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Meat, Seafood Sales Up

While all of the retailers who talked to SN about their prepared foods for this story said their sales are holding steady or growing, some noted that fresh meat is selling particularly well. It's apparent that some consumers are eating out fewer times per week, and are migrating to retailers' prepared foods. But, some may figure they can save even more money by doing the cooking themselves. Mark Eckhouse,

While all of the retailers who talked to SN about their prepared foods for this story said their sales are holding steady or growing, some noted that fresh meat is selling particularly well.

It's apparent that some consumers are eating out fewer times per week, and are migrating to retailers' prepared foods. But, some may figure they can save even more money by doing the cooking themselves.

Mark Eckhouse, vice president of McCaffrey's Markets, Langhorne, Pa., said meat is the perishables department that's doing best at the three-unit chain. Produce is down, prepared foods are OK, but there's been an uptick in meat sales, he said.

“We're even seeing trade-ups. People are buying steaks, and seafood, too,” Eckhouse told SN.

“Our stores are located in affluent areas, where people are used to eating out several times a week.” The theory is they're eating out less frequently now, but don't want to give up the high-end meals they're accustomed to. Throwing a premium steak on the grill can't be considered heavy cooking, and it can trim the week's dining expenditures.

Down in Louisiana at Rouses Markets, value-added and further-processed meats are showing “nice growth,” said Scott Miller, assistant to Donald Rouse. Kabobs, marinated, seasoned and stuffed meats are doing great, he said.

“And all the items from our smokehouse. We've broadened the variety, and sales are up.”

Even at Higdon's IGA in Lebanon, Ky. — a town hit hard by the recession — meat sales are steady.

“Our meat sales, like our prepared-food sales, are just about the same as last year,” said owner Jimmy Higdon. “But, believe me, in this economy, that is good.”