The most popular fresh beef item in Canada today is ground beef. Ground beef accounts for about 50% of all kg volume and 30% of all dollar volumes sold at the retail
level.
Many opportunities now are becoming available to progressive retailers to add diversity and build value to the category. With the industry now adding value to all retail cuts and block ready sub-primals, the ground beef category can now offer unique retail merchandising and meal planning opportunities with "Source Specific" Premium Ground Beef.
The source grinds concept is based on the fact that even though meat is ground up and blended together, not all muscle mass, fatty tissue and visible fat is equal and all three tend to react and taste differently when prepared and cooked in different ways. The reason being, the origins and functions of connective, locomotion and supportive muscle groups in each carcass determine eating quality. The quality attributes these muscle groups offer in retail cuts, such as distinct flavours, texture, juiciness, high lean percentages, will still deliver the same quality attributes when sold in ground beef form.
The increased production demands of block ready sub primal beef cuts has developed a constant supply chain of highest quality trimmings that are very appealing, because they can offer a consistent flavour and product integrity to a segment of consumers demanding such attributes.
Most processors now offer certified source specific trimmings in 5-10 lb tubes along with the generic fat percentage trims. However, the source specific trim gives retailers the opportunity to receive higher returns on their own source specific trim produced at store level as opposed to retailing it as under valued generic ground beef.
Case Ready Programs:
Most processors now also offer a full line of case ready premium ground beef.
The benefits these products can offer are
- Highest food safety standards; most processors today are HACCP controlled environments. (The most effective food safety initiative in use today.)
- Adds diversity and selection to largest volume category.
- Long shelf life (7 days from production in most cases).
- Low "out of stock" rate which offers consistency in case layouts and maximizes sales.
- Detailed labelling to provide consumers information on handling, storage, preparation and cooking instructions.
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For information on implementing a new Premium Ground Beef program or improving an existing one, contact your local BIC retail team member.