SPAM and the Recession
November 16, 2008 by Bold Foodie · Leave a Comment
Hormel, the maker of SPAM, is having trouble keeping up with the exploding demand for this Rodney Dangerfield of food. While a lot of folks may chuckle at this I’m concerned that it may mean the economy really is in for some tough times.
SPAM was born in 1936 during the Great Depression and became very popular due to it’s low price and acceptance as a worthy substitute for meat. In 1937 Kenneth Daigneau entered a contest to name this new meat-like product and won $100 for submitting the name spam. Since those modest beginnings SPAM has been the brunt of thousands of jokes, kicked around like an empty can of cat food, and basically ignored by many as a viable food.
Well SPAM is making a comeback, a big comeback. Hormel can’t produce enough SPAM to keep up with current demand. Since July of this year Hormel has been running 2 shifts 7 days a week and factory workers have been getting as much overtime as they wish. Consumers are eating this gelatinous spiced ham and pork product like there’s no tomorrow. Marketed as “Crazy Taste” a 12 ounce rectangular can sells for about $2 and with the economy teetering and fear at unprecedented levels SPAM is hotter then ever.