According to a survey released by the market research company Mintel – 90-percent of consumers consumed some kind of red meat at least once per month last year. But 39-percent indicated they ate less in 2013 than they did in 2012 – while 10-percent of beef and other red meat eaters said they consumed more of those meats in 2013. Mintel Global Food Analyst Patty Johnson is quoted as saying health trends motivating consumers to cut fat and cholesterol intake are the most dominant factors affecting the red meat market – a release from Mintel does not cite specific numbers relating to consumer health concerns.
It does show – however – that 58-percent of consumers have noticed the price of red meat increasing in the past 12 months. Thirty-six percent said it is too expensive to buy as often as they’d like. Johnson says the industry has an opportunity to try to invigorate the market with new products, improved quality and improved functionality.
