Where Does Meijer Get Their Beef? A Full Guide

If you’re a meat lover, you’ve probably wondered where your favorite grocery store gets their beef.

In the case of Meijer, a popular US-based supercenter chain, the answer is simple: they source their meat from US-based suppliers and vendors.

But what sets Meijer apart from other grocery stores is their commitment to selling only fresh and hygienic meat, which means they can only get meat raised in the US, no more than 250 miles away from its processing center.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at where Meijer gets their beef and what makes it stand out from the rest.

Where Does Meijer Get Their Beef?

Meijer sources its beef from specific suppliers and vendors based in the US. This allows them to closely monitor the quality of the meat and ensure that it meets their high standards.

One of the key factors that sets Meijer’s beef apart is that it is exclusively Certified Angus Beef®. This is a higher grade than USDA Prime, Select, and Choice, and only 1.5% of all beef – and only one in four Angus-influenced cattle – is approved to carry the Certified Angus Beef distinction.

Meijer’s commitment to offering only the highest quality beef means that they are able to provide their customers with a superior product. And despite the premium quality, Meijer is able to offer Certified Angus Beef at the same price as most retailers charge for USDA Choice.

Meijer’s Commitment To Fresh And Hygienic Meat

Meijer is committed to ensuring that their meat is not only of the highest quality, but also fresh and hygienic. They have strict standards in place to ensure that all meat products are handled and stored properly throughout the entire distribution process.

Meijer’s distribution team members are responsible for maintaining the integrity of all products going through the distribution center. They handle all products appropriately, using their knowledge of quality and temperature standards, and ensure order and inventory accuracy via established processes. Additionally, they practice 200% safety accountability to ensure a safe work environment for all team members.

Meijer also has dedicated office and professional roles, including Asset Protection, Facilities/Properties, Maintenance, and Inventory Control, who are responsible for ensuring that all facilities meet strict sanitation requirements and adhere to USDA food safety regulations.

Furthermore, Meijer offers development programs for emerging leaders, supervisors, managers, unit directors in training, and complex directors. These programs provide coaching and leadership development that build a future leadership bench and set participants up for success in pursuit of a leadership role in any Meijer function.

US-Based Suppliers And Vendors

Meijer is a US-based supercenter chain that sources its meat from US-based suppliers and vendors. They focus on selling fresh and hygienic meat, which is why they can only get meat raised in the US, no more than 250 miles away from its processing center.

Meijer’s beef is exclusively Certified Angus Beef®, which is a higher grade than USDA Prime, Select, and Choice. They source their beef from specific suppliers and vendors based in the US, allowing them to closely monitor the quality of the meat and ensure that it meets their high standards.

The majority of the chicken that Meijer gets is from farms owned by local families in Tennessee and Shelbyville, Tennessee. They offer a wide variety of meats, including beef, chicken, pork, and turkey, which are in different brands. The chicken varieties are chicken breasts, drumsticks, whole chicken, ground chicken, and chicken wings. The turkey meat is available as ground, turkey breasts, or turkey meatballs. The pork can be available as center cut, pork shoulder, or ground pork.

Meijer believes in treating each other with dignity and respect and wants these values to extend throughout their entire supply chain. They support animal well-being and expect their suppliers to adhere to the best industry standards and regulations of humane handling. They also believe in sourcing responsibly, which guides their expectations of their suppliers.

The 250-Mile Rule: Why Distance Matters

Meijer takes great care in selecting suppliers and vendors who are located within 250 miles of their facilities. This is because the distance that the cattle travel before processing can have a significant impact on the quality of the meat.

When cattle are transported long distances, they can become stressed and fatigued. This can result in a decrease in meat quality, as the stress can cause the animal’s muscles to break down and release enzymes that can affect the flavor and texture of the meat.

By sourcing their beef from suppliers within 250 miles, Meijer is able to ensure that the animals are subjected to less stress during transportation. This results in a higher quality product that is more tender, flavorful, and nutritious.

In addition to improving the quality of the meat, sourcing beef from local suppliers also has environmental benefits. By reducing transportation distances, Meijer is able to reduce their carbon footprint and support local farmers and ranchers.

Quality Standards And Certification

Meijer is dedicated to ensuring that their beef meets the highest quality standards. To achieve this, they have implemented a rigorous certification process. All Meijer meat cutters – about three or four per store – are certified to meet the retailer’s standards, further ensuring quality custom cuts, precise portioning, and adherence to the strictest food safety practices.

Additionally, Meijer has partnered with the Certified Angus Beef® brand, a non-profit organization that works for farmers to ensure their livelihood matches their effort. The brand markets their beef and has the highest standard when it comes to grading their meat. In order for beef to be considered Certified Angus Beef® brand, they must either be Choice or Prime – truly the top of the scale.

Meijer’s partnership with the Certified Angus Beef® brand allows them to offer their customers a superior product that has been carefully selected and graded based on strict quality standards. By exclusively offering Certified Angus Beef®, Meijer is able to provide their customers with a premium product without charging premium prices.

Supporting Local Farmers And Communities

Meijer has a longstanding commitment to supporting local farmers and communities. They believe in the importance of buying locally-grown produce when available, as long as the quality meets their high standards. Meijer works with more than 125 local growers within its six-state footprint, which has an annual economic impact of nearly $100 million.

Buying locally-grown produce not only supports the local economy through jobs and capital expenditures, but it also helps reduce transportation costs and keeps fresh produce prices down for customers. Meijer’s relationship with local farmers goes back decades, with some partnerships spanning multiple generations.

Meijer’s commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs in the food industry allows them to build a relationship with their communities and really helps drive their mission. It also allows them access to innovative and forward-thinking people in the food industry, and allows them to gauge the pulse of their customers.

Meijer is the primary corporate partner of an educational conference and trade show that features Michigan-made products. The vendor trade show features more than 150 booths, and businesses and buyers from major retailers will be present looking for items they can add to their stores. Buyers on site include those from large companies like Meijer, independent grocers, specialty food retailers, food-coops and specialty gift businesses.

Meijer’s Sustainable Practices In Meat Sourcing

In addition to sourcing only the highest quality beef, Meijer is also committed to sustainable practices in their meat sourcing. The company is dedicated to sourcing beef from suppliers who adhere to strict animal welfare standards and sustainable farming practices.

Meijer’s beef suppliers are required to follow guidelines set forth by the Global Animal Partnership (GAP), which ensures that animals are raised in a humane and sustainable manner. The GAP certification program is designed to promote responsible farming practices that prioritize animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and social responsibility.

Furthermore, Meijer is committed to reducing their environmental impact by sourcing beef from suppliers who are dedicated to sustainable farming practices. This includes minimizing the use of antibiotics and hormones, reducing water usage, and implementing eco-friendly waste management systems.