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cost management for Asian restaurants

Cost Management Solutions for Asian Restaurants from Consolidated Concepts

Looking for effective cost management for Asian restaurants? Running an Asian restaurant concept isn’t just about getting the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and umami—it’s about offering authentic flavors while staying in tune with modern trends, managing a complex menu, and delivering excellence across every plate, every time. Recent reports show that 76% of operators are dealing with rising food costs, making it essential to find ways to manage expenses while maintaining top-quality dishes. 

At Consolidated Concepts, we understand the unique needs of Asian restaurant operators. From sourcing traditional ingredients like miso and soy to ensuring efficient service during peak hours, we provide the tools and expertise you need to thrive in a competitive market.

Effective cost management for Asian restaurants is our focus, helping you maintain quality without breaking the bank. Here’s how we can help your restaurant concept maintain its balance.

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Rebates and Deviations 

Maximizing your purchasing power has never been easier. Through our rebates and deviations programs, we help you get the best deals on essential ingredients like rice, noodles, and specialty sauces—so you can serve high-quality dishes without stretching your budget. Saving on jasmine rice and tamari? Yes, please! 

Data and Technology 

Operating with data-driven insights gives you the competitive edge. We analyze your sales data to help you refine your menu, identify trending items, and streamline your operations. Imagine knowing exactly when the demand for ramen bowls spikes or which regional dish is becoming a customer favorite—let us help you make smarter, data-backed decisions. 

Supply Chain Management 

When it comes to sourcing ingredients, authenticity is key. We work with trusted suppliers to ensure your ingredients, from fish sauce to bok choy, are delivered fresh and meet your high standards. Whether you’re offering sushi, dim sum, or stir-fry, we’ll help keep your kitchen stocked with the finest quality ingredients. 

Produce Management 

For Asian cuisine, fresh vegetables like napa cabbage, bean sprouts, and scallions are staples. We help you manage your produce inventory to ensure that your dishes always taste fresh while reducing waste. After all, no one wants to serve a stir-fry with limp veggies. 

Custom Contracts 

Your concept is as unique as the flavors you serve. That’s why we create custom contracts tailored to your needs, whether you’re sourcing hard-to-find spices or negotiating better deals on kitchen equipment. We work to ensure that your back-of-house runs as smoothly as your front-of-house service. 

Indirect Spend Savings 

From energy bills to packaging costs, there are many ways to save beyond the kitchen. Our indirect spend programs uncover cost-saving opportunities across your entire operation. Whether it’s reducing costs on takeout containers or optimizing utility expenses, we’ll help you find ways to keep more profit in your pocket. 

In the world of Asian cuisine, it’s not enough to serve delicious food—you need a strategic approach to operations, sourcing, and customer experience. Consolidated Concepts offers the support and expertise to help your restaurant stand out in a competitive market. Partner with us today, and watch your concept thrive. 

 

 

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Freshly Picked, October 28, 2024

Alerts & What’s Trending

Produce

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The produce market faces ongoing challenges as growers transition between regions, with lasting effects from heat, pest issues, and recent hurricanes impacting availability and prices. Romaine, iceberg lettuce, broccoli, and other leafy greens are seeing reduced volumes due to heat stress and pest damage, while crops in the Southeast, including citrus and tomatoes, are heavily affected by recent hurricanes, leading to significant supply losses. High demand persists for items like avocados and table grapes, though the grape season may end early due to heat-related losses, and mushrooms remain constrained across all varieties. 

Grains

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The grains market remained relatively stable, with soybean oil and corn seeing slight gains. Soybean oil’s increase was largely driven by rising palm oil prices, though U.S. fundamentals may not support a prolonged rally. Corn export sales, however, continued at an impressive pace, with recent sales totaling 3.6 million metric tons—the second-highest weekly October total on record. While demand is strong, especially from Mexico, there’s speculation that these purchases could be front-loaded, potentially slowing down in future months. 

Dairy

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The dairy market showed mixed results last week, with cheese and butter prices dipping slightly amid steady to strong foodservice demand. Cheese prices saw some variation, with CME blocks holding steady while barrels fell by 7.5%, and spot butter prices decreased to $2.65/lb. Milk production trends are stabilizing due to improved cow comfort in cooler regions, though high temperatures in California are impacting output; overall, Class III milk saw a slight 1% increase, reflecting steady demand. 

Beef

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Beef prices continue to trend upward, with notable increases in chuck rolls, ribeyes, and beef trim, supporting an 8% monthly rise in the overall cutout, now at $321.17/cwt. Cattle weights are heavier, yet total beef production has dropped 1.3% compared to last year, pushing prices higher despite mixed movements within choice cuts. Ground beef prices show a significant monthly increase, with 81% lean up 10% even though last week saw a dip; meanwhile, trim segments are also showing volatility, with 50% trim spiking 16% week-over-week. 

Pork

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Pork production rose slightly by 1% last week, with the cutout gaining 2% to reach $98.15/cwt, driven by stronger rib, ham, and belly prices. Export-demanded cuts like spareribs and hams saw significant increases, with the ham primal up 6% and medium spareribs up 4%. Belly prices are also surging, up 12% for the month, while pork trim prices spiked, with 42% trim up 8% and 72% trim up 12%, reflecting a tighter supply. 

Poultry

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Chicken production is up 3% year-over-year, supported by higher harvest numbers and increased bird size, yet prices in key chicken parts continue to decline. White meat cuts, including boneless/skinless breasts and tenderloins, have seen sharp drops, down 22% and 24% this month, respectively, while wings dipped below the $2.00/lb wholesale price for the first time since February. Drumsticks and thigh meats remain mostly flat, but turkey prices are beginning to show slight movement, hinting at seasonal increases as Thanksgiving approaches. 

Seafood

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Frozen Alaskan pollock prices saw a 3.3% month-over-month decline in August, reflecting sluggish U.S. demand following a sharp price drop earlier in the year and an unusual pattern in import volumes. Prices surged temporarily in spring but have since stabilized downward as imports and demand remain low. This trend highlights a weak market for pollock, with both prices and volumes declining steadily in recent months. 

 

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Freshly Picked, October 21, 2024

Alerts & What’s Trending

Produce

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The combination of heat, ongoing pest pressures, and severe weather issues in the eastern U.S. will continue to create challenges in the coming weeks. We will closely monitor the situation and keep everyone updated as we navigate through what promises to be a hectic October for the industry. Although the weather in Salinas has cooled slightly, the lingering effects of recent heat will continue to be felt. Certain crops, including endive, escarole, leeks, cilantro, and fennel, remain escalated, with bok choy at an extreme trigger point due to light supplies.

Grains

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Soybean oil futures moved lower last week with excellent crop progress 10% above last year. Last week the WASDE report from the USDA was not very impactful to the market. Canola seed futures rose, Canola oil moved slightly higher. Palm continues to be higher. Corn, soybeans, meal, oil, and wheat all moved lower.

Dairy

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Shell egg markets are up this week. California and Northwest markets are up. Two farms were identified as HPAI positive over the weekend in Washington & Utah. The Block & Barrel are decreasing. Spot Cheese markets are falling faster than expected. Butter is down.

Beef

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Packers once again had to pay higher for cattle and were also able to lower the weekly slaughter which helped push prices higher across most all cuts. Ribs, tenders, strips, and short loins saw the largest increases on the carcass. Chuck rolls remain very limited and are trading at four year highs. Rounds and thins saw modest increases. Market is expected to continue to stay strong.

Pork

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Butts both Bone–in and boneless are trading near established price levels. Loins are steady–again, demand continues to be down. Ribs are mixed–spareribs are ramping up for new year’s, while backs and louis are steady. Bellies are steady and the market is increasing slowly since mid–September. Trim is steady with minimal increases on the week.

Poultry

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Bigger birds, better hatchability, and larger egg sets are allowing extra supply on the market, especially in the boneless market. Tenders and breasts are seeing increased supply on all sizes. Wings are seeing extra availability on larger sizes. Small wing availability is tightening. Dark meat demand remains very good.

Seafood

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Port strike lasted on a few days with minimal impact to the seafood imports sector. We are expecting demand to begin increasing on shellfish items due to the holidays, which generally firms that market up going into the end of the year.

 

How to Develop Exciting Menu Items Without Sacrificing Margins

How to Develop Exciting Menu Items Without Sacrificing Margins

At this year’s Fast Casual Executive Summit 2024, industry leaders tackled one of the most pressing challenges for multi-unit restaurant operators—how to diversify menus for growth without sacrificing margins. As the sponsor of the session Beyond Burgers & Fries: Diversifying Your Menu for Competitive Advantage,” Consolidated Concepts proudly contributed to the discussion, with our very own expert, Luis Lara, moderating the conversation. The insights shared by industry leaders, guided by Luis’s expertise, explored how operators can create exciting new menu items while maintaining profitability. 

In today’s competitive landscape, staying relevant means more than just meeting customer demands—you need to exceed them. But how do you innovate while maintaining your bottom line? At Consolidated Concepts, we help you strike that balance, ensuring you can scale for sustainable success. 

Menu Innovation that Drives Growth 

  • Knowing Your Customers: Every successful menu starts with understanding your guests. We provide data-driven insights into customer preferences, helping you introduce trending items, from plant-based options to globally inspired dishes, that resonate with your diners and differentiate your restaurant. 
  • Protecting Your Margins: Creativity shouldn’t hurt your profits. We work with you to engineer your menu, strategically pricing and portioning dishes so that even your most innovative items stay cost-effective. Our menu engineering expertise ensures that each dish boosts profitability. 

Technology to Streamline Menu Development 

  • Recipe Costing and Automation: We implement recipe costing tools that give you real-time visibility into your dish costs. This helps you make informed decisions about which items to keep, where to make adjustments, and how to maximize profit without sacrificing quality. 
  • Optimized Inventory and Ordering: Managing supply chains for multiple locations can be tricky, but our technology solutions streamline the process. We help you optimize inventory management and automate ordering, ensuring you always have the right ingredients on hand while minimizing waste and overspending. 

Elevating Your Operations for Success 

At Consolidated Concepts, innovation goes beyond just your menu. We help elevate your overall operations to meet today’s customer expectations while controlling costs. 

  • Supplier Partnerships: We help you form strategic relationships with suppliers to secure the best prices on high-quality ingredients, allowing you to expand your menu without inflating costs. Leveraging our network, you gain access to exclusive deals that drive profitability. 
  • Tailored Solutions for Growth: We know that every restaurant is unique. Our team works with you to develop custom solutions tailored to your specific needs, from menu development to supply chain optimization, ensuring your restaurant is positioned for growth and success. 

Ready to innovate your menu and grow your business without sacrificing margins? Fill out the form below or click here to contact Consolidated Concepts today and learn how we can help you scale for success. 

 

 

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Freshly Picked, October 14, 2024

Alerts & What’s Trending

Produce

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Hurricanes Helene and Milton, combined with unfavorable weather in the U.S., Mexico, and Guatemala, as well as port delays and insect pressure in California, are causing significant disruptions to multiple commodities. Market prices remain high, and yields from the East are considerably lower. With the devastation from Hurricane Helene across the Southeast and Florida now hit by Hurricane Milton, the supply of fresh produce from South Georgia and Florida is expected to be extremely volatile. Impacted commodities include Citrus, Corn, Cotton, Tomatoes, Bell Pepper, Eggplant, Peanuts, Strawberries, and more.

Grains

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Soybean oil futures moved higher with increased energy costs which is impacting palm and Canola, too. The energy markets are much higher because of tensions in the middle east.

Dairy

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Shell egg markets are up this week. California and Northwest markets are up. Many buyers, anticipating a potential market uptick, are looking to secure larger positions in advance of any price increases. The Block & Barrel are decreasing. Butter is down.

Beef

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Ribs are ticking higher, as buyers need to restock. Strips are mirroring ribs, while top butts weak tone has slowed. Tenderloins continue to muster strength, as packers continue to raise prices. The chuck and round complex are leveling out for the time being due to roast ads and change of the seasons. Grinds, w/reduced harvest, appear to have allowed reduction in inventory.

Pork

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Butts both Bone–in and boneless are trading near established price levels. Loins are barely steady–as chop demand has decreased. Ribs are steady. Bellies are steady and market has settled. Trim is steady to higher for supply.

Poultry

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Bigger birds, better hatchability, and larger egg sets are allowing extra supply on the market, especially in the boneless market. Tenders and breasts are seeing increased supply on all sizes. Wings are seeing extra availability on all sizes. Dark meat demand remains very good. Whole birds are mostly balanced.

Seafood

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The port strike on the East and Gulf coasts has been suspended effective Thursday, October 3, 2025. The ILA and the United States Maritime Alliance, Ltd. have reached a tentative agreement on wages and have agreed to extend the Master Contract until January 15, 2025.

 

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Freshly Picked, October 7, 2024

Alerts & What’s Trending

Produce

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Hurricane Helene, unfavorable weather patterns across the U.S., Mexico, and Guatemala, port delays, and insect pressure in California are affecting multiple commodities. These issues have led to continued higher market prices and lower overall yields.

Grains

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Soybean oil futures traded higher last week with concerns of dry South American weather ahead of their planting. Crude oil moved higher, Canola, was higher, and palm oil were higher, too. There is also a strike looming by the Longshoreman which will disrupt imports and exports for all agricultural products.

Dairy

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Shell egg markets are down this week. California and Northwest markets are flat. The Block & Barrel are decreasing. Butter is down. Market participants are closely monitoring the potential impacts of Hurricane Helene and port strikes along the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts.

Beef

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The SE Region demand is being impacted by hurricane Helene. Ribs continue to trade steady. Strips also are trading steady, while top butts are showing weakness. Tenderloins are steady but for how long? Chuck and round complexes are diverging; chuck rolls continue to show strength, while the round complex is adjusting lower. Grinds continue to offer opportunity to buyers.

Pork

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Butts both Bone–in and boneless are trading near established price levels. Loins are barely steady–as chop demand has decreased. Ribs are steady. Bellies are steady and market has settled. Trim is steady to higher for supply.

Poultry

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Bigger birds, better hatchability, and larger egg sets are allowing extra supply on the market, especially in the boneless market. Tenders and breasts are seeing increased supply on all sizes. Wings are seeing extra availability on all sizes. Dark meat demand remains very good. Whole birds are mostly balanced.

Seafood

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Port Strike on the East and Gulf coast began Tuesday of this week. The impact is being assessed in the seafood sector, but the depth of the effects will be dynamic pending the length of the strike.

 

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Freshly Picked, September 30, 2024

Alerts & What’s Trending

Produce

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Hurricane Helene, unfavorable weather patterns in the U.S., Mexico, and Guatemala, and insect pressure in California are affecting multiple commodities. These issues have led to continued higher market prices and lower overall yields.

Grains

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Soybean oil futures traded higher with reports of very tight stocks with good biofuel demand. Canola has moved higher with speculative trading. Palm continues to move higher and is pressuring soybean oil. Olive oil has flattened as oil stocks are poor and demand has increased with the lower market.

Dairy

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Shell egg markets are down this week. California and Northwest markets are down. After a 55% drop over the past four weeks, breaking stock values appear to have hit a point of stabilization. The Block is decreasing & Barrel are increasing. Barrel hit a record high and the spread between barrel and Block has widened. Butter is down.

Beef

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Packers reduced harvest late last week. Ribs continue to trade slightly higher supported by holiday bookings. In the loin complex, Strips appear to have found a floor, while tenderloins are trading higher. The chuck and round complexes are encountering resistance. Grinds continue to offer opportunity to buyers, although reduced harvest could limit availability.

Pork

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Butts both Bone-in and boneless are steady. Bone-in loins were softer due to increased supply on the spot market. Light trade activity is noted again in St. Louis and back ribs so called sideways, whereas spareribs are stead. Bellies are settling, supply and demand is mixed but trading in established price levels. Trim is steady to higher for supply.

Poultry

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Bigger birds, better hatchability, and larger egg sets are allowing extra supply on the market, especially in the boneless market. Tenders and breasts are seeing increased supply on all sizes. Wings are seeing extra availability on all sizes. Dark meat demand remains very good. Whole birds are mostly balanced.

Seafood

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The frozen tilapia market is highly unsettled with the news of a strong typhoon hitting several areas in both China and Vietnam. Prices of imported shrimp are also increasing due to import cost increases. Octopus market continues to firm up due to increased demand in Europe and the U.S. and decreased raw material availability.

 

Custom Contracts for Multi-Unit Operators

Custom Contracts for Multi-Unit Operators

Streamline your multi-unit restaurant operations with custom contracts!

Managing contracts across multiple restaurant locations can be a daunting task, with the risk of missing cost-saving opportunities hidden in the fine print. At Consolidated Concepts, we specialize in turning this complex process into a competitive advantage for your business.

Why Custom Contracts Matter for Multi-Unit Operators

Custom contracts are not just legal agreements—they’re tailored solutions that address the unique needs of your restaurant operation. Whether you’re negotiating pricing, managing vendor relationships, or streamlining your supply chain, custom contracts play a pivotal role in driving cost efficiency and operational success across all your units.

Key Benefits of Custom Contracts:
  • Tailored Efficiency: Contracts meet your specific operational needs, enhancing workflow.
  • Cost Savings: Get the best terms from vendors to avoid unnecessary expenses.
  • Standardized Service: Ensure consistency across all locations.
  • Compliance & Risk Mitigation: Minimize legal risks and billing discrepancies.

 

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How Consolidated Concepts Delivers Custom Contract Solutions

Managing multi-unit operations is no easy feat, but with Consolidated Concepts, you gain access to customized solutions designed to streamline your contract management process. From navigating complex pricing structures to ensuring compliance with every vendor agreement, we provide the resources and expertise to turn your contracts into cost-saving opportunities. Here’s how we can help:

Distribution Agreements: Streamline Your Supply Chain

Distribution agreements are the foundation of an efficient supply chain. With Consolidated Concepts, you gain expert support in building Request for Proposals (RFPs) and negotiating agreements that meet your operational needs. Our team leverages relationships with distributors to ensure you receive the best pricing, reliable service, and on-time delivery.

Challenges We Solve:

  • Complex Pricing Structures: We align agreements with your sales forecasts to simplify discounts, rebates, and minimum orders.
  • Vendor Selection: We help you choose reliable vendors that meet demand, quality, and competitive pricing.
  • Supply Chain Optimization: Our tools streamline inventory, transport, and delivery to lower costs.
Product Contracts: The Right Spec at the Right Price

Finding the right product specifications at the best price can be overwhelming. Our sourcing experts work closely with you to identify the optimal products and partners, securing contracts that provide both high quality and cost savings. We prioritize your specific needs to ensure you’re getting the best value for your multi-unit operations.

Contract Compliance & Auditing: Never Miss an Overcharge

Once your contracts are in place, we leverage AI-powered systems to track every invoice and detect overcharges. Our auditing process ensures you never miss a credit owed and helps maximize cost recovery.

Our Compliance Solutions
  • Automated Compliance Tracking: With advanced technology, we monitor contract terms and alert you to discrepancies in real time.
  • Detailed Audits: Our team identifies errors and recovers overcharges that can significantly impact your bottom line.
  • Proactive Risk Mitigation: By ensuring contracts are fully compliant, we help you avoid costly disputes and legal risks.

The Consolidated Concepts Advantage

Our team doesn’t just negotiate contracts—we transform them into growth tools for your business. With the right distribution agreements, product contracts, and comprehensive auditing, Consolidated Concepts helps multi-unit operators streamline operations, save money, and focus on what matters most: delivering exceptional dining experiences.

Take the Next Step with Consolidated Concepts

Change the way you manage contracts by partnering with us. We provide the technology, expertise, and supplier relationships needed to relieve your contract management burden and help your restaurant thrive. Unlock cost savings and streamline your operations with tailored solutions from Consolidated Concepts. Fill out the form below to get started on optimizing your custom contracts today!

 

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Freshly Picked, September 23, 2024

Alerts & What’s Trending

Produce

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Tropical storm Francine, unfavorable weather patterns in the U.S., Mexico, and Guatemala, and insect pressure in California are affecting multiple commodities. These issues have led to continued higher market prices and lower overall yields. The weather in the Salinas Valley is gradually becoming cooler. Recent warm rains have created conditions conducive to mildew, prompting growers to implement all possible mitigation strategies.

Grains

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Soybean oil futures moved lower approximately 2% last week as stocks are improving. Helping push soybean oil down is the heavy crushing currently taking place for meal. However, very dry weather in Ohio and drought in South America has traders concerned, which is supporting soybean oil. Canola is expected to move lower.

Dairy

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Shell egg markets are down this week. California and Northwest markets are down. The Block & Barrel are increasing. CME spot cheese prices rallied up to new 12-month highs this week. Butter is flat.

Beef

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Packers are in a volume driven market. Ribs and tenders continue to trade steady while upper 2/3 graded product continues to support most of the demand. In the loin complex, Ch & Sel grade continue to struggle, while upper 2/3 seems to have found a floor for now. The chuck and round complexes are finding resistance. Grinds continue to trade lower as demand continues to lessen even more.

Pork

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Butts both Bone-in and boneless materials are supported. Loins are steady in the bone-in sector, while boneless are mixed due to some export demand. Ribs are mixed across types. Bellies remain unsettled as supply and demand is mixed. Trim markets are sideways and down a decent amount on the week.

Poultry

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Wings demand has begun to pick up as we enter football season butt here is availability. Tenders and breasts are seeing increased supply. Birds are getting bigger with cooler weather and more chickens are being hatched. Dark meat demand remains very good. Whole birds are mostly even.

Seafood

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The frozen tilapia market is highly unsettled with the news of a strong typhoon hitting several areas in both China and Vietnam. Prices of imported shrimp are also increasing due to import cost increases. Octopus market continues to firm up due to increased demand in Europe and the U.S. and decreased raw material availability.

 

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Freshly Picked, September 16, 2024

Alerts & What’s Trending

Produce

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Tropical storm Francine and adverse weather conditions in the U.S., Mexico, and Guatemala are impacting various commodities. This situation is expected to result in prolonged elevated market prices and possible supply shortages. The temperatures in the Salinas Valley are beginning to drop.

Grains

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Soybean oil futures finished the week slightly down vs. the previous week. The weaker energy markets and some technical data appear to be the driving reasons for the decline. Stats Canada released its data for Canola, and the expected yield has increased for seed. Palm oil moved lower last week after several weeks of higher moves.

Dairy

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Shell egg markets are down this week. California and Northwest markets are down. The Block & Barrel are increasing. U.S. cheese exports in July were up 10.1% YoY. Butter is down, after hitting new record highs in the middle of last week, EEX butter futures pulled back a bit.

Beef

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PRIME and upper 2/3rd graded product is limited. Ribs and tenders continue to hold pricing relatively steady to higher. As for the loin complex, struggles continue in the Ch and Sel arenas and buyers are hesitant to commit. The chuck and round complexes continue to perform well overall. Grinds continue to struggle to clean up inventories due to underwhelming demand.

Pork

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Butts both Bone-in and boneless materials are supported, with increased pulled pork interest. Loins are steady in the bone–in sector, while boneless are mixed due to some export demand. Ribs are mixed across types. Bellies remain unsettled as supply and demand is mixed. Trim markets 72’s are steady and 42’s have weaker supply.

Poultry

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Wings demand has begun to pick up as we enter football season but there is availability. Tenders continue to be mostly steady. Jumbo breasts are seeing some extra availability. Medium and small breasts continue to stay steady. Dark meat demand remains very good. Whole birds are mostly balanced.

Seafood

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Commodity groundfish market continuing to firm up due to raw material availability. Prices of imported shrimp are also increasing due to import cost increases that are affecting all items coming into the country in containers. Container availability is causing the most recent incremental increase.