Protein Report: Pork | Progressive Grocer

Now Trending in Pork

Ground pork is one segment within the fresh pork category with a new dynamic. “Ground pork really increased in that pandemic time,” agrees Worpel. Even if ground pork sales have edged downward from previous highs, they’re still higher than before the pandemic, she adds.

Information from the National Pork Board confirms that ground pork is growing and outpacing ground poultry. Ground pork has gained share within pork overall, notching 18% growth, according to the Des Moines, Iowa-based board.

In a recent e-newsletter article, the National Pork Board notes that retailers can diversify their meat cases and attract shoppers by adding ground pork to their ground meat offerings of ground beef and ground poultry. “The opportunity is further ripe for retailers, since ground pork is only 3% of all pork sales,” the article points out.

Underscoring the importance of exposure to shoppers, the board recommends merchandising pork alongside other ground meat products. The newsletter article cites an IRI Innovation Opportunity study showing that just six additional items per store would yield 41% more sales, bringing the category an additional $71 million.

Akin to ground pork is ground pork sausage, used as a versatile, flavorful ingredient. Earlier this year, Coleman Natural Foods, of Golden, Colo., launched a line of 16-ounce roll-style ground pork sausage made with pork sourced from American Humane Certified family farms. Available in original and hot varieties, the ground sausage can be used in traditional breakfast meals and as an ingredient in entrées like pasta sauce or pizza toppings.

On a seasonal basis, pork-based favorites for the grill are heating up with the arrival of summer. According to a new survey from the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council and the North American Meat Institute, 73% of consumers in the United States believe that a cookout isn’t complete without hot dogs. The groups also found that hot dog sales rose almost 20% during the pandemic and stayed 8.6% higher in April 2021 versus April 2019.

New hot dog products available this year include Ball Park Fully Loaded Nacho Cheese Franks from Tyson Foods Inc. and all-natural uncured hot dogs from the Walhburgers brand, developed in collaboration with Coleman Natural Foods.

Also trending right now are convenience-oriented pork products, spanning both fresh and processed pork. Driving that trend is the fact that consumers are still preparing many meals at home, yet are looking for shortcuts for both ease of use and time savings.

To meet this demand, Tyson Fresh Meats recently introduced a line of seasoned pork loins available in four flavors, arriving first in Walmart stores and later expanding in distribution. “This product also fits with the convenience piece that consumers are looking for,” notes Worpel.

Grocers are offering their own takes on convenience, with value-added products in the meat case and deli. For instance, The Giant Co., based in Carlisle, Pa., offers a private label Cook-in-Bag line of proteins, featuring seasoned meats available in an oven-ready bag. Pork varieties include a Jamaican Jerk Style pork roast and a Triple Mustard and Honey pork roast.