Freshly Picked, February 24, 2026

Freshly Picked Insights

• Where Multi-Unit Operators Should Focus Right Now
• Purchasing Is Getting a Reset and Multi-Unit Brands Are Leading It
• Food Service Contracts: The Fine Print That Quietly Shapes Your Margins

Produce

Tomatoes and broccoli remain the primary volatility drivers. Roma tomatoes continue holding above $15/carton due to Eastern supply challenges, while broccoli has climbed for four consecutive weeks and could approach $50/carton if Mexican quality issues persist. Iceberg lettuce increases are slowing, signaling potential relief ahead.

Outlook: Tomato pricing may stay elevated longer than previously expected, and broccoli remains a near-term risk. Lettuce could soften over the next month. Multi-location operators should monitor regional supply shifts closely to manage contract alignment and distributor performance.

Grains

Soybeans and wheat continued rallying, while corn eased after failing to push above $4.40. Speculative fund activity appears to be influencing price action, particularly in soybean oil, despite elevated stock levels and uncertainty around 2026 biofuel blending targets.

Outlook: Expect continued volatility in grain markets as policy developments and speculative interest drive price movement. Operators with grain-exposed cost structures should plan for choppiness rather than a clear directional trend.

Dairy

Cheese markets strengthened, with CME blocks rising to $1.51/lb and barrels to $1.47/lb. Butter increased to $1.78/lb, though year-to-date pricing remains well below last year and the five-year average. Production remains near capacity, supporting export activity.

Outlook: While dairy pricing is trending higher short term, strong manufacturing output should help moderate extreme swings. Cheese-heavy menus may see some upward pressure, but butter remains comparatively favorable versus historical averages.

Beef

Cattle futures strengthened, with the February contract reaching $247.50/cwt, while boxed beef cutouts eased slightly. Rib and loin cuts posted modest gains, including boneless heavy ribeye at $10.79/lb, while chucks were mixed and ground beef 81% rose to $3.69/lb. Lower harvest volumes continue to underpin overall beef pricing.

Outlook: Even during February’s typical seasonal slowdown, tighter harvest numbers and significant forward brisket sales (1.1 million pounds out front) suggest beef pricing will remain supported. Multi-unit operators should expect continued firmness in middle meats and briskets as spring demand approaches.

Pork

The pork cutout ticked up to $96.28/cwt, supported by strength in loins, butts, ribs, and bellies. Boneless pork butts rose to $1.47/lb, with 169 loads sold into international markets. Harvest volumes were lower, while retail demand remains soft domestically.

Outlook: Pork is positioned to trend steady to slightly firmer in the coming weeks. Export momentum and freezer inventory rebuilding should offset softer retail demand, creating a relatively stable environment for operators leveraging pork-heavy menus.

Poultry

USDA young chicken harvest rose sharply to 178.4 million head, up 6.4% week over week and 5.6% year over year, helping stabilize most chicken categories. Boneless skinless breasts moved up to $1.47/lb (up 16.5% month over month but still down 11% year over year), while wings held at $1.21/lb and thigh meat continues posting year-over-year gains. Turkey markets remain significantly elevated due to HPAI-related supply constraints, and egg pricing remains volatile despite a recent week-over-week decline.

Outlook: Improved harvest volumes should keep chicken pricing relatively steady in the near term, though dark meat strength could continue. Turkey and eggs remain higher-risk categories due to ongoing disease pressures and supply limitations, making forward visibility and coverage strategy important for multi-unit systems.

Seafood

Frozen Alaskan pollock prices rose 18.3% month over month in December trade data, reaching their highest level since last February. The rebound has been faster than expected following 2025’s lows.

Outlook: Pollock pricing may soften in March, with a potential April floor near $1.40/lb before gradually firming later in the year. While volatility may moderate compared to prior years, seafood markets remain cyclical and reactive to global trade dynamics.

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.