Insights / Supply Chain Resource Center

Commodities Report

Alerts & What’s Trending   Produce Avocado prices fell for a sixth straight week despite pre-Cinco de Mayo demand. A return to sub-$50 cartons isn’t expected until after June. Yellow onions saw their first price uptick in over a year, signaling a potential seasonal bottom. Roma tomatoes slowed their pace of increase, rising just 2.8% w/w as the market enters its typical quiet season.   Grain Quiet news drove technical trading. Soybean oil slumped after failing to break key resistance. An upcoming EPA renewable volume obligations (RVO) announcement could reignite upward momentum if biodiesel policies shift.   Dairy Butter prices edged up to $2.32/lb, while CME block cheese climbed 4% to $1.84/lb and barrels gained 2% to $1.78/lb. Nonfat dry milk rose to $1.22/lb. Retail demand remains steady, but foodservice activity is mixed. Cheese production is strong as milk supply grows.   Beef Choice cutout values climbed 1% to $347.89/cwt,

Fresh fish and seafood platter

Commodities Report

Alerts & What’s Trending   Produce Iceberg lettuce returned to steady levels near $10/carton following a brief price spike, while large tomatoes jumped another 12%—though that rally is expected to fade soon. Hass avocados dropped 2.2% to an 11-week low despite tight supply of large fruit. Outlook: Produce markets appear stable overall. Tomato prices could ease in the coming weeks, while avocado prices may tick back up by late June.   Grain Grain prices fell again, led by Kansas City wheat and corn. Chicago wheat remains just above long-term technical support. Drier forecasts in the U.S. Southern Plains may provide some stabilization, but export demand remains sluggish. Outlook: Without stronger global buying or weather-driven supply issues, grains—especially wheat—are likely to remain under downward pressure.   Dairy Butter rose slightly to $2.31/lb, and both cheese blocks and barrels saw 2–3% gains. Retail demand is holding firm, but foodservice demand remains soft.

Charcuterie board with meats and cheese

Commodities Report

Alerts & What’s Trending   Produce Both iceberg lettuce and roma tomato prices rebounded, climbing 12.5% and 11.9% w/w, respectively. However, the tomato uptick appears temporary, while iceberg lettuce might see prices hit $25–$30/carton before easing. No major supply shocks are expected, suggesting produce markets should stabilize heading into the summer growing season.   Grain Grains traded mixed as heavy rains in the U.S. Southern Plains and improved Black Sea weather pressured Kansas City wheat prices lower. Without stronger export demand or a rebound in global weather issues, wheat markets are likely to remain under pressure. Technical support helped prevent further drops, but overall bearish momentum persists.   Dairy Dairy prices slipped, with butter down slightly to $2.33/lb and cheese blocks and barrels both dropping by around 8–9%. Foodservice demand remains weak, while retail demand is steady to higher. Strong milk production is boosting cheese output, which could add additional

Commodities Report

Alerts & What’s Trending   Produce Lettuce and tomato prices erased March gains. Lettuce could spike in May, while tomatoes may strengthen through August. Avocados weakened to a nine-week low, with no big relief expected until July. Yellow onions held steady near $5/sack, with potential strength later in May.   Grain Grains were mixed. Soybean oil led gains; Chicago wheat rose 1.6% w/w. Other wheat types lagged. Kansas City wheat was flat to lower, despite rising drought levels. Heavy rain forecast in Oklahoma could ease yield concerns as only 47% of winter wheat is rated good-to-excellent vs. 55% last year.   Dairy Dairy prices edged up on retail promos and foodservice demand. Butter stayed flat at $2.34/lb. CME cheese blocks and barrels both rose to $1.84/lb. Cheese production is strong, supported by rising seasonal milk output and stable to strong retail demand.   Beef April cattle futures climbed 4% to