Connecticut shoppers brace for higher Memorial Day cookout costs

Shoppers in Connecticut, preparing for Memorial Day weekend cookouts, are feeling the impact of rising grocery prices as food costs continue climbing nationwide.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, food prices are up about 3.2% over the last 12 months, affecting popular barbecue staples like beef, hot dogs, and produce.

“It’s just too much. I mean, I’m not happy with it at all,” Hartford shopper Connell Daniel said.

“It’s expensive.” Newington shopper Helena Aparo said.

Experts said the higher costs are tied to several factors, including fuel prices and global uncertainty surrounding shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz.

Rigoberto Lopez, professor of Agricultural Economics at UConn, said shoppers are paying significantly more for common cookout items.

“You spend at least 20% more for beef, for hot dogs, for tomatoes,” Lopez said.

Some shoppers say they’re changing their buying habits to help manage costs.

“We go to Sam’s [Club] sometimes, and then we buy the rotisserie chicken. That’s the best,” Aparo said.

“Less brand names, more generic, yes exactly,” West Hartford shopper Matt Pinckney said.

Brian A. Marks, associate professor of practice at the University of New Haven Pompea College of Business, said consumers could continue seeing elevated food prices through the summer.

“This may be a harbinger of prices coming for Labor Day, the next big barbecue other than July 4th,” Marks said.

Experts are also watching concerns about fertilizer supplies, which could affect farmers and future food prices.

“Many farmers could not get the fertilizers at the most crucial period of the year, and these are all going to have some negative impact,” Quinnipiac University professor of international business Mohammad Elahee said.

To help offset higher costs, experts suggest hosting potluck-style barbecues so guests can share expenses.

“If you’re coming to the barbecue, please bring something to help out with the cost, and everybody can enjoy the food,” Daniel said.

Many shoppers said they are also comparing prices at multiple stores to find the best deals.

“I definitely shop around to different stores, and this is the one that had the best sales for me,” Daniel said.

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