First, it was toilet paper, then paper towels, followed by disinfecting wipes, laundry detergent, coins, Dr. Pepper, and now pizza lovers, the shortage is set to hit pepperonis.
The coronavirus pandemic is taking no prisoners, and news outlets across the nation are reporting that small pizza shops are seeing higher prices for your favorite topping.
According to Bloomberg, a South Dakota shop pays $4.12 a pound for pepperonis, which’s compared to $2.87 a pound in January of 2019.
Bloomberg also found a New York pizzeria that says it’s paying $6 a pound – up from $4 a pound earlier this year.
Furthermore, the paper reports that large chains such as Domino’s, Pizza Hut, Little Caesar’s, and Papa John’s are not getting hit with the price increases. That’s because their prices are set in long-term contracts.
Two factors are causing the shortage, the report said. One reason is that pork processors have had to deal with a reduced number of workers during the pandemic.
The other possible reason is that the demand for pizza has risen during coronavirus pandemic quarantines and lockdowns. With more people staying home and with restaurants with reduced capacity, many families opt for delivery and curbside pickups. And it just so happens that one of the most popular delivery food is pizza, with a significant number requesting pepperoni as a topping.
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