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.

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