Beef Marketplace Update 

Value Performance: 

Beef continues to outperform the total fresh meat aisle on a dollar basis, reinforcing its role as the primary revenue driver at retail. Over the latest four weeks, beef generated $3.67 billion in sales, up 7.8% year over year, well ahead of total fresh meat growth (+5.8%) and stronger than chicken (+3.3%) and pork (+1.1%). On a longer view, beef dollar sales are up 11.0% over the last 52 weeks, reflecting sustained consumer willingness to spend on beef despite higher prices. Fresh ground beef remains the backbone of value growth, delivering double‑digit dollar increases across all measured periods, while brisket stands out as a seasonal accelerator with +35.4% four‑week dollar growth, underscoring strong demand for grilling and smoking occasions.

Volume Trends: 

Beef’s value leadership is not solely price‑driven—volume growth remains steady and competitive. Beef volumes increased 2.7% over the most recent four weeks, exceeding total fresh meat growth (+0.7%) and outperforming chicken (‑0.1%) and turkey (‑8.4%). Ground beef continues to anchor consumption, posting nearly 3% volume growth across 4, 13, and 52‑week views, signaling everyday relevance and affordability within the beef complex. While steaks show modest volume softness, growth in roasts, value‑added beef, and a four‑week rebound in brisket volume (+40.7%) suggest shifting cut selection rather than declining demand, aligning beef usage with evolving meal and occasion needs.

Price Dynamics:

Beef prices remain elevated but are moderating in a way that supports continued demand. The four‑week average beef price held at $7.11 per pound, up 5.0% year over year, below the 52‑week inflation rate (+7.4%), indicating improving price balance. This pricing environment—combined with positive volume trends—signals that consumers continue to see strong value in beef relative to alternatives. Fresh ground beef prices remain below the category average although outpacing price increases of other beef cuts, reinforcing its role as the entry point for beef shoppers. Compared to meat alternatives, which remain significantly higher priced and continue to lose volume, beef’s price‑value continues to resonate and sustain category momentum.