATIONAL PORK MONTH, and there's much to celebrate as pork
sales have been strong this year, following a continuing trend.
As cost of protein increases, particularly beef, pork has become more desirable at
In 2021, pork
was the most
widely consumed
protein on
Earth.
88 percent of
pork products
sold in 2021
were branded
The U.S.
produces 12% of
the world's pork.
40% of shoppers
want to see
more claims
like " no added
hormones, "
" raised without
antibiotics " and
" all-natural. "
retail and gaining momentum.
" Lower price points for feature activity and a lower retail means less shrink if
markdowns or throwaways are required, " said Luke LaPerriere, vice president of
retail innovations for Perdue Premium Meat Company. " Case ready product is on
trend right now because of the cost of labor at store level. "
Jim Wallace, senior director of fresh pork at Niman Ranch, noted there's not
another protein out there that has the diversity of use and taste across the entire
carcass.
" While prices are obviously up this year due to commodity markets and the grain
market, pork still offers great value and versatility, " he said.
Jim Rogers, senior vice president of sales at Creekstone Farms, noted consumers
are increasingly interested in health, which bodes well for pork.
In fact, 40 percent of shoppers want to see more claims like " no added hormones, "
" raised without antibiotics " and " all-natural " in the retail meat case, according to the
2022 Power of Meat report.
" Additionally, consumers often turn to brands they know and trust in times of
uncertainty as a way to reduce their purchasing risk, " Rogers said. " This applies to
both name brands and private labels. Fresh pork stands out from other meats, with
88 percent of pork products branded in 2021. "
Responding to trends
Kent Harrison, vice president, fresh meats marketing and premium programs for
Tyson Foods, notes whether cooking up brats on the grill at a tailgate or making a
pork roast around the holidays, meals are about both socialization and comfort and
pork is a flavorful, versatile mealtime foundation.
" We're always exploring ways to help our retail partners meet their shoppers'
needs, " he said. " Category staples like sausage, ribs, chops and roasts will always be
near and dear to consumers' hearts. "
Tyson Foods offers products to cater to specific consumers to help invigorate
the category, such as its minimally processed Open Prairie Natural Pork products
and the recently introduced Chairman's Reserve Prime Pork case ready line for an
elevated experience.
" Products from that line include the New York Pork Chop, Ribeye Chop and Pork
Tenderloin Medallions, " Harrison said.
Patrick Fleming, brand specialist at Midan Marketing, noted that as we head into
the back-to-school months, many families still want to eat at home but have less
time, so value added and pre-flavored pork provide a solution.
" Ground pork is one of the fastest developing sectors in the pork industry, " he
said. " Ground meat helps stretch family budgets, and value-conscious consumers
are realizing pork is a good option. Ground pork offers a different flavor than ground
beef but still yields great versatility to recipes. Additionally, prices for cuts like
ribs have leveled out, and consumers will likely be increasingly interested in pork
tenderloin as we head into the holiday season. "
Consumers have spent the last few years cooking at home, and they are seeking
new entrees to freshen up their meal plans. Pork brings great cooking versatility,
from marinating to smoking to incorporating flavorful cuts like bacon into dishes.
" At Creekstone Farms, we capture the health-conscious consumer interest with
our Natural Duroc Pork, which is raised without antibiotics or added hormones, 100
percent vegetarian fed, and contains no artificial ingredients, " Rogers said.
Wallace noted that Niman spiral hams are always a good fall/early winter option,
especially with turkey prices being what they are.
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SEPTEMBER 2022 - 43

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