Alerts & What’s Trending
Produce
No major volatility last week. Romas were flat after recent gains, iceberg ticked up slightly, and avocados trended downward. Yellow onions may find some lift next month, but movement will likely be modest.
Outlook: Produce pricing is expected to stabilize through the summer. Short-term surprises appear unlikely.
Grain
Grain markets rebounded, led by wheat. Outside financial market concerns and international buying helped fuel the rally. Wheat pricing is now at its highest seasonal level in 12 years.
Outlook: Expect ongoing volatility in the grains sector, especially if global weather issues and currency shifts persist.
Dairy
CME blocks climbed to $1.95/lb and barrels to $1.87/lb. Butter moved up slightly to $2.36/lb. Retail cheese demand is steady, foodservice slightly weaker, but export strength continues.
Outlook: With strong milk availability and consistent global demand, dairy prices are likely to trend stable with mild upward pressure.
Beef
Beef prices surged last week. Choice cutout rose 3% to $360.97/cwt and select climbed to $348.95/cwt. Tenderloins hit $14.30/lb, up $0.68 w/w, while ground beef 81% rose $0.11 to $3.59/lb. Both 50% and 90% trim values increased.
Outlook: With harvests tight and demand steady, operators should expect continued upward pressure on beef pricing.
Pork
Pork trends were mixed. Loins and ribs increased, while butts and bellies softened slightly. Boneless loins rose $0.04 to $1.38/lb, and baby back ribs reached $3.00/lb. Trims were split—72% trim bounced up, while 42% fell.
Outlook: Summer demand is keeping pork markets afloat. Prices should remain relatively stable near-term despite weaker exports.
Poultry
White meat pricing continues to rise. Boneless breasts reached $2.77/lb (+$0.01 w/w), tenderloins jumped $0.07 to $2.39/lb, and boneless thighs climbed $0.06 to $2.42/lb. Wings declined again to $1.13/lb—now 50% lower y/y. Whole birds remained flat at $1.35/lb, and drumsticks held steady at $0.46/lb. Turkey pricing also moved higher. Egg prices stayed flat.
Outlook: Poultry pricing is holding firm. Expect continued support on white meat as harvests remain constrained and retail promotions increase.
Seafood
Pollock prices fell 7% m/m to near $1.40/lb—marking a 21% drop since November. Seasonally, prices tend to bottom around now and increase into the fall.
Outlook: Operators sourcing pollock may benefit from locking in current prices ahead of potential late-year increases.
