Retail meat sales achieved significant milestones in December 2024, with both dollar and volume sales reaching record levels, according to new data. The strong performance capped off a robust year for grocery retailers, who saw total food and beverage sales reach $922 billion. This represents a 3.0% increase in dollar sales and a 1.3% rise in unit sales.
The demand for meat remained high as consumers shifted their purchasing habits, opting to cook more at home instead of dining out to save money. Holidays and special occasions also saw consumers indulge more, contributing to record-breaking sales during key national holidays.
In December, the average price per pound for meat across all cuts and varieties, both fixed and random weight, stood at $4.63, marking a 4.2% year-on-year increase. Processed meats experienced the smallest price hike, rising by 2.4%.
The meat department continued to have a strong presence in households, with over 98% of consumers purchasing meat at least once a year. Notably, meat was a key driver of store visits in 2024, with the average household making 54 trips per year—more than once a week—marking the highest frequency in recent years.
Overall, 2024 saw a 5.3% increase in dollar sales for the meat department, driven by modest price increases and a 2.3% rise in volume sales. When compared to two years ago, pound sales were up by 1.9%, further underscoring the ongoing strength of the retail meat sector.
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