(NAFB) – As Easter approaches, consumers are shopping for ham this week.

According to Kiersten Hafer, who works in strategy and insights for the National Pork Board, traditionally most consumers focused on spiral cut, bone-in and boneless hams, when considering special occasion hams. Sales of ham grew during the pandemic, as more meals were prepared and eaten at home.

So why is ham so popular during Easter and now other holiday celebrations? Hafer says Pork Checkoff-funded research asked that question of consumers.

The National Pork Board is using the Real Pork initiative to tell the story of ham, according to Hafer.

Hafer says through the research, consumers are reporting they will continue to host smaller gatherings, averaging about four people, during Easter 2021. The research shows ham will still be the centerpiece of the meal, but instead of purchasing the traditional large ham, consumers are reporting they will purchase half or quarter hams.

More information on how to prepare your Easter ham can be found on www.pork.org.