‘Pandemic Proof’ Chicken Wing Prices Rise In Waukesha

WAUKESHA, WI — Chicken wings are a backyard barbecue must-have, but some summertime partygoers in Waukesha this year won't be privy to the bite-sized poultry, poulticed in tangy, spicy sauce. That's because several factors, including rising demand and delays in production, have put a stranglehold on the world of wings.

The cost of wings fluctuates seasonally and often peaks around Super Bowl season, but factors including rising demand, supply chain delays and weather catastrophes pushed prices to a record $2.71 a pound in February, The Associated Press reports.

In Waukesha, Tally's Tap, S31W24661 W Sunset Dr., is raising the price of of chicken wings.

Year over year, wing sales in restaurants grew 7 percent between 2019 and 2020, the National Chicken Council found. Further, retail and supermarket wing sales grew by more than 10 percent between 2020 and 2021.

The trend looks to continue — spurred by warmer weather and the return of sporting events, backyard barbecues and indoor dining.

After prices soared to record levels in February, an unprecedented freeze struck the nation, halting production at some facilities and worsening the gap between supply and demand, said Tom Super, a spokesperson for the National Chicken Council.

“Wing supplies are tight, but I wouldn’t go as far as to say there is a ‘shortage,’” Super said. “Chicken producers are doing everything they can to overcome the devastating impact of Mother Nature when she inflicted the once-in-a-lifetime winter storm on Texas and nearby states — major chicken producing regions. It will take time and effort to eventually replace the impacted hatchery supply flocks in that region.”

Super told Patch in an email that there is good news for the industry: Chicken wings are a “pandemic proof” snack for anyone cooped up in their home.

“Wings travel well and hold up during delivery conditions. Plus, they aligned with consumer desire for comfort food during the pandemic,” Super said. “Chicken production remained steady in 2020, and as long as people are sitting around watching TV and maybe drinking a beer, wings will remain in the game.”