The holiday season is upon us, and families are navigating the delicate balance between cherished
traditions and tighter budgets. While inflation has eased slightly, elevated costs continue to shape
purchasing decisions. Consumers are prioritizing value without compromising quality. Beef, with its
versatility and rich flavor, continues to shine as a holiday favorite, offering budget-friendly options
that fit any celebration.
According to the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, 60
percent of consumers expect to spend more on holiday food this year, even as they adopt cost-
saving strategies like shopping sales, using coupons, and opting for multipurpose ingredients 1 .
Beef’s adaptability makes it ideal for a wide range of meals, from show-stopping roasts to quick,
creative dishes using affordable cuts and leftovers. In fact, 75 percent of households plan to include
beef in their holiday dinners, and 50 percent plan to incorporate beef into a holiday lunch. 1
While holiday spending is projected to rise by 31.7 percent, families are allocating more to food and
experiences, emphasizing the importance of shared meals 2 . Consumers are increasingly looking for
inspiration, with 54 percent seeking new beef roast recipes and 47 percent exploring steak ideas
for New Year’s. In addition to new recipes, consumers are looking for innovative ways to use
leftovers or prepare meals for guests arriving before or after the main holiday events.
The Wisconsin Beef Council offers an array of resources to help consumers elevate their holiday
meals while staying within budget. The website BeefTips.com has step-by-step instructions to
preparing a Rib Roast, tips for classic holiday meals, a Roast Swap Guide featuring delicious cuts at
various price points, and a collection of innovative leftover recipes.
This holiday season, as we gather with loved ones, let’s celebrate with flavorful beef dishes that
bring warmth and joy to every table. From festive feasts to cozy weeknight dinners, beef continues
to shine as a symbol of quality and tradition.
- Holiday Consumer Survey, analyzed and summarized by NCBA, on behalf of the Beef
Checkoff, September 2024.
957 Liberty Drive, Suite 201 800.728.BEEF (2333) OFFICE PHONE
Verona, WI 53592 http://www.beeftips.com WEBSITE
- JLL, Holiday Shopping Report 2024, September 2024
The Wisconsin Beef Council is a producer-directed non-profit organization funded by the $1.00 per
head assessment on all cattle sold in the state of Wisconsin per the Federal Beef Promotion and
Research Act & Order. Half of one dollar remains in Wisconsin for local beef promotion, while the
other half is forwarded to the Cattlemen’s Beef Board. The purpose of the Council is to fund beef
promotion, research and consumer education activities supporting Wisconsin’s $2.1 billion beef
industry. The WBC operates under the guidance of its Board of Directors. The Board is comprised of
representatives from cattle-related organizations around the state of Wisconsin.
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