The impact of the economy and higher prices for meat and poultry products are making a significant difference for consumers at the meat case. Price has taken on an ever-greater role in the meat purchasing decision process, as price per pound has solidified its No. 1 ranking as the most important decision factor for consumers, while total package cost is now the second most important decision factor, surpassing product appearance—according to the seventh annual Power of Meat study.

The study, conducted by 210 Analytics, was commissioned jointly by the American Meat Institute (AMI) and the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) with sponsorship by Sealed Air’s Cryovac Food Packaging Division. The report, which details the findings of a national online poll of 1,340 consumers conducted in November 2011, was released today, Feb. 21, at the 2012 Annual Meat Conference in Orlando, Fla.

Top money-saving behaviors

Shoppers who try to save money on groceries typically resort to a variety of money-saving measures both pre-trip and in the store. However, for the first time this year, the share of shoppers simply opting to buy less (and thus spend less) equaled the share using lists, coupons and other saving measures. In terms of meat and poultry, dollar sales increased by 2.5 percent, but volume sales decreased by 5.3 percent as a result of inflation across proteins. Consumer focus on price and value is further underscored by the growing share of shoppers engaging in pre-trip research and planning meals around promotions. However, an even greater share compares prices while in the store. The end result is greater shopper flexibility to adjust purchases to spend less.

Meal purchasing patterns

Full-service supermarkets continue to be a stronghold for fresh meat and poultry, with high retention rates and a pick-up of shoppers from other channels, especially supercenters. The emphasis on in-store purchasing decisions makes clear signage and effective operations all the more important. Price-related promotions are especially effective for steering people to a certain kind of meat or poultry and slightly less effective for the amount purchased.

Private brand meat and poultry remains popular. However, rather than an outright preference, it is better defined as a greater willingness to purchase private brands. This led to an increase in the share of “switchers”—shoppers who do not have a preference for national or private brand, but choose based on other factors, predominantly price. Meanwhile, shoppers’ reduced interest in volume-based discounts, such as bulk and buy-one-get-one free, as measured last year, did not rebound any this year.

Despite economic pressures, natural and organic meat and poultry experienced an uptick in the number of buyers over the past year to 24 percent of shoppers. Additionally, 90 percent of shoppers predict they will buy about the same (70 percent) or more (20 percent) next year.

Meat’s role on the dinner table

Meat and poultry play an important role at the American dinner table, with chicken and beef making up the largest share of purchases. The fresh category continues to be much larger than the heat-and-eat and ready-to-eat categories, but the latter continue to show signs of strength for the convenience-oriented shopper. Another area of growth is marinated meat and poultry, with an increasing share of shoppers preparing their own mixes or purchasing marinades or spice mixes along with the meat/poultry.

Meat and poultry preparation techniques have changed quite a bit over the past five years. Frying (pan fry and deep fry) experienced a 22 percentage-point decline in use, whereas more people are using the oven and crock pot/slow cooker (up 12 percentage points).

Lack of preparation knowledge

Despite the popularity of meat and poultry, shoppers’ knowledge and preparation skills leave much to be desired. Shoppers mostly rate their skills relative to preparation, nutrition knowledge, meal planning, etc. as “just OK” vs. “great.” When asking for advice on how to best prepare meat or poultry, family and friends are the predominant source of information, followed by digital resources, such as the internet and apps. Only 6 percent would turn to the butcher or meat department. Yet, interest in a “here’s-how-it’s-done” type service in the meat department is moderately high, providing suppliers and retailers with an excellent opportunity to connect with shoppers in new ways.

Interest in innovations

Shoppers are definitely open to a variety of packaging innovations, especially leak-proof packaging and concepts that aim at the reduction of food waste. On the other hand, environmentally friendly packaging only does well if no price premium is charged.

Lastly, the survey probed into ways retailers can improve the meat department to encourage meat and poultry purchases. Down from 40 percent last year, 30 percent say nothing retailers or manufacturers will do or offer will persuade them to purchase more. Among shoppers that do see room for improvement, better quality and greater variety are the two key areas.

AMI represents the interests of packers and processors of beef, pork, lamb, veal and turkey products and their suppliers throughout North America. Together, AMI’s members produce 95 percent of the beef, pork, lamb and veal products and 70 percent of the turkey products in the U.S. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AMI provides legislative, regulatory, public relations, technical, scientific and educational services to the industry.

The Food Marketing Institute (FMI) conducts programs in public affairs, food safety, research, education and industry relations on behalf of its nearly 1,250 food retail and wholesale member companies in the U.S. and around the world. FMI’s U.S. members operate more than 25,000 retail food stores and nearly 22,000 pharmacies with a combined annual sales volume of nearly $650 billion. FMI’s retail membership is composed of large multi-store chains, regional firms and independent operators. Its international membership includes 126 companies from more than 65 countries. FMI’s nearly 330 associate members include the supplier partners of its retail and wholesale members.

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