Alerts & What’s Trending
Produce
Tomatoes remain volatile but showed signs of stabilizing last week. Avocado prices jumped due to temporary supply disruptions but are expected to ease. Broccoli saw a short-term rebound but is expected to decline again heading into May.
Outlook: Expect continued volatility in key produce items. Build flexibility into menus and sourcing, especially for tomatoes and avocados.
Grains
Grain markets trended downward, with improved weather conditions easing drought concerns and putting pressure on corn prices. Soybean meal was the exception, moving higher.
Outlook: Lower grain prices could eventually ease feed costs, which may help stabilize protein pricing over time.
Dairy
Dairy markets were mixed. Cheese and butter softened slightly, while nonfat dry milk surged to a 12-year high, though it may be nearing a peak. Milk production is increasing seasonally, supporting overall supply.
Outlook: Stable-to-soft pricing on core dairy items like cheese and butter is a positive, but watch for potential shifts if milk gets diverted away from cheese production.
Beef
Beef supply remains tight due to lower slaughter rates, keeping prices elevated despite softer demand last week. Imports are rising significantly, but most are lean, grass-fed products—meaning limited relief for higher-end cuts and fattier trim.
Outlook: Expect continued high beef costs, especially for premium cuts. Operators may need to lean into portion control, menu mix, or alternative proteins to protect margins.
Pork
Pork production is increasing, helping keep most pricing in check. Ham prices surged week over week, while belly pricing remained steady. Pork trim continues to stay elevated due to substitution demand from tight beef supply.
Outlook: Pork remains a strong value alternative to beef, but watch trim and rib pricing as seasonal demand and substitution trends continue to influence costs.
Poultry
Chicken production is ramping up, with output rising and expected to hit record levels this year. Prices are still climbing in the short term—especially for breasts and tenders—but increased supply could start to stabilize the market as we move deeper into spring. Eggs have dropped to historic lows, with limited downside remaining.
Outlook: Short-term pressure on chicken costs (especially high-demand cuts), but relief could be coming soon as supply builds. Eggs remain a cost-saving opportunity on menus.
Seafood
Salmon pricing showed an unusual decline early in the year—breaking a long-standing seasonal trend. While a rebound is expected, the market is still feeling pressure from last year’s correction.
Outlook: Short-term opportunities for seafood sourcing, but keep an eye on potential price rebounds heading into peak seasonal demand.