Meat & Poultry

The American Meat Institute (AMI) has announced the complete schedule of free education programs at the International Meat Expo (IME). The programs will take place at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia, as part of the International Production and Processing Expo (IPPE) from Tuesday, January 29 to Thursday, January 31, 2013. …

Over the past five years, the Beef and Pork Wholesaling industry has had a hard time selling premium meats, especially during the recession. Though downstream customers generally maintained the quantity of meat they purchased, they often opted to buy lower-quality products, and the lower margins realized on such sales hurt profit growth; margins remained virtually flat over the five-year period. Besides financial limitations, health concerns have also challenged the industry. Increasingly, health-conscious consumers have sought to reduce their fat intake and lower their risk of heart disease. “Because red meat options are considered unhealthy, regardless of quality, consumers have been shifting toward protein sources outside of this industry, such as poultry and seafood,” says IBISWorld industry analyst Josh McBee. …

Despite renewed attention over pathogens in pork, consumers can remain confident that the meat is safe to eat. Scientists emphasize that animal health and food safety measures have reduced foodborne pathogens, and food-related illness rates continue to decline. …

Boar's Head Brand®, a leading provider of premium delicatessen products, today announced the national launch of its new Spiral Sliced® Applewood Smoked Boneless Ham, the latest addition to its line of premium quality products perfect for simplified holiday entertaining. Boar's Head Spiral Sliced Applewood Smoked Boneless Ham provides time-starved consumers a stress-free solution for serving a delicious, gourmet holiday meal. …

Demand for grass-fed beef has been growing at a rate of 20 percent a year, according to one study. More stores are starting to offer grass-finished, but retail availability is still limited. Consumers are taking matters into their own hands by buying direct from ranchers. …