Bacon shortage could impact local business - ABC 12 – WJRT – Flint, MI

(09/26/12) - For all those bacon lovers out there, you might want to stock up when you hear this.

The Pig Association in Great Britain expects a worldwide pork and bacon shortage. One reason - farmers can't afford to feed their pigs after this year's drought. 

The shortage could have been a big impact on local businesses. One local coney island operator says bacon prices have already soared. If they climb any more, the effects will be felt at the cash register.

Paul Margaris has been serving up some of Burton's best comfort food for eight years. One of their best sellers is one of America's favorites. "We advertise a breakfast special for $1.99. No way we can do that if bacon continues to go up."

"We knew when the drought was forecasted, the price of grain alone would increase the prices and let alone if the drought continued and people brought more of the pigs to market and not replacing them because they couldn't feed them, it would have a spike on the price," said John Koegel of Koegel Meats.

A pork and bacon shortage would also hit bigger businesses. Koegel Meats in Flint Township buys by the truckload. "We have a huge input cost of the raw material, and pork being a large component of that. Any time I hear the cost may go up, I think about what will that do to our product, will we have to raise prices down the road," Koegel added.

That's also a concern for Paul, who goes through as much as 200 pounds of bacon a week."It's going to impact us because people like their eggs and bacon in the morning, it's the American dream in the morning, it's going to hurt us in the restaurant business."

Both men say they'll keep a close eye on the industry and do whatever they can to keep prices low.