CAB supply increased despite lower fed-cattle numbers

“Angus producers deserve a tremendous amount of credit for maintaining their focus on marbling and continuing to improve the quality of their cattle,” Stika says.

While the total fed-cattle supply declined by 3% this year, 5.82 million carcasses were certified for the brand, increasing CAB supply 0.5%. This resulted in a 36% acceptance rate after 16.16 million cattle were identified as eligible for the brand.

The commitment of family farmers and ranchers to supplying high-quality cattle continues to be rewarded through grid premiums. As reported in March 2022, premiums paid by packers to producers for brand-qualifying cattle totaled $182 million annually, or $3.5 million per week.

Meeting consumer demand

Consumers continue to demand high-quality beef offerings at the meatcase and while dining out, both domestically and internationally.

With 414.8 million lb. sold, foodservice sales are up 2.4% from 2022 and reached their second-best year to date.

“Angus producers deserve a tremendous amount of credit for maintaining their focus on marbling and continuing to improve the quality of their cattle.” — John Stika

While diners enjoyed the brand at their favorite dining establishments — from Michelin-star restaurants to acclaimed barbecue joints and beyond — they also purchased the trusted beef brand in the meatcase. Retail stores recorded 521 million lb. sold in 2023, marking the fifth year of more than 500 million lb. sold across retailers, though down 4.9% in total sales from last year.

U.S. sales dipped slightly from last year, but international sales soared to 188 million lb., an increase of 5.5%. The highest growth was recorded in China, Hong Kong, South Korea and Mexico.

Looking across the marketplace, the steady increase in demand for labor- and time-saving solutions led value-added products to a new annual record. Up 9.8% from 2022, 44.7 million lb. were sold across retail and foodservice in domestic and international markets.

CAB Prime sales marked a new milestone with 41 million lb. sold, up 17.7% from last year. Given the current marketing conditions, these record sales are further indication that consumers are not backing down from quality.

As the brand further embraced consumer choice, CAB Natural saw 4.4 million lb. sold, down 6.4% from 2022.

“We are all connected through our shared commitment to quality and to fulfill the growing demand that’s out there for the brand,” Stika says. “In the process, we’ll continue to engage the entire beef community in creating a more prosperous and sustainable future for everyone involved in this brand.”

Editor’s note: Lindsay Graber Runft is the director of producer communications for CAB. Jessica Travis is associate director of communications and public relations for the brand.