Poultry products are better positioned to perform well during the last quarter of 2020 than beef or pork, according to Will Sawyer, lead animal protein analyst at CoBank.
“I do think that there are opportunities for poultry to be put in a better position than some of the red meats,” Sawyer said on Monday at Delmarva Poultry Industry’s 55th National Meeting on Poultry Health, Processing, and Live Production, according to reporting by WATT Poultry. “I think a lot of foodservice for poultry does very well through the drive-through window. I think poultry, of the three major proteins, will do much better.”
Sawyer added that lowered attendance in traditional steakhouses due to COVID-19 measures will likely disproportionately hurt beef sales versus chicken.
Earlier this year, Sawyer cited survey data that indicated younger consumers feel more comfortable eating out than older generations, which could affect restaurant design post-COVID.
“When we think about restaurant concepts and restaurant formats that I think will survive and maybe even thrive through COVID-19, it’s those concepts that are very geared to the younger generations. Unfortunately, those concepts that are more traditional, more sit-down … in most cases in the dining experience are really going to struggle and I think be in far fewer supply going forward.”
