As beef prices rise, small butcher shops adapt to changing demand
CBS News••business
Key Points:
- Stephen Boyer, owner of The Country Butcher in Tolland, Connecticut, reports that holiday sales account for 20-25% of their annual revenue, making this season particularly important for the business.
- Beef prices have risen by 15% compared to last year due to supply and demand issues and drought impacts, while pork and chicken prices have increased by only 1%.
- The domestic cattle population is at its lowest since 1973, raising concerns about disease and further supply constraints.
- Smaller businesses like Boyer's face challenges competing with larger retailers who have greater purchasing power, affecting pricing and product availability.
- In response to higher beef prices, customers are shifting their purchases, with sausage sales increasing by about 20
