FERNANDINA BEACH, FL – As the general economy struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic, one sector of the agricultural economy flourished: chicken.
During the 2021 Chicken Marketing Summit this week, attendees learned that annual per capita consumption increased during the economic lockdown by over one pound per person (from 96.5 lbs in 2019 to 97.6 lbs in 2020).
Even though the economy has been reopening, research from the National Chicken Council (NCC) and WATT Global Media indicates that up to 25 percent of the working population will continue to work from home in the future, adding 30 million additional at-home meal opportunities.
Results of the study also found more consumers anticipate an increase in meal prep at home post-pandemic, inspired by air fryers and pressure cookers.
Taste, value, nutrition, and ease of preparation are driving factors leading to 91 percent of consumers surveyed will continue eating chicken at home and 30 percent expect to eat more than before the pandemic
Chicken consumption is nearly twice that of beef and pork as sales of chicken outpaced pork in 1984 and surpassed beef as America’s favorite meat in 1991.
(SOURCE: All Ag News)