Rochester, N.Y. -- It looks like lean times are ahead for bacon lovers.
Experts predict that in a year there will be less pork available, which will mean significantly higher prices.
“Food suppliers anticipate bacon prices spiking in the next 6 months,” said Chris Christanis, owner of Peppermill Restaurant. “Probably 10-15 percent more then we've already seen.”
Christanis says his restaurant serves up 50 to 60 pounds of bacon each week. And even as he saw bacon prices rise 20-percent this summer he hasn’t had to raise prices yet – but he may have to.
“We absorb a lot of the cost,” said Christanis, “we don’t want to keep bringing up prices, but we don't want to jeopardize our quality as well.”
The reason for the possible rise - drought conditions drove up the cost of feed. As a result, farmers have been sending more animals to slaughter - meaning fewer pigs available in the future market.
“From what I understand there's going to be a big shortage,” said Alan Dipasquale, of Skip’s Meat Market. “People are going to have high prices on their hands as far as pork goes, especially bacon, because everybody loves bacon.”
But even if the price does rise, bacon lovers say they'd rather pay more instead of going without it.
“It doesn't matter I'm going to have a bacon, egg and cheese sandwich in the morning here,” said Frances Youney, a regular at Peppermill Restaurant. “It's the best in the county.”
“I think people are in love with bacon,” said Chris Christanis. “You know bacon and eggs, that's what it's all about.”
