Being 86,I have seen food gluts and food shortages,price falls and price increases.
Regretably,during a recession prices will rise,we cannot do much about it unless we want to eat less.
Prices will eventually fall(on some things)whilst rising on others.
Costs (of raw supplies,taxes,interest repayments etc) have risen for manufacturers,and they have to pass some of it on to the customer,it's unavoidable.
In my lifetime I have seem FAR worse food increases than a packet of ham rising 25p!
I can only say do what we fo,if Ham is too expensive llok for something cheaper (like Corned Beef or Hazlet)
I am afraid your friend just has to shop around!