Pig farmers and food production companies alike are wrapping up a successful 2017 that continues to show steady consumer demand for pork. The summer grilling season ended strongly, and signs point to a solid year-end opportunity for ham.
According to Nielsen Perishables Group data for the 13 weeks ended Oct. 28, total sausage and rib volumes were up from the same time last year 3.3 percent and 2.6 percent respectively, while sales were up in those categories 4.1 percent and 3.2 percent.
“Summer is always an ideal time for cooking pork outdoors,” said Patrick Fleming, National Pork Board director of market intelligence. “Whether it was brats on the grill or a few racks of ribs on the smoker, consumers made room for pork on their picnic plate in 2017.”
That momentum carried over into fall, as overall retail spending on pork by U.S. consumers was up by more than 3 percent in dollar sales during the month of October.
The Nielsen data shows that consumer spending for ham was up a slight 1 percent for the 13-week period ending Oct. 28. Fleming acknowledges this demonstrates strong consumer demand for a pork cut that normally shines at year end due to the holidays.
“It’s encouraging to see that more consumers are spending more on ham as we head into the holiday season,” said Fleming. “We are already hearing anecdotally that some key retailers saw more hams leave the cold case heading into Thanksgiving. The volume of hams currently in storage should create favorable price points for consumers through yearend and into 2018.”
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agriculture Statistics Service, frozen ham inventories at the end of October were up 2.1 percent, compared to this time last year. With both strong summer and fall sales performance, pork producers are encouraged by signs that point to a strong finish to the year.
“Hams are no longer saved just for Christmas,” said Terry O’Neel, president of the National Pork Board and a pig farmer from Friend, Nebraska. “And with the kids, grandkids and other family members visiting for a few days, other cuts like bacon and sausage shine at breakfast, while prosciutto and salami are showcased in the New Year’s charcuterie tray. Pork’s value and versatility make it a go-to meal option this time of year.”
Additionally, pork plays a growing role in the restaurant and foodservice industry. Since 2011, pork has been the fastest-growing protein, according to Technomic, Inc.’s 2017 Volumetric Assessment of Pork in Foodservice. During the past six years, pork use has grown on a per pound basis by more than double chicken, largely due to foodservice operators seeking higher quality cuts and cooking them to 145 degrees Fahrenheit (with a three-minute rest). During this same time period, pork represented 61 percent of all protein growth in the foodservice industry.
About the National Pork Board
The National Pork Board has responsibility for Checkoff-funded research, promotion and consumer information projects and for communicating with pork producers and the public. Through a legislative national Pork Checkoff, pork producers invest $0.40 for each $100 value of hogs sold. Importers of pork products contribute a like amount, based on a formula. The Pork Checkoff funds national and state programs in advertising, consumer information, retail and foodservice marketing, export market promotion, production improvement, science and technology, swine health, pork safety and sustainability and environmental management. For information on Checkoff-funded programs, pork producers can call the Pork Checkoff Service Center at (800) 456-7675 or check the Internet at www.pork.org
