by fred wilkinson

Some foods are readily identified with a nation: Mexico has tacos, Italy has pasta … and the US has burgers.

According to Circana retail sales data, dollar sales for ground beef in January 2024 were $1 billion, up 10% from the same time a year ago. Pounds sold improved by 3.2%.

However, in the January 2024 Circana shopper survey, 93% of consumers reported remaining concerned over grocery prices.

Also in January 2024, beleaguered consumers received some good news with the USDA predicting a slight reduction in grocery prices in 2024.

Despite that recent respite for consumers, food price inflation has taken its toll on consumer confidence and spending.

I came across a commentary recently titled “Hamburgers will decide America's future” that linked the fate of the US with hamburgers, with a rather gloomy outlook for both: “Fast food isn’t what it used to be. The industry is now locked in a genuine affordability crisis, and it is unclear when — or even if — things will ever improve.”

Seems a tad dramatic.

Check out The National Provisioner’s Burger Report 2024 and find out how burger products keep finding new ways to do one of the most American things possible: reinvent themselves.

Also in the March edition, don’t miss our Processor Profile of Standard Meat Co.

www.provisoneronline.com   |   march 2024