While burgers have been (and will continue to be) a favorite among consumers of all ages, defining the product might have just become a tougher challenge. Meat burgers are still leading the way, but veggie patties are making their way into each and every outlet. Not a surprising development, as it’s part of the larger plant-based revolution, but one which might just change the way consumers view these products.
Burgers continue to have a broad appeal to consumers, as figures show they generate a total value of GBP2.5bn inside the foodservice channel alone in Great Britain, while 63% of the population buys them on a monthly basis, on average, according to Kantar data quoted by the British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF). Burgers made with beef continue to be the most popular option, even when compared to chicken and vegetarian patties. In the food service industry, beef-based burgers account for an astounding 65% of all burger sales, which is worth an additional GBP1.6bn. Because of new product launches, retailers now have an opportunity to present customers with a selection of goods that they are confident will fulfill the ever-increasing demand for these goods.
Consumers Love Their Meat
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) reports that between the years 1990 and 2009, global aggregate consumption of meat climbed by almost 60%, while consumption on a per capita basis increased by approximately 25%. Through the year 2022, it was anticipated that the consumption of meat would continue to rise by 1.7% annually. Currently, Argentina is the country that consumes the most beef and veal, with an average of 39.9 kilograms per person per year. The average consumption of pork in China and the 27 member states of the European Union is around 35.4 and 30.4 kilos per person, respectively. The average annual consumption of chicken and turkey in Israel is 64.9 kg per person. The average annual consumption of sheep in Kazakhstan is 8.5 kg, making it the world leader in this category.
Meanwhile, in 2021, plant-based food sales grew three times faster than total sales, with a market value at an all-time high of USD7.4bn. One of the fastest growing product categories, plant-based foods is expected to reach USD162bn in the next decade. Eaters are drawn to plant-based foods for reasons such as health, climate, and affordability. SPINS reports about 52% of overall plant-based sales are Non-GMO Project Verified.
At the same time, new research shows the explosive growth of Verified products in the plant-based space – a bellwether signaling consumer demand is headed toward non-GMO plant-based options. In a new case study of the growth of sales from 2019-2021, SPINS data found that Non-GMO Project Verified frozen plant-based meat alternatives rose +71.7%, as opposed to only +10.4% for unlabeled products in the same category.
Demand for Packaged Burgers is Rising, but Slowly
During the period 2022-2027, the market for packaged burgers should expand at a compound annual growth rate of 6.84%. The cooked patties of ground pork, beef, or vegetables that are used to make packaged burgers are placed into cut buns along with a variety of sauces once the burgers have been prepared. When compared to freshly produced burgers, they have a longer shelf life since they are kept at cooler temperatures while being stored.
At this time, the expanding food and beverage (F&B) industry, in conjunction with the growing popularity of eating out among customers, is having a favorable influence on the consumption of pre-packaged burgers at quick-service restaurants and diners all over the world, according to a report by research company IMARC. One of the key aspects that is providing a good outlook for the market is the rising demand for convenience food products. In addition, a number of businesses are also providing pre-made burgers in environmentally friendly packaging and in single-serve formats. They are also coming out with unique goods that make use of additives such as salt, phosphates, spices, and taste enhancers.
These businesses are introducing gluten-free, frozen products that are high in protein content, and they are establishing their operations online in order to broaden the scope of their already established customer base. This, in conjunction with the rapidly expanding e-commerce industry, is having an effect on the expansion of the market. Other factors, such as the convenience of using pre-packaged food goods and the proliferation of different types of retail shops selling fast food, are also contributing to the increase in the market. It is anticipated that the growing popularity of plant-based packed burgers that contain extracts of carrot, beetroot, bell pepper, and other protein-rich components will boost the market. This trend is expected to be driven by the growing number of people who follow vegan diets.
To read the entire article, please access your complimentary e-copy of Frozen Food Europe November-December, 2022 issue here.