Alerts & What’s Trending
Produce
The produce market stayed calm this week. Roma tomatoes corrected downward after last week’s spike, and iceberg lettuce slipped slightly but looks to be stabilizing. No major crop disruptions are on the horizon, though prices may edge up into November as seasonal shifts take hold.
Outlook: Expect modest price increases heading into the holidays as cooler weather impacts yields. Consider featuring produce-forward dishes now while costs remain steady.
Grains
Grain markets moved mostly lower as corn and wheat struggled to maintain momentum. Corn export demand remains strong — hitting a new record pace — but prices couldn’t sustain gains. Wheat held firm on improved export activity.
Outlook: Despite strong export demand, futures remain under pressure, which could translate into lower feed costs for proteins later this fall.
Dairy
Dairy prices were mixed this week — cheese blocks eased $0.04 to $1.64/lb while butter continued to trend lower, down $0.17 to $1.64/lb. Butter production is ramping up ahead of the holidays, and milk availability is steady across most regions. Demand for cheese remains moderate but stable.
Outlook: Butter should remain well supplied through year-end, keeping costs relatively manageable. Cheese prices may fluctuate slightly, but no major volatility is expected in the short term.
Beef
Beef prices were mixed this week, with premium cuts like ribeyes and loins showing small gains while chucks and rounds softened. Choice ribeyes rose to $14.65/lb, but end cuts like chuck rolls and inside rounds dipped. Ground beef 81% slipped $0.12 to $3.48/lb, providing some relief for burger-heavy menus.
Outlook: Expect seasonal declines in some cuts through October before holiday demand kicks in again. Tenderloins and ribs should strengthen later this year, so it’s a good time to lock in pricing early.
Pork
The pork market eased slightly overall, led by weakness in loins and tenderloins. Boneless pork loins dropped to $1.33/lb, and tenderloins fell to $1.75/lb. Butts held steady with modest gains thanks to international buying, while ribs and bellies maintained strength.
Outlook: Expect a mixed market near term — export demand is supporting prices even as domestic consumption slows. Operators featuring pork ribs or shoulders could see steadier costs through early fall.
Poultry
Chicken markets saw another dip this week as production ramped up, pushing prices lower across several cuts. Boneless/skinless breasts dropped $0.23 to $1.42/lb, and tenderloins fell $0.19 to $1.96/lb — now down nearly 30% month-over-month. Wings also took a tumble, down $0.17 to $1.44/lb, while drumsticks saw a small uptick. Turkey prices, on the other hand, continue to soar, with boneless breasts up 216% this year.
Outlook: Operators can expect continued price pressure on chicken breasts and tenders as harvests remain high and demand softens. Turkey could stay elevated through the holidays, so plan ahead for your seasonal menu pricing.
Seafood
Yellowfin tuna prices climbed 7.6% month-over-month after months of decline, marking a needed correction in the market. Despite the uptick, yellowfin remains down 34% for the year, while pollock also sits lower year-to-date.
Outlook: Expect mild upward pressure on tuna pricing through year-end before the usual January surge. Operators should watch for seasonal fluctuations and plan accordingly for premium seafood offerings.