Freshly Picked, April 21, 2026

Freshly Picked Insights

• It’s Not Just Food Costs Anymore
• So Why Does Purchasing Still Feel So Messy?
• Because Without Visibility, You’re Always Playing Catch-Up

Produce

Produce markets were relatively quiet overall, though key items continue to show pressure. Tomatoes remain elevated due to constrained supply, lettuce rebounded as expected off its floor, and onion markets are gaining traction, especially for red varieties.

Outlook: Expect ongoing variability across categories. Tomato pricing should ease once supply improves, while lettuce is likely to remain within a predictable range. Onion strength may persist short term, but not all varieties are positioned to hold those gains long term.

Grains

Grain markets shifted focus back to wheat, with prices climbing as drought conditions worsened across key growing regions. Limited rainfall and declining crop conditions continue to drive uncertainty in the market.

Outlook: There is still potential for upward pressure in wheat if weather conditions don’t improve. This could have downstream impacts on multiple cost centers, including baked goods and feed-driven proteins, making it important to stay ahead of broader cost implications.

Dairy

Cheese markets held steady week over week, while butter declined and nonfat dry milk continued its sharp upward climb. Seasonal milk production is increasing, supporting overall output, though global market dynamics are starting to influence pricing behavior.

Outlook: Cheese should remain relatively stable in the near term, but rising nonfat dry milk could create underlying support for pricing. Export competitiveness will be key to watch, as softer international markets may limit upside.

Beef

Beef production remains tightly controlled, with output down significantly year over year as cattle availability continues to constrain the market. Even with some minor softening in select cuts, overall pricing remains near record highs due to sustained pressure on the supply side.

Outlook: Beef will continue to challenge margins across locations. With no meaningful supply recovery in sight, operators should focus on mix management, portion strategies, and cross-utilization to protect profitability without sacrificing menu appeal.

Pork

Pork

Pork production is running above last year, contributing to a mixed pricing environment across cuts. Bellies and picnics pulled the market lower, while hams and ribs showed strength, and pork trim declined despite firmness in competing beef trim markets.

Outlook: This is shaping up to be a strategic buying window, particularly for bellies. Pricing is sitting near seasonal lows and could move higher as summer demand builds. Operators with the ability to plan ahead may find opportunities to lock in value before the market turns.

Poultry

Chicken production remains elevated compared to last year, even with a slight week-over-week dip in slaughter. That continued supply is keeping most markets stable, with breasts and wings easing while thighs and tenders hold firm. Turkey breast showed some softness, and eggs are still sitting at favorable levels for buyers.

Outlook: Chicken continues to offer consistency at scale, especially compared to other proteins. With production likely trending higher into summer, expect steady pricing with limited upside risk. Wings are the one area to watch, as demand could tighten that segment faster than the rest.

Seafood

Yellowfin tuna experienced significant volatility earlier in the year but is now stabilizing near seasonal lows after a sharp decline in February. Pricing behavior is aligning more closely with typical seasonal patterns.

Outlook: Expect relatively stable pricing in the short term, with limited upward movement until early summer. This creates a more predictable environment for menu planning and promotional strategies featuring tuna.

Need Help Managing Market Volatility?

Consolidated Concepts offers custom contract support, commodity tracking, and supply chain solutions to help operators thrive—no matter the market conditions. Reach out to see how we can help your business stay ahead of pricing swings and supply uncertainty.