Packer sorting strategies for fresh pork

Characteristics of pork packing firms pursuing a competitive strategy of product differentiation are described. Such a strategy requires a consistent, highquality raw material. Three strategies to sort pork carcasses and primal cuts in the packing plant are detailed. A multivariate simulation replicated two distributions (based upon genetics) of hogs that a focus‐differentiation packer might purchase: an average industry distribution and a lean, more uniform distribution. The results indicated that the leaner distribution had more loins and hams within the packer's desired weight range which provides an economic incentive to focus‐differentiation packers for procuring leaner hogs. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.