Marshall, Minn. – When it comes to food, familiar is usually better. While many consumers are willing to try something new or different, in general consumers eat what is familiar, not only because they like it, but because they know what to expect.
But for some consumers, what they grew up eating isn’t always available. Consumers are either forced to make do with what they can find, adjust their palate or make the familiar available.
For some, making the familiar available to consumers can present a real opportunity. An example of this is occurring right now in Minnesota’s meat processing industry, spurred by a growing Latino population.
“In many cases, Hispanic consumers are familiar with different foods than what is available in the local grocery stores,” says AURI Meat Technologist Carissa Nath. “AURI is trying to meet consumer needs and assist in an agricultural opportunity in the area of meat products.”
For example, market research has shown that Latino consumers have a preference for cuts of beef from the chuck and round instead of the more common ribeye or loin. They also tend to prefer cuts that are sliced thinner than is traditionally available. AURI is working to help educate processors and retailers about those cuts in order to tap into this growing market.
Other ethnic markets are also providing marketing opportunities for both retailers and meat processors. AURI is helping to learn more about those opportunities to connect processors and retailers with new consumers.
