KISSIMMEE, Fla.- Summer is about to be in full swing and that means many grilling days are ahead for Florida residents. According to a recent survey of consumer attitudes conducted by the Florida Beef Council, released in conjunction with Florida Beef Month, Floridians perceive beef as a smart meal choice that provides an excellent balance of taste and nutrition. Florida residents also consider beef as a symbol of “the good life”, they make it an important part of special occasions and they enjoy grilling beef more than any other area of the United States.
Floridians want a main dish that is a smart choice, something they feel comfortable preparing, feel good about serving and, most importantly, tastes great.
The survey was broken down into four regions: Tampa (includes Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, and Sarasota); Orlando; Southeast (includes Miami and West Palm Beach); and North (includes Gainesville, Jacksonville, Panama City and Tallahassee).
Some interesting findings from the survey include:
- 95% of both Orlando and Tampa Bay area residents believe beef is great for grilling – the highest in the state, and exceeds the national average of 88%.
- 88% of Southeast Florida residents believe beef is a good source of protein.
- Residents in the Northern part of the state eat beef 2.2 times per week, the same as the national average and more than any other region in Florida.
“We are encouraged by the reports that Floridians not only love beef, but they are also enjoying beef on a regular basis,” said Jim Handley, chief executive officer of the Florida Beef Council. “Beef is the perfect complement to any family meal and summer celebration. In addition to a wonderful eating experience, you can enjoy beef knowing that it’s an excellent source of protein, zinc and iron – all important elements of a well-balanced diet.”
Florida is home to the largest beef cattle ranch in the United States and ranks tenth in the nation in the number of beef cows. Cash receipts from the sale of cattle in Florida in 2011 reached nearly $500 million, making Florida’s beef industry a profitable component of our state’s agricultural industry.
To learn more about the Florida Beef Council, visit www.floridabeefcouncil.org.
Source: Florida Beef Council