3 Surprising Ways the Meat Department Can Save the Grocery Store

Americans' meat-buying habits are changing, so grocers creating a space where consumers feel comfortable and empowered should be part of the plan, too. The meat counter is ripe for retail updates. For many consumers, meat selection plays an important role in choosing where to shop. And that’s pretty good news considering  69% of consumers say they eat beef at least once a week, either at home or away from home, and nearly one in five consumers (18%) say they are eating beef more than they were two years ago, according to Technomic’s 2019 Center of the Plate: Beef and Pork Consumer Trend Report.

Here are three ways that a dependable meat provider can turn the meat counter into a cash cow:  
 

1) It differentiates the store from the competition

Overall, consumers lack the knowledge they need to make educated meat-buying decisions. According to the Food Marketing Institute’s 2018 The Power of Meat report, 83% of shoppers purchase only a handful of different kinds or cuts of meat, but 42% are open to branching out if provided with additional education. So, knowledge is power and apparently fosters loyalty and spending too. Consumers crave information, so give them what they need. Talk to consumers, provide recipes and give demos. Digital resources combined with face-to-face consumer interaction is a winning combo. For instance, staff education along with bold, easy-to-read logos and recipes using Star Ranch Angus® beef posted to social media sites help increase brand awareness, which is great for not only the customer, but the retailer, too. After all, if retailers work with a brand that provides store signage and digital support, the stores don’t have to spend additional resources on additional signage or in-house graphic design.

2) Beef has a ripple effect in sales for other departments

When shoppers go to the store for beef, they’re picking up other items while they’re there—no one goes to the store just for beef. For example, if someone is making steaks, they might pick up the ingredients they need to make mashed potatoes, too. If they’re making fajitas, they’ll pick up tortillas, onions and peppers, salsa and guacamole, too. And if they’re making burgers on the grill, they’ll need to get buns, condiments, cheese, toppings and charcoal for the grill. All of those purchases add up. In fact, according to a Fresh Meat Market Basket Analysis from Information Resources, Inc., carts with beef produce 44% more sales across the store than carts with other proteins.

With a great meat department, grocery stores can expect other departments to thrive, as well.

 3) Guaranteed quality and consistency

Unlike small, local sources of beef, a brand like Star Ranch Angus beef is backed by the Tyson Fresh Meats delivery network and is reliably delivered on time, every time. But beyond logistics, the Star Ranch Angus brand also offers a satisfaction guarantee to retailers. That is, the brand will reimburse any store that has to refund a customer’s money due to an unsatisfactory eating experience. This takes the risk of trying out a new supplier off the table for the retailer and allows them to focus on other parts of their business.

Star Ranch Angus beef is 100% Angus, Grade “A” maturity beef that is hand-selected and hand-trimmed. It’s available in USDA Choice & Select options. With 25 grams of protein in a single three-ounce serving, lean beef is not only a great source of protein—it’s packed with other essential nutrients for fueling a busy day and, best of all, it’s delicious and versatile.

Stores that work on revamping their beef counters and educating staff are sure to see benefits. Consumers who trust not only the beef being sold, but also the store selling it will keep coming back for more.