Pennsylvania consumers love their beef

By Blake Jackson

The Pennsylvania Beef Council, in collaboration with Beef. It's What's for Dinner Market Research Team, recently conducted the 2023 Pennsylvania Dashboard Survey. This survey aimed to understand Pennsylvanians' perceptions and preferences regarding beef consumption and production.

The key takeaways revealed a strong love for beef among Pennsylvanians:

• Beef is a staple: 76% of consumers enjoy beef at least once a week, with no plans to change their habits.
• Taste is king: When choosing protein-based meals, taste reigns supreme, followed by the protein source and its nutritional value.
• Positive perceptions: Consumers appreciate the taste and versatility of beef, but harbor mixed feelings about its nutritional qualities and the raising of cattle for food.
• Supporting local: 29% of Pennsylvanians have purchased beef directly from producers, primarily seeking a better-quality product and supporting their local economy.
• Open to new experiences: 56% of consumers, particularly those in suburban areas, are open to purchasing beef directly from producers.

The survey also identified key areas for the Beef Checkoff program in Pennsylvania:

• Promoting healthy and convenient recipes: Sharing easy, nutritious recipes showcasing how beef can be part of a healthy diet will be crucial.
• Highlighting versatility: Demonstrating the variety of cuts and their suitability for various meals will appeal to diverse preferences.
• Kid-friendly inspiration: Creating engaging recipe ideas for children will encourage families to incorporate beef into their meals.
• Transparency and education: Addressing concerns about beef production through increased transparency and education will improve knowledge and trust among consumers.
• Local connections: The Pennsylvania Beef Directory will remain an essential resource for connecting consumers with local producers.
• Sharing producer stories: Highlighting the experiences of beef producers will personalize the industry and connect consumers to their food source.

By focusing on these key areas, the Pennsylvania Beef Council can further enhance consumer perceptions of beef and encourage its continued enjoyment throughout the state.

A high-level recap of the Survey Findings can be found here.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-erdinhasdemir