by Certified Angus Beef

Certified Angus Beef (CAB) closed its 48th year with more than 1.224 billion pounds (lb.) sold globally. The result came despite the tightest supply since 2018, elevated beef prices and greater pressure on household budgets.

This year’s performance points to a marketplace that continued to make room for quality, even as higher prices weighed on end-users. Consumers are becoming more intentional about where, when and how they purchase quality beef, seeking confidence that every meal will be worth their investment.

“Certified Angus Beef has never been the work of one business or one part of the industry. It represents thousands of people who pull up a chair to the same table with a shared commitment to quality,” says John Stika, president of CAB. “In a year marked by limited supply, record cattle values and greater pressure on consumers, our partners continued creating value and delivering the consistent eating experience people trust. Their collective commitment allowed us to celebrate another strong year while positioning the brand to meet the opportunities ahead.”

“Every part of the supply chain plays a role in delivering excellence.” — Bruce Cobb

The brand opened the fiscal year at a record-setting sales pace from October through February, the strongest start in its history. Year-end sales finished 0.9% below the prior year, but Certified Angus Beef^® (CAB^®) Prime and value-added products hit record-setting performance.

CAB supply affected by cow herd decline

As national cow herd numbers decreased, number of carcasses qualifying for the brand also declined. Total CAB supply was down 6.1% with 5.42 million head achieving CAB qualification.

With a focus on the right genetics and management decisions, Angus ranchers continued to target the brand, affecting CAB supply and yielding grid premiums. The brand acceptance rate was up slightly to 37.8%, with Prime production also on the rise. Up approximately 7% this fiscal year, 845,000 carcasses qualified for CAB Prime. And CAB Prime sales responded, rising 12.3% to a record 63.3 million lb.

Partners capitalized on opportunities beyond middle meats, expanding premium offerings through grinds, deli products, fully cooked items and other underutilized cuts. The result was more consumer choice and a stronger premium beef proposition across the marketplace.

“Every part of the supply chain plays a role in delivering excellence,” says Bruce Cobb, executive vice president of production for CAB. “Farmers and ranchers remain engaged in strengthening the brand, responding to consumer signals and making the decisions necessary to produce high-quality beef.”