The pandemic rapidly moved consumers from brick and mortar to the world of e-commerce retail — and that’s where they’re staying.
Like almost all U.S. online retail sales during the pandemic, the number of shoppers getting their meat through consumer-oriented e-commerce services increased sharply, up 12% from 2019. And not only were more shoppers ordering meat online; they were ordering more of it, period.
As pandemic restrictions loosen, 23% of meat consumers expect to continue buying most, if not all, their meat online.
When it comes to managing the online meat case, a whole new set of challenges surface. To retain current customers and win new ones, retailers need to think about how their products perform outside of the traditional in-store meat case.
Packaging
Vacuum and roll stock packaging optimization are also key elements to improving the consumer experience at home. Portioned and packaged to cook right away or easily freeze for later use, they also maximize meat case shelf life for reduced shrink.
Portion Cut Proteins
Specialty Cuts
For those who are still hesitant to branch out in the kitchen, pre-cut meats including sliced, diced and cubed beef and pork can make proteins more approachable and easier to use.
Another simple way to differentiate yourself from the competition in-store and online? Offer specialty cuts online and capture a wider market with things like Case Ready Variety Meats and Reuben® Corned Beef products.
Seasoned & Marinated
If convenience is king, variety is a close second. And when it comes to delivering proteins with both, there’s no better solution than pre-seasoned and marinated products.
Case Ready Branded Offerings
Studies show the main driver in shopper’s preference for branded fresh meat is a perception of better quality, taste and flavor.
The pandemic also resulted in more shoppers focusing on food safety. Thirty-seven percent of consumers say they have a higher confidence that national brands are safer to eat.
To establish the familiarity and consistency essential to winning repeat customers, the team at Tyson Fresh Meats developed a comprehensive portfolio of brands to fit retailers’ case ready needs.