Beef Marketplace Update

Beef is a Top Protein in the Retail Meat Case

• Beef leads the fresh meat category with $44.3 billion in 52-week dollar sales, up 12.2% year-over-year, outpacing other proteins including: chicken (+6.6%), pork (+3.2%), and turkey (+0.5%). 
• In the most recent 4-week period, beef sales reached $3.47 billion, growing 12.5% vs. last year, reflecting consistent demand among consumers. 
• Price per pound for beef rose to $7.14 over 52 weeks (+7.2%) and $7.23 in the last 4 weeks (+8.2%), reflecting internal and external marketplace conditions. 

Sub-category Beef Cut Highlights 

• Ground Beef: The largest driver, with $16.16 billion in annual sales (+13%) and $1.36 billion in the last 4 weeks (+17.5%)—showing strong consumer preference for versatile, affordable cuts. 
• Steaks: Premium segment remains resilient at $15.56 billion annually (+12.1%), despite a slight dip in recent volume, indicating consumers still prioritize quality experiences. 
• Roasts & Value-Added Beef: Both categories posted solid growth, reinforcing beef’s role in convenience and special occasions.

In Spite of Increased Prices at Check-out, Consumers Intend to Maintain High Levels of Beef Consumption

• Reviewing NCBA’s Consumer Beef Tracker data, provided on behalf of the Beef Checkoff; beef is consistently consumed at least weekly by 70% or more of all respondents, 18-65. 
• Monthly tracking shows nearly 80 to 85% of all respondents plan to eat beef the same or more beef in the future, among those eating beef at least weekly,  90% or more of the respondents plant to eat the same or more beef in the future.
• In spite of growing marketplace pressure, beef continues to show high demand among consumers.