Centralized Packaging Systems for Meats

Abstract

This chapter discusses the variety of centralized packaging systems for retail-ready meat which is a commercial reality, and each of them satisfies different requirements. Thus, high O2 modified atmosphere packaging is suitable for local distribution due to the limited shelf-life, whereas master packaging in the absence of O2, combined with appropriate temperature control, good manufacturing practices, and suitable packaging materials can achieve 6–10 weeks of storage life, besides being the most economical system due to the grouping of individual packs. The case-ready program has been a reactionary process built on market demand, satisfying cost-cutting requirements at specific segments of the supply and distribution channels. Communications between packer and retail buyer, and between retail buyer and store meat manager are keys to the success of the system, because they allow prediction of sales on a store-by-store basis and provide better pricing strategies and promotional activities.