The merchandising of fresh beef is an ongoing challenge for retailers to meet their consumers changing demands for "New" and "Easy to Prepare" fresh cuts and meal planning suggestions.

Studies show that 70% of meals are planned during the day of the meal. (Consumerline Survey 1999, NPD Group Canada)

Consumer research also shows that taste and tenderness, more than any other factors, determine the degree of customer satisfaction when enjoying beef.

However, for the retailer to maximize their profitability they need to expand their customer's purchasing habits to utilize all sections of the beef carcass. The problem being, beef cuts that offer the most profitability and volume building potential (hip and chuck) are also the least tender and desirable when compared to the more widely accepted rib and loin cuts.

The hip and chuck sections together make up 53% of the beef carcass by weight. These sub primal cuts are widely available in the marketplace, usually at very attractive wholesale prices.

Consumer demand for "affordable" value-added products is providing progressive retailers an opportunity to create long-term sales and profit increases in these under utilized, yet high value cuts.

See volume/profit building example.

When a full sachet merchandising program is properly executed, this example would also be possible to duplicate with many more cuts such as:

Inside Round Marinating Steak Outside Round Marinating Steak Full Round Marinating Steak Blade Simmering Steak (bone in and boneless) or Pot Roast Cross Rib Simmering Steak or Pot Roast Stewing Beef and Stir Fry Strips

Innovative products and merchandising ideas that add value without increasing labour costs are what retailers need. Consumers want something that is quick and easy and makes affordable cuts tender and great tasting.

The �Quick Acting Marinade Sachet� program was designed to: Tenderize quickly (30 minutes for steak or stew) Taste great Expand merchandising opportunities in the popular grilling section Offer convenience and value to consumers Create higher levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty Be cost effective to retailers Build �Long Term� merchandising opportunities in the profitable hip and chuck sections Be sold as a stand-alone product or included right in package (food friendly packaging is used for this purpose).

The packages are designed to be sold in pack or stand-alone, the net weight of the contents can be sold at the retail price of the product in which it is included.

Example:

To sell a Sirloin Tip Marinating Steak with Sachet. Weight of sachet 28 grams (5 grams packaging, 23 grams contents) To sell in the package, the label must read, �Sirloin Tip Marinating Steak with Marinade� (added tare of 5 grams required for packaging only, contents can be sold at retail price) To include the sachet free in the package, the label must read, �Sirloin Tip Marinating Steak With Free Marinade� (added tare of 28 grams is required for packaging and contents) Sold at a profit in counter as stand alone product. (UPC code on every package)

If you are interested in implementing or improving an existing �Quick Acting Marinade Sachet� merchandising program, contact your local B.I.C. retail team member.