SNAC World - Official State of the Industry 2020 - 40

MEAT SNACKS

STATE OF THE INDUSTRY

PROTEIN
T
Remains Strong

The meat snack sector engages consumers with
snacks. Producers have repopular
ular protein-rich
pro
proteinwith evolving
flavors, textures, meat varietsponded
nded w
ev
formats including trail mixes and bars. Protein
ies and
nd for
primary snack driver across categories,
remains
ains a p
prima
especially for meat snacks, and producers are experimenting with a wide range of animal and plant-based
proteins as ingredients for their products.
"Snacks containing protein are considered healthier
and more filling to be used as a meal replacement or energy boost," said Kara Nielsen, director, Food and Drink,
WGSN, a global trend forecasting company. "Combining
protein with other functional ingredients is a real winner."
Overall, the category increased 8.2% with almost $1.8
billion in sales for the 52 weeks ending June 14, 2020,
according to IRI's quarterly report of US retail sales.
The increasing demand
for high-grade protein and
intriguing flavors that provide quick energy for busy
consumers are expected to
expand beyond the scope
of jerky snacks, according
to a market analysis report
on jerky snacks published
April 2020 by Grand View
Research. This trend is more
popular among millennials,
as they prefer less-processed
snacks made with natural
ingredients available in different flavors.
Jerky remains the largest segment earning $961
million in revenue but with only 1.8% growth. The other
dried meats subcategory is experiencing greater growth
at 17.0%, according to the IRI data. These numbers

BRIDGFORD
Dollar sales this 52-weeks compared
to the same period last year ($mil)
An increase of

SNAC WORLD 2020

2018-2019

2019-2020

$10.5

$17.3
65.7%

could be driven by increasing preference for plant-based
snacks.
Plant-based innovation for snack products is progressing. Meat producers are experimenting with ingredient
swaps to create plant-based products by using meat
substitutes like mushrooms and other vegetables that
replicate a meaty texture.
"While meat snacks played a starring role in the snack
realm of late, the category only registered 2% product
launch growth between 2018-2019. Concerns over eating
too much meat gave rise to an increase in vegan products, and producers of meat snacks are substituting vegetables in place of meat," said Tom Vierhile, vice president,
strategic insights, North America, Innova Market Insights.
Sonoma, Calif.-based Krave Pure Foods' new plantbased jerky is made from peas and fava beans. Available
in Korean BBQ flavor, this non-GMO-verified snack is a
good source of 8 grams of protein per serving, according to analysis of new product launches from the Innova
Database. Bella Sun Luci, Chico, Calif., introduced chewy,
Sriracha-flavored Tomato Jerky. Sun-dried tomatoes and
premium Mediterranean products inspired this plantbased jerky.
"The demand for snacks that provide functional benefits began several years ago, but the types of benefits
consumers are looking for has evolved over time," said
Sally Lyons Wyatt, executive vice president and practice
leader, client insights, IRI. "We have seen plant-based
proteins evolving in categories that have traditionally been
animal-based. Additionally, we have seen a 4.9% dollar
increase in sales overall for snacks that state no/low/less
sugar with dried meat snacks leading the way."
For example, Cambridge, Mass.-based Kalahari
Snacks' Biltong includes health halos like zero sugar. It is
also Paleo-friendly and protein-rich (32 grams), with no
additives. The snack delivers on taste, as well. During the
air-drying process, each cut of beef develops increased
flavor depth, resulting in a unique cross between jerky,
slow-roasted beef and Italian prosciutto, according to
an analysis of new product launches from the Innova
Database.
Meat snacks have evolved to become more premium
from an elevation of clean label ingredients. Products are
available in a wide range of flavors such as Habanero,
Teriyaki, Maple, Pineapple, Sriracha, Barbecue and Sweet
Cherry, according to the Grand View Research report.

SNAC World - Official State of the Industry 2020

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