“We have just overall lower pork production,” said Holly Cook, an economist at the National Pork Producers Council. “Labor is part of it, and we have fewer hogs in the U.S. right now than we’ve had.”
At the same time, the U.S. has sent 9% more ham to Mexico. That’s an estimated fifth of the total U.S. ham supply going across the border, said Bob Brown, an independent livestock and meat market consultant in Edmond, Oklahoma.
Turkey supply is also low—many have been taken out of cold storage as the bird flu kills millions of birds. Several of the most recent outbreaks have been in turkey farms in South Dakota and Iowa, further limiting availability.
To be sure, retailers are still offering some discounts on center-of-plate proteins such as ham and turkey in efforts to lure shoppers, according to Chris DuBois, protein practice leader at IRI. That means consumers should be able to find some relative bargains, especially if they're shopping this upcoming weekend “The price declines won’t be as generous all the way through the period,” DuBois said by phone.
Margaret Akbar, 73, said she’s watching closely for sales on a ham that she’s planning to purchase for Christmas this year from nearby grocer Mariano’s. “I have to kind of watch my money,” said the retired nurse who lives in Chicago.
In addition to pricier hams, Akbar says that the sausage links and sliced deli ham, which she regularly picks up for her grandson, have gotten more expensive. That’s forced her to cut those purchases by about half, she said. “Prices have gone up a lot.”
Melissa Cookston, a chef who sells her Memphis-style barbecue ribs and pulled pork on the Goldbelly food website, has upped the price for her holiday hams this year. They’re going for about $150 for a double-smoked spiral ham (which includes shipping), a 50% jump from 2021.
“Traditional holiday proteins are pricier across the board, and impacted by a range of supply-chain issues and inflation pressures,” she said in an email, noting that her hams are “no exception.”
This article was provided by Bloomberg News.