Managing financials across multiple locations can feel like an uphill battle, but Back Office’s accounting solution transforms this challenge into an opportunity for growth. Purpose-built for restaurant operators, their dynamic technology centralizes financial data from all your locations into one user-friendly dashboard. With real-time insights, customizable reporting, and advanced tools like drill-down P&Ls and digitized invoices, you’ll gain the clarity and control needed to make faster, smarter business decisions. 

Why it matters: Streamlined accounting enhances financial accuracy, reduces manual errors, and replaces inefficient processes with actionable data, empowering you to align daily operations with your profit goals and drive consistency across your brand.

AP Automation for Time and Cost Savings

Managing accounts payable shouldn’t feel like a full-time job. Back Office ap automation takes the hassle out of invoice processing by digitizing the entire invoice lifecycle—from digitization to payment. By automating manual tasks, you’ll save up to 4 hours per week, reduce costly errors, and eliminate the chaos of paper-based workflows. 

Key benefits: 

• Save time and money: Streamline invoice processing to avoid late payments and focus on growing your business. 

• Increase accuracy and efficiency: Digitized invoices and automated workflows reduce errors and speed up approvals. 

• Enhance visibility and control: Real-time tracking and customizable workflows provide precise oversight and better cash flow management. 

With Back Office AP Automation, you can ensure timely vendor payments, improve cash flow, and free your team to focus on strategic priorities—not paperwork.

Bookkeeping+ for Precision and Scalability

Staying on top of your restaurant’s finances doesn’t have to be a time-consuming burden. With the Back Office bookkeeping+ solution, you gain access to industry-specific professionals who streamline your financial processes and deliver precise, audit-ready reporting. From tracking expenses to automated transaction processing, Bookkeeping+ ensures meticulous financial oversight tailored to the unique needs of restaurant operators. 

Key benefits: 

• Exclusive expertise: Industry-specific bookkeeping professionals handle the intricacies of restaurant finances. 

• Increased accuracy: Transparent financial reporting helps you make confident, informed decisions. 

• Scalable growth: Streamlined bookkeeping frees up resources, allowing you to focus on expanding your business. 

With Back Office Bookkeeping+, you can transform tedious financial tasks into a seamless process, enabling your team to focus on running and growing your restaurant.

Food Cost Management for Maximized Profitability

Food costs are one of the largest expenses for restaurant operators, but managing them doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Back Office food cost management technology empowers operators with real-time visibility into ingredient costs, automated inventory tracking, and precise recipe costing. Whether you’re running a single location or managing multiple units, our software centralizes data and provides actionable insights to help you control costs and boost profitability. 

How it helps: 

• Simplify operations: Replace manual spreadsheets with automated processes like invoice digitization and COGS reporting. 

• Optimize profitability: Track ingredient prices in real-time, ensure consistent plate costs, and adjust menu pricing to protect margins. 

• Drive consistency across locations: Standardize recipes and purchasing analytics for uniform reporting and cost control. 

With intuitive tools from Back Office, you can transform food cost management from a challenge into a strategic advantage, ensuring long-term growth and operational efficiency.

Payroll Solutions to Simplify and Optimize Workforce Management

Handling payroll for a restaurant operation can feel like an uphill climb, especially when juggling employee classifications, labor laws, and tax filings. Payroll solutions from Back Office transforms this tedious task into a streamlined process, enabling you to save time, minimize errors, and maintain compliance effortlessly. 

Why it’s essential: 

• Reduce manual tasks: Automate data entry and payroll calculations to reduce errors and free up valuable time. 

• Optimize cash flow: Gain real-time insights into payroll expenses to budget effectively and manage labor costs. 

• Enhance labor control: Track sales and staffing metrics through a user-friendly dashboard to reduce overtime and optimize scheduling. 

Back Office also empowers your team with tools like a self-service employee portal for payroll documents and direct POS integrations, cutting payroll review time to under 20 minutes. With reliable, accurate data, you’re not just processing payroll—you’re driving better operational decisions. 

Simplify Your Back Office Operations  

At Consolidated Concepts, we understand that true operational excellence extends beyond the front of house. That’s why we partner with forward-thinking brands like Back Office to provide solutions that enhance the efficiency and accuracy of your back-office operations. 

Back Office offers a suite of tools designed specifically for restaurant operators, including accounting, AP automation, bookkeeping+, food cost management, and payroll. These solutions help you reduce costs, save time, and streamline complex processes, empowering your team to focus on driving business success. 

Ready to optimize your operations? Fill out the form below to contact us today and discover how Back Office solutions can transform your back-office operations and support your long-term growth. 

 

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Produce

Tomatoes and lettuce remained focal points, with roma tomatoes falling 14.6% to their lowest since October. Prices are expected to decline further into January. Iceberg lettuce continued its correction, with stabilization anticipated soon around $10/carton.

 

Grains

Grain markets were stable, with Kansas City and Minneapolis wheat posting modest gains. Corn rallied early but fell short of five-month highs. The USDA’s December WASDE reduced 2024/25 carryout projections, lowering the stocks-to-use ratio to 11.4%, marking the first y/y decline since 2020/21.

 

Dairy

The dairy market was mixed as butter rose $0.03 to $2.52/lb, while cheese saw gains with blocks up $0.12 to $1.78/lb. Production schedules varied nationwide, and retail promotions dropped to their lowest level in a month, despite steady retail cheese demand.

 

Beef

The beef market saw gains as CME December cattle futures rose nearly 3% to $192.85/cwt. Bone-in export ribs and boneless ribeyes climbed 3% and 6%, respectively, near record highs. Loin prices weakened, with striploins down 6%, while ground beef 81% rose 3% to $2.36/lb.

 

Pork

The pork cutout rose 4% to $92.31/cwt, driven by gains in hams, loins, and butts. Hams surged 11%, while boneless pork butts increased $0.05 to $1.36/lb. The belly primal stabilized, but 42% pork trim dropped 5% to $0.42/lb, with 72% trim up 7% to $0.95/lb.

 

Poultry

USDA young chicken production reached 639.6 million pounds last week, driven by slightly larger bird weights. Whole birds and WOGs rose marginally, while drumsticks climbed 8% to $0.53/lb. White meat continues its strong year, with breasts up 52% and tenderloins higher by 39% year-to-date.

 

Seafood

Frozen snow crab prices climbed 15.2% m/m in October, outperforming even the typically volatile shrimp category. Historically predictable with seasonal highs in summer and lows in March, snow crab prices deviated from this pattern. While prices are unlikely to sustain October’s momentum, they’re expected to remain well above 2024’s $6/lb YTD low by March.

 

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Produce

The produce market faces ongoing challenges from weather disruptions, transitions, and logistical hurdles, with supply constraints and high prices expected for key commodities through December. Despite gradual improvements, heat damage and cold weather are impacting yields and crop growth, complicating transitions. Broccoli supplies remain tight with prorating expected, while commodities like lettuce, cauliflower, artichokes, and various greens continue to experience high prices and limited availability. Flexibility and coordination are essential to stabilize operations.

Grains

Soybean meal was the only major grain to post week-over-week gains. Corn prices faced downward pressure amid trade tensions between the U.S. and Mexico. Meanwhile, U.S. winter wheat conditions improved as drought in the Southern Plains continued to ease.

Dairy

Spot block cheese prices remained stable, but barrel prices fell to a 32-week low. Spot butter hit a new year-to-date low, reflecting softened market conditions. Meanwhile, cold storage cheese stocks continued to decline rapidly, as highlighted in last week’s October report.

Beef

Cattle placements in feedlots rose 5% year-over-year to 2.28 million head, slightly exceeding expectations. U.S. feeder cattle imports from Mexico, which account for 4% of the harvest total, have been suspended due to a case of New World Screwworm in Southern Mexico. Total beef in cold storage dropped 3.1% in October to 431.9 million pounds. The choice cutout increased 1.4% last week, while bone-in export ribs reached a record high of $12.99/lb.

Pork

Lean hog harvest declined 2.8% week-over-week, with total pork in cold storage falling 2.7% year-over-year to 426 million pounds in October. Despite the reduced harvest, the pork cutout remained flat week-over-week. However, 42% pork trim saw significant declines, dropping 10% for the week and 49% for the month.

Poultry

Young chicken harvest declined 1.4% week-over-week, while total poultry in cold storage dropped 5.7% year-over-year to just over 1.1 billion pounds. The eggshell index decreased 3% last week but saw a significant 38% increase for November, reflecting fluctuating supply and demand dynamics in the poultry market.

 

 

Restaurant data isn’t just numbers on a spreadsheet—it’s a roadmap to profitability for multi-unit restaurants. For multi-unit restaurant operators, the ability to harness, analyze, and act on data is a critical advantage.

But let’s face it: transforming scattered supply chain, procurement, and purchasing data into actionable insights is no easy task. That’s where Consolidated Concepts comes in.

Unlock the True Potential of Your Multi Unit Restaurant Data

At Consolidated Concepts, we understand the immense value hidden within your restaurant data. With our expertise and tools, we help multi-unit operators turn this data into a profit-generating machine. By partnering with us, you gain access to cutting-edge solutions designed to simplify your operations and amplify your bottom line.

Data is more than information—it’s your restaurant’s competitive edge. By analyzing and acting on the insights hidden within your supply chain, procurement, and purchasing data, you can:

• Eliminate Waste: Identify inefficiencies and reduce unnecessary expenses.
• Streamline Supply Chain: Ensure timely, cost-effective deliveries.
• Maximize Rebates: Capture every dollar you’re owed.
• Optimize Pricing: Use trends and forecasts to protect your margins.
• Enhance Decision-Making: Gain a clear, centralized view across locations.

Leveraging data isn’t just about cost savings—it’s about creating opportunities for growth and long-term success. Consolidated Concepts is here to help you turn insights into action.

How We Turn Your Data Into Profits

1. Discover Hidden Savings Opportunities

Our spend management technology paints a clear picture of your spending habits across all locations. From there, we help you uncover inefficiencies, reduce waste, and pinpoint opportunities for cost savings. Our experts work with you to create actionable strategies that cut costs without sacrificing quality or service.

2. Make Smarter, Data-Driven Decisions

We simplify complex restaurant data, transforming it into easy-to-understand reports and real-time dashboards. These insights enable you to optimize inventory, improve budgeting, and accurately forecast future needs. With our support and training, your team can make confident, data-backed decisions every step of the way.

3. Streamline Operations with Effortless Data Visualization

Say goodbye to deciphering endless spreadsheets. User-friendly dashboards allow you to monitor key metrics at a glance, including:

• Pricing trends
• Purchasing compliance
• Contract statuses
• Rebate savings
• Price verification data
• Commodity price benchmarks

These insights empower you to drive efficiencies, improve contract compliance, and seize sourcing opportunities—all with minimal effort.

4. Predict and Plan for Food Cost Fluctuations

Food costs are unpredictable, but your response doesn’t have to be. Using advanced forecasting models tailored to your operations, we help you anticipate market trends and plan your inventory and pricing strategies with confidence.

5. Eliminate Pricing Discrepancies

Inconsistent pricing across locations can eat away at your profits. Our data cleaning and organization tools give you a crystal-clear view of your true costs, so you can address discrepancies and avoid unnecessary expenses. Let us handle the data wrangling so you can focus on running your business.

More Than Just Restaurant Data: Comprehensive Profitability Solutions

While leveraging data is essential, it’s only one piece of the profitability puzzle. Consolidated Concepts offers a suite of additional solutions to maximize your restaurant’s potential, including:

• Streamlined Supply Chain Management – Keep your supply chain running efficiently.
• Rebates and Deviations Management – Capture every dollar in savings.
• Optimized Produce Management – Get the freshest produce at the best prices.
• Indirect Spend Savings Programs – Reduce costs in non-core spending categories.
• Custom Contract Negotiation – Secure terms tailored to your needs.

Partner With Us Today—For Free!

Your restaurant foodservice data holds the key to unlocking unprecedented profitability. Consolidated Concepts is here to help you access it, understand it, and turn it into actionable results. Best of all? Joining is free.

Fill out the form below to start your journey with Consolidated Concepts. Let’s transform your data into profits together.

 

 

Freshly Picked Insights

• If We Can Streamline Supply Chains, Imagine What We Can Do for Your Bottom Line!
• If We Can Save Pizza Restaurants Dough, Imagine What We Can Do for Your Multi-Unit Concept
• If We Can Build the Perfect Tech Stack for Restaurants, Imagine What We Can Do for Yours!

Produce

Iceberg lettuce prices climbed another 24% last week amid ongoing crop transitions and yield concerns, defying typical seasonal trends as prices remain elevated. Roma tomatoes rose 5.2%, reaching their highest level since January, driven by Mexican growers transitioning between regions, though this aligns with usual seasonal patterns. Meanwhile, green tomatoes saw a slight price decline—the first since September—following disruptions caused by recent hurricanes in the Eastern U.S.

Grains

Grain markets were quiet last week, with soybean oil (SBO) taking a sharp 7% drop due to a collapse in palm oil prices following reports of unexpectedly high September carryout in Indonesia. SBO prices are now trending near October lows despite strong export sales to India, though weaker soybean prices and speculation of slower demand may be contributing to the selloff. Corn and soybean export sales remain solid, but market skepticism persists, with traders anticipating a slowdown as Brazil’s harvest begins in January.

Dairy

The dairy market was mixed last week, with butter prices declining $0.05 to $2.55/lb due to reduced production capacity and light foodservice demand, while cheese prices edged up slightly to $1.68/lb for both blocks and barrels. Retail cheese demand was sharply higher, supported by increased promotions, though foodservice demand remained slow. Fluid milk volumes stayed tight despite seasonally increasing outputs in some regions, while nonfat dry milk fell to $1.38/lb, and Class II cream dropped 2.3%. A winter storm in the Midwest and East could impact milk production and logistics in the coming week.

Beef

Beef production declined 2% week-over-week and 1.8% year-over-year due to reduced harvest volumes, despite heavier steer weights. The choice cutout rose 1% to $306.80/cwt, with boneless ribeyes reaching a record high of $13.93/lb, while select cuts dropped 1%. Ribs and tenderloins saw strong price gains as holiday demand ramps up, while end cuts like chuck rolls and bottom rounds showed mixed movement. Ground beef 81% increased 3% to $2.42/lb, and trim prices remained mostly stable.

Pork

Pork production increased 1.3% last week to 563.4 million pounds, though the cutout value declined by 1% to $93.07/cwt, driven by significant drops in picnics (down 15%) and pork trim prices. Boneless pork loin prices rose 5% to $1.42/lb, while other cuts like tenderloins remained flat and spareribs edged lower. Trim segments showed notable weakness, with 42% trim down 10% to $0.43/lb and 72% trim dropping 7% to $0.79/lb, reflecting softer demand in these areas.

Poultry

Chicken production rose 3.3% year-over-year, supported by increased harvest numbers and slightly heavier bird weights, though retail focus shifted toward turkeys. Prices for key chicken cuts were mostly flat or slightly lower, with boneless/skinless breasts down to $1.47/lb and tenderloins steady at $1.67/lb but down 10% month-over-month. Chicken wings held at $1.89/lb, while boneless/skinless thigh meat dropped 1% to $1.60/lb. In the turkey market, whole turkeys fell 1%, and breast meat declined 6% as Thanksgiving demand levels off.

Seafood

Fresh yellowfin tuna prices declined 2.2% in September, marking a three-month losing streak as prices normalize after a sharp rise earlier this year. Seasonal trends suggest prices will likely continue to drop through November before bottoming out, followed by a potential peak in January, consistent with historical patterns. Any price strength in early 2025 is expected to be short-lived, as yellowfin typically reaches its yearly low between April and May.

 

Looking for effective cost management for barbecue restaurants? Smoking out the competition requires more than just great flavor—it takes strategic operations and savings.

In the world of barbecue, smoking out the competition requires more than just a great grill. It demands a strategic approach to operations, sourcing, and cost management. With average food costs up more than 20%, it’s more important than ever to optimize your operations and find ways to reduce expenses without compromising that rich, smoky flavor your customers crave. 

At Consolidated Concepts, we know what’s on the line for barbecue operators. From securing high-quality meats to maintaining an efficient kitchen, we offer a comprehensive range of services designed to help your barbecue concept succeed. Effective cost management for barbecue restaurants is at the heart of our solutions, helping you deliver great quality without stretching your budget. Here’s how we can help you smoke out the competition.

Rebates and Deviations 

For barbecue restaurants, the key ingredients—premium cuts of meat, wood chips, and spice blends—come with a hefty price tag. That’s where our rebates and deviations programs come in. We’ll help you secure the best prices on essential items, making sure you’re saving money on everything from brisket to mesquite wood. After all, saving on prime cuts is just as satisfying as that perfect bark on your ribs. 

Data and Technology 

Managing a barbecue joint is as much about numbers as it is about flavor. We analyze your sales data to help you craft the perfect menu, identify peak service times, and improve operational efficiency. Want to know when demand for pulled pork sandwiches or smoked sausages is at its highest? We’ve got the insights to keep your smokers running at just the right time. 

Supply Chain Management 

From slow-smoked ribs to house-made sauces, your ingredients need to be top-tier. We work with trusted suppliers to ensure that every rack of ribs and every batch of barbecue sauce is crafted with the highest quality ingredients. Whether you’re smoking brisket or grilling chicken, we’ll make sure your kitchen is stocked with the best products for your signature recipes. 

Produce Management 

Sides are just as important as the main event in barbecue. Whether it’s fresh slaw, potato salad, or baked beans, we’ll help you manage your produce inventory to ensure that your sides are as fresh as your smoked meats. Say goodbye to food waste and hello to perfectly paired sides every time. 

Custom Contracts 

Every barbecue joint is different, and we’re here to cater to your specific needs. Our custom contracts are designed to help you secure the best deals on everything from meats to smoking equipment. Whether you need better pricing on rubs and sauces or more favorable terms on smoker maintenance, we’ve got you covered. 

Indirect Spend Savings 

Running a successful barbecue operation goes beyond what’s on the grill. From energy costs to smoker maintenance, there are countless opportunities to save in other areas of your business. Our indirect spend programs will help you cut costs where it counts—whether that’s reducing utility bills or finding more affordable cleaning supplies—so you can reinvest those savings back into what matters most: delivering mouth-watering barbecue. 

Barbecue restaurants must be efficient, cost-effective, and committed to delivering exceptional quality. By partnering with Consolidated Concepts, you’ll benefit from our industry expertise and innovative solutions. Let us help you smoke out the competition and elevate your barbecue operations to new heights. Fill out the form below to partner with Consolidated Concepts today!

 

 

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Produce

Iceberg lettuce prices surged another 88% week-over-week, more than tripling over the past month to reach $39.18/carton, driven by California crop transitions and lower yields from adverse growing conditions. This sharp increase has returned prices to the typical $35-$55 range for Q4, a stark contrast to the flat iceberg pricing trends seen in late 2022. Reports suggest prices may remain elevated above $35 longer than usual as supply challenges persist.

Grains

Grain markets faced declines last week, led by losses in the soybean and wheat complexes, driven by favorable rainfall in Brazil and Argentina. Soybean oil (SBO) also reversed its upward trend due to weaker export sales, the halt in palm oil’s rally, and concerns over U.S. biofuel policy under President-elect Trump’s EPA pick, Lee Zeldin, who has previously opposed ethanol growth. While palm oil’s recovery could support SBO in the short term, the long-term outlook for U.S. biofuel demand and export strength will be critical in shaping the market.

Dairy

The dairy market continued to soften last week, with cheese and butter prices declining as fluid milk remained flat amid steady to increasing production. CME spot butter fell $0.06 to $2.60/lb, with uneven demand as retail sales held steady but foodservice demand weakened. Cheese prices dropped sharply, with barrels down 8% to $1.67/lb and blocks down 5% to $1.66/lb, despite increased retail promotions. Milk production varies regionally, with steady volumes in the Northeast and Central regions, while the West reports stronger output supported by favorable conditions.

Beef

Beef production increased 1% week-over-week and 3% year-over-year due to heavier steer weights and slightly higher harvest volumes, but prices continued to soften. The choice cutout dropped 2% to $303.80/cwt, led by declines in end cuts like chuck rolls (down 44% for November) and ground beef 81% (down 9% to $2.34/lb). While some segments like bone-in ribs and tenderloins saw modest gains, overall demand is slowing as the market transitions into the Thanksgiving holiday period.

Pork

Pork production decreased by 1.7% last week to 556.4 million pounds, resulting in overall price declines across most cuts. The pork cutout value dropped 4% to $94.07/cwt, with significant decreases in the belly primal—down 19% to $129.49/cwt—and pork trim segments, where 42% trim fell sharply by 22% to $0.48/lb. These reductions present potential cost-saving opportunities for foodservice operators as prices for many primals and subprimals have softened.

Poultry

Chicken production rose 3.5% year-over-year due to increased harvest volumes and larger bird sizes, but market prices remain soft. While boneless/skinless breasts edged up slightly to $1.49/lb, tenderloins and wings continued their monthly declines, down 18% and 11%, respectively. Drumsticks and WOG prices showed modest weekly gains, but boneless/skinless thigh meat dropped 4% to $1.63/lb. In the turkey segment, prices remained stable, with whole turkeys up 1% week-over-week and breast meat flat.

Seafood

Frozen cod fillet prices hit a 12-month high of $4.25/lb in September, marking three consecutive months of increases. Import volumes remained steady between 3,600 and 4,600 MT, suggesting robust domestic demand is driving the price rally.

 

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Produce

Iceberg lettuce prices surged nearly 45% last week to an 18-week high, yet they remain below typical fall levels due to unusually low prices since early September. With declining yields and a regional transition on the West Coast, prices are expected to continue rising through mid-November before easing back in January. Roma tomatoes saw a slight decline, but limited volumes from Florida and Mexico should keep prices stable until December, while 48-count Hass avocados dropped 1% week-over-week, though prices remain elevated 37% year-over-year.

Grains

Grain markets saw a positive week, driven by robust export sales in corn, soybeans, soybean meal, and soybean oil. Corn exports hit nearly 11 million metric tons over the past month, reaching levels last seen in 2020-21, with strong demand from Mexico, Japan, and Colombia filling the gap left by China. Soybean oil also saw impressive sales, with last week’s figure of 114,311 metric tons marking the largest weekly total since 2012, partly spurred by a rally in palm oil prices that is boosting international demand for SBO. Corn demand remains strong with support from high ethanol production, keeping the outlook bullish through year-end.

Dairy

The dairy market softened last week, with cheese and fluid milk categories showing declines. CME cheese blocks dropped 5% to $1.75/lb, and spot butter prices also dipped to $2.66/lb, though strong butter production continues in preparation for holiday demand. Milk production is gradually increasing across the U.S., and Class II cream rose by 7%, though Class III milk saw a sharp 11% decline. Retail dairy demand remains steady, with anticipated promotions expected for holiday baking season.

Beef

Beef production remained steady week-over-week despite a 1.3% decline in harvest, offset by increasing cattle weights. As holiday demand for beef wanes, cutout values dropped, with choice down 3% to $309.46/cwt and select down 2%. While rib and loin segments saw modest gains, end cuts like chuck rolls plummeted 30%, and ground beef prices fell sharply post-Halloween, down 15% to $2.55/lb. Trim prices also fluctuated, with 50% trim settling at $0.73/lb and 90% lean trim down 3%.

Pork

Pork production rose 2.4% last week, yet the cutout value declined by 5% to $97.98/cwt as most primals, except ribs, experienced price drops. Notably, the belly primal fell 10% after reaching a yearly high, and holiday-driven ham prices also decreased by 7%. In the trim segment, 42% trim saw a sharp decline of 15%, reflecting softening demand in some cuts as seasonal purchasing slows down.

Poultry

Chicken production remained steady year-over-year, supported by slightly heavier bird weights despite a 1.1% weekly drop in harvest numbers. Prices across the chicken complex are weak but stabilizing, with notable monthly declines in white meat cuts like boneless breasts (down 12%) and tenderloins (down 24%), while chicken wings also dropped 15% month-over-month. Turkey prices, however, saw significant increases as holiday demand ramps up, with whole turkeys up 6% and turkey breast prices rising 5% week-over-week.

Seafood

In September 2024, the U.S. experienced a 4.3% month-over-month increase in the average per pound price of frozen tilapia fillets, reaching $2.17. This rise deviates from the typical seasonal trend, where prices often peak between March and April and decline through the summer months. The unexpected price increase may be attributed to factors such as reduced import volumes or heightened demand during this period. Historically, tilapia prices tend to bottom out after August, making this September uptick noteworthy.

 

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Produce

Produce markets face ongoing challenges due to the transition from Salinas to Yuma and compounded by past weather effects, pests, and incoming cold temperatures. Supplies of key items like broccoli, endive, and escarole remain tight, with limited availability projected through November, while extreme shortages are expected for items like bok choy and artichokes. Avocado volumes from Mexico look strong heading into the Super Bowl, though small sizes will dominate until late December. In the Southeast, crop volatility from hurricane damage is impacting numerous crops, including citrus, tomatoes, and peppers, signaling potential price increases and quality issues in the coming weeks.

Grains

Soybean oil (SBO) prices surged to a three-month high, influenced by rising palm oil futures, increased biofuel demand in Indonesia, and a recent flash sale of 30,000 metric tons of SBO to India, marking the first sale since March 2022. India’s significant position as the largest SBO importer globally hints at potential for ongoing sales, which could support further price gains if demand persists. Despite this recent boost, domestic demand for SBO remains softer than anticipated, making international sales crucial to sustaining momentum in the SBO market.

Dairy

The dairy market saw a mixed performance last week, with slight declines in cheese prices and fluid milk categories. Retail demand for conventional dairy increased by 11%, with cheese promotions up slightly, though cheese production remains constrained by limited milk availability. Butter prices edged up to $2.70/lb as churning activity picked up to meet seasonal needs, supported by ample cream supplies. Milk production varied regionally, with steady volumes in the East, rising output in the Central region, and mixed trends in the West.

Beef

Beef production rose 2.6% week-over-week and 1.6% over last year, driven by heavier cattle weights and increased harvest. Despite this, beef cutout values declined as demand eased, with choice cutout dropping 1% to $317.60/cwt and select falling 3%. Rib and trim segments saw slight gains, but most other cuts, particularly end cuts like chucks and rounds, experienced notable price drops. Ground beef remained steady, though prices may soften post-Halloween, while trim prices showed volatility.

Pork

Pork prices saw an upswing, with hog futures up 7% and a 4% rise in the pork cutout to $103.15/cwt, fueled by increased demand for ribs, hams, and bellies as holiday sales pick up. Key primals like ribs and bellies reached new highs, with derind belly prices climbing 24% for the month. However, the trim segment experienced significant declines, with 42% trim dropping 38% to $0.67/lb and 72% trim down 16% to $0.87/lb.

Poultry

Chicken production edged up by 0.7% year-over-year, supported by slightly larger bird sizes, though prices across the chicken complex remain weak. White meat cuts like boneless/skinless breasts and tenderloins continue to decline, down 16% and 26% for the month, respectively, while chicken wings fell 1.5% to $1.95/lb. Turkey prices showed mixed movement, with whole turkeys steady but breast prices rising by 2% as demand for Thanksgiving approaches.

Seafood

U.S. snow crab imports have significantly decreased, with August figures at 2,525 metric tons, down from 17,158 metric tons in May, marking the end of the peak season. Prices have stabilized following the volatility experienced since 2020, aligning with traditional seasonal patterns. Historically, snow crab prices are lower from August to October, suggesting that the upcoming September data is unlikely to show significant changes.

 

Looking for cost-saving solutions for pizza restaurants? Running a successful pizza operation is no easy slice. From ensuring your dough is always on point to managing the complexities of high-volume service, pizza restaurants face unique challenges in today’s competitive market. According to recent reports, 76% of operators say their average food costs are higher, making it more critical than ever to control every part of your pizza operation. 

At Consolidated Concepts, we know what’s at stake when you’re rolling out dough for the day or topping pizzas to perfection. That’s why our comprehensive services are crafted to help you manage everything from your supply chain to your spend management—so you can focus on serving up that perfect slice. Here’s how we can help your pizza concept rise to the occasion.

Rebates and Deviations 

Who doesn’t love a little extra cheese? With our rebates and deviations programs, we ensure you’re getting the best possible price on essential ingredients like mozzarella and flour—helping you save dough on your dough. 

Data and Technology 

Cut through the noise of daily operations with data-driven insights. We analyze your sales data to help you craft the perfect menu, pinpoint your peak times, and streamline efficiency. Because who wouldn’t want to know when the demand for extra-large pepperoni pizzas spikes? 

Supply Chain Management 

When it comes to sourcing top-notch ingredients, we make sure every topping, sauce, and crust is delivered with quality in mind. By working with trusted suppliers, we keep your pizzas tasting as fresh as the day they were invented, offering cost-saving solutions for pizza restaurants through efficient procurement.

Produce Management 

Tomatoes, peppers, mushrooms—oh my! We help you manage your produce inventory, so you can serve farm-fresh toppings without wasting a single slice. 

Custom Contracts 

No two pizza concepts are the same. That’s why we craft custom contracts tailored to your needs—whether you need to lock in a great price on sauce or negotiate a better deal on kitchen supplies. We work to deliver what you knead. 

Indirect Spend Savings

From energy costs to office supplies, we help you uncover opportunities to cut costs and boost your bottom line. We’re not just saving you dough in the kitchen; we’re helping you run a more profitable operation across the board. 

Don’t let doughy decisions leave you feeling flat. With 76% of operators already facing rising food costs, it’s time to toss those challenges aside and rise above the competition with Consolidated Concepts. Fill out the form below to partner with Consolidated Concepts today!