The National Pork Board has released a report on the fastest-growing protein…pork. According to Technomic, Inc.’s 2017 Volumetric Assessment of Pork in Foodservice, over the past six years, pork use has grown on a pound basis by more than double chicken, which is the next fastest growing protein. Pork use increased by 1.145 billion pounds, while chicken use grew by 515 million pounds.

On a percentage basis, pork grew three times the rate of turkey, which is the next fastest growing protein, at 3.6 percent versus 1.2 percent. During this same time period, pork represents 61 percent of all protein growth in the foodservice industry.

The pork category continues to increase in foodservice, with a growth rate of 0.8 percent from 2015 to 2017. Totaling 5.9 billion pounds, the growth reflects a volume increase of 114 million pounds over the 2013 to 2015 period.

“We are pleased to see continued growth of pork use in foodservice,” said National Pork Board President Jan Archer, Goldsboro, North Carolina. “The volumetric study shows that pork continues to be a strong performer in the foodservice industry, underscoring pork’s popularity specifically in value-added pork products such as ham, bacon and sausage.”

“Fresh pork presents a huge opportunity in foodservice by offering a range of cuts and applications to deliver a variety of authentic and innovative dishes. Also, fresh pork’s value has never been better,” Archer said. “Fresh pork allows the foodservice industry to deliver what consumers want while turning strong profits.

The complete release and more information can be found here and at PorkFoodService.com.