Alerts & What’s Trending

• 6 Ways to Create a Restaurant Experience 
• Here’s How Much Prices Have to Increase Before Consumers React 
• When It Comes to Supply Chain, There are no Shortcuts for Restaurants 
• Cashless Consumer Creates Need for Secure Connectivity 
• Sauces and Marinades Offer a Low-Cost, High-Reward Menu Add 

Produce

Weather issues (heat and rainfall_ continue to linger across several growing regions, leading to tightened supplies and quality issues, resulting in overall higher markets. Vegetable production out of the Salinas Valley continues to see a decrease in supply due to the virus. Additionally, the commodities still continue to see increased heat-related issues such as lighter weights, fringe burn, tip burn, internal burn, discoloration and lower shelf life.

Grains

All traded commodities made from soybeans traded lower as a result of USDA data showing significantly bigger soybean inventories than anticipated. However, soybean oil stocks have dropped to a 13-year low. Expect a higher trend in this market. Canola markets increased as a result of farmers delaying the sale of seed and lower-than-expected yields. With high stock levels, Palm is significantly lower.

Dairy

High shell egg markets have started to curb demand, prices starting to fall/Butter markets remain high as we move into holiday season/Cheese markets remain mixed as supply for barrels tighten, while block are available.

Beef

With the availability and price disparity being wider for premium grade boxes, the industry is moving in two different directions. Overall, the rib market is still stable, with some inventory providing purchasers time to consider their options for choosing between Choice, Sel, and No Roll. Strips keep getting softer, but there is still a shortage of CAB and higher product. Chucks are still holding the line, and inside round cuts are still steady. 

Pork

Retail provided some support for butts past week, driving the market higher because it is a value pick. Although the market for boneless loins is currently quite static, overseas markets may show some interest in the product. Demand and supply for ribs both stayed the same. Fresh bellies did not experience much activity, but once secondary processing picks up, it may begin to increase. 

Poultry

Although there is seasonal wing demand, prices are stable. Prices are down and there are more tenders available. The market for random breasts is declining. Breasts with portion control are available. Prices for boneless thigh meat decreased once more this week. Leg meat without bones is widely accessible. The price of whole birds is rising.

Seafood

National Seafood Month occurs in October! As specialties on the menu to honor the event, now is a fantastic time to advertise shrimp, lobsters, salmon, cod, tuna, catfish, pangasius/swai, mahi-mahi, tilapia, and snow crab.

Alerts & What’s Trending

• The 6 Best Cities for New Restaurants 
• When Inflation is a Challenge, It May Help to Look Under the Couch Cushions 
• Boost Customer Engagement with Data-Driven Strategies 
• An Inside look at CREATE: The Future of Foodservice  
• Advancing Hospitality in the Post-COVID Economy 

Produce

Weather issues (heat and rainfall_ continue to linger across several growing regions, leading to tightened supplies and quality issues, resulting in overall higher markets. Vegetable production out of the Salinas Valley continues to see a decrease in supply due to the virus. Additionally, the commodities still continue to see increased heat-related issues such as lighter weights, fringe burn, tip burn, internal burn, discoloration and lower shelf life.

Grains

Grain market took a hit with this weeks Russian annexations in eastern Ukraine. This is casting doubt over the Black Sea deal. Last week, soybean oil fluctuated in both directions but finished well. The main cause of the increased market was the USDA reports. As a result, corn and wheat prices increased as well. A decrease in the anticipated production of that crop helped canola climb higher. Due to weak demand and rising supplies, Palm was unchanged. 

Dairy

With concerns about having enough supply to fulfill demand, both the block and barrel cheese markets increased. Another record price for butter has been reached due to strong exports and inadequate production. Bird flu and high demand drastically reduced egg inventories, driving up egg prices. 

Beef

With the availability and price disparity being wider for premium grade boxes, the industry is moving in two different directions. Overall, the rib market is still stable, with some inventory providing purchasers time to consider their options for choosing between Choice, Sel, and No Roll. Strips keep getting softer, but there is still a shortage of CAB and higher product. Chucks are still holding the line, and inside round cuts are still steady. 

Pork

Retail provided some support for butts past week, driving the market higher because it is a value pick. Although the market for boneless loins is currently quite static, overseas markets may show some interest in the product. Demand and supply for ribs both stayed the same. Fresh bellies did not experience much activity, but once secondary processing picks up, it may begin to increase. 

Poultry

Although there is seasonal wing demand, prices are stable. Prices are down and there are more tenders available. The market for random breasts is declining. Breasts with portion control are available. Prices for boneless thigh meat decreased once more this week. Leg meat without bones is widely accessible. The price of whole birds is rising.

Seafood

Optimal harvest sizes for catfish production improves. Walleye and Whitefish is having better harvest do to the cooling of the warm water in the Great Lakes.

Alerts & What’s Trending

• How to Pick Your Next Restaurant Location 
• How to Open a Speakeasy in 2022 
• Why tea is so popular right now 
• Climate Change Has Much in Store for Menus, with Sushi, Coffee and Chocolate in It’s Crosshairs 

Produce

Weather issues (heat and rainfall_ continue to linger across several growing regions, leading to tightened supplies and quality issues, resulting in overall higher markets. Vegetable production out of the Salinas Valley continues to see a decrease in supply due to the virus. Additionally, the commodities still continue to see increased heat-related issues such as lighter weights, fringe burn, tip burn, internal burn, discoloration and lower shelf life.

Grains

Tuesday was a tremendously optimistic day for the wheat complex as big gains were seen everywhere but particularly in Chicago wheat, where the December contract saw a day-to-day increase of about 8%, wiping out all of last week’s losses. The surge could be attributable to a number of things, but the most likely cause is fresh concerns over the Black Sea grain trade. Even Putin himself was somewhat taken aback by how effective the export agreement has been thus far. We might witness a return to a very bullish price environment for maize and the wheat complex if the agreement isn’t renewed and grain exports from the Black Sea stop once more. 

Dairy

Cheese block manufacturing in the US has grown in recent year and cheese cold storage inventories have been adequate. Demand both globally and domestically has been strong. Exports for 2022 are on record pace. With concerns about having enough supply to fulfill demand, both the block and barrel cheese markets increased. Another record price for butter has been reached due to strong exports and inadequate production. Bird flu and high demand drastically reduced egg inventories, driving up egg prices.

Beef

With the availability and price disparity being wider for premium grade boxes, the industry is moving in two different directions. Overall, the rib market is still stable, with some inventory providing purchasers time to consider their options for choosing between Choice, Sel, and No Roll. Strips keep getting softer, but there is still a shortage of CAB and higher product. Chucks are still holding the line, and inside round cuts are still steady. 

Pork

The USDA pork belly primal price has been trending lower this week and is now down 35.4 percent from its peak in August ($2.170/lb). According to the USDA, this fall’s (Q4) U.S. pork output will be 1.5% lower than last year’s level, which might restrain the growth of pork belly (bacon) inventories in the coming months. Although bacon is a popular breakfast and sandwich item addition among Americans, its demand may be in doubt. This is because consumers may be choosing more robust meat proteins as a result of their limited budgets.

Poultry

Egg supply remains tight due to the current impact of the Avian Flu. Demand on wings and prices continue to be steady. Tenders are dropping and availability is increasing. Boneless leg meat is readily available with prices down again this week. Whole birds are trending higher.    

Seafood

Seafood import prices were released by the USDA last week. Snow crab is down almost 15%. This is the 8th consecutive month that snow crab has fallen. The frozen cod market strengthened. The Great Lakes’ warm water gradually cooled, allowing for better Walleye and Whitefish harvesting (perch remain elusive). As fish grow to the right size for harvest, catfish production increases.

Alerts & What’s Trending

• How to Choose the Right Cloud Strategy for your Restaurant 
• Why Worth While Tech Investments Don’t Have to be Flashy 
• Is Your Restaurant and Bar Ready for Football Season? 
• Are Restaurant Loyalty Programs Worth It for Full-Service Establishments? 

Produce

Weather issues in may growing regions will cause markets to increase over the next few weeks. Avocado supplies have continued to increase on the larger sizes.

Grains

The market moved lower for the majority of previous week due to technical trading, but by Friday the market had recovered. Scores for soybeans moved very little. Farmers are selling canola as it approaches a two-year low. Large oil inventories and weak Chinese demand are pushing palm prices lower.

Dairy

Despite flat demand and weaker exports, cheese prices rose last week on both the block and barrel markets. Butter reached a record-high price while anticipating a pullback. With strong retail and foodservice demand, as well as the effects of resurgent avian influenza, egg markets are higher.

Beef

In particular for CAB or higher product, ribs continue to benefit from close in sales and the front-end demand; Sel and No Roll present prospects. While strips continue to get softer, CAB or higher product is still scarce. Chucks are still holding the line, but clods and inner round cuts are getting stronger. The grinding is constant. 

Pork

More demand is causing bellies to trend up. Loins moved up slightly due to short supplier. Ribs continue to remain flat. Support from retail and a short harvest week are moving butts up for next week.

Poultry

Wing demand for the season is here. Prices are dropping and availability is increasing for tenders. The random breast market is dropping. Thigh meat prices were down again this week. Whole birds are higher while boneless leg meat is more available than its dark meat counterpart.  

Seafood

The Great Lakes’ warm water makes fishing difficult and delays harvest until late September. As fish grow to the right size for harvest, catfish production increases. Farmers don’t let the fish stay in the water longer than necessary, so the majority of the tilapia collected is small. There are not enough 7-9 ounce fillets available. 

Alerts & What’s Trending

• Food Safety and Transparency are the Lifeblood for Operators 
• Personalized service has never ben more important – new tech is making it a reality  
• Should you remove lobster from your menu?  

Produce

Weather issues in may growing regions will cause markets to increase over the next few weeks. Avocado supplies have continued to increase on the larger sizes.

Grains

There is weak demand and large stocks of palm oil causing it to move lower. Good Canadian crops for canola. Soybean oil market traded down last week.   

Dairy

Avian Flu has resurged causing shell eggs to move higher. The butter market has moved higher as cream has softened.

Beef

Summer holidays are behind us causing buyers to look for product on a shortened production week. Demand and sales for ribs continue.  

Pork

Butts have found their floor and levels off. Supplies for ribs are in good demand. Bellies have seen a slight dip and will continue the trend for the next few weeks.

Poultry

Avian Influenza outbreaks have started to return. Whole birds market is trending up. Boneless thighs were down this week. Seasonal wing demand is back. Increasing availability on tenders and portion-controlled breasts.

Seafood

There is good market value on frozen tuna. Tilapia harvests have been small since farmers are not letting fish stay in the water longer than is necessary. There is a shortage on 7oz-9oz filets. 

Alerts & What’s Trending

• A Vision of a Post-COVID Era Emerges for Restaurants 
• A Closer Look at Restaurant Staff Scheduling 
• Beyond Mocktails: How to Craft a Solid Zero-Proof Drink List 
• Decreasing Food Waste Through Advances in Cold Chain Management 
• Make Your Restaurant Stand Out With These 6 Design Trends 

Produce

Weather issues across many regions are causing markets to trend upwards and will likely remain for several weeks. Many of the mixed vegetables out of the Salinas Valley see volatility due to increased INSV pressure combined with warmer temperatures.

Grains

Last week, the soybean oil market increased as a result of recent private crop appraisals that expressed concerns about crop production. Canola and palm oil prices increased as a result, albeit palm oil only moved very slightly because demand has decreased and supply is plenty.

Dairy

Despite good production, cheese sales declined once more. The demand is rising. Supply of butter is becoming increasingly scarce, driving this market upward. The market is rising as a result of the restricted cream market. Shell egg prices increased as a result of strong foodservice demand and steady retail demand.

Beef

Strips continue to show firm demand. Markets continue to hold flat with buyers and packers both trying to gain leverage. Ribs are steady.

Pork

Expect more concessions this coming week as butts continue to deteriorate. For the time being, ribs are trading sideways and are marginally lower. Because of retail demand, loin prices remain comparatively flat. Bellies fell below markets from the previous year. Ham sales are also declining as export demand declines.

Poultry

Football season is almost approaching, and supply has already started to become scarce. The number of available tenders is rising. Due to Labor Day demand, the market for random breasts has leveled off. Breasts with portion control are available. Prices for boneless thigh meat decreased once more this week. It’s easier to find leg meat without bones.

Seafood

The availability of domestic and imported catfish is continuing to increase. The supply of frozen tuna has increased and has a high market value. Due to manpower shortages, a lack of containers, and FDA holds, some tilapia shipments are currently experiencing delays.

Alerts & What’s Trending

• The Art of Inflation Communication with Restaurant Customers 
• Strong culture helps restaurant brands retain workers 
• Summer Lingers but Fall Menu Launches Pick up Speed 
• Widespread Slowdown of Year-over-Year Restaurat Sales Continues 

Produce

Weather issues across many regions are causing markets to trend upwards and will likely remain for several weeks. Many of the mixed vegetables out of the Salinas Valley see volatility due to increased INSV pressure combined with warmer temperatures.

Grains

Canola has improved to a point where we will see much more seed availability. Improved weather conditions caused the soybean oil market to trade down last week.

Dairy

Retails are increasing egg buying pushing eggs higher. Increased exports have pushed butter prices higher. Markets were higher this week for block and barrel cheese markets. 

Beef

Strips continue to show firm demand. Markets continue to hold flat with buyers and packers both trying to gain leverage. Ribs are steady.

Pork

Good supply and steady demand brought trimmings down this week. Demand for bacon is decreasing causing bellies to decline. There has been a big demand on retail loins causing supplies to tighten and driving the market up. The market is holding flat on ribs as the market is stable.

Poultry

Pricing for thigh meat was down again this week. Labor Day demand has evened out the random breast market. Supply on wings has begun to constrict has football season nears.

Seafood

Importers brought in excess inventories of Whites and Tigers saturating the market. Prices are declining on specific sizes of shrimp. There is a good market value on frozen tuna as supply has improved. Shipping delays are facing the tilapia market.  

Alerts & What’s Trending

• The Expected Restaurant Guest Experience in 2022 
• Why increasing Wages Might Not be Enough to Lower Staff Turnover 
• Restaurants Say Operating Conditions are Worsening 
• Two Top Trends Transforming Foodservice Operations Today 

Produce

Situation on potato supply continues to be dire. Demand is exceeding supplies in all regions.

Grains

Canadian weather is good for canola crop. Canola and palm moved higher, keeping pace with soybean oil. Dry weather is the cause for higher markets. Most grain based commodities rose last week.

Dairy

Eggs continue to move lower with a well supplied demand. Cream supplies are tight forcing butter markets higher. Demand for cheese is softening though the market moved higher.  

Beef

Strips continue to show firm demand. Markets continue to hold flat with buyers and packers both trying to gain leverage. Ribs are steady.

Pork

Trimmings are trending up. The belly market is searching for a correction. Demand for loins in retail are rising and driving the market up daily. Ribs are stable with a relatively flat market. The butt market continues to decline

Poultry

Breast market is down with good supply. Prices remain high for tenders. Wing season is approaching, and supply has begun to constrict. Jumbo sizes are tight. Medium and small wings have availability.

Seafood

There is an excess shrimp inventory for both Wats an Tigers. Demand has softened due to slow retail sales. Prices are declining. Labor shortages are forcing delays in Tilapia shipments. Inflationary pressures and a heavy supply of low-cost imports is causing the domestic shrimp market to face downward pressure.

Alerts & What’s Trending

• Menu Price Inflation Sees Slight Deceleration 
• The Future of the Service Industry is in Our Hands 
• The Future of the Service Industry is in Our Hands 
• The Future of the Service Industry is in Our Hands 
• Should Your Restaurant Offer Cooking Classes to Customers 

Produce

Potato supply continues to be dire. All regions are seeing demand outpacing supply.

Grains

Canola Oil looks good with great weather in Canada. The EPA has recently announced biofuel rebates and renewable manufacturers are stepping up to buy. Soybean has continued higher, with continue hot weather. The crop has been downgraded for the next 6 weeks.

Dairy

Canola Oil looks good with great weather in Canada. The EPA has recently announced biofuel rebates and renewable manufacturers are stepping up to buy. Soybean has continued higher, with continue hot weather. The crop has been downgraded for the next 6 weeks.

Beef

Ribs continue to be steady. Strips continue to show strong demand. End cuts continue to be steady.

Pork

Bellies are high but expected to ease. Tight supplies and labor are causing an upwind spin on loins. Ribs are trending upwards as Labor Day approaches. Spareribs dropped sharply as demand has decreased. The high but prices from the summer are starting to come down.

Poultry

Chicken wings are approaching a 10-year low for pricing. Large wings are being constricted as we head into football season. The random breast market has dropped this week. Prices remain high for tenders.

Seafood

IQF tilapia are seeing shortages due to shipping delays, labor issues and lack of containers.

Alerts & What’s Trending

• Playing to Win in Todays Restaurant Environment 
• Kitchen Checklist for Fast Casual Restaurants 
• TGI Fridays to Expand Use of Virtual Brands 
• Restaurants Must Take These Actions to Retain Employees 
• Attract New Restaurant Guests by Enhancing Your Outdoor Dining Area and Elevating Your Menu 

Produce

The main country of origin for avocados continues to be Mexico. California is seeing decreased volume. Lemons are seeing tighter supply on good quality. Fingerling potatoes are seeing a limited supply for the next 4-5 weeks. Limited supplies on cilantro and parsley are being reported due to high heat in growing regions.

Grains

Both canola and soybean are moving higher. Palm prices are moving higher as Chinese demand increases. The very hot and dry weather is causing soybean oil futures to move higher. Adding demand to the market are biodiesel and rebates which the EPA has recently announced.

Dairy

Cream prices have moved up along with the butter market. There is good demand and flat supply causing egg market to move down. Tight stocks are causing the butter market to move higher. Cheese markets have moved lower with an increase of supply.

Beef

Consumers are searching for lower price points by searching out end cuts. Costs are being pushed down for tenders which are in good supply. Strips are holding a firm demand and price. Overall markets are steady going into the month of August.  

Pork

Increased demand for bellies are moving them back up. Supply and demand for ribs are leveled off. They are down slightly. Retail demand has caused loins to rise. Unusual highs has caused the butt market to decline.

Poultry

Prices and availability are tight and high for tenders. The random breast market is expected to drop this week. Supplies are ample for wings hitting a 10 year low on pricing. Wings of all sizes are readily available. Overall excess supply has hit the market.

Seafood

Domestic gulf shrimp is in season. Compared to last year, supply has drastically improved. There is great value in promoting for summer specials.