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CLEVELAND — At Kocian Meats, there are plenty of protein options for customers to choose from, but like most things in life, products being prepared are subject to inflation.
“Simple things have gone up so much, even just the basic staple of everything,” manager Candisco Sian said.”I do hear customers say, ‘Oh my God, everything is expensive.’”
Kocian has struggled to manage rising food costs through the food prices she sets at the butcher shop.
“Unfortunately, obviously, if our prices go up, we have to adapt to that,” Koscian said.”We’re trying to keep everything as low as we can, so people can get quality products and be happy with their purchases. Get the most out of their money.”
The price hike isn’t unique to Kocian Meats.The price of pork chops has risen by nearly $1 a pound since 2019, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.Chicken breasts rose more than $2 a pound during that time, with raw beef seeing the biggest price increase.That’s up nearly $3 per pound since 2019.
These rising costs are prompting consumers to adjust their buying habits.During the Great Recession, which lasted into 2009, consumers spent less on meat and opted to buy cheaper meat—a trend that is now emerging.
“I’ve seen a lot of customers, my old customers and new customers, stop buying high-priced items like steak and move to something more economical, like a little more ground beef, more poultry,” Koscian said.”They buy more in bulk, so the more you buy here, the cheaper it is.”
Those trends include customers buying in bulk for their own businesses, such as Sam Spain, who runs Slammin’ Sammy’s BBQ in Cleveland, and getting stock from Kocian Meats because they have the best prices, he said.
“Hamburgers used to be $18 a pack, now it’s about $30. Hot dogs used to be $15 a pack, now it’s about $30. Everything has almost doubled,” Spain said.
“It looks bleak. Honestly, it’s hard to judge because prices can go up and down. You hate trying to pass it on to customers, but you basically have no choice,” Spain said. “It’s hard, it’s hard. Think about it. give up.”
Consumers buying for their families, like Karen Elliott, who works at Kocian Meats, have also been grappling with the impact of inflation on food costs.
“I buy a little less than I used to. I buy more in bulk, or I can save a pound,” Elliott said.
Elliott, who often cooks for a large family, has found ways to increase her money and still feed her loved ones despite rising food costs.
“I like to buy big cuts like pork shoulder, or roast something that you can stretch with veggies and stuff,” Elliott says.”I usually do everything myself, but now I ask people to bring this, bring a plate, bring some paper products. Usually when you come to my house, everything is there, but now you have to spread it out. Let the family Do a little too.”
Meanwhile, Kocian Meats, which has been in business since 1922, has some advice for consumers struggling with the effects of inflation after the Great Depression and numerous recessions.
“The best thing to do is to buy in bulk, buy family packs, buy boxes,” Kocian said.”If you have the space and you have the money, get a freezer so you can buy in bulk. Stretch it out to feed your family.”
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