CONSUMER BOTTLENECK
April 21, 2004
Kerry Warns Ketchup Prices Could Top $8 a Gallon
Pittsburgh, PA | Despite record increases, Democratic Presidential hopeful John Kerry says the cost of ketchup to the American consumer could skyrocket this summer.
Historically, usage rises during warmer months due to increased picnics, cook-outs and other activities. But higher prices haven't curtailed America's love affair with super-sized burgers and fries, leaving the Nation's strategic ketchup reserves dangerously low.
TOPEC (the Tomato Producing and Exporting Countries) say they have no plans to increase production.
Kerry denies close personal ties to the industry, particularly his marriage to condiment heiress Teresa Heinz, present a conflict of interests. He blames irresponsible policies which encourage ketchup-guzzling through tax disincentives and anti-conservation legislation.
Kerry also insists he has been a consistent advocate of hybrid condiment development, which could increase efficiency by as much as 40%.
But experts doubt this would noticeably affect prices at the pumps, since most fast food chains already use a standard mix of half ketchup and half rodent droppings.
