FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 23, 2002
Consumers Urged to Take Advantage of Favorable Memorial Day Steak Prices
COLUMBIA---The South Carolina Beef Board joins the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) in telling consumers that this Memorial Day weekend they will find great beef grilling values in the meat case. The average retail price for popular grilling items such as steak and ground beef is expected to be 4-6 percent lower than in previous years.
Traditionally, Memorial Day marks the start of summer grilling season. On average, consumers buy 25 % more beef on Memorial Day than any other day of the year. This year, consumers nationwide are expected to purchase about 60 million pounds, 25% more beef, on Memorial Day Weekend than any other weekend of the year.
"There is a good supply of beef on the market which provides good values for consumers, especially for the Memorial Day holiday weekend," said James Sease, Chairman of the SC Beef Board. "But," he added, "families can enjoy great beef meals at affordable prices every day of the year."
Similar price levels are expected for the Fourth of July and Labor Day, which normally tie for the second most popular grilling days of the year. The SC Beef Board encourages consumers to take advantage of these lower prices by watching for promotions in supermarkets across the state.
Consumers today know that beef is an important part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. A 3-ounce serving of lean beef contributes less than 10 percent of calories to a 2,000 calorie diet yet meets government guidelines for an excellent source of protein, zinc, vitamin B12, selenium and phosphorus, and is a good source of iron, vitamin B6, riboflavin and niacin.
For more information about beef, call Jim Pooser, Executive Director of the SC Beef Board, 803-734-9806.