November 26, 2008

Turkey meat is growing in popularity in the US, according to the National Turkey Federation's 2008 Marketplace Survey.

Ground turkey sales have increased in recent years, with over 403 million pounds sold in 2007, up 10 percent from 2005.

The survey said the top three turkey products produced are whole birds at 24.5 percent, deli meat at 13.8 percent, and ground turkey at 10.1 percent.

About 43 percent of the turkey volume sold goes to the retail sector. Whole birds make up 50 percent of the volume distributed to supermarkets, followed by ground turkey at 15.6 percent and bone-in breast at 7.3 percent.

About 18 percent of the turkey volume goes to the foodservice sector. The top three products are cooked white meat at 37.1 percent, sliced deli meat at 12.8 percent, and other cuts such as breast cutlets and mignons at 11.4 percent.