Over the past few years, consumer shopping habits and manufacturing capabilities have been greatly influenced by lockdowns, conflict, and inflationary pressures. In response to this, experts in the sausage, burger, and food forming market have reflected on the implications of these times. According to Simon Coles, Group Sales Manager at The Dalesman Group, manufacturers in the sausage and burger channel have experienced increases in energy and meat costs, as well as the cost of seasonings. Passing these costs onto retailers has proven difficult, forcing many to diversify into other channels.
During the lockdowns, premium sausages and burgers experienced a surge in sales due to the out-of-home sector being off-limits. However, this trend has seen a decline in sales due to inflation. Despite this, brands offering high welfare options and provenance of their food have seen their products offered to a wider audience. Many consumers also seek a point of difference and a keen interest in food origin. As a result, the high street butcher and farm shops have seen a renewed interest from a new generation of shoppers.
Flavor has been an area of interest in sausages and burgers, with meat retailers responding to customer demand for global fusion and spicier blends. The market for burgers has seen a wider level of diversification, with popular global influences such as Japanese inspired Teriyaki and chilli cheese beef or pork and chorizo Manchego burgers. The demand for healthier products has seen the low-fat sausage market on the rise, with consumers seeking products with recognisable ingredients.
Rising to meet these demands, it’s vital for manufacturers to find the best production methods to maximise succulence and provide a genuinely meaty bite in terms of taste, feel, and texture. The progression of technology has also been explored in the food and beverage sector, including lab-grown meat and 3D printed meat to create a more sustainable society. However, these technologies are still in their infancy and not fully understood.
Despite the challenges faced by the industry, Coles states that there is still a lot of growth to be unlocked in the channel. Manufacturers should continue to find ways to adapt and diversify their offerings while meeting the demands of consumers. The industry is sure to continue to evolve as new trends and technologies emerge.
