This year’s Annual Meat Conference in Orlando, presented by the Meat Institute and FMI — The Food Industry Association, was a literal feast for the senses, with sessions ranging from a deep dive into the newly released “Power of Meat” report, to regulatory considerations and AI in the industry. A bevy of producers and manufacturers descended upon the exhibition floor to share their products and serve up a sampling of their latest delicacies.
One thing was clear throughout the conference: The meat consumer is changing and retailers and manufacturers have no choice but to follow suit. Here are a few of the other top trends from the event that meat purveyors should pay attention to.
1. Rise of the Millennial Meat Consumer
One of the biggest trends to come out of the Annual Meat Conference this year is the rise of the Millennial meat consumer. With 62% of new unit meat sales in 2024 coming from shoppers in that 29 to 44 age range, grocers have a massive opportunity to re-align their assortment, marketing and merchandising to better reflect their changing preferences. For their part, Millennials tend to focus on health benefits, convenience and sustainability, as well as meal favorites, preparation devices, cook time and inspiration.