Bullish Post: SPAM sales hit record

There's nothing like a big hot bowl of "processed food product" to top off a hard day at work.

January 12, 2009

Wal-Mart's hors d'oeuvres are flying off the shelves, Campbell's condensed soup is through the roof and Velveeta is making a killing.

Despite foodies who declared it dead a decade ago, "lowbrow" food is making a comeback.

Preferring to stay in instead of eating out, some Canadians are returning to nutritionally dubious "comfort food" such as mac and cheese and Jell-O, a trend that is being mirrored around the world - and worrying health experts and Food Network stars such as chef Jamie Oliver. Last month, Mr. Oliver warned the British Parliament that the financial crisis would drive families to cheap food and worsen the obesity epidemic.

Wal-Mart Canada saw its sales jump 9.4 per cent between late August and Oct. 31. The numbers were largely driven by higher sales of food at Wal-Mart's 39 supercentres, which include grocery stores.

Shortly after the market crash, Campbell's Soup posted a major profit gain: In the United States, broth sales jumped by 23 per cent, condensed soup sales by 14 per cent and ready-to-serve soup by 7 per cent.

"Historically, people have viewed Campbell's soups as a great value in both good and tough economic times; that fact is as true today as any time in Campbell's history," said Anthony Sanzio, group director of corporate and brand communications for Campbell Soup Co. "During times of uncertainty, people naturally seek the familiar, they seek things they can trust, such as comfort food."

SPAM BREAKING NEWS LINK

I got a case. You have to bread it and fry it. Wow thats good stuff. Learned that in the ole Navy. Right up there with Shiiiite on a shingle. Thats chipped beef and gravy on bread open face.

Sounds good. Like a deep fried Twinkie, if done right, they are a warm, nutritious snack during a depression.

Dat cat would love it too.

Whole wheat bread, pile on cheddar cheese and thick slice of Spam. Then deep fry the sucker in lard. Great low carb snack. Will keep you from getting hungry for 5 hours Did I say it is delicious? You betcha!

Edited by pdx5, 13 January 2009 - 01:33 AM.