Why the pork belly? Why Now?

[IndyRob]

I was wandering around the meat section of my local Meijer and stumbled across a pile of cryovac'd pork bellies.  I never see pork bellies (outside of bacon) at any mainstream grocery.  I didn't know why they were there.  I wondered if there was something going on I didn't know about.   

 

Anyways, the cuts were large (like 5lbs) and not suitable for an impulse buy.

 

Then two days later I was in a Kroger.  Again, the pork bellies.  These were smaller so I picked one up.

 

What's going on? Is there some sort of pork belly holiday I'm not aware of?

[JoNorvelleWalker]

Smoke them!  I'm having pork belly for dinner.

 

[Ddanno]

Get them all! Especially if the ribs are still attached 😋

 

The price is wacky over here because of TV chefs (see also kidneys, calves' liver, sweetbreads, lamb and virtually all seafood)

[liuzhou]

Hmmm.

 

Pork belly is the most popular cut here.

[Ddanno]

On 7/19/2025 at 7:09 AM, liuzhou said:

Hmmm.

 

Pork belly is the most popular cut here.

 

I vaguely remember reading about some sort of national stockpile in case supplies run low, is that right?

[liuzhou]

11 minutes ago, Ddanno said:

 

I vaguely remember reading about some sort of national stockpile in case supplies run low, is that right?

 

Yes. The Chinese government imports pork, mainly from the EU, with Spain being the main source. Total imports amounted to $4,6 billion worth in 2024. This is to top up China's own massive production. The USA was also a major supplier but recent events have scuppered that with e\large existing orders being cancelled.

 

They hold large pork reserves which are used to keep prices stable, releasing reserves to lower prices when they rise or withholding them when the price stabilises, It is also held to maintain supplies. This aspect became important during the swine fever epidemic a few years ago. How much is held is a state secret. Prices did rise during the epidemic but not by much and have since fallen back.

 

 

[Vapre]

2 hours ago, liuzhou said:

>recent events have scuppered that with e\large existing orders being cancelled.

 

This might be why you're seeing them in mainstream stores now.

[liuzhou]

18 minutes ago, Vapre said:

 

This might be why you're seeing them in mainstream stores now.

 

I've never not seen them in mainstream stores. I think you meant to say this to @IndyRob; not me.