Meat as a Strategic Differentiator
Insights retailers are examining at the 2026 Annual Meat Conference
Meat as a Core Driver of Retail Performance
At a time when retailers are navigating margin pressure, shifting shopper expectations, and intensifying competition across formats, the meat department remains a key factor in defining store performance. Meat is not simply another category; it is a traffic driver, a basket builder, and a clear signal of a retailer’s commitment to quality and value.
What Power of Meat Research Continues to Show
According to the 2025 edition of The Power of Meat, the flagship consumer research published by FMI and the Meat Institute in partnership with 210 Analytics, meat shoppers purchased meat an average of 54 times in 2024 according to data from Circana, or more than once a week Even as consumers adjust purchasing behaviors in response to inflation, meat remains central to meal planning and weekly shopping routines. Meat shoppers have an average of 4.2 home-prepared dinners with a portion of meat/poultry each week.
Execution, Not Price, Creates Differentiation
Retailers that differentiate through meat tend to do so by elevating execution, not just pricing. The research highlights the importance of consistency in freshness, in-store presentation, and assortment clarity, alongside growing interest in value-added products, convenient formats, and clearly communicated quality attributes. Trust in the meat department, built through transparency, knowledgeable staff, and reliable experience, translates directly into loyalty.
The Meat Department as an Operational Bellwether
The meat department also functions as a bellwether for broader retail capabilities. Labor deployment, shrink control, private brand strategy, and supplier collaboration are all tested in the meat case consumer experience. Retailers that perform well here often apply those operational lessons across the store, using meat as both a profit center and a learning lab.
Retailer-Focused Strategy at AMC 2026
These insights form the foundation of several retailer-focused sessions at the 2026 Annual Meat Conference. Planned sessions include Culinary Trends: Navigating Flavor, Innovation, and Retail Education, Smart Meat: Leveraging AI for Retail and Wholesale Excellence, and the 2026 Market Outlook for Meat and Poultry, which are designed to connect FMI research directly to store-level decision-making. Additional sessions on consumer trends and case-ready execution explore how retailers are adapting operating models while maintaining quality and service standards.
Bringing Research and Innovation Together
A popular centerpiece of the AMC program is the live presentation of the new Power of Meat research. The dynamic presentation by Anne-Marie Roerink encourages engagement, allowing retailers and all attendees to interact directly with the findings, ask questions, and discuss implications with peers. The AMC Exhibit Hall further complements these learnings by showcasing innovations in products, packaging, equipment, and services that support growth and efficiency in the meat department.
Buy 2, Get 1 Free – Added Value for FMI Retailer Members
For FMI retailer members, AMC 2026 also delivers clear economic value. Registration includes a complimentary copy of the new Power of Meat report, a $350 value. FMI retailer members are also eligible for a Buy 2, Get 1 Free registration offer when three or more attendees are registered simultaneously, enabling teams to attend together and align on strategy.
Turning Insight into Advantage
Retailers seeking to enhance their strategic approach to meat will find that AMC 2026 provides a distinctive blend of research, retailer-led discussions, and real-world innovations. Hearing the Power of Meat findings live, participating in focused education sessions, and exploring solutions on the Exhibit Hall floor allows teams to translate insight into action and bring sharper thinking back to their organizations.
In a crowded retail landscape, differentiation is increasingly earned through execution. For many retailers, the meat department remains one of the most effective places to demonstrate that difference and turn insight into sustained advantage.