Alerts & What’s Trending
Produce
Market stability continued across the produce sector. Roma tomatoes saw a one-week dip of 22%, though prices are expected to stay within normal seasonal ranges. Iceberg lettuce was unchanged, and avocados declined again, narrowing their y/y gap to 29%.
Outlook: No major disruptions are anticipated. With prices holding in predictable patterns, this is a good time for operators to lean into produce-forward menu planning.
Grain
Grain markets softened despite active news cycles. Tariff developments were largely shrugged off by traders, while attention turned to weather and crop progress. Corn crop ratings fell below expectations, but above-average rainfall forecasts kept the market from reacting strongly.
Outlook: While current pressure is keeping grains in check, any major shift in weather could impact pricing. Operators should monitor market reports closely and evaluate coverage strategies.
Dairy
Dairy pricing ticked upward, particularly in butter, which rose $0.13/lb to $2.49/lb. Cheese prices held steady, with blocks at $1.95/lb and barrels at $1.87/lb, while retail promotions helped support sales. Nonfat dry milk also gained $0.06 to $1.29/lb.
Outlook: With export demand strong and milk supply stable, expect prices to gradually climb in the butter and NDM categories. Operators should watch for promotional opportunities as summer progresses.
Beef
Beef prices continued trending upward, with the choice cutout reaching $366.09/cwt and select cuts also posting gains. Striploins climbed to $11.34/lb, and chuck rolls rose $0.13 to $4.17/lb. Ground beef and trim were both higher, with 81% lean at $3.62/lb and 50% trim up $0.07 to $1.32/lb.
Outlook: With harvest volumes still limited, prices are expected to remain elevated. Operators should plan for higher costs on both premium and value cuts through the early summer months.
Pork
The pork cutout gained 4% last week to reach $104.62/cwt, supported by strength in bellies, hams, and trimmings. Derind 13/17 bellies jumped $0.07 to $1.83/lb, while 72% trim rose $0.14 to $1.19/lb. Bone-in and boneless butts also posted modest increases.
Outlook: Rebounding export demand is helping lift pork markets. Operators should watch for continued strength in bellies and trims, and may want to secure pricing on high-use items.
Poultry
Chicken markets showed slight movement last week, with boneless/skinless breasts down $0.01 to $2.76/lb and tenderloins gaining $0.05 to $2.44/lb. Wings inched up $0.01 to $1.14/lb but are still down 50% compared to last year. Thigh meat continues to rise, with boneless/skinless at $2.45/lb and up 38% y/y.
Outlook: Poultry remains a dependable, cost-effective protein as summer demand ramps up. Operators can expect continued stability in white meat pricing due to steady demand and tight harvest schedules.
Seafood
Frozen cod prices continued their seasonal climb, reaching $4.60/lb—a 22-month high. The rapid increase was sharper than expected, driven by low import volumes during peak pricing months.
Outlook: Cod prices are likely to ease in the coming weeks as supply catches up, but will remain above average through summer. Operators relying on cod should consider locking in pricing or exploring alternatives.
