Austin Alonzo, editor of WATT Poultry USA, examines hot topics surrounding the US poultry industry as it deals with a changing consumer, emerging animal welfare concerns and other disruptive challenges.
Consumers are picking plant-based proteins for their perceived health benefits. Meat is still leading the protein space, but the animal protein industry must work to improve meat’s perception as a healthy food.
The chicken industry was highlighted on a recent episode of the syndicated talk show. Perhaps producers can learn from the experience and find ways to continue to communicate directly with consumers.
Teaming up with independent environmental organizations can help prove to consumers that slower growing broiler breeds aren’t the best choice for sustainable agriculture.
The poultry industry needs to focus its consumer-facing message on the environmental benefits of modern agriculture, before the activists strip that opportunity away.
Will lab-grown, or other meat and egg replacement products, supplant poultry products in the future? Consumer attitudes toward about natural food may play a role.
A national specialty grocery chain’s marketing tactic asks whether cage-free egg production as its being carried out now will ultimately be good enough for consumers.