For the past few years, we’ve seen the transition from random weight to pre-packaged, UPC-coded meat.  In 2009, as more retailers look for ways to cut costs, fresh meat will continue shift from the butcher to the shelf. 

Look for less meat to be cut in the store, and more UPC-coded meat to be packaged centrally and sold on the shelf. 

Retailers will need to decide whether they want to compete on price or rely on their butchers and deli counters to create differentiation and customization.

Read Nielsen’s complete 2009 Industry Outlook in “Consumer Insight.”

View the latest issue of “Consumer Insight.”