Summer Grilling Season Faces Price Hikes Due to Beef Shortages

Rising Beef Prices for Grilling Season

• 🥩 The upcoming grilling season, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, is expected to feature pricier cuts of beef.
• ⚠️ This increase is attributed to a tight cattle supply coupled with strong demand from both consumers and retailers.

Record Retail Beef Prices

• 📈 Retail beef prices are setting new records, with the average price of 100% ground beef rising to $5.80 per pound in April.
• 📊 This represents a nearly 13% increase over the past 12 months, according to the St. Louis Federal Reserve Bank.
• 📉 The US Department of Agriculture forecasts beef prices to climb by an additional 6.3% this year, exceeding the overall food-at-home price increase.

Protein Price Outlook

• 🍖 While beef prices are expected to rise significantly, other proteins will also see increases, though less dramatically.
• 🐖 Pork prices are predicted to be up 1.8% in 2025.
• 🍗 Poultry prices are expected to increase by 1%.
• 💡 Domestic beef demand has remained robust and resilient despite record-high prices and the availability of alternative proteins.