Ham is a staple on many holiday tables. The salty, savory meat is a perfect centerpiece for celebrations like Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. But recently, some shoppers have found themselves wondering is there a ham shortage?
Unfortunately, the availability of whole, bone-in hams has been spotty over the past couple of years Though you may have no trouble finding ham steaks or cold cuts, locating an actual whole ham can be tricky This leads many to ask what’s causing the apparent ham shortage, and will it impact upcoming holidays like Easter and Christmas?
What’s Causing the Ham Shortage?
There are a few key factors leading to the lack of whole hams for sale.
Decreased Pork Production
One of the main issues is that pork production has declined over the past few years. This is partly due to plant closures and slowdowns caused by COVID-19. With fewer hogs being processed, there is less pork – including ham – making it to market.
The spread of African Swine Fever has also impacted pork production. This disease has ravaged hog populations abroad, leading to reduced supply and increased prices. Though it hasn’t reached the U.S., American farmers have still been affected.
Increased Demand
At the same time pork production has decreased, demand has gone up. More folks are cooking comfort foods like ham at home during the pandemic. Additionally, exports to China have surged dramatically.
From 2019 to 2020, pork exports to China increased by 43%. China is working to rebuild its own hog herds after African Swine Fever decimated populations. But in the meantime, it is relying heavily on imported pork to meet demand. This further reduces availability here in the U.S.
Labor Shortages
Like many industries, meatpacking and food production are experiencing severe labor shortages. These ongoing issues have slowed production and compounded supply chain disruptions. With fewer workers to process and ship ham, shortfalls are unsurprising.
Ongoing Supply Chain Disruptions
Two years into the pandemic, supply chains remain under strain. Transportation and logistics challenges make it difficult to get products – like ham – to store shelves. Even when pork is processed, it isn’t guaranteed to arrive reliably at its intended destinations.
How Bad is the Ham Shortage?
The ham supply has certainly been impacted, but the situation isn’t dire yet. While you may not spot that boneless half ham you’re used to grabbing, other options are still readily available. Here’s a look at what shoppers are currently finding:
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Bone-in hams – These whole, classic hams are the toughest to come by. But some stores do carry limited quantities, especially as holidays approach. Checking specialty and higher-end grocers can improve your odds.
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Spiral sliced hams – These pre-sliced hams seem to have slightly better availability than unsliced bone-in hams. Again, check with local butchers or specialty markets if your usual grocery is out.
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Ham steaks or roasts – Thick cuts of ham like steaks and roasts are widely available. These make an easy substitute if you can’t find a whole ham.
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Canned hams – Canned ham is fully cooked and shelf-stable. Major brands like Hormel continue producing mass quantities, so canned hams are easy to find. They work nicely for smaller gatherings.
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Deli ham – Pre-sliced lunchmeat ham is in ample supply. Going this route requires some additional preparation, but sliced ham works well on holiday menus.
Will Availability Improve for Easter and Christmas?
Fortunately, the supply of hams is expected to increase as we approach major holidays like Easter and Christmas.
Pork production has been trending upwards again after pandemic slowdowns. And labor shortages, while still an issue, have slightly improved in meat processing facilities.
Additionally, retailers and suppliers prepare for the holidays by building up ham inventories. Although Whole and bone-in hams may still be pricier or trickier to find than in years past, shoppers should see more options on the shelves this holiday season.
Here are some tips for finding an elusive holiday ham:
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Shop early – Check for hams well in advance of when you need it. Snag one and pop it in the freezer if you spot it.
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Ask a butcher – Talk to the butcher counter at your local market. They may have insider info on upcoming shipments.
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Check multiple stores – Don’t rely on just one grocery chain or store. Search smaller specialty shops as well.
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Consider mail order – Online retailers offer mail order hams, though these tend to be premium priced.
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Buy a ham steak or roast – Boneless cuts require less preparation and can feed just a few guests.
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Cure your own – With some effort, you can cure an uncooked pork leg to make your own ham!
Will Ham Prices Increase?
With decreased supply and increased materials costs, ham prices will almost certainly be higher this year. But how much more will you pay?
Wholesale bone-in ham prices are up about 33% over last year. However, inflation doesn’t always translate equally to consumer prices. Retailers try to balance offering seasonal discounts shoppers expect while covering their own added costs.
On average, expect to spend around 10-15% more on ham this holiday season. Very high-end or specialty hams could see markups closer to the wholesale 33%.
Paying a little more this year may be necessary. But rest assured an impressive holiday ham can still be the crowning jewel of your Easter or Christmas meal. With savvy shopping and flexible menu planning, you can serve this special tradition in style.
In Summary
If the lack of whole hams at your grocery has left you wondering “is there a ham shortage?”, the answer is: sort of. Reduced pork production, unprecedented demand, and ongoing supply chain struggles have made classic bone-in hams harder to come by.
However, other ham options remain widely available for holiday meals. And availability of whole hams should improve as producers prepare for Easter and Christmas. With creative shopping and preparation, your holiday ham tradition can continue. This year may just require some extra effort and flexibility. But that signature glazed ham is absolutely attainable to grace your holiday table once again.