1. Home
  2. Resources
  3. White Papers
  4. Corned Beef: A Highlight of St. Patrick's Day

Corned Beef: A Highlight of St. Patrick's Day

March 2025

Corned beef – traditionally identified by the large “corn kernels” of rock salt used as a brine to preserve and flavor the meat – is an American classic with Irish roots. This preparation utilizes beef brisket and although it is a tasty year-round dish, corned beef is a particular favorite for St. Patrick’s Day.1 In this article, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, examines historical corned beef sales trends as we approach the St. Patrick's Day holiday.
Figure 1

Source: Circana, 2024. 

Analysis: National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff.

In 2024, the total value of retail corned beef sales was $330 million, up 0.6% compared to 2023, but lagging overall fresh beef dollar sales which were up 9.7% in 2024. Total corned beef volume at retail has seen a decline in recent years, down 17% by volume compared to four years ago. Corned beef represents 53% of all retail beef brisket dollar sales, with 67% of sales by volume occurring in the four weeks surrounding St. Patrick’s Day.2


Figure 2

Source: Circana, 2024. 

Analysis: National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff.

Likely contributing to the decline in corned beef sales by volume, the price per pound of corned beef has increased 14.5% on an annual basis compared to four years ago ($4.37/lb in 2024 vs. $3.91/lb in 2020). Over the past four years, retailers have offered discounts of up to a dollar per pound on corned beef in the four weeks surrounding St. Patrick’s Day. However, even those discounted prices continue to rise.2   

Although corned beef sales have trended down in recent years, overall retail beef brisket sales continue to increase. The data suggests this trend is driven by budget-conscious younger generations who are more likely to have eaten brisket in the past week compared to their older counterparts.3 This also suggests that consumers are opting for different brisket preparations instead of corned beef – perhaps driven by the rise in popularity of meat smokers and barbeque amongst younger generations. Additionally, for health-conscious consumers, the sodium content of this preparation may lead to corned beef being viewed more as a selection for special occasions rather than a choice consumers turn to on the daily. 

Figure 3

Source: Circana, 2024. 

Analysis: National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff.

With special occasions in mind, consumer engagement with corned beef at foodservice venues remains robust. In 2024, 12% of U.S. menus featured a dish with corned beef with the most popular dish being the Reuben sandwich. This menu penetration is expected to increase slightly over the next two years as corned beef limited time offers (LTOs) continue to see success in the foodservice space. Particularly popular in March, corned beef LTOs like Irish Potato Skins, Corned Beef Sliders, Irish Egg Rolls, and Corned Beef Hash and Eggs continue to draw consumers in.4 

For those who want to enjoy a corned beef meal at home, Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. features easy to follow instructions on how to prepare delicious, homemade corned beef with easy to follow visual and video recipes. To learn more visit: Everything You Need To Know About Corned Beef.

Sources:

  1. Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. Everything You Need To Know About Corned Beef, 2025. https://www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com/cooking/corned-beef. 
  2. Circana. Dollar, price per volume, and volume sales, full year data ending 12-29-2024. 
  3. Consumer Beef Tracker, 2024. 
  4. Technomic. Beef – Ingredient. 2024