Freshly Picked image

Freshly Picked, January 23, 2023

Alerts & What’s Trending

Produce

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is produce.jpg

We continue to observe a lower supply and firmer markets for green pepper, zucchini, and yellow squash in South Florida and Mexico. The supply of color peppers is outstanding, but cucumbers are still very scarce and won’t likely get any better for a few weeks. Florida’s tomato production is increasing, but is still significantly below average for this time of year as a result of various weather-related issues during the past three months. Reduced production and higher than usual market prices are what we anticipate. As chilly temperatures and weather damage are producing shortages this season, the hot pepper market appears to be holding steady, with serrano and Anaheim being the most expensive and scarcest varieties.

Grains

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Grains.jpg

With good news regarding stocks, soybean oil trade last week ended almost unchanged. As availability expanded globally, canola trading declined. The market continued to experience weak demand, which led to reduced prices for Palm.

Dairy

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Dairy.jpg

As markets search for a floor, the demand for shell eggs is falling. Markets for cheese recover but are predicted to fall the following week. Markets for butter grew this week while remaining stable. Prices for Cream and Culture are dropping in January.

Beef

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Beef.jpg

Buyer and seller tension will remain high as cattle supplies decline, and upward price pressure will persist. Feed lot numbers are not increasing due to two weeks of decreasing carcass weights.

Pork

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Prk.jpg

Pork Butts are moving down significantly due to weakened demand in foodservice and retail Ribs are down slightly and with a surplus of supply in the market ribs could continue to trend down. Loins are now being featured in retail ads bringing this market up for next week. Bellies are relatively flat. Hams came down as exports to Mexico has slowed down.

Poultry

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Poultry.jpg

The price of Jumbo and Medium size breast, tenders, and wings rises in response to seasonal demand. Leg and thigh meat without bones are available in sufficient quantities. Due to rising labor and food prices, the price of whole birds and cut ups is on the rise.

Seafood

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Seafood.jpg

White shrimp landings have been higher than anticipated thus far, but brown shrimp landings are still below average. Due to the decreased scallop quota, prices are anticipated to stay above historical levels. For both blue and red pasteurized crab, markets have gotten softer.

Freshly Picked image

Freshly Picked, January 16, 2023

Alerts & What’s Trending

Produce

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is produce.jpg

As we wait for a significant supply from Honduras, we are
observing a lighter supply in South Florida and firmer markets for green
pepper, zucchini, yellow squash, and cucumbers. The quantity of color peppers
is increasing, and during the following 7 to 10 days, additional pepper should
cross. Due to the frigid climate in the Mexican growing regions, Serrano and
Anaheim pepper prices are still quite high. Due to the chilly temperature,
honeydew and cantaloupe have become rather difficult, but things should get
better over the following 10 to 14 days. Through the weekend and the first few
days of next week, there will be more instances of heavy rain throughout California.

Grains

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Grains.jpg

Lower futures prices for diesel fuel and declining demand
last week caused the soybean oil market to decline. But Argentina’s dryness
increased the price of soybeans and soybean meal. With revisions to Indonesian
export regulations, canola is running flat while palm oil has increased. Due to
rising COVID cases, there is concern about Chinese demand.

Dairy

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Dairy.jpg

As markets search for a floor, the demand for shell eggs is falling. Markets for cheese are shrinking as demand declines. Butter prices are stable this week, although there are conflicting signs of demand. The cost of Cream and Culture is going down this month while the price of processed eggs is rising as a result of shifting grain markets.

Beef

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Beef.jpg

Tenderloins and ribs are displaying signs of a market slump. While strips are still in high demand, packers are offering prices that reflect the demand. Chucks and rounds are still trading steadily, and supply and demand levels now being balanced. Grinds are consistently full since packers are in good inventory shape and seem to be piquing enough retail interest.

Pork

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Prk.jpg

The fresh pork complex witnessed pressure on bone-in loins while supporting boneless loins in the wake of recent deterioration. After holiday interest peaked, butts and picnics kept continuing through the current price correction. Two-sided trading of bellies while trim pricing is bumped higher.

Poultry

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Poultry.jpg

Wing season has arrived as supply has become scarcer. There are tenders available, but the market is becoming more competitive. Although supply is expected to slow down because of the impending short holiday week, breast prices are currently low for the season. Widely accessible for this week will be boneless thigh meat while boneless leg meat is flattening.

Seafood

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Seafood.jpg

Alaska declares lower Cod quotas and higher Pollock quotas. White shrimp landings have been higher than anticipated thus far, but brown shrimp landings are still below average. There was a 30% reduction in overall landings for the USA scallop season from this year to last year.

Revamp Restaurant

Revamp Your Restaurant with These Savings Programs this Summer

It’s officially summer which means diners are starting to crowd restaurants again. Is your operation prepared to take on the rush?

At Consolidated Concepts, we offer savings programs that will help you revamp your restaurant with infinite solutions!

Need to liven up the atmosphere with a new paint job? Replace those light fixtures you’ve been putting off for years? We’ve got you covered.

Any HVAC and plumbing needs? Fountain maintenance? Cleaning supplies? Our programs are secured to help you fix, replace, and/or maintain all of your operational needs from A to Z.

Savings on ACE Hardware Products and Solutions

Did you know that Consolidated Concepts members get a 10% discount on products and solutions from ACE Hardware? That means you could be saving with top national brands on paint and supplies, lighting and electrical, hand and power towels, outdoor equipment and supplies, janitorial and sanitation, plumbing and HVAC, hardware, and much more!

ace hardware solutions

Solutions on Water Management and Supplies

If your operation has an outdoor pool or fountain, you’re in luck. Consolidated Concepts partners with Leslie’s Pool to give you exclusive savings on water management and maintenance. You get access to discounts on pool and spa chemicals, equipment, cleaning and maintenance solutions, and more, to ensure your water management needs are secured.

leslie's water supplies

Save on HVAC Systems with Carrier

Nobody wants to be sitting in their own sweat while enjoying a delicious bite at your restaurant this summer. Your HVAC system needs to be running efficiently so that your operation is properly climate controlled and at a suitable temperature for your diners. We’ve partnered with Carrier, the experts in HVAC, to give you exclusive savings and benefits on air conditioning, heating, and building controls. Satisfy your guests by setting the standard for performance, sustainability, and energy efficiency.

carrier HVAC solutions

Join Consolidated Concepts Today!

Whether it’s fixing the light fixture you’ve been putting off or maintaining your HVAC, at Consolidated Concepts, we offer our members exclusive savings and solutions to help revamp your operation to ensure boosted profits and repeat customers.

Join today!

Efficient Restaurant

How to Run an Efficient Restaurant During a Labor Shortage

To run a restaurant operation during the current labor shortage is one thing. Running an efficient one is another. With the continuation of the pandemic and no relief in sight, especially before the holidays, restaurant operators are seeking alternatives to what was once known to them as their traditional, every-day way of running their operation.

There’s no doubt that times are changing, and everyone is doing their part to keep up. These changes are fairly easy to make and will not only help you run a more efficient business, but will also put money back in your pocket.

Let’s take a look at three different ways Consolidated Concepts experts say you can run an efficient restaurant during the current labor shortage:

Technology Can Streamline Processes

Technology has played a massive role in restaurant operators lives, especially since the beginning of the pandemic. From QR code menus and mobile ordering to inventory management, there’s nothing technology can’t do to help streamline your operation.

One way we encourage restaurant operators to implement technology is by partnering with industry experts such as InsideTrack. With the help of their spend management technology, you’ll have access to the most effective data cleaning in the foodservice industry. Data accuracyconsistency, and reliability are guaranteed. Operators like you gain better insights and spend intelligence into your operation.

By embracing spend management technology, you make better business decisions and identify new opportunities for savings and revenue. Data on your purchases is organized into easy-to-read dashboards you can access at any time. InsideTrack members can streamline operations by utilizing spend management, contract management, cost savings, GPO services, and much more—all within one powerful technology software.

Another way experts at Consolidated Concepts encourage the use of technology is by taking advantage of food cost management. Food cost management technology is a great resource that helps operators and chefs manage and control their food cost, inventory, and much more.

Food cost management technology puts time back into your day and helps you figure out any pain points that may be affecting the success of your operation.

Instead of hand-counting each item, you simply upload a screenshot of your invoices and Orderly takes care of the rest. You speed up your inventory process when you implement technology into your operation.

Now you can calculate the cost of a recipe online, too! With solutions such as Orderly, you’re able to build all of your recipes directly into the system. Each time an invoice is uploaded, the technology breaks down each ingredient and updates your prices in real-time.

Technology is key to running an efficient restaurant operation during these times. There’s an infinite number of things technology can do to ensure you’re streamlining operations, putting time back into your day and money into your bottom line.

Using Versatile, Easy-To-Prepare Ingredients

Did you know you could save time and money by incorporating versatile ingredients that are delicious and easy to prep? With products like Idahoan Real Potatoes, your customers will have that homemade taste and authentic feel they’re craving.

With the cold weather here, you can even add quick, savory soups onto your menus with items like Campbell’s Soup. Maybe even a soup base that’s less expensive and more consistent than scratch for you to work your final touches on such as LeGoût Cream Soup Base.

Have you considered pre-made sauces that are free of artificial colors/flavors and preservatives? Save time on prep and create dishes your guests will love with Knorr® Professional sauces. From gravies to sauces, your back of house will be thanking you for putting time back into their busy schedules.

But that’s not all. Who has time to hand-squeeze lemon and lime? Nobody, especially now with the labor shortage. That’s why The ReaLemon and ReaLime juices are great labor-saving ingredients that eliminate the inconvenience of slicing and squeezing. These juices are also a great option for salads, dips, main meals, and even beverages.

When you use versatile ingredients, you save money and put time back into your day while also satisfying your customers’ needs. Work smarter, not harder.

Partnering with Supply Chain Management Experts

Another way to ensure you run an efficient restaurant operation during a labor shortage is by partnering with supply chain management experts like Consolidated Concepts. With the current state of the supply chain, taking control of what comes into your operation seems nearly impossible.

You’ll have access to a fully customizable service that brings instant savings on thousands of items you may already be buying. Our experts help reduce costs, improve quality, and identify areas you may be able to achieve savings and negotiations in. This includes supply chain management, master distributions agreements, managed produce, and contracts.

Our supply chain management ensures maximum profitability and productivity while giving you access to items at the best competitive prices.

Join Consolidated Concepts Today!

If you’re looking to run an efficient restaurant operation during the current labor shortage, becoming a Consolidated Concepts member is a great place to start. As mentioned above, our experts will help reduce costs, improve quality, and identify instant savings!

Get started today!

Supply Chain Success

3 Ways to Ensure Supply Chain Success

The Supply Chain is facing a major crisis that is affecting operators all over the country. The numerous challenges this has led to over the course of these past 20 months is unimaginable. This is why supply chain success is crucial. From equipment delays and rotten food to sky-rocketing prices and product shortages, it seems there will be no relief anytime soon.

Fortunately, we have ways you can help alleviate the situation and ensure your operation is running at its full potential during these unprecedented times. Satisfy your customers, please your staff, and put money back into your bottom line.

Here are three ways to ensure you’re on the road to supply chain success:

Embrace Supply Chain Technology

Technology is evolving each and every day. Operators like you can easily boost your profit margins and put time back into your day. No more outdated unreliable information and lack of transparency. With technology, you can track, audit, and optimize your purchasing process to make sure you’re not over-spending.

Technology helps strategically source products so that your restaurant operation is putting the best ingredients on customer tables at the best imaginable prices. This means driving value to your customer experience and your brand.

Leveraging supply chain technology means you’re able to identify supply chain weaknesses within your operation and improve your purchasing process.

Technology gives you visibility into competitive distribution agreements, strategic commodity planning, inventory management, and much more.

Leverage Buying Power for Cost Reduction

When your options are limited, you have a much lesser chance of opportunities for savings on purchases. Leveraging buying power is the key for cost reduction. With access to contracts and pricing you wouldn’t find anywhere else, operators like you can gain discounts and rebates across hundreds of categories within the foodservice industry.

Did you know? Your operation could be saving on products and services you use every day. You can use your purchasing data to your advantage and maximize profits. With over 165,000 line items from over 350+ industry leading manufacturers, you’ll find the most competitive pricing for your operation. No more unprofitable contracts you can’t get out of.

We’re here to make sure you’re getting the most out of your money.

Join a Managed Produce Program Today!

Lastly, when your restaurant operation joins a managed produce program, they’re guaranteed the highest quality products at the most affordable prices. No more rotten foods and product shortages. We partner with the best local produce distributors to ensure you’re satisfying your guests and putting money back into your pocket. Our expertly-managed produce programs focus on improving the quality, safety and traceability of your food programs.

The supply chain is experiencing challenges that impact your operation every day. By partnering with Consolidated Concepts supply chain experts, you can ensure you’re making profitable more informed business decisions.

With a managed produce program, you gain access to the best quality, consistency, and food safety standards that’ll wow your customers.

All Things Supply Chain

You don’t have to navigate the supply chain alone. We want to help you succeed in the restaurant world.

Decrease cost, increase quality and ensure you’re on the road to supply chain success by becoming a Consolidated Concepts member today!

Are you a restaurant operator looking for updates on commodity insights, supply chain news and resources? Visit the Buyers Edge Platform Supply Chain Support Center today!