LAS VEGAS (KTNV) – Las Vegas businesses are already affected after the rise in meat prices in recent days.
Sofia Chavez, owner of Sofias Cocina, says she noticed the rise in prices but also had to invest more time buying the meat she needs for her business.
According to experts, meat products of all kinds are currently in high demand. Wholesale prices for certain meat products are at record levels.
For example, wholesale prices for chicken breast meat have increased due to the chicken sandwich war between multiple restaurant chains. The high export demand has also led to a rise in the price of drumsticks and leg quarters. In addition, the cost of chicken wings has increased.
The price of beef has also risen. Wholesale prices for beef tenderloin and ribeye are at record highs, and strip loins are also selling very well. The demand for end meat or valuable pieces and minced meat has also increased.
Pig prices have also risen since the beginning of 2021, but are currently below pre-pandemic levels.
There are several reasons for the rise in prices, including labor shortages in the meat packaging industry, an increase in the cost of corn used as animal feed, and increased consumer demand.
Most recently, a cyber attack by the meat processor JBS, which brought slaughterings to a standstill, raised concerns about bottlenecks and even higher prices.
