Consumer Concerns About Meat Up
re more concerned about meat inspection now than at any time during the past three years, a recent survey of supermarket shoppers shows.
Meat inspection in the supermarket industry is an issue that concerns 89% of consumers this year, an increase over 63% in 1992, according to a survey conducted by The Consumer Network here.
The survey concluded that supermarkets are not spending enough time on issues of food safety.
"Some consumers are putting the stories of the last few years together and coming to the conclusion that the supermarket industry isn't taking its safety responsibilities seriously -- and that its prepared foods probably shouldn't be trusted either," it stated.
Also on the rise were concerns about fat, which occupied 79% of shoppers, up from 68% in 1992; cost of food up to 77% from 69% in 1992; and pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables, up to 76% from 58%.
Meat, Dairy Alternatives May Rise
NEW YORK -- The meat and dairy alternatives market may soon be giving meat and dairy producers a run for their money, according to Packaged Facts, a research company here.
Sales of meat and dairy alternatives are expected to rise to $347.2 million this year, reflecting market growth of 21.2%, said the research group in a report on the market. Last year, the market grew 15%, with sales of $286.4 million.
The market includes such products as vegetarian burgers, meatless luncheon slices, soy and rice milk, cheese alternatives, nondairy desserts and prepared meals made from "alternative" ingredients, according to the report.
Consumer interest in healthy or nutritious products is thought to be driving growth, with a concentration of interest among senior citizens and young adults.
As a category, dairy alternatives achieved a 12.3% increase in growth, with $142.4 million in sales. Meat was the next largest category with $131.6 million, an 18% increase over 1993. Even the smallest category, prepared meals, with sales of $12.4 million, showed an increase of 15.9%.
Sales of meat substitutes are expected to rise 25% this year, according to the report, while sales of dairy alternatives will see a 17.8% boost.
