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10 top trends in the supermarket meat aisle in 2020

Michael Browne, Executive Editor

December 8, 2020

10 Slides
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During a year that saw COVID-19 impact the meat industry in a number of dramatic ways — including meatpacking plant shutdowns, supply shortages and out-of-stocks, limits on shoppers and the loss of significant on-premise business — it’s easy to forget that overall this was an amazing year for meat sales at grocery stores.

With Americans cooking and eating at home due to the pandemic, meat sales soared at retail. Once the hoarding ended in late spring, supply issues began to ease and most retailers were able to bring their meat selection back to pre-pandemic levels while still meeting the increased demand of consumers.

Beyond COVID challenges, there were opportunities for retailers to improve their meat sales by targeting customers seeking out value-added options, local and organic, sustainability, seafood, plant-based and other alternatives. And as cooking fatigue settled in on many consumers, savvy retailers promoted different cuts of meat, introduced new meal kit solutions, offered new recipes online and created virtual cooking and education classes to help promote their meat departments.

Here are 10 of the top news stories and trends in the meat aisle covered by Supermarket News in 2020.

About the Author

Michael Browne

Executive Editor, Supermarket News

Michael Browne joined Supermarket News in 2018 after serving in managing and executive editor capacities at leading B2B media brands including Convenience Store NewsLicense Global and Travel Agent. He also previously served as content production manager for print and digital in the Business Intelligence division of Informa, parent company of Supermarket News and Nation’s Restaurant News.

As executive editor, Mike oversees the editorial content of supermarketnews.com as well as the monthly print publication. He also directs all content-based brand-related projects including the annual Top 75 Retailers report, Category Guide, Retailer of the Year, research surveys and special reports, as well as podcast and webinar content. Mike has also presented and moderated at industry events.

In addition to the positions mentioned above, Mike has also worked as a writer and/or editor for special projects at American Legal Media (ALM), managing editor for Tobacco International, special projects editor at American Banker • Bond Buyer, and as production editor for Bank Technology News and other related financial magazines and journals published by Faulkner & Gray.

A graduate of Fordham University, Mike is based in New York City, where he was born and raised.

Contact Mike at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter and LinkedIn.

 

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