Category: Uncategorized

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Freshly Picked, January 17, 2022

Alerts & What’s Trending

Produce

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Mushrooms are in a dire state. High prices and limited availability continue to plague the industry. 

Grains

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Soybean oil markets moved higher over the last couple of weeks due to demand increases, higher crude oil, much higher palm oil, and a consistently high Canola market. 

Dairy

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Processed cheese and milk markets are up for the week due to tightened milk supplies. Egg markets are up due to higher retail demand as companies and schools return to remote operations.  

Beef

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Packers have been allowed to drive prices up. Shorter production weeks has allowed producers to better position inventories.  Strips and tenders are trading steady. Ribs continue to slow in demand and drive pricing down. Chucks and rounds are following seasonal trends. 

Pork

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Butts showed a slight dip due to labor issues. Hams are continuing to trend down but are expected to trend back up. Bellies continue to gain strength 

Poultry

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Outside forces, like weather and Covid, are affecting fresh chicken this week. Wings and tenders are becoming more available as while the random breast market is facing supply constraints.  

Seafood

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Inflation prices are hurting the sector as 85% of the seafood in the US is imported.  Atlantic salmon inventories are rising while most of the tilapia being harvested are small.

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Freshly Picked, January 10, 2022

Alerts & What’s Trending

Produce

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Mushrooms are in a dire state. High prices and limited availability continue to plague the industry. 

Grains

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Grains.jpg

Soybean oil markets moved higher over the last couple of weeks due to demand increases, higher crude oil, much higher palm oil, and a consistently high Canola market. 

Dairy

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Increased butter markets are causing the cream market to move higher. The natural, mozzarella and processed cheese markets are higher with lower production 

Beef

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Beef.jpg

Shorter production weeks has allowed producers to better position inventories. Strips and tenders are trading steady. Ribs continue to slow in demand and drive pricing down. Chucks and rounds are following seasonal trends.

Pork

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Bellies and butts are seeing support because of the short harvest week tightening up availability.  Hams moved lower as extra inventory for hams is forcing the market lower 

Poultry

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Poultry.jpg

Outside forces, like weather and Covid, are affecting fresh chicken this week. Wings and tenders are becoming more available as while the random breast market is facing supply constraints.  

Seafood

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Seafood.jpg

Inflation prices are hurting the sector as 85% of the seafood in the US is imported.  Atlantic salmon inventories are rising while most of the tilapia being harvested are small.

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Freshly Picked, January 3, 2022

Alerts & What’s Trending

Produce

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Mushrooms are in a dire state. High prices and limited availability continue to plague the industry. 

Grains

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Increasing soybean oil supply has helped lower the market. Traders liquidated positions on many commodities including soybean oil due to concerns regarding the Omicron variant.

Dairy

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Natural and processed cheese markets were down for the week. Both egg and butter markets were up.

Beef

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Packers continue to maximize profits before year end by harvesting as many animals as possible. The market continues to soften on demand. Chucks and rounds are following seasonal trends and strips continue to our perform ribs.

Pork

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Spareribs continue to gain strength with retail driving the market. Loins are trading sideways and butt demand looks to pick up after the holidays. 

Poultry

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Chicken market was relatively quiet. The breast market is higher, as wings and tenders are steady with ample supply. 

Seafood

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Inflation prices are hurting the sector as 85% of the seafood in the US is imported.  Atlantic salmon inventories are rising while most of the tilapia being harvested are small.

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Freshly Picked, December 20, 2021

Alerts & What’s Trending

Produce

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Mushrooms are in a dire state. High prices and limited availability continue to plague the industry. 

Grains

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Grains.jpg

Increasing soybean oil supply has helped lower the market. Traders liquidated positions on many commodities including soybean oil due to concerns regarding the Omicron variant.

Dairy

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Natural cheese market has not moved over the past two weeks. Butter market is down, eggs are higher for the week. 

Beef

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Stripes have shown a slowdown in demand. Chucks and rounds tend to soften in early December and then move strongly higher into the new year. Availability remains on most cuts.

Pork

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Bellies are trending higher as supplies are trying to produce more bacon due to increased demand.  Ribs are moving up as retailers try to fill their shelves for next year. Butts continue as normal.

Poultry

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Product availability was flat this week since tenders have stabilized.  Wings are steady as we approach peak season (February/March) Might be time to think about freezing product

Seafood

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Rising costs and inflation persist in most seafood categories as 85% of the seafood consumed in the U.S.A. are imported.  There will be a shortage of Tilapia 7oz-9oz filets in the coming months

Efficient Restaurant

How to Run an Efficient Restaurant During a Labor Shortage

To run a restaurant operation during the current labor shortage is one thing. Running an efficient one is another. With the continuation of the pandemic and no relief in sight, especially before the holidays, restaurant operators are seeking alternatives to what was once known to them as their traditional, every-day way of running their operation.

There’s no doubt that times are changing, and everyone is doing their part to keep up. These changes are fairly easy to make and will not only help you run a more efficient business, but will also put money back in your pocket.

Let’s take a look at three different ways Consolidated Concepts experts say you can run an efficient restaurant during the current labor shortage:

Technology Can Streamline Processes

Technology has played a massive role in restaurant operators lives, especially since the beginning of the pandemic. From QR code menus and mobile ordering to inventory management, there’s nothing technology can’t do to help streamline your operation.

One way we encourage restaurant operators to implement technology is by partnering with industry experts such as InsideTrack. With the help of their spend management technology, you’ll have access to the most effective data cleaning in the foodservice industry. Data accuracyconsistency, and reliability are guaranteed. Operators like you gain better insights and spend intelligence into your operation.

By embracing spend management technology, you make better business decisions and identify new opportunities for savings and revenue. Data on your purchases is organized into easy-to-read dashboards you can access at any time. InsideTrack members can streamline operations by utilizing spend management, contract management, cost savings, GPO services, and much more—all within one powerful technology software.

Another way experts at Consolidated Concepts encourage the use of technology is by taking advantage of food cost management. Food cost management technology is a great resource that helps operators and chefs manage and control their food cost, inventory, and much more.

Food cost management technology puts time back into your day and helps you figure out any pain points that may be affecting the success of your operation.

Instead of hand-counting each item, you simply upload a screenshot of your invoices and Orderly takes care of the rest. You speed up your inventory process when you implement technology into your operation.

Now you can calculate the cost of a recipe online, too! With solutions such as Orderly, you’re able to build all of your recipes directly into the system. Each time an invoice is uploaded, the technology breaks down each ingredient and updates your prices in real-time.

Technology is key to running an efficient restaurant operation during these times. There’s an infinite number of things technology can do to ensure you’re streamlining operations, putting time back into your day and money into your bottom line.

Using Versatile, Easy-To-Prepare Ingredients

Did you know you could save time and money by incorporating versatile ingredients that are delicious and easy to prep? With products like Idahoan Real Potatoes, your customers will have that homemade taste and authentic feel they’re craving.

With the cold weather here, you can even add quick, savory soups onto your menus with items like Campbell’s Soup. Maybe even a soup base that’s less expensive and more consistent than scratch for you to work your final touches on such as LeGoût Cream Soup Base.

Have you considered pre-made sauces that are free of artificial colors/flavors and preservatives? Save time on prep and create dishes your guests will love with Knorr® Professional sauces. From gravies to sauces, your back of house will be thanking you for putting time back into their busy schedules.

But that’s not all. Who has time to hand-squeeze lemon and lime? Nobody, especially now with the labor shortage. That’s why The ReaLemon and ReaLime juices are great labor-saving ingredients that eliminate the inconvenience of slicing and squeezing. These juices are also a great option for salads, dips, main meals, and even beverages.

When you use versatile ingredients, you save money and put time back into your day while also satisfying your customers’ needs. Work smarter, not harder.

Partnering with Supply Chain Management Experts

Another way to ensure you run an efficient restaurant operation during a labor shortage is by partnering with supply chain management experts like Consolidated Concepts. With the current state of the supply chain, taking control of what comes into your operation seems nearly impossible.

You’ll have access to a fully customizable service that brings instant savings on thousands of items you may already be buying. Our experts help reduce costs, improve quality, and identify areas you may be able to achieve savings and negotiations in. This includes supply chain management, master distributions agreements, managed produce, and contracts.

Our supply chain management ensures maximum profitability and productivity while giving you access to items at the best competitive prices.

Join Consolidated Concepts Today!

If you’re looking to run an efficient restaurant operation during the current labor shortage, becoming a Consolidated Concepts member is a great place to start. As mentioned above, our experts will help reduce costs, improve quality, and identify instant savings!

Get started today!

Freshly Picked image

Freshly Picked, December 13, 2021

Alerts & What’s Trending

Produce

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is produce.jpg

Mushrooms are in a dire state. High prices and limited availability continue to plague the industry. 

Grains

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Grains.jpg

Increasing soybean oil supply has helped lower the market. Traders liquidated positions on many commodities including soybean oil due to concerns regarding the Omicron variant.

Dairy

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Dairy.jpg

Natural cheese market has not moved over the past two weeks. Butter market is down, eggs are higher for the week. 

Beef

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Beef.jpg

Stripes have shown a slowdown in demand. Chucks and rounds tend to soften in early December and then move strongly higher into the new year. Availability remains on most cuts.

Pork

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Prk.jpg

Bellies are trending higher as supplies are trying to produce more bacon due to increased demand.  Ribs are moving up as retailers try to fill their shelves for next year. Butts continue as normal.

Poultry

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Poultry.jpg

Product availability was flat this week since tenders have stabilized.  Wings are steady as we approach peak season (February/March) Might be time to think about freezing product

Seafood

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Seafood.jpg

Rising costs and inflation persist in most seafood categories as 85% of the seafood consumed in the U.S.A. are imported.  There will be a shortage of Tilapia 7oz-9oz filets in the coming months

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Freshly Picked, December 6, 2021

Alerts & What’s Trending

Produce

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Mushrooms are in serious trouble. The sector continues to be plagued by limited availability and excessive prices. Strawberries are still scarce and in poor supply.

Grains

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Following news reports on the Omicron COVID version, the soybean oil market trended higher last week before plummeting on Friday. Throughout the week, the market was higher than typical.

Dairy

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The natural mozzarella and processed cheese markets are up for the week. Butter market is higher with tighter cream supplies. Demand is high on the egg market. 

Beef

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Due to the holiday week, the market remains calm generally, with limited activity. Prices for strips have remained stable, but ribs have continued to underperform. Overall, Chucks are consistent.

Pork

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 Seasonally, growth are expected to be limited as merchants shift their focus to other protein sources. Demand is slowing, thus loins are continuing to decrease. For the second week in a row, ham prices have gradually increased.

Poultry

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The growing circumstances for birds are excellent across the country, allowing for larger birds. Holiday schedule may be limiting some supply, therefore the random breast market is growing. Tenders are now available on the open market and prices have remained stable.

Seafood

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 The Alaskan red King crab fishery has been shut down due to all of the major crab being down substantially.

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Freshly Picked, November 29, 2021

Alerts & What’s Trending

Produce

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Mushrooms are in a bad way. The sector continues to be plagued by low availability and excessive prices. Broccoli and strawberries are both in poor supply and scarce.

Grains

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Grains.jpg

Soybean oil supplies rose, prompting traders to sell soybean oil futures, causing the market to fall. Palm oil is under pressure as a result of decreasing soybean oil prices, resulting in a market drop. 

Dairy

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Dairy.jpg

Natural and mozzarella cheese markets are rising, whereas processed cheese markets are falling. Because butter production was reduced, the market grew. As a result of the growing demand, the shell egg markets grew.

Beef

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Beef.jpg

Overall, the market was sluggish as packers and buyers reassessed their positions and market expectations for the future. Strong premiums continue to be rewarded for higher grade livestock and beef. In both food service and retail, buyers are continuing to plan for holiday demand. 

Pork

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Prk.jpg

Demand for loins is continuing to decline. Ham prices move slowly higher. Spareribs are increasing in demand and prices are increasing. Bellies took a dive this week. 

Poultry

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Poultry.jpg

The weather has been ideal for bird growth across most of the country, allowing the birds to flock in large numbers. Wings of all sizes are now more readily available. Tenders are being released to the open market, and the price is falling. The market for random breasts is weakening. The cost of dark meat is decreasing.

Seafood

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Alaskan snow crab quota has been cut by 88% after a population decline. 

Supply Chain Success

3 Ways to Ensure Supply Chain Success

The Supply Chain is facing a major crisis that is affecting operators all over the country. The numerous challenges this has led to over the course of these past 20 months is unimaginable. This is why supply chain success is crucial. From equipment delays and rotten food to sky-rocketing prices and product shortages, it seems there will be no relief anytime soon.

Fortunately, we have ways you can help alleviate the situation and ensure your operation is running at its full potential during these unprecedented times. Satisfy your customers, please your staff, and put money back into your bottom line.

Here are three ways to ensure you’re on the road to supply chain success:

Embrace Supply Chain Technology

Technology is evolving each and every day. Operators like you can easily boost your profit margins and put time back into your day. No more outdated unreliable information and lack of transparency. With technology, you can track, audit, and optimize your purchasing process to make sure you’re not over-spending.

Technology helps strategically source products so that your restaurant operation is putting the best ingredients on customer tables at the best imaginable prices. This means driving value to your customer experience and your brand.

Leveraging supply chain technology means you’re able to identify supply chain weaknesses within your operation and improve your purchasing process.

Technology gives you visibility into competitive distribution agreements, strategic commodity planning, inventory management, and much more.

Leverage Buying Power for Cost Reduction

When your options are limited, you have a much lesser chance of opportunities for savings on purchases. Leveraging buying power is the key for cost reduction. With access to contracts and pricing you wouldn’t find anywhere else, operators like you can gain discounts and rebates across hundreds of categories within the foodservice industry.

Did you know? Your operation could be saving on products and services you use every day. You can use your purchasing data to your advantage and maximize profits. With over 165,000 line items from over 350+ industry leading manufacturers, you’ll find the most competitive pricing for your operation. No more unprofitable contracts you can’t get out of.

We’re here to make sure you’re getting the most out of your money.

Join a Managed Produce Program Today!

Lastly, when your restaurant operation joins a managed produce program, they’re guaranteed the highest quality products at the most affordable prices. No more rotten foods and product shortages. We partner with the best local produce distributors to ensure you’re satisfying your guests and putting money back into your pocket. Our expertly-managed produce programs focus on improving the quality, safety and traceability of your food programs.

The supply chain is experiencing challenges that impact your operation every day. By partnering with Consolidated Concepts supply chain experts, you can ensure you’re making profitable more informed business decisions.

With a managed produce program, you gain access to the best quality, consistency, and food safety standards that’ll wow your customers.

All Things Supply Chain

You don’t have to navigate the supply chain alone. We want to help you succeed in the restaurant world.

Decrease cost, increase quality and ensure you’re on the road to supply chain success by becoming a Consolidated Concepts member today!

Are you a restaurant operator looking for updates on commodity insights, supply chain news and resources? Visit the Buyers Edge Platform Supply Chain Support Center today!

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Freshly Picked, November 22, 2021

Alerts & What’s Trending

Produce

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is produce.jpg

Mushrooms are in a bad way. The sector continues to be plagued by low availability and excessive prices. Broccoli and strawberries are both in poor supply and scarce.

Grains

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Grains.jpg

Soybean oil supplies rose, prompting traders to sell soybean oil futures, causing the market to fall. Palm oil is under pressure as a result of decreasing soybean oil prices, resulting in a market drop. 

Dairy

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Dairy.jpg

Natural and mozzarella cheese markets are rising, whereas processed cheese markets are falling. Because butter production was reduced, the market grew. As a result of the growing demand, the shell egg markets grew.

Beef

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Beef.jpg

Overall, the market was sluggish as packers and buyers reassessed their positions and market expectations for the future. Strong premiums continue to be rewarded for higher grade livestock and beef. In both food service and retail, buyers are continuing to plan for holiday demand. 

Pork

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Prk.jpg

Demand for loins is continuing to decline. Ham prices move slowly higher. Spareribs are increasing in demand and prices are increasing. Bellies took a dive this week. 

Poultry

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Poultry.jpg

The weather has been ideal for bird growth across most of the country, allowing the birds to flock in large numbers. Wings of all sizes are now more readily available. Tenders are being released to the open market, and the price is falling. The market for random breasts is weakening. The cost of dark meat is decreasing.

Seafood

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Seafood.jpg

Alaskan snow crab quota has been cut by 88% after a population decline.