Continued adverse weather conditions across various growing regions have caused a considerable drop in overall yields and an uptick in quality problems and bloom loss. Thankfully, several regions are expected to experience better weather in the upcoming weeks, which will likely improve the situation in multiple markets. We are less than a month away from the beginning of the leafy green transition, heading back to the Salinas Valley. Historically, we have seen higher markets and increased quality issues during this time. The weather has taken its toll on most commodities in Yuma, and the market has risen considerably.
Grains
A notable rise in soybean oil prices last week. A significant increase in palm oil and some fund buying contracts contributed to the rise in soybean oil. The largest market input is the greater move from palm due to lower production and dropping stocks, even if soybean oil and canola supplies are both good.
Dairy
Markets for shell eggs are rising everywhere, even in the Northwest and California. Block and barrel sales are declining. Butter is still up.
Beef
The state of market demand is still quite poor. Packers continue to provide higher upfront quotes despite abundant supply. While strips are still rising due to seasonal demand and limited supply, ribs and tenders are staying rather stable. End cuts are still going strong, but inside rounds are getting closer to the ceiling. The supply of thin meats and grinds is experiencing some artificial support due to poor harvest.
Pork
The demand for butts is still high, thus they are still moving upward. Demand for ribs has also soared. Following a period of low market activity, loins are currently rising and are predicted to follow the trend of butts. Next week, bellies will rise along with all the other primals, but this market will continue to be unstable every week.
Poultry
Bird mortality, hatchability, and weights are limiting product availability and driving up costs. The availability of breasts is limited and demand is strong. It’s still difficult to find wings in the market. There are very few tenders available in the market. The desire for dark meat is still high. The majority of whole birds are balanced.
Seafood
Seafood: The Pacific Halibut season has begun, and while whole fish prices are now higher, it is anticipated that they will decrease over the next few weeks. The supply of lobster in the North Atlantic is still decreasing, and prices are rising. Due to increased supply, warm water lobster prices have remained stable and have not grown as anticipated.
Due to challenging weather conditions, various regions like Arizona, California, Florida, Honduras, and Mexico are facing a decline in crop yields, coupled with quality issues and bloom loss. The move from Yuma, AZ, to Salinas Valley, CA, will be completed a few weeks from now. During this time markets are expected to remain higher. The desert growing regions have experienced ongoing market volatility due to recent weather-related challenges, resulting in fluctuating prices for many items. Furthermore, there has been a noticeable decrease in yields and weights.
Grains
While palm oil saw a significant boost due to strong demand and lower production values, soybean oil went up due to declining crop forecasts in South America. Canola is following soy and palm in popularity.
Dairy
Except for the medium and California/Northwest regions, all shell egg markets are flat. Block and barrel sales are declining. Butter is growing.
Beef
The majority of the present demand can be met by supply, therefore packers are hopeful. Buyers are still on the cautious side and prioritize their urgent needs. While strips continue to surprise with stronger pricing, middle meats remain stable. End cuts are still popular, particularly within rounds where they are supported by the requirement for lean trim.
Pork
The rise in boneless butts was mostly caused by higher exports but B/I butts are flat. Although they are predicted to trade sideways until late March, ribs are also expected to move up next week. With the weather getting warmer, strap on loins are moving down and strap off loins are predicted to move up. The complex as a whole should also start to move higher. Once more, bellies are erratic, and they will drop over the coming week.
Poultry
Bird mortality, hatchability, and weights are limiting product availability and driving up costs. The supply of breasts has decreased. In the market, wings are still tight. There is a limited supply of tenders. The desire for dark meat is still high. The majority of whole birds are balanced.
Seafood
The season of Lent is now upon us. Due to the difficult season, there is a limited supply of lobster tails. The Dungeness crab season is well underway, as seen by the vendors’ fresh stock. This year, live crawfish costs will be high and supplies will be limited. Please think about switching to frozen crawfish.
Supply chain optimization stands as a linchpin for success for multi-unit restaurant operators. It’s the difference between seamless, cost-effective operations and navigating a minefield of challenges.
What is supply chain optimization?
Supply chain optimization refers to the strategic process of maximizing efficiency and effectiveness throughout the entire supply chain network. It involves identifying areas of improvement and implementing solutions to enhance the flow of goods, services, and information from suppliers to customers.
It’s essential to acknowledge the challenges that multi-unit restaurants encounter in their pursuit to supply chain optimization.
Diverse Procurement Challenges:Multi-unit restaurant operators often grapple with the daunting task of procuring a diverse range of ingredients and supplies for their various locations. Sourcing high-quality products consistently and negotiating favorable terms with suppliers can be a logistical nightmare.
Data Complexity and Decision-Making Hurdles:The abundance of data in the modern business landscape can be overwhelming. Multi-unit operators struggle to distill meaningful insights from the vast information available to them.
Tailoring Solutions to Various Needs:One size rarely fits all in the restaurant industry, and supply chain management is no exception. The challenge lies in adapting strategies to meet the unique needs of each location while maintaining a cohesive and efficient overall system.
Proactive Risk Management:Unforeseen risks pose a constant threat to supply chain stability. Multi-unit operators need robust risk management strategies to navigate market fluctuations, regulatory changes, and supplier reliability concerns.
Coordinated Logistics Across Locations:Efficient logistics are paramount in optimizing a multi-unit restaurant supply chain. Coordinating inventory, orders, and deliveries across various locations can be a logistical nightmare.
Building Strong Supplier Relationships:Collaboration with suppliers is a cornerstone of a successful supply chain. Multi-unit operators face the challenge of maintaining strong relationships with a diverse range of suppliers.
The road to efficiency is riddled with obstacles. However, recognizing these challenges is the first step towards overcoming them. By acknowledging the importance of proactive risk management and tailored solutions to meet diverse needs, operators can pave the way for a streamlined and resilient supply chain.
Wondering how to navigate these challenges and optimize your supply chain efficiently?
From centralized procurement to data-driven decision-making, Consolidated Concepts provides a comprehensive toolkit to address these challenges head-on and drive unparalleled efficiency and success in supply chain management for multi-unit operators.
Curious about unlocking the full potential of your multi-unit restaurant’s supply chain? Let’s explore how Consolidated Concepts can elevate your operations to new heights.
Centralized Procurement
Consolidated Concepts offers centralized procurement solutions that harness the collective purchasing power of multi-unit operators, simplifying the procurement process and ensuring consistent quality across the board.
Data-Driven Decision Making
Consolidated Concepts addresses this challenge by providing advanced data analytics and tools. This empowers operators to make informed decisions based on real-time data, streamlining the decision-making process, and enhancing overall supply chain efficiency.
Customized Supply Chain Solutions
Consolidated Concepts excels in customizing supply chain solutions, offering tailored strategies that accommodate regional preferences, specialty ingredients, and specific operational requirements.
Risk Management
Consolidated Concepts takes a proactive approach to risk mitigation, leveraging its market expertise to identify potential pitfalls and implement preventative measures, ensuring a resilient supply chain.
Streamlined Logistics
Consolidated Concepts simplifies this process through advanced logistics management systems, reducing lead times, minimizing stockouts, and creating a seamless and reliable supply chain network.
Supplier Collaboration
Consolidated Concepts acts as a bridge, fostering collaboration and transparency between operators and suppliers, building lasting partnerships that contribute to the overall success of the supply chain.
Navigating the complexities of supply chain optimization is no easy feat for multi-unit restaurant operators. Yet, by recognizing the challenges and embracing proactive strategies, operators can pave the way for a more efficient and resilient supply chain.
How does supply chain optimization with Consolidated Concepts contribute to overall cost savings for multi-unit restaurant operators?Through centralized procurement, efficient logistics, and strategic decision-making, Consolidated Concepts helps multi-unit operators minimize costs, resulting in significant overall cost savings.
How does data-driven decision-making benefit multi-unit restaurant operators in supply chain optimization?Advanced data analytics tools provided by Consolidated Concepts empower operators to make informed decisions based on real-time data, streamlining the decision-making process and enhancing overall supply chain efficiency.
Can Consolidated Concepts help multi-unit restaurant operators adapt to changing market conditions through supply chain optimization?Absolutely. The proactive approach to risk management and the flexibility in supply chain solutions enable multi-unit operators to adapt swiftly to changing market conditions, ensuring resilience and sustained success.
How can Consolidated Concepts help my multi-unit restaurant in negotiating better terms with suppliers? Consolidated Concepts leverages its collective purchasing power to negotiate favorable terms with suppliers, ensuring cost-effective procurement for multi-unit operators.
What sets Consolidated Concepts apart in the realm of supply chain optimization for multi-unit restaurants?Consolidated Concepts stands out with its holistic and customizable approach, combining centralized procurement, data-driven decision-making, tailored solutions, risk management, streamlined logistics, and supplier collaboration to deliver unparalleled supply chain optimization for multi-unit operators.
Multiple growing regions, including Arizona, California, Florida, Honduras, and Mexico, continue to experience adverse weather conditions. As a result, there has been a notable decrease in crop yields overall, accompanied by an increase in quality problems and bloom loss. In a few weeks, we are nearing the transition from Yuma, AZ, to Salinas Valley, CA. This particular period has historically seen higher market prices and increased worries about product quality.
Grains
Soybean oil had a better start to the week but ended it with bigger inventories and less demand for biofuel. Recent weeks have seen an increase in canola prices, primarily as a result of technical trading and robust demand for biofuels. Palm grew as production decreased.
Dairy
The markets for shell eggs are declining throughout the Northwest and California. Block and barrel prices are rising. Butter is now flat.
Beef
The market is still stable and there is plenty of supply. Customers are still on the cautious side and prioritize their urgent demands. Middle meats stay consistent. End cuts continue to be intriguing and effective. Packers are finding support on thin meats and grinds due to a restricted yield. Limited supplies rather than high demand is the driving force.
Pork
Again, butts are rising, with B/I butts rising far higher than Boneless butts. The demand for B/I butts is substantially more than expected. Since more people are placing orders for ribs, the price of ribs has also increased. Boneless loins have lowered a little. Given that the market is flat for the upcoming week, bellies may have stabilized. As demand and exports increase, ham sales are as anticipated.
Poultry
Bird mortality, hatchability, and weights are limiting product availability and driving up costs. The supply of breasts has decreased. In the market, wings are still tight. There is a limited supply of tenders. The desire for dark meat is still high. The majority of whole birds are balanced.
Seafood
Lent is now in full force. Due to the difficult season, there is a limited supply of lobster tails. The Dungeness crab season is well underway, as seen by the vendors’ fresh stock. This year, live crawfish costs will be high and supplies will be limited. Please think about switching to frozen crawfish for a substitute.
Adverse weather conditions persisting in different growing regions have resulted in a significant decline in overall crop yields and an increase in quality issues and bloom loss. Moreover, we are approaching the transition from Yuma, AZ to Salinas Valley, CA in a few weeks, a period that has historically witnessed elevated market prices and heightened quality concerns. California is currently experiencing another round of storms, with additional rainfall expected in the central growing regions. While these rains won’t immediately impact vegetable production, the effects will be seen as the transition from Yuma to Salinas occurs. Growers have been dealing with quality defects that can affect yields and weights but are working hard to address these issues in the fields.
Grains
Last week, the market for soybean oil fell by about 3.5% as speculative speculators kept selling. With some increased exports and China pulling back after the Lunar New Year celebrations, palm oil saw little change. Canola saw significant speculative selling but finished largely unchanged despite its volatility.
Dairy
The markets for shell eggs are declining throughout the Northwest and California. Block size is getting smaller. Barrel is becoming bigger. Butter is still up.
Beef
Chucks are still steady. Rounds are getting stronger, and buyers appear to be entering the market more quickly. Sel/No Roll grade and light ribs in particular have produced a little strength in the ribs and tenders. Strips are still scarce and getting stronger. For the near future, grinds are combined from packer to packer.
Pork
Butts are still in high demand, thus they are continuing to rise. Strengthening of the ribs is still evident. Within the next week, this is anticipated to fall off. Loins are moving in line with the usual seasonal trend, notwithstanding the slowdown in retail demand. Although the market is still erratic, bellies are heading downward for the upcoming week. As predicted, ham sales are rising due to robust exports and rising consumer demand.
Poultry
Prices are rising across the board, following the same pattern that has been evident over the past month. All sizes of breasts had significant price hikes. Wings of all sizes continue to rise in popularity due to high demand. There is a persistent rise in tenders. The birds as a whole were marginally smaller. Dark is still up.
Seafood
The season of Lent is now upon us. Due to the difficult season, there is a limited supply of lobster tails. The Dungeness crab season is well underway, and new stock is already available from vendors. This year, crawfish prices will be high and supplies will be limited.
Continued adverse weather conditions across various growing regions have caused a considerable drop in overall yields and an uptick in quality problems and bloom loss. Thankfully, several regions are expected to experience better weather in the upcoming weeks, which will likely improve the situation in multiple markets. We are less than a month away from the beginning of the leafy green transition, heading back to the Salinas Valley. Historically, we have seen higher markets and increased quality issues during this time. The weather has taken its toll on most commodities in Yuma, and the market has risen considerably. Growers see lighter weights as harvest crews mitigate epidermal peels and blisters. The markets have reacted due to the industry experiencing decreased yields and increased demand.
Grains
Although trading was down for the majority of the week, soybean oil finished the day down only around ½ percent. However, the market remains mostly negative. Canola fell along with soy, and supplies are good due to decreased exports and lower-than-anticipated demand for biofuel. Palm is higher when exports rise and production declines.
Dairy
Shell egg markets are rising, with the exception of the Northwest and flat mediums. Eggs from California are declining. Block is going down and barrel is going up in cheese. Cream is plentiful, and butter is low.
Beef
Packers keep cutting crop in order to control inventories and boost profits. For the time being, buyers remain calculating and live hand to mouth. As consumers search for deals on value cuts, chucks and rounds maintain their appeal due to their firmness in the ends. Since tenders and ribs have the most dollar exposure, buying has slowed and pricing discovery has been constrained.
Pork
The market for butts is still very active and moves against the seasonal trend. Spareribs and backribs are still in demand, although this market is likely to experience a downturn before rebounding. This time of year, low demand for boneless loins is to be expected, hence prices are dropping. Bellies remains a highly unstable market. For the next few weeks, there should be significant volatility.
Poultry
The market for chicken is expanding overall, with some products enjoying HUGE increases. Breasts increased in all sizes, with jumbo and medium sizes seeing the biggest price increases. Wings of all sizes continue to rise in popularity due to high demand. There is a persistent rise in tenders. Last week, whole birds were somewhat higher. Thighs were elevated.
Seafood
Lent is now here. Due to the difficult season, there is a limited supply of lobster tails. The Dungeness crab season is well underway, and new stock is already available from retailers. This year, crawfish prices will be high and supplies will be limited.
The persistent unfavorable weather conditions in different growing regions have led to a decrease in overall yields and an increase in quality issues and bloom loss. Consequently, market prices have remained higher and are anticipated to stay at this level for the upcoming weeks. The weather patterns continue to challenge quality and harvesting crews out of the desert growing regions of Arizona and California.
Grains
Last week, oil consumers took advantage of the lower markets and invested in soybean oil, which caused the markets to rise. Canola oil is flat since there is a good supply and soft exports of seeds. Palm is likewise flat; nevertheless, although we have been anticipating some supply problems due to their weather, nothing significant has happened as of yet.
Dairy
Eggshell markets are rising, with the exception of the Northwest and flat mediums. Eggs from California are declining. Barrels are growing while blocks are shrinking. Butter remains down.
Beef
Rounds and chucks stay constant as long as supplies are traded. The lighter tones of ribs continue to warn purchasers. Strips show a mixed reflection because of product pockets, with CAB showing the greatest strength. Overall, tenders are still soft; the only grade that shows strength is Sel. As supply increase, grinds are topping out and should correct in the coming weeks.
Pork
Demand for butts is still high, but it should level down in the coming week or two. Bellies are dropping following a brief spike brought on by buy-ins that have since decreased. Although spareribs and backribs saw another increase in price, the market is expected to decline over the coming weeks
Poultry
The increased demand for wings and tenders has persisted even after the Super Bowl. The supply of breasts in greater sizes has somewhat decreased. The market is still thriving for dark meat. Mostly balanced whole birds.
Seafood
Lent has begun. The season has been difficult for lobster tails, and there is a limited quantity. All sizes of cold-water lobster tails are seeing price increases due to difficult inventory circumstances. The Dungeness crab season is well underway, and new stock is already available from vendors.
The decline in overall yields and the rise in quality issues can be attributed to the persistent adverse weather conditions experienced in various growing regions. As a result, market prices have remained elevated and are expected to continue at this level for the next few weeks. There is no rain in the forecast for the remainder of the week, but muddy fields will slow packing with minor delays at loading. We have seen freezing temperatures, rain, and heat. That culmination can damper the quality, and we are seeing blisters, peeling, and some pinking in lettuce/leafy items. Growers have been working hard to keep quality and weights consistent through these challenges.
Grains
Last week’s soybean oil futures saw a strong start before declining at the end of the week. Although the higher rise was caused by rising energy markets, soybean futures were kept in control by the overall strong supply of beans and other commodities. Canola is flat, whereas palm has increased due to production problems and Chinese demand.
Dairy
With the exception of Northwest California, where shell egg prices are flat. Cheeses from Block & Barrel are getting better. Butter is still up.
Beef
Packers are attempting to increase replacement cost by paying extra for cattle last week. Chucks and bullets stay consistent. Buyers should use caution as ribs remain in corrective mode. Strips are also steady, with premiums carried by CAB and Sel. Overall, tenders are still soft. As supply increase, grinds are topping out and should correct in the coming weeks.
Pork
A small increase in butts was caused by more upfront purchases. The market for ribs showed considerable growth as well, particularly for backribs and spareribs. Demand is steady and loins are staying basically stable. Bellies moved down this week and are still erratic.
Poultry
Wings were the star of the market, and they were harder to get due to the Super Bowl. The availability of breasts in all sizes has improved. There are fewer and fewer tenders available. The desire for dark meat is still high. The majority of whole birds are balanced.
Seafood
The market for imported shrimp is beginning to solidify, and as Lent approaches, price increases are anticipated. In California, the Dungeness crab season began last week, and vendors will be receiving new stock from the upcoming season. Expect discounts on products from the previous season. The domestic crawfish stock has been wiped out by this summer’s dry weather.
The western region of the United States is still experiencing significant rainfall. This, combined with consistently unfavorable weather conditions in Mexico and the Eastern United States, has led to continued decreased crop yields and higher-than usual markets. The overall leafy green markets continue to remain relatively steady. However, we will see delays in harvesting in Yuma from the rainy weather. We should expect to see a limited degree of weather-related issues for about another week. Harvest crews are working diligently to put up a good, usable pack. Production blocks are on a regular harvest schedule. However, we could see some lighter supplies as yields drop due to selection.
Grains
Last week’s soybean oil futures saw a strong start before declining at the end of the week. Although the higher rise was caused by rising energy markets, soybean futures were kept in control by the overall strong supply of beans and other commodities. Canola is flat, whereas palm has increased due to production problems and Chinese demand.
Dairy
This week, shell egg marketplaces are booming. Block is growing while the barrel market is contracting, butter is still up. Prices for January Cream and Culture will be lower as a result of such market modifications.
Beef
The market for beef has remained robust as long as people keep buying it. As retail beef sales volume starts to drop and prices continue to rise, the beef industry is witnessing a little decline in demand.
Pork
Butts are continuing to drop as expected; this trend should continue for a few more weeks. As long as rib stays stable, sideways trading is expected to persist for the foreseeable future. Similar to butts, loins are fashionable at the moment. Due to the strong demand and typical seasonal trends, bellies are still increasing.
Poultry
The demand for chicken is still growing. The availability of breasts in all sizes has improved. There are fewer and fewer tenders available. It’s wing season, so demand for wings of all sizes is rising. The desire for dark meat is still high. The majority of whole birds are balanced.
Seafood
The market for imported shrimp is beginning to solidify, and as Lent approaches, price increases are anticipated. In California, the Dungeness crab season began last week, and vendors will be receiving new stock from the upcoming season. Get a few deals on products from the previous season. The domestic crawfish stock has been wiped out by this summer’s dry weather.
Expanding your restaurant to multiple locations brings both opportunities and complexities, especially when it comes to managing data. From transactions to staff schedules, each site generates a unique set of information.
When you streamline your restaurant’s data management, your turn that information into a powerful ally in your culinary expansion.
In this blog, we’ll explore the hurdles of data consistency and dive into strategies for centralization, automation, and futureproofing.
Data management refers to the comprehensive process of collecting, storing, organizing, and ensuring the integrity of data throughout its lifecycle. In the context of a restaurant with multiple locations, effective data management is crucial for maintaining a cohesive and streamlined operation. Here are key aspects of data management:
Data Collection: Gathering relevant data from various sources within each restaurant location is the initial step. This can include sales transactions, customer feedback, inventory levels, employee schedules, and more.
Data Storage: Once collected, data needs to be stored in a secure and accessible manner. Centralized databases or cloud-based solutions can provide a unified repository for information from different locations, ensuring easy access for analysis and reporting.
Data Organization: Organizing data involves structuring information in a way that is meaningful and facilitates efficient retrieval. Categorizing data into relevant segments (e.g., sales, inventory, employee performance) allows for easier analysis and decision-making.
Data Integrity and Quality: Ensuring the accuracy and quality of data is paramount. Regular audits and validation processes help identify and correct errors, inconsistencies, or discrepancies, providing reliable information for strategic decision-making.
Data Security: Protecting sensitive information is a critical aspect of data management. Implementing robust security measures, such as encryption and access controls, helps safeguard customer data, financial records, and other confidential information.
Data Analysis and Reporting: Analyzing data provides valuable insights into business performance. Reporting tools can generate meaningful reports and dashboards that offer a consolidated view of operations across multiple locations, aiding in decision-making processes.
Compliance and Governance: Adhering to data privacy regulations and industry standards is essential. Establishing governance frameworks ensures that data is managed ethically, legally, and in alignment with relevant compliance requirements.
Data Lifecycle Management: Data has a lifecycle, from creation to archival or deletion. Understanding and managing this lifecycle is crucial for optimizing storage resources and ensuring that only relevant data is retained for analysis and reporting.
By implementing effective data management practices, restaurant chains can harness the power of their information, gaining actionable insights and operational efficiencies.
This foundation is essential for addressing the challenges, centralizing data, embracing automation, and future-proofing data management for
Managing data for multiple restaurant locations poses challenges in maintaining consistent reporting, ensuring data accuracy, and handling diverse sets of data generated by different locations. Integration of systems, data security concerns, and the need for staff training add layers of complexity.
Overcoming these challenges requires strategic approaches, such as standardized processes, technology integration, and continuous training, to leverage data as a valuable asset for efficient management and growth.
Unifying Insights Across Locations:
Centralizing data allows for a unified view of operations across all locations. This can aid in better decision-making, as managers and stakeholders can analyze consolidated data to identify trends, successes, and areas for improvement.
Precision in Supply Chain Management:
Centralized data enables better control over the supply chain. It helps in optimizing inventory levels, streamlining procurement processes, and negotiating better deals with suppliers based on the aggregated purchasing power of all locations.
Predictive Analytics for Proactive Decision-Making:
Leveraging predictive analytics can help anticipate demand, optimize pricing, and enhance customer experiences. By analyzing historical data from all locations, restaurants can make informed decisions regarding inventory, staffing, and menu offerings.
Tailored Solutions for Diverse Needs:
Different locations may have unique requirements based on their demographics and customer preferences. Automation tools can be customized to cater to these diverse needs, ensuring that each location operates efficiently while still adhering to the overall brand strategy.
Investing in Consolidated Concepts helps you facilitate seamless data sharing and communication between different locations to future-proofing data management. This helps ensures that all aspects of your business, from point-of-sale systems to inventory management, are integrated.
Choosing scalable data management solutions and regularly training staff on these tools and technologies will help you keep up with industry trends and adapt to the growth of your restaurant chain.
Conquer the challenges of managing data across multiple locations by joining Consolidated Concepts today. Take the initiative, implement these strategies, and propel your business towards a more streamlined and efficient future.
