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Spam Thrives in Tough Times

Sales of the spongy stuff are on the rise—even though it's not cheaper than meat

By Michael Foreman, Newser User

Posted Jun 17, 2008 8:34 PM CDT

(Newser) – Americans have gobbled up Spam for 71 years, despite Monty Python parodies and countless jokes about the spongy stuff. But Spam's sales have spiked 10% over the past 12 weeks, as the economy has gone sour and soaring gas prices have been gobbling up household income. In fact, it's no cheaper than real meat, dollars-per-ounce. But its one of those things, like ramen noodles, bus transit and lipstick, Advertising Age reports, that people associate with belt-tightening.

Why? "Embedded in the Spam brand, which doesn't get much shrift in the economic analyses, is an association with time of strife. For instance, it was a staple for American soldiers during World War II," says a Spam product manager. Parent company Hormel isn't complaining—sales have risen for seven quarters straight, and second-quarter-earnings were up 14%. To capitalize on the momentum, they've even launched a new ad campaign around the idea of the "Spamburger Hamburger."

[Images (3)]

[Videos (1)]

Cans of Spam line the shelves at a store in Berlin, Vt. in this file photo. (AP Photo/Toby Talbot)

Spam has earned a place in pop culture, even spawning the Monty Python musical Spamalot. The mystery meat appears "plastered on everything from snow globes to T-shirts." (AP Photo/Spamalot)

Spam fans think of creative new ways to serve up the mystery meat. Seen here fried with tater tots. (KRT Photos)

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A Spamburger Commercial from the 1980's. Spam recently resurrected the campaign and saw sales jump over seven quarters. (cruisefx)

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Spam Thrives in Tough Times