A meat merchandising alternative to counter shoppers’ cost concerns

[Viable Food News Desk]

Publisher: Supermarket News
Published: September 17, 2026
Source: Read at Supermarket News
Category: Food Access

Volume sales of loins and ribeye fell 7% and 4.4%, respectively, in the 52 weeks ending July 12, while average prices rose 13.2% and 8.8%, Circana reports. Anne-Marie Roerink of 210 Analytics said retailers can respond with freshness, assortment, convenience, meal ideas and service, including marinated, seasoned, meal-kit and heat-and-eat products. Ground beef unit sales, the best-selling beef segment, rose by about 1.5% despite an approximately 12% average price increase, according to Circana. Circana's Chris DuBois said 87% of consumers prepare all dinners at home and 58% say meat is a top priority to cook and eat at home.

Why this matters: For independent grocers, the figures suggest that merchandising around convenience, quality and meal planning may help retain meat shoppers when price increases weigh on demand.

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