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<< Previous   of   Next >> (click to enlarge) Love it, hate it or laugh at it, Spam's cheap.   ADVERTISEMENT   CONTACT THE HERALD Melanie Munk, Features Editor munk@heraldnet.com   Published: Monday, June 2, 2008 Spam sales rising as food prices strain people's wallets The price is right: Love it, hate it or laugh at it, it's cheap. Sales of Spam, that much-maligned meat in a can, are rising as people turn to lower-cost food to extend their strained budgets. What was once mocked and Monty Pythoned is back on the table, analysts said. "Spam Singles" slices, a new product, has contributed to the increased sales, said Hormel Foods Corp., the makers of Spam. So has its first national advertising campaign in several years. Spam was created in 1937 and gained fame as the meat that fed Allied troops during World War II. Shoppers might also be surprised to know there are low-sodium and low-fat products, as well as versions that include bacon, cheese, turkey and hot sauce. Time to drag pit old favorites like Spam refried rice, Spam sandwiches and the ultimate budget dish, Spam and ramen. Cost: About $2.62 for a 12-ounce can. Herald staff and news services

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