Hey there, fellow food enthusiasts! This year’s
Independence Day cookout might burn a bigger hole in your pocket, but don’t
worry Steven Johnson the Grocerant Guru®
at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® has the scoop on how to stretch
those dollars. According to the American Farm Bureau’s annual Fourth of July market basket survey, the cost for a
classic cookout is hitting new highs in 2024. But with some savvy shopping
strategies, you can still enjoy your feast without breaking the bank.
Survey Highlights:
·
Total Cost for 10
People: $71.22 (up 5% from last year, up 30%
from five years ago)
·
Per Person Cost: $7.12
·
Main Culprit: Meat (50% of the total cost)
·
Ground Beef: $12.77 for 2 pounds (up 11%)
·
Chicken Breasts: Slight decrease in price
·
Potato Salad: Down 4%
Grocerant Guru’s Tips for Smarter
Shopping:
1.
Shop Multiple
Stores:
o Why? Different stores
have different sales and discounts. For instance, one store might have a great
deal on ground beef, while another offers cheaper strawberries. By spreading
out your shopping, you can take advantage of the best prices across the board.
o Fact: Studies show that
consumers who shop at multiple stores can save up to 15% on their grocery
bills.
2.
Leverage Discount
Days and Coupons:
o Why? Many stores offer
special discount days or digital coupons. Sign up for loyalty programs and keep
an eye on weekly flyers.
o Fact: Using coupons and
shopping during discount days can save you an additional 10-20%.
3.
Bulk Buying and
Sharing:
o Why? Buying in bulk can
be cheaper per unit. Split large quantities with friends or neighbors to
minimize waste and cost.
o Fact: Bulk purchases can
reduce the per-unit cost by 25-30%.
4.
Seasonal and Local
Produce:
o Why? Seasonal fruits and
vegetables are often cheaper and fresher. Local farmers’ markets can offer
great deals, especially towards the end of the day.
o Fact: Purchasing seasonal
produce can lower costs by up to 20%.
Breaking Down the Cookout Costs:
·
Hamburger Buns: $2.71 (up 7%) - Check for sales and generic brands.
·
American Cheese
Slices: $3.57 (up 1%) - Look for in-store
promotions.
·
Ice Cream: $5.65 (up 7%) - Consider making homemade ice cream for a
fun activity and cost savings.
·
Lemonade: $4.19 (up 12%) - Try using bottled lemon juice and
sweeteners as an alternative.
·
Strawberries: $4.61 - Visit local farms or farmers’ markets for fresh
and potentially cheaper options.
·
Potato Chips: $4.90 (up 8%) - Look for sales or consider making your own
for a healthier and cost-effective option.
Regional Variations:
·
Northeast: $63.54 for 10 people - Consider yourself lucky, as this is
below the national average!
·
South and Midwest: Around $68.30 - Still under the national average.
·
West: $80.88 - A bit pricier, so strategic shopping is even more
critical here.
Economic Factors:
The increases in cookout costs reflect broader economic
issues like general inflation, supply chain disruptions, and rising production
costs. However, by shopping smart and spreading your purchases across multiple
stores, you can mitigate some of these impacts and enjoy a festive Fourth of
July without the financial strain.
So, gather your shopping lists, compare prices, and make
the most of every dollar. Happy grilling, and may your cookout be delicious and
affordable!
Your Grocerant Guru®, always here to help you eat well and
spend less.
Are you ready for
some fresh ideations? Do your food marketing ideas look more like yesterday
than tomorrow? Interested in learning how our Grocerant Guru® can edify your
retail food brand while creating a platform for consumer convenient
meal participation, differentiation, and individualization? Email us at: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us or visit: us on our social media sites by clicking one of
the following links: Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter
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