Market Research
Browse the Market Research Library >The Market Research program provides insights and perspective on a wide range of subjects around the food landscape and beef specifically. This Checkoff-funded program includes understanding consumer consumption, perceptions, concerns and exploring a variety of topics that relate to beef and the competitive protein landscape.
Objectives:
- Track and observe consumer trends on all things related to food and beef
- Explore high priority topics to understand consumer sentiment and knowledge levels
- Monitor Supply Chain impacts on the industry
- Develop strategic initiatives based on consumer insights to continue to improve beef consumption and perceptions
- Understand how campaign specific content and messaging resonates with consumers
New Resources:
Beef Marketplace Update - Four Weeks Ending 5/17/2026
Retail snapshot ending May 17, 2026 from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, highlights beef continuing to see record retail sales and intent to consume beef at the same level or more in the future.
Beef Marketplace Update – Four Weeks Ending 4/19/2026
Four week retail snapshot ending April 19, 2026 from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, highlights beef continuing to see record retail sales and intent to consume beef at the same level or more in the future.
Beef’s Summer Grilling Outlook 2026
As summer approaches, grilling takes center stage, and beef remains the protein many families reach for first. This seasonal snapshot from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, highlights how beef aligns with consumer needs and preferences throughout the summer.
Beef Marketplace Update – Four Weeks Ending 3/22/2026
Four week retail snapshot ending March 22, 2026 from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, highlights beef continuing to see record retail sales and intent to consume beef at the same level or more in the future.
Beef Marketplace Update – Four Weeks Ending 2/22/2026
Four week retail snapshot ending February 22, 2026 from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, highlights beef continuing to see record retail sales and intent to consume beef at the same level or more in the future.
St. Patrick’s Day – Expectations for Corned Beef Sales in 2026
Historical retail corned beef sales summary from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff. Highlights include past corned beef marketplace performance and potential sales insights for 2026.
Beef Marketplace Update – First 4-Weeks of 2026
First four weeks of 2026 retail snapshot from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, highlights beef continuing to see record retail sales and intent to consume beef at the same level or more in the future.
Today's Beef Consumer - Full-Year: 2025
View the full-year 2025 breakdown of today's beef consumer: beef sales are up across key metrics—value (pounds x price/pound) as well as pounds sold - and many more insights.
Beef Industry Review & Consumer Insights: 2026 Edition
Despite economic headwinds in 2025 — including inflation uncertainty, international conflict, and tighter beef inventories — consumer demand for beef remained exceptionally strong. See this year's edition about the beef industry and how consumer's view it in the marketplace.
Beef Marketplace Update - Full-Year Review: 2025
The full-year of 2025 retail snapshot from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, highlights beef's record retail sales and other trends throughout the past year.
Beef Marketplace Update - Full-Month: November 2025
The entire month of November 2025 retail snapshot from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, highlights beef continuing to see record retail sales as we roll into the holiday season.
.tif?keep=c&keep=c "FY24 Fall Refresh Holiday Kitchen Still Image")
Beef Marketplace Update - Early November 2025
Early November 2025 retail snapshot from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, highlights beef continuing to see record retail sales and intent to consume beef at the same level or more in the future.
Beef’s Enduring Role in Holiday Celebrations
This seasonal snapshot from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, highlights how beef continues to meet consumer needs across a changing holiday landscape.
Today's Beef Consumer - 2025 Summer Update
Consumers are adjusting their spending habits and finding ways to stretch their dollars. Despite tighter supply and higher prices, beef demand remains robust, as indicated by consumer-reported consumption and retail sales data.
Beef’s Sizzling Performance for Summer Grilling Season
Beef is the star of the grill, with nearly 75% of consumers indicating burgers are a “must have” food for grilling, and nearly 60% say the same about steak.
Leveraging Beef's Role in High-Protein Diet Trends
Given still elevated food prices, ground beef may continue to provide more protein shoppers with a cost-effective grilling option this summer.
Exploring Consumer Behavior and Sustainability in the Beef Industry: A Deep Dive
It is a world where taste, ethics, and environmental consciousness intersect, influencing not just purchasing decisions but also production practices.