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Research : Consumer Trends

Consumer Trends

Analyzing consumer trends helps you better understand and meet the needs of today's beef customers.

graph iconThis icon indicates a related graph or chart is available; click on the icon to view the graph or chart. Print any of the data referenced below to use as fact sheets in a customized training session. Graphs and charts are updated quarterly.


 

       

Population Changes (updated as new U.S. census data is available)

Changes in the U.S. population mean changes in beef trends. Factors affecting beef sales:

Women Participating in the WorkforceThere is an increase in the number of working women. The female labor force doubled in the last 50 years with 60% of all women now employed.

Aging PopulationThe Baby Boomer generation is reaching middle age; by 2020, 41% of Americans will be 45.

U.S. Population Ethnic Mix The number of Hispanics and Asian-Americans is expected to triple within the next 50 years; by 2050, only 50% of the U.S. population will be white.

Other related graphs:

Small Households

Beef Cut Information (last updated 6/30/10; updated annually)

Individual Penetration by Beef Cut Ground beef accounts for 66% of all fresh beef eatings (servings) in-home.

Trends in Beef Usage (Ground Beef) Annual eatings of burgers increased from 2008 to 2009, while meatloaf and ground beef dishes slightly decreased.

Top 10 Beef Cuts The Top 10 Beef Cuts lists will help you stay on top of movement trends among beef's top-selling cuts and remain ahead of the curve when planning upcoming orders and promotions.

Other related graphs:  

Eating Frequency by Beef Cut

Trends in Beef Usage:

Steak/Roast

Combination Dishes
 

 

 

 

 

 

In-Home Beef Consumption (last updated 6/30/10; updated annually)

In-Home Beef Frequency In-Home Fresh Beef Penetration  Fresh beef is eaten at home an average of 3.3 times by 8 out of 10 people in a 2-week period.

Other related graphs:

Fresh Beef Eatings:

By Type

By Usage

By Age

 

Market Share 

Protein Market Share at Retail (last updated 5/4/10; updated quarterly):

Pound Sales

Dollar Sales

Market Share of Total Fresh Meat (last updated 2/1/10; updated annually):

Pound Sales

Dollar Sales

       

Changing Attitudes 

Obesity is driving change throughout our market place and our culture. Now more than ever, health and wellness are priorities for consumers. More than half of consumers (66 percent) say they have made a change to improve the healthfulness of their diet within the past six months.  At the same time, the Baby Boomer population is getting older. So, while consumers are watching their calorie intake, they're also looking for foods that will help them meet their nutrient requirements and fuel a longer, healthier life.

High-quality proteins, like beef, promote optimal health and provide consumers with a naturally nutrient-rich package. The nutrients in lean beef such as protein, iron and zinc help people feel satisfied longer and get more nutrition from their calories, without sacrificing taste. 

Research conducted on behalf of the beef checkoff showed that consumers have a high interest in "lean" beef. The word "lean" resonates with them as healthy and fit. Research also reveals that consumers desire help identifying lean beef cuts in the meat case and a "designated lean beef" section increases consumer intent to purchase. There are 29 lean beef cuts available, including T-bone, tenderloin and flank steaks, so consumers have many options.

Consumer Response to Food Inflation
Food inflation has led a large percentage of consumers to adjust how they budget for food purchases. In April 2011, the Beef Checkoff conducted research to analyze consumer response to rising food prices. The results showed that frugal shopping behaviors have been widely adopted and are affecting beef purchasing decisions. Consumers are reacting to the pressure of high prices at the pump, economic uncertainty and escalating food costs and one of the most common methods to cut household costs is to reduce the expense of food purchases. Review the study's findings to learn more about your shoppers' purchasing behaviors and learn what information and strategies to leverage to maintain consumer beef purchases in an inflationary economy.

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