Consumers “Have the Meats”

Like Arby’s said… “we have the meats.” Or, errrrr, we at least have a positive update that meat sales are higher than ever.

How high? In 2024, Americans spent $104.6B on meat, with pounds sold rising by 2.3%. This is according to this month’s Power of Meat report, which was released at the Annual Meat Conference hosted by the Meat Institute and the Food Industry Association (FMI).

Meat—it’s what’s for dinner. Almost 98% of American households buy meat. Getting enough protein is important to 90% of Americans, and animal proteins top their lists.

Fun facts: Americans usually spend $16.12 per meat trip at the grocery store and purchase meat 54 times per year!

And while high meat consumption numbers are exciting for producers, consumers also want more transparency. They want to know if their animals are being raised humanely and what’s being done to reduce animal agriculture’s environmental impact. Nearly half of respondents in the Power of Meat survey sent out by FMI said low-neutral carbon labels on meat and poultry packages are helpful.

You already know what it is… Grass-fed and organic claims have the ability to pull in new customers.

Millennials led new sales: Millennials accounted for 62% of all new unit sales last year.

Soundbite: “Whether shoppers are looking for the convenience of new ground meats or incorporating semi-prepared options in their meal prep, the meat department delivers.” — Rick Stein, VP of Fresh Foods for FMI