Albertsons, Kroger explore shopping limits on meat

As meat production continues to face problems, Kroger and Albertsons have said they are putting a limit on how much ground beef and pork can be purchased in stores where supply is short.

While there is enough product out there, the retailers acknowledged that some suppliers are having a difficult time so limits will be placed to assist those suppliers. Sister publication Progressive Grocer reported on Kroger’s response to the limits and Albertsons move to limit two packages per household where necessary. 

Read the full Progressive Grocer article here.

Store Brands recently interviewed an expert at Daymon on the meat shortage and how it’s impacting private brands. The consultancy said 18 North American meat production facilities have had to close or reduce production due to illnesses — a number that represents more than 12% of total production capacity. 

Adding to the issue, President Donald Trump signed an order last week for meat-processing plants to continue working, as they have been deemed “critical,” per a declaration under the Defense Production Act.

Andrew Moberly, director of category solutions at Daymon, said the meat shortage could result in raised costs.could result in raised costs. “Meat and poultry production is based on efficiency, with worker safety imperative in this process,” he said. “However, as these changes influence cost, unintended long-term affects to labor may arise, with automation technologies becoming more desirable.”