Apr 8, 2009 10:51 pm US/Central
Spam Making A Comeback In Tough Times
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
It's been an object of ridicule for more than 50 years. But now Spam, also known as 'mystery' and 'miracle' meat, is gaining new respect in tough economic times. CBS 2's Dana Kozlov reports the little can of processed ham has a lot going for it.
British comedy troupe Monty Python poked fun at it. And it's had many unflattering nicknames over the years, like 'something posing as meat'. But the canned ham and pork product might be making a comeback. Just ask Spam's PR guru.
"I think people are excited about not only the cost of Spam, but also the many things you can do with Spam. It's incredibly versatile, you can add it to a million different dishes," said Hormel Foods spokesperson Chris George.
Spam's makers say sales have increased by double digits over the past six months. That's no surprise to Ivan Lee whose family owns Chicago's Aloha Eats Hawaiian Grill. On the islands, Spam's been a dietary staple and the center of delicacies like Spam Musubi since World War II.
"Part of the reason why it does well is because it ships well from the mainland to Hawaii," Lee said. "It's a canned meat, it's already cooked. You could eat it cold but most people probably don't want to do that."
At one Chicago grocery store, Spam costs about $4.80 a pound. But with chicken tenders at $3.99 a pound, boneless ham at $3.99 a pound and ground chuck at $2.99 a pound, what is the allure of Spam?
"It's still very affordable," Lee said. "The thing about Spam is you don't need a whole lot to make it go a long way."
What about Chicagoans in general? Will they bite?
"I actually like Spam," one woman said.
"I wouldn't think it's from a can, honestly," another woman said.
"It takes like bacon, it's pretty gross," a woman said.
"This is great," one man said. "Can I have one more?"
Shelf life is another reason Spam is popular with some people. You can buy it and keep it for emergencies.
And just for the record, Hormel says Spam is ham, pork, sugar, salt, water and a little potato starch, so it is no longer a 'mystery meat.'
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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