Alerts & What’s Trending
Produce
Produce markets remained relatively calm despite ongoing attention surrounding the cyclospora outbreak linked to lettuce from Central Mexico. To date, the outbreak has had little impact on pricing, while iceberg lettuce appears to be stabilizing, avocados posted modest gains, and onion markets continue following normal seasonal trends.
Outlook: Procurement teams should expect generally stable produce pricing, with only modest seasonal fluctuations anticipated over the coming weeks.
Grains
Grain markets moved higher as geopolitical tensions and rising crude oil prices fueled renewed buying activity. Wheat experienced the strongest gains following disruptions affecting Russian export routes and continued uncertainty surrounding Black Sea shipping.
Outlook: Grain markets are expected to remain volatile, making forward purchasing strategies and ongoing market monitoring increasingly valuable.
Dairy
Cheese markets continued to strengthen, with block cheese prices climbing nearly 16% over the past month, while butter, dry whey, and nonfat dry milk moved lower. Expanding milk production continues to support cheese supplies, helping reduce the likelihood of significant supply disruptions despite recent price gains.
Outlook: Cheese costs may remain firm in the short term, but healthy milk production should help moderate additional upward price pressure.
Beef
Beef production increased modestly last week but continues to trail last year, with year-to-date output down 5.8% due to historically tight cattle inventories. While wholesale beef values softened across many cuts, retail beef prices remain near record highs, highlighting continued supply constraints throughout the market.
Outlook: Expect elevated beef costs to persist, making contract optimization and strategic protein mix decisions increasingly important for protecting margins.
Pork
Pork production eased slightly week over week, although year-to-date production remains modestly ahead of last year because of heavier hog weights. Pricing remains mixed across the category, with bacon continuing to perform favorably while pepperoni and sausage remain elevated due to higher trim costs. Recent weakness in pork trim pricing may begin easing pressure on processed pork products in the months ahead.
Outlook: Pork continues to offer relatively stable purchasing opportunities, with improving trim markets creating potential cost relief for value-added products.
Poultry
Chicken supplies continue to improve, with production running roughly 2% above last year’s levels thanks to higher slaughter volumes and heavier bird weights. Market pricing was mixed last week, with wings and leg quarters moving higher while breasts and tenderloins remained relatively stable. Although supply remains favorable, producer margins have fallen to three-year lows, which could eventually influence future production levels.
Outlook: Poultry remains one of the more stable protein categories, but procurement teams should monitor production trends for signs of tightening supply later this year.
Seafood
Shrimp pricing continued to soften, with import prices reaching their lowest monthly average since September 2024 as stronger import volumes increased available supply. Current market conditions present favorable purchasing opportunities, although seasonal demand is expected to support higher pricing later this year.
Outlook: Current shrimp pricing creates an attractive buying window before expected seasonal increases heading into the fourth quarter.