Pepperoni is a favorite pizza topping in America. But, like some other products, its supply has gotten a little tight during the coronavirus pandemic. CGTN's Hendrik Sybrandy reports from the state of Colorado.

It seems the coronavirus along with basic economics converged to put the squeeze on this essential product.

Eric Mittleman heads the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council and promotes pepperoni which is made from finely ground meat that’s mixed with spices, then smoked and dry cured. 

He says strong demand for pizza, whether frozen or delivered, during the pandemic collided with shutdowns at some meatpacking plants hit byCOVID-19 outbreaks, crimping pepperoni supply and sending all meat prices up. Those plants are now back open.

"For the most part the supply is out there, it's just a matter of meeting such an increased demand that it becomes a little bit of a challenge," Mittleman said.

It's led to breathless headlines warning of a national shortage and a pepperoni problem.

"The media likes to showcase eye-grabbing headlines so rather than saying the pepperoni supply chain is a little tight, pepperoni shortage is what we end up with," Mittleman added.

Of much more concern to many many how business has fallen off now that many workplaces are empty.

"I lost all my lunch services because people are working from home mostly," said food truck owner Sebastian Idee.

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