Source: Chris Scott, MEATINGPLACE, 2/24/15

U.S. shoppers are valuing the nutrition benefits and various choices when buying meat and poultry, despite higher prices at the supermarket, according to the annual Power of Meat Survey.

The 2015 edition of the survey finds that price per pound is still the top factor driving consumers to meat and poultry, but the higher prices are also pushing many people to buy less meat or choose different cuts or brands. The survey also found that consumers see poultry as a key factor in a balanced diet and red meat is also seen as a solid source of nutrients.

When choosing other protein sources, the survey found eggs and beans were the leading meat alternatives.

Consumers are also influenced by mega trends, including local sourcing, sustainability, health and wellness and organic foods, the survey found. Shoppers are also applauding the return of full-service meat counters with 63 percent of survey respondents with access to a counter considering the meat case a store advantage. For those without access, 36 percent said they wish their primary store had a meat counter.

One-quarter of shoppers say they purchase value-added items sometimes or regularly, but for most cost (21 percent) or preferring to prepare items themselves (46 percent) are the greatest barriers to purchase. Regardless of all heat-and-eat, ready-to-eat and value-added solutions provided by food retailing, foodservice continues to win the last-minute dinner decision.

The survey is the 10th poll sponsored by the Food Marketing Institute and North American Meat Institute. The Power of Meat study was conducted by 210 Analytics, LLC, sponsored by The Cryovac Brand, a part of Sealed Air’s Food Care Division.

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