Animal protein returns to the center of the plate

But the scenario is changing, and with it, the factors that ultimately define what and why food is bought, as well as where it is eaten. The news is good for those who produce and export animal protein: meat is returning to the center of the plate. During the annual meeting of the Meat Importers Council of Americas (MICA), held in Texas, Anne-Marie Roerink gave a presentation titled "Perceptions and Realities in Retail and Foodservice Sales in the United States." Roerink is a renowned analyst on food consumption in the United States, the head of the firm 210 Analytics. The specialist defines the situation as the shift "from the ethical dilemma to protein pragmatism." In recent years, the debate over whether "it is okay to eat meat" has given way to concern about nutritional value and accessibility. In 2025, cost became the main reason for reducing consumption, above ethical or health reasons. And yet, sales of beef (the most expensive protein) grew by 14% year-over-year, doubling ...