Certified Angus Beef Sales Resilient Amid Down Supply
Despite tightening supply and volatile market conditions, CAB celebrates 48 years with more than 1.224 billion pounds sold and record-setting Certified Angus Beef ® Prime sales.
by Certified Angus Beef
October 20, 2026
Certified Angus Beef (CAB) closed its 48th year with more than 1.224 billion pounds 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.”
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 ® Prime and value-added products hit record-setting performance.
Quality Wins in Any Market
In a year defined by tight supply and market volatility, the result remained clear: quality wins in any market.
Foodservice was a leading source of strength for the brand, resulting in a 1.7% increase in sales. Even as high beef prices raised menu costs, distributors and restaurant operators continued to protect quality and give diners a reason to return. The increase in sales was supported by demand for Certified Angus Beef ® Prime and operators looking to deliver a constant experience, knowing every dining occasion carried greater expectations.
Retail volume faced pressure as higher beef prices limited aggressive front-page promotions, down 1.2% in sales, with more than 528 million pounds of product sold. Rather than pull back from the beef category, the brand’s partners supported premium beef offerings through ground beef, value-added products and underutilized cuts, creating new ways for consumers to enjoy the beef’s quality, while delivering greater value across the carcass.
International business navigated uneven market conditions, including pressure in several of the brand’s largest markets, down 8.3% in total sales. Teams remained present with core partners while directing additional attention to countries where trade dynamics, exchange rates and consumer demand created stronger opportunities. The top three volume markets included Canada, South Korea and Mexico. Egypt experienced a record year, while Hong Kong, Taiwan, Colombia and Kuwait increased sales. Value-added product sales reached an all-time high, with growth across foodservice, retail and international markets, an increase of 8.6% in sales and more than 52 million pounds. The category addressed two persistent marketplace needs: dependable quality and greater efficiency.
While the fully cooked smoked Certified Angus Beef ® brisket led foodservice growth, the brand’s shaved steak and hot pot items contributed to growth at retail and internationally. Certified Angus Beef® Prime deli meats and prepared-food applications also extended the brand into new parts of the store.
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