Food Price Inflation Drivers - Food prices have been accelerating in recent months due to supply chain issues [1] - Tariffs, especially on Brazil, have impacted coffee prices [2] - Bird flu is raising wholesale turkey prices [3] - US cattle herd being at a multi-year low is driving up beef prices, with beef up about 15% year-over-year and ground beef up about 13% [5][6] - Disease in hog herds has led to increased pork prices [11][12] Retail Strategies - Retailers like Kroger and Albertson's are trying to keep prices lower through promotions and cost-cutting to attract consumers [4] - Retailers are promoting more private label products and deals to keep prices steady for consumers [15] Protein Market Dynamics - Protein demand is robust among American consumers, driving up meat prices [12] - Chicken prices have remained relatively stable due to restaurant promotions [10] Future Outlook - Pork prices could turn around faster than beef prices [14] - Beef price relief is not expected in the near future due to the two-year biological clock for cattle herd rebuilding and Tyson Foods reducing beef production [7][8][14] - Egg prices could spike in December and January if bird flu affects egg-laying flocks [14]