Consumers Want Value in Center of Plate Proteins

ROCKVILLE, Md.Market research publisher Packaged Facts released its What's For Dinner 2011: Trends in Center of Plate Proteins" report that estimates sales of dinner center-plate proteins exceeded $5 billion in 2010 and will experience steady growth through 2015 even as consumers begin their gradual return to dining out more frequently.

According to the report, while American consumers are eating more meat, poultry and seafood, they also are purchasing less-expensive cuts of meats, stocking up on sales and looking for deals. Grocery stores also are facing more dinnertime competition than ever before from supercenters and warehouse clubs emphasizing fresh center-plate options. Consumers value focus also has given a boost to private-label center-plate proteins, which are growing in importance as supermarkets use store brands to help differentiate themselves and build shopper loyalty.

The report examines the forces driving consumer choices, including economic factors, the healthfulness of various products, personal tastes and preferences, culinary trends, convenience, cooking skills and environmental factors. Consumer shopping habits also are examined, as are trends among those involved in this industry, including suppliers of the center-plate protein products and the retailers in which consumers buy them.

"We expect sales growth to continue at 4 percent annually for the next three years, benefiting from the strengthening economy but facing increased restaurant competition as that channel also reaps the rewards of U.S. consumers loosening their purse strings," said Don Montuori, publisher of Packaged Facts. "By 2014, sales will begin to moderate, with 3.5 percent annual growth in 2014 and 2015 bringing U.S. retail sales to slightly more than $6 billion."