Freshly Picked, September 9, 2025

Freshly Picked Insights

• 6 Reasons Multi-Unit Operators Partner with Consolidated Concepts
• Growing Fast? Here’s How to Protect Your Margins While You Scale
• Are You Paying the Right Price? Here’s Why Price Verification Matters

Produce

Avocados held steady at $30/carton, tomatoes softened again, and lettuce pulled back but is expected to firm into October.

Outlook: Produce markets are mostly stable, though operators should anticipate higher lettuce costs as seasonal pressures build. Menu flexibility and contract utilization will be critical in mitigating volatility.

Grains

Corn export sales hit a record seasonal high, driving three straight weeks of gains. Futures are now approaching technical resistance at $4.30/bu.

Outlook: Without additional bullish news, momentum could stall. Multi-unit groups should consider coverage strategies ahead of year-end to manage potential volatility in feed costs.

Dairy

Cheese blocks and barrels slipped into the mid-$1.70s/lb, while butter eased to $2.01/lb. Retail demand remains steady, but foodservice sales are below prior-year levels.

Outlook: Cheese markets are likely to remain under pressure given strong production and inventories. Operators should continue leveraging contracts to offset spot market swings.

Beef

Beef prices were steady to slightly weaker, with rib cuts showing strength but ground beef and trim trending lower post-holiday. The choice cutout closed flat at $414.21/cwt, while 81% ground beef fell to $3.90/lb.

Outlook: Expect weaker cutout values through September, with counter-seasonal strength in ribs and tenderloins sustaining premiums. Operators should monitor ground beef and trim markets for cost-saving opportunities as they soften further.

Pork

The pork cutout gained 2% to $113.32/cwt, with hams and butts leading the charge. Loins posted modest gains, while ribs and bellies eased. Trimmings were mostly higher, supported by international sales.

Outlook: Cash hog prices are trending lower, and cutout values may follow. International demand will remain a key driver. Operators should track primal shifts closely to optimize menu pricing and supply chain strategies.

Poultry

Harvest volumes increased 1.6% week-over-week to 173.4 million head, pushing breast meat prices lower: boneless/skinless breasts fell to $1.97/lb and tenderloins dropped to $2.42/lb. Wings held steady at $1.73/lb, while large eggs remain nearly 40% cheaper year-over-year.

Outlook: As retail promotions ramp up this fall, poultry demand should strengthen, particularly as operators shift away from historically high beef costs. That said, tariff uncertainty could create volatility. Multi-unit operators should take advantage of current price softness in breast meat and tenderloins to lock in value where possible.

Seafood

Frozen tilapia prices collapsed to a 4.5-year low of $1.52/lb, erasing all 2024 gains. Surging import volumes triggered the sharp drop, though a modest rebound toward $1.60–$1.70 is possible.

Outlook: Prices remain under pressure, presenting a window for operators to secure value. Procurement teams should assess category mix and rebalance seafood programs to capitalize on current lows.

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.