Bloomberg Talks Omaha Steaks CEO Talks Beef Prices, Demand
Nov 25, 2025
Nate Rempe, CEO of Omaha Steaks, dives into the intricacies of beef demand amid inflation and evolving consumer habits. He shares insights on how the company uses flash freezing and vertical integration to manage costs and stabilize prices. Rempe discusses the challenges of herd rebuilding, which can take six to eight years, and the impact of market trends, revealing how consumers are shifting their protein choices. He also touches on the consistency of Omaha Steaks' pricing for their premier gift packages.
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Vertical Integration Shields Prices
- Omaha Steaks leverages a century of vertical integration and flash-freezing to smooth prices despite volatile beef costs.
- Nate Rempe says customers will find their premier gift package priced at $89.99 this year, showing price stability.
Imports Aren't The Fix
- Only about 13–14% of U.S. beef consumption is imported, and most imports are lean trim for ground beef.
- Nate Rempe argues imports can't replace the domestic supply for steaks and roasts, so rebuilding the herd is essential.
Herd Recovery Is Multi-Year
- Rebuilding the U.S. cattle herd requires six to eight years to reach surplus levels again.
- Nate Rempe notes heifer retention is key, but current market incentives have reduced herd size to a 70-year low.