It was interesting to read this week that fresh meat sales are rising whilst plant-based falls, according to NeilsenIQ. Is this a longer-term shift in eating and buying habits or is this just a blip? Reasons for this might include:
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With inflation in grocery retail levelling, fresh meat may offer a lower cost alternative to plant-based alternatives?
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There is perhaps a growing interest once again in fresh, natural foods and consumers may be preferring to cook with such ingredients from scratch?
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Fresh meat may be perceived as a healthier alternative to processed plant-based foods, which invariably contain additives, preservatives and artificial flavourings (and wheat if you're a coeliac!).
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Some consumers buy locally sourced meat or meat from sustainable farms, as they perceive the environmental benefits of plant-based alternatives are overstated.
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Media attention has become more critical, with some reports highlighting issues such as the healthiness of some plant-based foods