The heat wave that has been encamped across much of the nation is blamed for slowing appetites and reducing consumption of meats as people tend to eat lighter meals when temperatures are high.
Even for those dedicated to grilling during the summer despite the heat, smaller cuts may be selected or steaks might be shared with another. The heat saps appetites, and consuming fewer calories means less buildup in body temperature, analysts said.
During the hottest periods of the summer, normally mid-July through early August, many people eat lighter meals such as salads and cold-meat sandwiches. Shoppers also tend to purchase products that don't take a lot of preparation or cooking at home.
"When it's in the upper 90s to 100 [degrees Fahrenheit] outside, the food preparer of the home doesn't want to run up the temperature in the kitchen as well," a meat-and-poultry broker said.
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