<p align="center" style="text-align:center;"><em>Consumers’ meat purchasing trends offer insights into how to grow category units and sales and will come to life at the Annual Meat Conference 2026.</em></p><p>By: Rick Stein, Vice President, Fresh Foods, FMI</p><img src="https://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/blog-images/family-making-turkey.tmb-large-350-.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=8842c76d_1" style="float:right;margin:10px;" alt="Multi generational family preparing a meal of turkey and vegetables in a kitchen. " class="-align-right" sf-size="100" /><p>When we unveiled <em><a href="https://www.fmi.org/forms/store/ProductFormPublic/power-of-meat-2025">The Power of Meat 2025</a></em> report back in March, it struck me how consistently this research has served as a compass for our industry. Two decades of insights give us a unique vantage point, and I’ve found myself reflecting on how those numbers play out in the marketplace each day.</p><p>One of the most encouraging findings was that 98% of U.S. households purchased meat or poultry in 2024, spending an annual average of $871. That tells me protein remains non-negotiable at the dinner table, even as shoppers face tighter household budgets. People may adjust cuts, package sizes, or where they shop, but they aren’t stepping away from meat.</p><p>Beef continues to dominate, accounting for 55% of fresh meat sales, with ground beef leading the way. At the same time, pork held steady at $8.4 billion, and chicken once again claimed the top spot in volume, representing nearly 40% of pounds sold. These aren’t just numbers — they’re reminders that every protein has a role to play in meeting shoppers’ expectations for versatility, affordability, and taste.</p><p>But beyond the dollars, what excites me most is what’s happening in consumer behavior. <em><a href="https://www.fmi.org/forms/store/ProductFormPublic/power-of-meat-2025">The Power of Meat 2025</a></em> highlights that shoppers prepared an average of 4.2 dinners per week with meat or poultry. That stability signals trust, consistency, and a recognition of meat’s role in both nutrition and enjoyment. It also underscores an opportunity: if we can help consumers expand their skills in the kitchen, whether through new cuts, recipes, or preparation tips, we can deepen their loyalty to the meat case.</p><p>Equally important, only 22% of shoppers now say they’re trying to cut back on meat and poultry — the lowest level in years. That’s a powerful reminder that, despite shifting trends and louder conversations around diet choices, most consumers continue to see meat as an essential part of a healthy, balanced lifestyle.</p><p>As I look ahead, I’m inspired by how these insights will frame our conversations at the <a href="https://www.meatconference.com/">Annual Meat Conference</a> (AMC) in 2026. AMC has always been more than an event; it’s where our community gathers to share challenges, explore opportunities, and chart the future together. This year will be no exception.</p><p>Registration is now open for <a href="https://www.meatconference.com/">AMC 2026</a>, and I hope you’ll join us. Together, we’ll take the insights from <em>The Power of Meat</em> and turn them into strategies that strengthen the role of protein in every household across America.</p><p><a href="https://www.meatconference.com/" class="button">Annual Meat Conference Registration</a> <br /></p>
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