Consumers want a smaller basket size and smaller packages of fresh meat for 2024.

Sales are on the upswing as consumers look for products that meet their indulgent, nutritional and emotional needs, and meat and poultry selections are an increasingly popular part of the mix, according to Mintel Group, a Chicago-based global market research firm.

Before the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, consumers were buying a wide variety of meat cuts, from pre-portioned to bulk. The next few months may either see skewed consumer purchasing decisions or reinforce tried-and-true options.

Andy Hanacek sits down with Brock Furlong, president & CEO of Stampede Meat, to discuss the company’s “Chef Inside Cares” program, designed to give consumers the opportunity to purchase and pick up meat and poultry products directly from the company’s Bridgeview, Ill., facility during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Of all the changes taking place in the meat and poultry industries now, perhaps the biggest change is something that’s undetectable to the consumer.

Reclosable packaging simplifies storage and preparation and eliminates the need to transfer multi-serving products into another container.

The simple act of buying food at a restaurant or a grocery store has never been more challenging, thanks to an overload of online data, news reports and opinions widely available to every consumer.

The meat and poultry industry has been a lot like the weather of late: As soon as you have it figured out, it changes.