U.S. Shoppers Swap $13 Steaks for Chicken and Pork as Cookout Costs Hit $73.82
Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · Aug 1
U.S. Shoppers Swap $13 Steaks for Chicken and Pork as Cookout Costs Hit $73.82
3 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · Aug 1
Summary
$13-a-pound steaks and $6.83 ground beef are pushing many U.S. shoppers to replace beef with chicken, pork or cheaper beef cuts for summer cookouts.
Tight cattle supply after years of drought and slow herd rebuilding has kept beef prices rising, while Tyson says raw-material inflation has persisted for nearly two years.
Chicken is gaining because it is cheaper: breast prices are down 6.2% from a year ago, and Sam's Club found chicken led July 4 grilling purchases in 19 states while pork ribs topped 15.
A Blue Yonder survey found 55% of consumers are buying less beef or none at all; among them, 44% are buying more chicken, pork or seafood.
The American Farm Bureau put a July 4 meal for 10 at a record $73.82, up 4%, and analysts expect beef prices to stay elevated through year-end.