March 24, 2004

US Study Shows Chicken Used As Substitute For Pork

A study conducted by Texas A&M University and funded by the US Pork Board revealed chicken was the strongest substitute for pork above alternative sources of protein.  The study revealed US pork consumption increased 14% when retail chicken prices increased 1%, compared with pork consumption rising only 0.02% for a 1% rise in beef retail prices.  The close association between pork and chicken is thought to be a hang over from the US Pork Board's "Pork. The Other White Meat" campaign.

The change in pork consumption with a corresponding rise in price was less significant than changes in beef or chicken prices. A 1% rise in US pork retail prices resulted in a 0.16% decline in US pork consumption, while a 1% rise in beef retail prices resulted in a 0.23% decline in beef consumption, with chicken consumption falling 0.38% in response to a 1% rise in chicken retail prices.