American Fresh Foods: What is "Case-Ready"? - The fresh meat case has historically been dominated by raw meat that is cut and packaged by in-store butchers for display in the meat case.

The fresh meat case has historically been dominated by raw meat that is cut and packaged by in-store butchers for display in the meat case. To offer greater variety and consistency, many grocers are offering fresh meat cuts that have been prepared and packaged at a centrally located facility that is capable of servicing many stores.

The industry refers to this type of package as “case-ready” because it comes to the grocery store ready to place in the case. No cutting, wrapping, weighing or pricing is required. Thus the grocer is able to reduce costs. NCBA

The penetration of case-ready continues to grow as retailers appreciate the benefit of fewer out-of-stocks and reduced labor costs.

Since 2002, case-ready ground beef product placement increased 17% to a level of 66% of total U.S. Supermarkets.
NMCS Study 2004

Product displays of ground beef are dramatically improved in case-ready packages compared to traditional in-store wrapped packages.

A recent study showed that case-ready packages provided a 21% in-stock display improvement versus in-store wrapped packages. The improved inventory position reduces out- of- stocks and maximizes the retailers sales and profits.
NMCS Study 2004

We offer two types of Convenient Case-Ready ground beef that provide a variety of benefits to the retailer compared to in-store packaged ground beef.

	High-Oxygen atmosphere plastic trays in a variety of
	sizes.
	Fresh Look™ - Over-wrap packaged ground beef in
	a High Oxygen atmosphere mother bag.

Benefits

	Extended shelf-life reduces out-of-stocks
	Pre-priced packages save time and money
	No grinding and packaging required – tremendous
	labor savings