When purchasing meat and poultry products, trends indicate consumers are shifting their focus from lower prices to value, quality and variety, according to the Power of Meat survey published by the American Meat Institute and Food Marketing Institute.
The report shows that 36 percent plan to spend more on meat and poultry in 2014 compared to the 9 percent change last year. This could be the first indication of a return to the pre-recession “normal,” according to Feedstuffs FoodLink.
Price is still the ultimate deciding factor, but knowledge, convenience and nutrition are growing in overall importance. Value cuts, which offer bolder flavors at lower prices, are answering consumer demand.
Organic and natural purchases are expected to grow in 2014, with 34 percent of participants indicating purchasing these products in the last three months. This is up 26 percent from last year’s survey results.