Meat prices in the U.S. are rising, and so are concerns among industry groups that the surge may start to dampen consumer demand.
The consumer price index for beef, poultry, fish and eggs rose 1 percent in June, marking the sixth straight monthly increase, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The index for dairy and related products rose slightly.
For beef and pork, the price spike is blamed largely on herd declines as livestock producers suffered heavy losses while input costs rose.
"The big driver for higher prices this year is supply-driven," said Kevin Good, senior market analyst for Cattle Fax, a market research and analysis service for the beef industry.
Good noted that retail beef prices in June were still 2 to 3 cents below their peak in 2008.
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