In the past several years the convenience store sector has emerged as an important and rapidly growing outlet for U.S. pork and beef in international markets. This year is no exception, though the sector has made significant adjustments to accommodate changing consumer routines and preferences during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jesse Austin, U.S. Meat Export Federation vice president for marketing, explains that many countries have seen a dramatic increase in people working from home, so convenience stores in central business districts have seen a decline in sales while convenience store sales have increased in residential areas. While overall traffic is lower, customers are spending more per visit. Austin notes that U.S. pork and beef are well-positioned to capitalize on consumers’ growing demand for convenient food items that are also high in quality. He says that while Japan is definitely the global pacesetter in terms of convenience store offerings, new products have also been launched in key markets such as South Korea and Mexico.
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