Ingrained frugal spending habits are keeping meat retailers on their toes as they jockey to refine value themed tactics while striving for healthier margins, finds PG’s annual “state of the meat department.” As consumers continue on their determined quest for value and mealtime solutions that mesh with their flavor, nutrition, convenience and budgetary needs, retail meat executives are optimistic about stronger results in 2011, but concerns about last year’s performance weigh heavily, according to the findings of Progressive Grocer’s 2011 Meat Operations Review.