Pork is beginning to make strides capturing a larger share of the consumer’s attention, therefore a larger share of their dollar. It is a very exciting time for the pork industry - pork is trendy. Shoppers are becoming more educated on what to look for and how to prepare it. It is our time as an industry to embrace this opportunity to reinvent pork!

People are starting to recognize the many different ways to use pork in meal preparation. Restaurant menus are increasing the number of items that include pork.

Cooking shows are using pork as the featured ingredient; people are watching and learning to use pork in new and creative ways. Pork Quality is becoming the star attraction.

So what does meat quality and the pork taking more market share in the shopping cart have to do with a market commentary? We believe this will be a driving force in how producers will be paid or discounted in the future for their pork.

In the 80’s, it was leanness and being paid for it. Many packers do not even measure leanness, at least on a pig-by-pig basis.

The packing industry is recognizing that consumers are craving meat quality; the tide is turning away from lean pork that lacked flavor. When will the packer be willing to pay for meat quality? When the consumer demands it.

We all understand the importance of giving customers what they want, pork that is eye appealing, juicy, and full of flavor. At the end of the day, the consumer is always right, and we will provide them what they demand.