Despite years of increasing prices in a volume-challenged marketplace, deflation is overwhelmingly changing meat purchase intents yet again, according to a recent report.
The Food Marketing Institute and the North American Meat Institute have released their annual consumer trends analysis of the food retail meat department.
They found that price relief is driving a greater willingness for experimentation and premium product purchases among consumers, according to Morning Ag Clips.
The study, by Sealed Air’s Food Care Division, demonstrates how thoughtful curation of the meat case tailored to shopper needs, trends and innovation can influence incremental sales and provide the industry with opportunities to foster high levels of satisfaction and drive spending and loyalty.
“It is important for food retailers to help their customers shop smarter, and no department is better positioned to do this in 2017 than the meat department,” FMI Vice President of Fresh Foods Rick Stein said.
The study emphasizes how food retailers and suppliers should continue to help tell a story about the meat purchase, paying particular attention to the product’s attributes, such as ingredient and production practices, Morning Ag Clips reported.
These stories also translate to in-store execution of promotions and through digital, mobile and social media promotions.
“It is clear that consumers are seeking more information and transparency about their meat and poultry products and the industry is hearing that message,” said North American Meat Institute President and CEO Barry Carpenter.
Better communication by retailers about the grade, handling practices, prices and convenience of these products may help accelerate further growth, according to the study.
About 62 percent of consumers still choose the supermarket to make a meat and poultry purchase, although alternative channels are garnering momentum, according to Morning Ag Clips.