Deli and meat departments report robust sales in June

Fresh produce experienced broad gains as the cookout season began, while fresh meat sales thrived, bolstered by rising beef prices and robust demand for chicken, turkey, and exotic meats.

Supermarket deli sales demonstrated robust performance in June, as consumers invested heavily in prepared meats, specialty cheese, and party trays, according to recent data from 210 Analytics and Circana. Deli and meat departments report robust sales in June, with fresh meat sales also benefiting from some beef price inflation and strong demand for chicken, turkey, and exotic meats. Although the July 4th holiday timing led many to shop for barbecue items in July, celebrations like Father’s Day and graduations helped boost sales throughout June.

The deli department achieved an overall sales increase of 3.2%, totaling $4.3 billion, which included a notable 5.1% rise in deli prepared items. Sales of prepared meats soared by 12.4%, and other items such as sandwiches and desserts also contributed to solid growth. “The deli department fired on all cylinders,” remarked Anne-Marie Roerink, principal at 210 Analytics.

In the fresh meat category, dollar sales rose by 3.7% to $5.6 billion, driven by beef price inflation that raised dollar sales by 5% despite a slight decrease in pounds sold. Bacon sales increased by 6.4%, though pounds sold fell by 4.6%, marking a shift from earlier deflation trends. Deli and meat departments report robust sales in June, with fresh chicken and other meats also posting gains.

Fresh produce enjoyed a strong month as well, with total sales up 2.1% to $7.6 billion, spurred by increased spending on seasonal fruits and vegetables. The surge was fueled by melons, grapes, and mandarins, with grapes experiencing a boost likely linked to a TikTok trend promoting frozen grapes as a refreshing snack.

The frozen foods department saw a 1.9% increase in dollar sales, aided by a 3.7% rise in frozen dessert sales and a notable 9.5% growth in processed meats. However, sales in the largest frozen category, frozen meals, remained flat, and fresh seafood faced challenges with a 3% decline in dollar sales. Overall, the figures reflect a thriving deli and meat department, showcasing strong consumer demand during the month of June.