Deli and meat departments remain in a strong growth position as summer buying behaviors develop in the sector. Consumers remain interested in various options when going to the counter or the refrigerated section of a grocery store or retailer.

In the last few years, traditional cuts still have their place, but specialty offerings continue to boost the deli aisle. Recent data from Chicago-based market research firm Circana OmniMarket Integrated Fresh, formerly IRI, said that for the 52 weeks ending June 18, 2023, lunch meat and deli service lunch meat sales were more than $4.8 billion. In 2022, the deli service sales were also near $4.8 billion.

Subcategories in deli service include turkey at $1.7 billion ($1.69 billion in 2022), ham at $1.54 billion ($1.52 billion in 2022), beef at $581.1 million ($619.7 million in 2022) and chicken at $413.4 million ($350.3 million).

Circana data showed that deli grab-and-go demand continues to be crucial to retailers’ success. The entire grab-and-go category sits at $2.65 billion over the past year, including subcategories of turkey at $1.01 billion, ham at $830.5 million, beef at $266.3 million and salami at $205.2 million. In 2022, the grab-and-go category stood at $2.29 billion in total. Subcategories of turkey showed up at $903.3 million, ham at $728.9 million, beef at $240.4 million and salami at $175.2 million.

Jonna Parker, principal for the Fresh Center of Excellence at Circana, identified some deli trends seen throughout her research for 2023.

“What I love about the current lunch meat landscape is that it really created a unique pocket for itself,” Parker said. “It’s always had the premium freshness halo and differentiated brand and flavors. Now we’ve added the grab-and-go convenience and variability of package size.”

A recent report from the International Dairy Deli and Bakery Association (IDDBA) that featured research by Anne Marie Roerink of 210 Analytics and Circana showed deli meat sales totaling $817 million in June 2023.

While sales were virtually unchanged from the same time in 2022 volume was substantially less.

Like the analysis by Circana, dramatic changes have come to on-demand service in retail.

“Over the past few years, the share of deli meat generated by the service counter has dropped in favor of growing shares for grab-and-go and pre-sliced,” the report said. “This trend can also be seen in June 2023, with grab-and-go dollar sales up 4.9% versus service deli meat being down 2.5%.”

Small snacks and charcuterie plates remain something Parker and Circana keep hearing about as a viable option in the deli aisle.

Whether it’s traditional deli meats on the plate or other meat options, charcuterie remains a staple in some households. It’s no longer just for parties. Data from 210 Analytics and Circana showed deli entertainment sales were up nearly 2% from 2022.

“It’s about a curated bite and the winds of the sails of that is snacking in mini meals,” Parker said.