What is up with pork belly prices? (2024)

FAQs

What is up with pork belly prices? ›

So, why the fresh high prices for pork bellies? It goes back to the elementary lessons of supply and demand. According to market analysis, pork bellies' supply is tight. The latest Cold Storage report by the USDA shows stocks of frozen bellies at a record low.

Analysts who spoke to CNBC attributed the surge in pork prices partly to a recently imposed animal welfare regulation in California, which came into effect July 1. California's Proposition 12 bans the sale of pork from farms that confine pregnant sows in tiny enclosures, and spaces that are less than 24-square-feet.

Experts say Proposition 12, which bans the sale of pork from pigs that are kept in tight quarters, is to blame for rising pork prices.

Per pound, bacon tends to be priced higher than pork belly. It requires more processing and a longer time from farm to table since it must be smoked and cured before its trip to the grocery store.

Pork bellies created a viable market at a precarious time for the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, and they lasted for a half-century, until the market closed in July 2011. This chapter first explains what a pork belly is before discussing how trading of hogs and pork parts began.

While we can spend a lot of time about specific factors driving prices for primals and subprimals, the chart below drives home one simple point: pork prices as a whole generally are higher in the summer and lower in the fall.

In conclusion, the Iberian pork tenderloin is the most expensive cut due to its excellence in flavor, texture, and exclusivity. However, other scratches, such as the Iberian Secret and the Iberian Feather, also stand out as high-end options in gastronomy due to their unique qualities.

Summary: The global pork industry is showing signs of recovery as it approaches the second quarter of 2024, with several key factors influencing its path to improved profitability. After months of decline, sow herd numbers are stabilizing, suggesting a more balanced supply-demand scenario.

Pork is cheaper than beef and there is a plentiful supply. Retailers can offer pork with low pricing to the consumer and maintain profit margins.

The 2024 pork export forecast was lowered based on slower-than-expected demand growth in several key markets. Pork exports are still forecast to increase 6.5% from last year. USDA lowered its 2024 average cash hog price by 50 cents from last month to $62.49, though that would still be up $3.90 from last year.

Is pork belly good for you? ›

Yes, pork belly can be part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation and balanced with other nutritious foods. Is pork belly high in cholesterol? Pork belly does contain cholesterol, but dietary cholesterol has less impact on blood cholesterol levels than previously believed. However, moderation is still key.

Pork belly is high in calories, total fat, and saturated fat but lower in protein than other pork cuts. Therefore, it may not be the best cut of pork if you're watching your weight or looking to reduce your fat intake.

Main Uses of Pork Bellies

This long and slow cooking process melts the fat and creates a tender final product. Braised pork belly can be shredded and used in tacos, sandwiches or skillet dishes among other things.

Countries like South Korea and Japan favor these cuts for their traditional cooking methods and are willing to pay a premium for high-quality bellies. Moreover, the popularity and frequent use of bacon in North American recipes have increased demand for premium-quality pork bellies.

Several signs can help you identify if pork belly has gone bad: if it has a sour or unpleasant odor, if its color has turned more grey than pink, or if there's sliminess to the touch. Remember, it's always better to be safe than sorry. If it doesn't smell right or look right, it's best to discard it.

A new study shows that pork prices in California are surging as a result of Proposition 12, which prohibits the sale of the meat from animals confined in extreme conditions. And one group of the population in particular is suffering as a result.

Pork belly is known for its succulent flavor, versatility, and low cost — all of which help make it a staple ingredient in many world cuisines. However, compared with other cuts of pork, pork belly contains more calories, total fat, and saturated fat.

Pork bellies were previously traded in the futures market, as they are an important source of meat products, particularly bacon. Trading in frozen pork belly futures began in 1961 on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) and allowed meatpackers to hedge the volatile pig market.

Passed in 2018, California's Farm Animal Confinement Initiative, often referred to as Proposition 12, required pork producers to give sows, or mother pigs, at least 24 square feet of space per animal.