Fourth of July Cookout Costs Rise 4% Says Stew Leonard's CEO
Bloomberg 2026-07-02 21:22:09
Context: The cost of a Fourth of July cookout for 10 people has increased by 4%, according to Stew Leonard Jr., President and CEO of Stew Leonard's grocery stores. This rise comes as the average cost of such a meal now stands at $73.82. The increase is primarily attributed to higher beef prices.
Key Facts
- The average cost of an Independence Day meal for 10 people has risen by 4% to $73.82, according to Stew Leonard Jr., President and CEO of Stew Leonard's grocery stores.
- The primary driver of the price increase is beef, with meat prices rising from $2.50 to $2.75 due to a 75-year low in cattle herd sizes and strong demand for protein.
- Despite the 4% rise in costs, Stew Leonard Jr. emphasized that the per-person cost of the cookout remains reasonable compared to dining out.