Prices Go Thigh-High as Consumers Seek Dark Meat

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Thighs and drumsticks are climbing the pecking order as Americans join consumers abroad in seeking out flavor that's lacking in the boneless, skinless chicken breasts that have long dominated the domestic market.

While the poultry industry once had trouble finding markets for dark meat, sales are now growing rapidly.

Experts agree TV food shows are helping to spur demand with chefs talking up dark meat. The convenience and greater availability of boneless, skinless thighs is another major factor in increasing consumer interest.

Dark meat historically has been cheaper than white, but government statistics show that wholesale boneless, skinless thighs now cost as much as breasts, and sometimes more. Prices for bone-in leg quarters also are rising faster than for white meat.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved)