Redirected protein shipments come as frozen inventories are starting to build ahead of the spring grilling season and the summer season for bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwiches.
A contract dispute between the dockworkers union and shipping lines has led to months of cargo backups at 29 U.S. West Coast ports.
Already-burdensome meat supplies are pressuring wholesale prices, particularly for pork. Shoppers could see added savings the longer dock negotiations drag on, analysts said.
