The price of pork bellies just went up expect to see it at your grocer

Bacon prices are set to soar as wholesale costs of pork bellies near record highs, driven by California’s animal welfare law and strong summer demand. The price of pork belly has surged over 100% since January, approaching an all-time high according to FactSet data. California’s Proposition 12, which restricts the sale of pork from farms with small enclosures for pregnant sows, has added to the cost pressures.

The National Pork Producers Council argues that the law was enacted without sufficient consultation and could impose significant costs on farmers. They estimate that compliant housing could be 40% more expensive than current stalls, discouraging many pork producers from investing.

This rise in costs is expected to be passed on to consumers, making bacon even more expensive at retail outlets. Seasonal demand for bacon usually peaks in the summer, exacerbating the situation. Data indicates that bacon prices are already 6% higher than a year ago, and experts predict the trend may continue for the near future.