Quality Wins in Any Market
Despite tightening supply and volatile market conditions, Certified Angus Beef celebrates 48 years with more than 1.224 billion pounds sold.
WOOSTER— Certified Angus Beef closed its 48th year with more than 1.224 billion pounds sold globally. The result came despite the tightest supply since 2018, elevated beef prices and greater pressure on household budgets.
This year’s performance points to a marketplace that continued to make room for quality, even as higher prices put pressure on both businesses and consumers. Consumers are becoming more intentional about where, when and how they purchase quality beef, seeking confidence that every meal will be worth their investment.
“Certified Angus Beef has never been the work of one business or one part of the industry. It represents thousands of people who pull up a chair to the same table with a shared commitment to quality,” says John Stika, president of Certified Angus Beef. “In a year marked by limited supply, record cattle values and greater pressure on consumers, our partners continued creating value and delivering the consistent eating experience people trust. Their collective commitment allowed us to celebrate another strong year while positioning the brand to meet the opportunities ahead.”
The brand opened the fiscal year at a record-setting pace from October through February, the strongest start in its history. Year-end sales finished 0.9% below the prior year, but Certified Angus Beef ® Prime and value-added products hit record-setting performance. Specifically, Certified Angus Beef ® Prime sales rose 12.3% to a record 63.3 million pounds, with record volume across foodservice, retail and international business.
Foodservice Holds the Line on Quality
Foodservice was a leading source of strength for the brand, resulting in a 1.7% increase in sales. Even as high beef prices raised menu costs, distributors and restaurant operators continued to protect quality and give diners a reason to return. The increase in sales was supported by demand for Certified Angus Beef ® Prime and operators looking to deliver a constant experience, knowing every dining occasion carried greater expectations.
Retail Creates New Paths to the Consumer
Retail volume faced pressure as higher beef prices limited aggressive front-page promotions, down 1.2% in sales, with more than 528 million pounds of product sold. Rather than pull back from the beef category, the brand’s partners supported premium beef offerings through ground beef, value-added products and underutilized cuts, creating new ways for consumers to enjoy the beef’s quality, while delivering greater value across the carcass.
International Teams Focus on Markets with Momentum
International business navigated uneven market conditions, including pressure in several of the brand’s largest markets, down 8.3% in total sales. Teams remained present with core partners while directing additional attention to countries where trade dynamics, exchange rates and consumer demand created stronger opportunities. The top three volume markets included Canada, South Korea and Mexico. Egypt experienced a record year, while Hong Kong, Taiwan, Colombia and Kuwait increased sales.
Value-Added Products Reach a New Record
Value-added product sales reached an all-time high, with growth across foodservice, retail and international channels, an increase of 8.6% in sales and more than 52 million pounds. The category addressed two persistent marketplace needs: dependable quality and greater efficiency.
While the fully cooked smoked Certified Angus Beef ® brisket led foodservice growth, the brand’s shaved steak and hot pot items contributed to growth at retail and internationally. Certified Angus Beef ® Prime deli meats and prepared-food applications also extended the brand into new parts of the store.
More Value From Every Carcass
As the nation’s cowherd numbers decreased, so did the number of cattle qualifying for the brand. Total Certified Angus Beef ® supply declined 6.1% to 5.42 million head achieving brand qualification. Partners capitalized on opportunities beyond middle meats, expanding premium offerings through grinds, deli products, fully cooked items and other underutilized cuts. The result was more consumer choice and a stronger premium beef proposition across the marketplace.
That work reinforces the signal sent back through the supply chain. With a record high 37.8% acceptance rate, it is evident that ranching families continue investing in Angus genetics, animal care and land stewardship. Feedyards, packers, distributors, retailers and chefs then build on that intentionality, connecting production decisions to an eating experience consumers trust.
“Every part of the supply chain plays a role in delivering excellence,” says Bruce Cobb, executive vice president of production for Certified Angus Beef. “Farmers and ranchers remain engaged in strengthening the brand, responding to consumer signals and making the decisions necessary to produce high-quality beef.”
Across a year defined by tight supply and market volatility, the result remained clear: quality wins in any market.
