IRVING, TEXAS — Epic Sales Partners Inc., a provider of headquarter management, retail merchandising, data analytics, technology and administrative services for the fresh, specialty, natural and organic departments, plans to expand meat offerings in 2023. In 2022, Epic helped over 75 retail chains and over 2,000 storefronts access over 300 different meat products. The company’s goal for 2023 is to help retailers and meat suppliers provide local communities access to more than 600 different meat products.

The unpredictable supply chain, pricing and inflation has challenged many retailers in acquiring steady access to fresh meat. Due to these challenges, Epic made the decision to exclusively work with meat suppliers and manufacturers committed to predictability and consistent growth.

“Retail shoppers still prefer to shop for fresh meat in their local stores,” said Dave Huddle, president of Epic Sales Partners - Central. “Our retail partners rely heavily on quality meat suppliers to meet these demands and to consistently increase store traffic due to the availability of fresh meat products.”

IRI’s recent study titled “Impact Of Inflation On Consumer Behavior” shows that as inflation has decreased, demand has increased. Coinciding with this change, retailers experienced volume growth in pork, chicken and beef at the end of 2022.

“Epic stays ahead of trends and works with meat suppliers across the country to supply a steady supply chain of quality products,” said Mark Wilhelm, president of Epic Sales Partners - West. “Our growth in the variety of meat products helps meet the increasing demands of retailers and consumers.”

Epic sent its team to the Annual Meat Conference, hosted by the North American Meat Institute (NAMI) and the Food Industry Association (FMI), March 6-8, to build new partnerships to further support its commitment to growth in the year ahead.