Assisted Choices
Ethical
Meat
Animal protein brands are highlighting ethical farming practices on packaging.
Trend
What is the Ethical Meat trend?
Ethical Meat: Animal protein brands with CPGs are more heavily emphasizing ethical farming practices on product packaging. In addition to organic or cruelty-free labels, the ethically sourced label denotes a higher level of care given to the farmed animals, ensuring consumers of the brand's priorities and values.
Insight
The consumer insight behind the Ethical Meat trend
When buying animal products consumers are increasingly considering factors related to health and morality, in addition to price. These consumers are more likely to purchase organic or 'clean' meats when all else is equal, showing the efficacy of these labels. This is due to consumers becoming aware of the living conditions of livestock and the health effects of processed or overly-treated meats. In order to better connect with these consumers, brands are showcasing ethical farming practices.
Trend themes
Themes within the Ethical Meat trend
Three behaviours holding the trend togetherEthically Sourced Meat Labeling
Companies are increasingly showcasing their animal welfare practices directly on packaging to appeal to health-conscious and ethically minded consumers.
Organic and Clean Meat Offerings
Brands are responding to consumer demand for organic and minimally processed meats, highlighting the health benefits of these products.
Convenient Ethical Meat Options
The introduction of pre-cooked and easy-to-prepare ethical meat products aligns with the growing consumer preference for convenience without compromising on ethical values.
Industry implications
What the Ethical Meat trend means for industry
Where the trend changes the playbookFood and Beverage
Ethically sourced and organic meat products are transforming traditional food and beverage offerings, catering to a growing market focused on sustainability and health.
Retail
The trend towards ethical and organic meat encourages retailers to diversify their meat selections, offering products that meet consumer demand for transparency and quality.
Agriculture and Farming
Innovations in ethical farming and animal husbandry practices are driving changes in the agriculture sector, promoting sustainability and animal welfare in production processes.
Workshop question
How could your brand incorporate ethical or sustainable practices into its business model to better connect with consumers?
Trend signals
Trend signals for Ethical Meat
Trend score 2.4 out of 10, from popularity 27%, activity 20%, freshness 25%.
- Gen Alpha
- Gen Z
- Millennial
- Gen X
- Boomer (not a primary audience)
Evidence
Examples of the Ethical Meat trend
6 featured examples from May 24, 2023 to Apr 3, 2024Influencer-Led Livestock Campaigns
Jaxon and Lachlan Fairbairn Partner with Australian Good Meat
Utilizing influencers to educate consumers and promote ethical practices in the red meat industry.
Fully Cooked Organic Bacons
Applegate Released Pre-Cooked Antiobiotic-Free QSR Bacon
Food manufacturing companies have an opportunity to innovate by developing more ready-to-eat and antibiotic-free meat products to meet the evolving consumer demand for convenience…
Free Range Chicken Fillets
Trader Joe's Now Sells Free Range Thin Sliced Chicken Breast Fillets
Trader Joe's new Organic Free Range Boneless Skinless Thin Sliced Chicken Breast Fillets cater to the growing demand for organic and ethically sourced food products.
Artisan Charcuterie Sets
This Salami Charcuterie Set from Charlito's Cocina is Ethically Sourced
The food and beverage industry can capitalize on the opportunity to innovate by aligning with consumer demand for ethically sourced products like artisan charcuterie sets.
Ethically Sourced Beef Campaigns
Verde Farms Announces the 'Beef From A Better Place' Campaign
Verde Farms' emphasis on ethically sourced and sustainable beef practices can disrupt the conventional meat industry by encouraging more responsible and eco-friendly production me…
All-Natural Lamb Products
Niman Ranch Introduces the New Lamb Gyros and Sausage
The availability of Niman Ranch's gyros and sausage at select specialty grocers presents an opportunity for these retailers to cater to the rising demand for unique, high-quality…