The USDA projects that beef and pork production will expand steadily between 2016 and 2025. The National Chicken Council, Washington, D.C., however, reports that consumers are eating more chicken than ever—approximately 92 pounds in 2016, according to USDA estimates—and are planning to increase that consumption in the future.
Factors such as case-ready packaging play a major role in the growth of the meat and poultry market. For example, Chicago-based Midan Marketing revealed its Power of Meat survey in which 60% of respondents indicated they considered case-ready packages equal in quality to meat cut in the store. Meanwhile, 23% believed the quality of pre-packaged meat was superior, especially since many of today’s consumers want leak-proof, freezer-ready and resealable packaging.