Chicken wings aren't just for football fans anymore. Americans are eating so many that their appetite is sending prices to a record and helping lift profits for poultry processors. "Food service traffic and demand in the US remain below pre-recession levels, but demand from and the popularity of local chain concepts and restaurants that focus on wings are offsetting reduced traffic at casual dining restaurants," Sanderson Farms said in its third-quarter earnings statement. Jumbo chicken wing prices rose to a record this month as supplies were eaten up as quickly as they could be produced, according to market research firm Urner Barry. Along with the rising number of sites for themed US chains such as Buffalo Wild Wings and Wingstop, a rising number of pizza restaurants, grocers and convenience stores are selling the items, say the market researchers. The number of Buffalo Wild Wings locations, which includes franchises and the company's R Taco and Pizza Rev restaurants, have almost ...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.