Feb 20, 20253 min read
By: Rick Stein, Vice President, Fresh Foods, FMI

Annual Meat Conference 2025 women cutting meatThe Annual Meat Conference (AMC) is where retailers step back from the daily grind to focus on the bigger picture—where the meat industry is headed, what consumers want and how to stay competitive. AMC provides insights and strategies to help meat buyers make informed decisions that drive sales and efficiency. 

Certain AMC sessions have become must-attend events, and in 2025, they return with fresh insights, deeper analysis and practical takeaways. Here are program highlights—see online for full session descriptions. 

Power of Meat Turns 20 
For two decades, The Power of Meat has been the industry’s go-to report on consumer buying habits. If one session consistently sparks conversation and strategy shifts, it’s this one. Experiencing this milestone session live allows you to explore three key drivers of meat purchasing: affordability, permissibility and favorability—how price, health perceptions and cravings shape demand together with colleagues. Expect new data, fresh analysis and insights to rethink meat merchandising strategies. As an attendee, you also receive the report first before the industry does.  

The Power of Meat is a working document. It stays on my desk like a reference book. Every time I look at it, I get a new idea.
- Keith Barthelme, category manager, Publix Super Markets

2025 Market Outlook for Meat and Poultry 
Markets are unpredictable, but retailers who stay ahead of economic and supply trends can better adapt. This session examines global trade shifts, labor challenges and supply chain disruptions—and their potential impact on pricing and availability in 2025. 

For those wanting a deeper dive, the Market Outlook Deep Dive offers extended discussion time with economic experts. 

Meat the Future: Executives Navigate Retail’s Evolving Landscape 
What’s next for meat retail? This session’s executive panel brings together top leaders to discuss: 
  • Innovation in the meat department 
  • Creating a seamless in-store and digital meat shopping experience 
  • How suppliers and retailers can stay ahead 
This conversation will help retailers think long term about positioning meat in their stores. 

Behind the Meat Counter: An Interactive Session—Pork Carcass Fabrication 
Back by popular demand, we blend education and skill-building. It’s a deep dive into pork carcass fabrication, helping retailers understand different cuts and how to market them effectively. 

Originally for beginners, this hands-on session now benefits anyone in meat retail—whether new to the industry or experienced but refining their approach. The goal: improve merchandising, maximize cost-effectiveness, and encourage culinary innovation—all while driving sales.  

Why These Conversations Matter 
I am glad to see that we have retailers from Albertsons, Sprouts, ALDI, Amazon Fresh, Baldor Specialty Food, Big Y Food, BJ’s Wholesale Club, ButcherBox, C&S Wholesale Grocers, Costco Wholesale, Fresh Thyme Market, Giant Food, and more. See the attendee list. 

AMC goes beyond sessions, providing conversations that help retailers and meat buyers make strategic decisions. The program offers a dynamic experience alongside more than 140 exhibitors in the AMC Exhibit Hall. It is an event that delivers value. 

My favorite conference every year! Can’t wait for 2025 to experience the industry-leading insights and connections that keep me coming back.
- 2024 AMC Retailer Attendee

Join us March 24–26, 2025, in Orlando for AMC 2025. See the full program.