Buffalo, NY (WBEN) The shortage in the meat industry, in particular for chicken wings, has eased a bit since the summer. However, industry experts say it's far from a return to normal.
Mark Strub of Ford Brothers says if you want to get chicken wings, you can.
"For us the price is coming down a little bit, availability is pretty good right now," says Strub. He notes the labor situation, especially at chicken plants, is contributing to supply issues. "The prices aren't dropping fast, but it's down a dime in the last two weeks," says Strub.
Dave Czuprynski of Latina Foods agrees about labor issues contributing to the shortage. "Prices had escalated, demand has shrunk and that's helped with the supply issue, but we're nowhere near the solution right now," explains Czuprynski. He says those who want wings don't have a problem getting them, but the price is making some think twice.
Getting wings hasn't been an issue for Mark Ebeling at Danny's South near Highmark Stadium. "We're not feeling the squeeze," says Ebeling. "As far as the shortage, I think they created it to increase the price. Like anything else, when they raised the lumber prices by creating a shortage. Chicken isn't that high. It's just something we deal with."
Ebeling says the reason he gets the wings he wants is because he's been ordering all along. "I bought them when there was a shutdown, and we were selling 10 cent wings every day with an order to go, but since prices have gone up, we've reduced it to one day a week. But if I want 40 cases, I get 40 cases," says Ebeling.
As for other meat products, availability isn't an issue says Strub. "There are some things that are high like prime rib and tenderloin. I think a part of that is saving up for the Christmas season," he believes. Strub says turkeys and hams will be available this season in good supply.
Czuprynski, however, believes supply is touch and go, and will continue into early next year.
