Freshly Picked, February 10, 2026

Freshly Picked Insights

• 3 Strategic Ways Multi-Unit Brands Can Refresh Menus Without Disrupting Operations
• From Data to Decisions: Turning Visibility Into Action Across Locations
• 10 Insights High-Performing Foodservice Operations Never Operate Without

Produce

Produce markets continued to face significant supply pressure. Iceberg lettuce pricing surged into the $40–$50 per carton range due to harvest, yield, and shelf-life challenges. Tomato prices remained elevated amid ongoing cold-weather impacts, though conditions are expected to improve mid-February. Avocados were an outlier, with 48-count Hass prices down 9.2% week over week, defying typical seasonal trends.

Outlook: Lettuce pricing is expected to remain volatile and elevated in the near term, requiring close monitoring across locations. Tomato pricing should begin easing as weather improves, while avocado prices may stay flatter than normal into the first half of the year, offering some cost stability.

Grains

Grain markets moved higher, led by strength in soybeans. Trade optimism increased following announcements of potential Chinese purchases totaling up to 8 million metric tons, on top of 12 million metric tons previously committed. Soybean oil prices responded positively, lifting the broader complex.

Outlook: If export demand is confirmed, soybeans could establish a higher trading range around $10.80–$11.00 per bushel. In the near term, grain markets are expected to remain firm, supporting stable input costs for protein and bakery-related categories.

Dairy

Dairy markets were mixed. CME cheese blocks increased to $1.47/lb, up $0.09 w/w, supported by strong retail demand. Butter prices surged $0.22 to $1.71/lb, though remain $0.79 below the five-year average. Severe winter weather caused temporary production and transportation disruptions, impacting spot milk movement.

Outlook: Cheese pricing is expected to stay supported by steady production and retail demand. Butter markets may see continued short-term volatility, but ample cream supplies and moderating logistics challenges should help stabilize pricing longer term.

Beef

Cattle markets were mixed, with the February live cattle contract holding at $235.50/cwt. Boxed beef values eased modestly, with the Choice cutout at $367.25/cwt, though premium loin and rib cuts showed resilience. Boneless heavy ribeyes rose to $10.57/lb, reflecting ongoing strength in higher-end segments. Harvest volumes remained sharply reduced, limiting downside pressure.

Outlook: Despite seasonal demand softness typical for February, reduced harvest levels and significant forward sales—including 2.2 million pounds of Choice shortloins—are expected to keep beef pricing firm, particularly in loin cuts. Operators should plan for continued pressure on premium beef items and lean on portion control and menu engineering strategies.

Pork

Pork markets trended higher, with the pork carcass cutout rising 2% to $95.27/cwt as harvest volumes declined. Strength was led by pork butts and bellies, with the butt primal up 4% to $114.88/cwt. Export demand remained steady, highlighted by 157 loads of boneless pork butts sold internationally, helping absorb supply.

Outlook: Pork pricing is positioned to remain steady to slightly firmer over the coming weeks. While retail demand remains muted, tighter supply and freezer inventory rebuilding should support wholesale pricing, making pork a relatively stable protein option for multi-unit menus.

Poultry

Poultry markets strengthened last week as USDA young chicken harvest declined to 167.3 million head, down 3.3% week over week, driven by storm-related disruptions. White meat continued to lead pricing momentum, with boneless/skinless breasts rising to $1.38/lb, now up 18% month over month. Wings climbed to $1.18/lb, up 19% m/m, though still 39% lower year over year, keeping them attractive for high-volume menu applications. Thigh meat also showed strength, with boneless thighs up 16% m/m.

Outlook: Poultry pricing is expected to remain steady to slightly higher in the near term as supply tightness persists. Multi-unit operators should anticipate continued firmness in white meat and wings while leveraging year-over-year softness in wings to protect margins through strategic menu placement and contract utilization.

Seafood

Snow crab prices continued their rally, with frozen snow crab prices up 15.9% month over month, reaching a new three-year high of $10.69/lb. This follows a 7.1% increase the prior month, extending a long-term uptrend that began in early 2024.

Outlook: Snow crab pricing is expected to remain elevated into early 2026, consistent with seasonal patterns. While some softening may occur later in the year, operators should plan for sustained pressure on premium seafood items in the near term.

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.