Checkoff-funded promotions have placed pork as one of the hottest food trends and a key ingredient in healthy recipes as shown by cooking shows and food and consumer lifestyle publications, said Dallas Hockman, NPPC Vice President of Demand Enhancement. The Demand Enhancement program is working to stay ahead of the market changes to meet the needs of the marketplace both today and in the future.
Consumers view pork as having more value today.
They are willing to spend more for pork today than they did 10 years ago. Pork s value applies to both U.S. and international consumers. U.S. exports of pork have increased with checkoff-funded trade promotions. U.S. pork exports grew from 244 million pounds in carcass-weight equivalents in 1990 to an estimated 1.305 billion pounds in 2000. During that time, the United States shifted from a net importer to a net exporter.