The 2009 annual convention of the Texas Cattle Feeders Association was held recently at Amarillo. About 500 persons in attendance heard from various speakers on several issues.
Perhaps tops on the list was a discussion on the retail sector of beef sales. Managers from two top retailers joined Jim Henger, executive director of channel marketing for the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, for the panel.
Cathy East, group director of perishables for Safeway, and Dave Weaber, economic analyst for Food Lion, were the participants. Both have extensive experience in dealing with the beef industry.
Overall, beef consumption remains steady but the retail industry has seen an increase in its share of beef consumption, to more than $430 billion in sales. Fewer pounds of beef are being eaten away from home, as more people are eating at home to save money in this time of recession.
"Beef, by far, is the biggest contributor to retail meat department sales," Henger said. "Retailers realize this, and that's why they promote that department and beef so heavily in their advertising, to help bring people into their stores." [Read More]
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