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Illinois Beef Association working to position beef ahead of alternative proteins

The Illinois Beef Association is working to position beef as a top protein over plant-based and cell-cultured “meats”.

Jill Johnson, Executive Vice President for the Illinois Beef Association, tells Brownfield their research shows since 2015 beef demand and US beef consumption have been trending upward.

“We know that consumers love our product and what we need to do is continue to help people feel comfortable about making a beef purchase.”

Johnson says a survey of consumers shows beef is a clear winner above alternative proteins as a more economical option, with fewer ingredients, that tastes good. But, consumers question beef in other areas.

“We certainly want to do more to help people understand the value of the product from a nutrition standpoint and what our farmers and ranchers do to raise beef and its impact on the environment.”

She says other important talking points include higher food safety inspections for beef over cell-cultured meat and the value of animal welfare in the beef industry.

Johnson says in the last decade, vegan and vegetarian diets have NOT increased substantially, and alternative protein makers target traditional meat eaters in their marketing campaigns.

Johnson presented this topic at the Illinois Farm Bureau’s Annual Meeting.