Unit sales of ground beef the best-selling beef segment, rose by about 1.5% over the last year despite an approximately 12% average price increase, Circana reports.Shutterstock
Cost remains a crucial factor in meat department activity.
Such popular beef varieties as loins and ribeye, for instance, had volume sales declines of 7% and 4.4%, respectively, for the 52 weeks ending July 12 along with average price increases of 13.2% and 8.8%, reports Circana, a Chicago-based market research firm.
Retailers, however, can help minimize the influence of price by responding to shopper interest in freshness, assortments, convenience, meal ideas and service, said Anne-Marie Roerink, president of 210 Analytics LLC, a Chicago-based market research and marketing strategies firm and author of The Power of Meat 2026 report, jointly published by Arlington, Va.-based FMI — The Food Industry Association, the Arlington-based Meat Foundation, and the Arlington-based Meat Institute.
Merchandising strategies should also reflect the fragmented base of meat shoppers, she said. "Some consumers seek premium steaks, others prioritize affordability, while younger shoppers often look for convenience, ...