Insights / Supply Chain Resource Center

Vegetables

Commodities Report 62

Alerts & What’s Trending   Produce Iceberg lettuce prices have nearly tripled since mid-June—an unusual time for such a spike—and could climb further before cooling off. Idaho potatoes are also rallying ahead of harvest, up 40% in the last month. Expect price volatility to continue into fall, especially for lettuce. Outlook: Be prepared for additional produce swings, with lettuce and potatoes leading the charge. Strategic purchasing will be key through September.   Grains & Oils Grain markets dipped again last week, with corn taking the hardest hit. Record U.S. and Brazil crop projections, paired with strong export reports, couldn’t hold prices up. Despite high export volumes, optimism over trade deals didn’t materialize, adding pressure. Outlook: Corn exports remain strong, but oversupply continues to weigh on prices. Any new trade developments could change momentum, but for now, the trend remains downward.   Dairy Butter and cheese prices were mostly flat to

Meat poultry

Commodities Report 61

Alerts & What’s Trending   Produce Leafy greens like iceberg and romaine are seeing higher markets due to weather-related yield drops—expect firm pricing to continue. Brussels, broccoli, and cauliflower are also elevated, but quality is holding. Bell peppers and squash are tight on both coasts, especially colored varieties and yellow squash. Tomatoes and celery remain steady with good volume and quality. Avocados and lemons are tight, and grapes are off to a slower start in California, keeping green varieties priced high. Keep your eye on potatoes and onions—both are stable for now, but late-season risks linger. Grains & Oils Volatility in the soybean oil market continues to make headlines, largely driven by global tensions and biofuel policies. While prices dipped last week, they’re still unpredictable. Canola and palm oils are down too, which could bring short-term relief on frying oil costs. Stay flexible if oil plays a big role in

Fresh fish and seafood platter

Commodities Report 60

Alerts & What’s Trending   Produce Avocado prices surprised to the downside, falling 18 % to a YTD low and dipping below last year for the first time since July 2024. Iceberg lettuce popped 35 % yet sits squarely in its normal seasonal range, while Idaho potato counts have begun their customary pre-harvest climb. Virus chatter in Western lettuce fields bears watching, but nothing has spooked the market yet. Outlook: Avocado pricing should stay soft into August; lettuce likely holds steady until a September lift, and potatoes may grind up toward $15/carton over the next month before new-crop pressure sets in.   Grains & Oilseeds Winter wheat surrendered the prior week’s geopolitically driven gains, and soybean oil followed crude lower despite a bullish long-term biofuel outlook. Traders braced for potentially bearish acreage and stocks data in today’s USDA reports, which could dictate short-term direction. The wheat harvest is still 9

Charcuterie board with meats and cheese

Commodities Report 59

Alerts & What’s Trending   Produce Avocado prices ended their 11-week slide with a minor uptick. Roma tomatoes dropped another 1.5%, though losses have slowed compared to May. Outlook: While avocados are entering their most volatile season, pricing is not expected to spike dramatically. Tomato prices may see short-term corrective strength but are unlikely to trend upward until September.   Grain The grain market paused last week after the EPA’s renewable volume announcement. Wheat led gains amid a delayed U.S. harvest and geopolitical concerns, though Chicago wheat was the primary mover. Outlook: Wheat prices may retreat by early July as harvest delays resolve. Expect short-lived volatility, but no sustained price run-ups unless weather issues persist into mid-summer. Dairy Cheese and butter prices dipped slightly despite steady retail demand. Blocks and barrels both landed at $1.69/lb. Cream availability remains tight in some areas, and butter remains competitively priced for export markets.