Meat grocery sales increased by 20 percent from 2019 to 2020, according to FMI and the Meat Institute Foundation’s Power of Meat report. Nearly all American households (98.4 percent) purchased meat in 2020, and 43 percent said they buy more meat now than before the pandemic due to preparing more meals at home.
"Shoppers are cooking more at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and their confidence in cooking and preparing meat has increased," said Rick Stein, vice president of fresh foods for FMI, in a statement. "Further analysis also shows convenient meal solutions are key and that food retailers have opportunities to provide more choices, along with more information and education on consumer priorities like nutrition and meal preparation – building up what we call consumers' “Meat IQ.’"
The report also found that three out of four Americans agree meat belongs in healthy, balanced diets and 94 percent said they buy meat because it provides “high-quality protein.”
"Americans feel better than ever about choosing meat as part of healthy, balanced diets,” said Julie Anna Potts, Meat Institute Foundation president and CEO, in a statement. “With COVID-19 deepening demand for convenient, affordable food that tastes good and matches Americans' values, meat fits the bill."
Related: Tyson Transitions Facility to Case-Ready; Seafood Sales Outpace Produce, Meat, Deli.