A few weeks ago, we restocked the bulk beef burger patties we typically buy from Costco Business Center. Near the end of August, the foodstuff was sold out (it never is), so I suspected that the warehouse store no longer carried the item. Today, the patties are back—and for shockingly higher sale price.
Backtracking, when we started buying the 10-pound burger pack during the last decade, Business Costco charged $29.99, which was a good deal compared to competing choices. Fat content was higher (78 percent lean), but savings mattered more to the Wilcoxes. During the SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2)/COVID-19 mandates era, price rose to $31.99 and then to $33.99. During 2025, the price continuously crept up—reaching $39.99 a few weeks ago. Currently: $49.99! Ten bucks more than in August!
So, since we bought burger patties last, the selling price increased by 25 percent! Looked at differently, the price is 67 percent higher than it was during the final year of Donald Trump’s first term as U.S. President. The meat is sourced from Australia, Canada, Mexico, the United States and New Zealand. Do I suspect Trump tariffs for the ghastly price increase? Hell, yeah. Will we buy more? Hell, no.
The Featured Image is self-explanatory. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra produced the image; Film filter from Microsoft Photos enhanced the shot. Vitals: f/1.7, ISO 64, 1/200 sec, 23mm (film equivalent); 8:28 a.m. PDT.