2025 Protein Category Year in Review

The protein market trends of 2025 were shaped by shifting consumer behavior, price sensitivity, and ongoing supply chain challenges. Retailers and food-service operators faced a dynamic landscape where understanding protein market trends 2025 was essential for staying competitive. Throughout the year, beef market volatility 2025 remained one of the biggest drivers of menu and merchandising decisions.

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🔼 The Highs of 2025

1. Strong Demand for Value-Driven Cuts

Consumers focused heavily on value. Pork shoulders, chicken thighs, drumsticks, and economical beef cuts all performed well. Family-pack meats and private-label programs expanded across the Mid-Atlantic, reinforcing key protein market trends 2025.

2. Growth in Frozen Proteins

Frozen chicken and frozen portioned proteins showed strong growth. Longer shelf life and reduced shrink appealed to retailers and operators navigating unpredictable costs.

3. Food-Service Stability Returned

Quick-serve and sandwich operators continued to recover. Cheesesteak programs saw increased demand for portion-controlled steak items that reduced prep time while maintaining quality.

4. Portion-Control & Labor-Saving Items Thrived

Retailers and operators leaned into items that reduce back-of-house labor, including marinated proteins, sliced items, and portioned steaks — another major marker of protein market trends 2025.

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🔽 The Lows of 2025

1. Beef Price Volatility

Beef market volatility 2025 was a defining challenge. Herd rebuilding, feed costs, and inconsistent supply created rapid price swings that made menu and promotion planning difficult for both retail and food service.

2. Ongoing Freight & Cold Storage Strain

Freight capacity remained tight, and cold storage availability continued to pressure inventory strategies. Lead-time variability was common throughout the region.

3. Margin Pressure Across Retail

Higher operating costs and price-sensitive shoppers forced retailers to push aggressive promotions and balance SKU mix more strategically.

4. Labor Challenges Persisted

Labor shortages pushed more operators toward portioned or value-added proteins. This improved consistency but introduced pressure on margins.

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What This Means Going Into 2026

• Protein market trends 2025 indicate that value-driven items will stay strong into 2026.
• Beef market volatility 2025 suggests beef will remain unpredictable in the year ahead.
• Frozen and portion-controlled proteins will continue gaining traction.
• Strong partnerships with reliable, regionally focused distributors will become even more important.