SPAM

SPAM is popular in Hawai'i. For once I am not talking about junk e-mail, but the original item, the canned meat product from Hormel foods that is reviled by much of popular culture in the US. A combination of ham, pork, sugar, salt, water, and potato starch, SPAM has been an American staple since World War II. Since introduction in 1937 more than seven billion cans of SPAM have been produced.

Here in the islands SPAM is common in the supermarket, can be found on the menus of local diners, SPAM is generally well regarded in local culture. On the mainland the typical supermarket will stock it, maybe a small shelf section tucked under the chili and baked beans. But here in Hawai'i it is typical for there to be a much better selection. In the Waimea KTA supermarket where I usually shop, SPAM is featured in a full four feet of shelf space, that is four feet on all five shelves from top to bottom of the rack. This is in addition to the aisle endcap just in from the store entrance stacked high with cases. There are varieties of SPAM I have never heard of, turkey SPAM, garlic SPAM, bacon SPAM, SPAM lite, as well as competing products from a couple companies other than Hormel.

Lately I have seen a lot of SPAM in shoppers carts. I do not mean a can or two, but entire cases. Now maybe this has something to do with the coupon in this week's sale mailing. but even with a good coupon people have to want the product. There is little doubt SPAM is popular here, the shelves regularly display signs of that popularity, empty cardboard cases litter the shelves.

Since the beginning of the recession last year, Hormel has seen SPAM sales boom. The factories in Austin Minnesota and Fremont, Nebraska have been operating 7 days a week, producing as much SPAM as possible to keep up with demand. Along with other inexpensive foods like rice and beans, people are turning to SPAM to provide a meal when times are tough.

Whatever the reason, culture or economics, there is no denying the popularity of the product. SPAM is part of Hawaiian culture, just a normal part of life. Where else can you get SPAM at both McDonald's and Burger King?