Regardless of what political turmoil takes place in the country in 2017 and beyond, Americans will continue to eat, and if at all possible, they will continue to eat as well as their budget allows. That appears to be a good sign for the meat industry. The USDA projects that production of beef and pork will expand steadily between 2016 and 2025. The National Chicken Council, meanwhile, reports that consumers are eating more chicken than ever—approximately 92 pounds in 2016, according to USDA estimates—and are planning to increase that consumption in the future.
Just what kind of meat will consumers be eating in 2017 and beyond? According to consumer research, more of it will be grass-fed and humanely raised. Recent research from Innova Market Insights lists “clean supreme” is its top food trend.