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March 14, 2023 UncategorizedBy Annie Pepanyan

Freshly Picked, March 13, 2023

Alerts & What’s Trending

Produce

Growth region transitions, rains, and milder temperatures have caused lower yields and will certainly continue for several weeks. Moreover, rising markets will be caused by a combination of lower yields and a rise in overall national demand. For the majority of vegetable exporters, the transfer from Yuma, Arizona, to the Salinas Valley, California, growing zone will take place in 3–4 weeks. The output of most commodities has benefited from the increased daytime and nighttime temperatures in the desert growing zone. Growers continue to observe epidermal peeling and fringe burn as a result of the colder recent weather. Quality is generally good to extremely good.

Grains

Soybean oil had a decline in price and a period of sideways trading due to a lack of recent news in the market. Canola futures prices were higher, and it’s said that canola is being used more and more in biodiesel. Palm oil prices rose as a result of increased demand and decreased supply as a result of flooding in Malaysia.

Dairy

This week, the price of shell eggs increased once again; California, however, is down because retail demand is still sluggish. The cheese market is still stable or slightly declining. Butter Markets improved marginally this week, gloomy tones still present.

Beef

Demand is consistent this week. Although there are occasionally inventory pockets, ribs continue to be produced steadily. Tenderloin prices are holding constant, with low supply acting as the main driver. Strips and shortloins are still popular, but packers and purchasers continue to charge different prices for them. Customers are having some trouble purchasing Chucks.

Pork

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Butts are once more on the rise as anticipated domestic demand remains high. As the temperature gets warmer, ribs are also rising. The St. Louis-style ribs see the most movement. Moreover, bone-in and boneless loins are in demand due to resurgent retail interest. Bellies’ downward spiral is exacerbated by an excess of cold storage.

Poultry

Once again, this week’s biggest demand is in the back half of the bird due to strong retail demand. The desire for jumbo breasts is still strong. With the supply getting tighter, tenders are overtaking breast meat. This week, the ratio of whole to sliced birds was largely equal. Due to overstocked processor freezers, jumbo and medium wings are available in surplus.

Seafood

In comparison to last year, supplies of shrimp, salmon, tilapia, pangasius, pasteurized crabmeat, mahi, tuna, calamari, warm water lobster tails, cod, and pollock have all steadied. The majority of the fillet sizes from the Alaskan pollock captures (so far) are 2-4 oz, with a few 4-6 oz.

March 6, 2023 UncategorizedBy Annie Pepanyan

Freshly Picked, March 6, 2023

Alerts & What’s Trending

Produce

As a result of continued negative effects on yields and quality throughout many of the growing regions, markets have been trending upward and are anticipated to continue doing so for the foreseeable future. The weather has continued to impact quality and postpone harvests from the desert producing zone during the last two weeks. Epidermal peel and fringe burn are a few quality problems. To address the problems, harvesters will continue to work the produce in the field. For at least the upcoming several weeks, markets are anticipated to hold their current modest gains.

Grains

Soybean oil increased last week despite USDA data showing a 7% decline in supplies due to rising demand for biofuels. The majority of canola stock prices are rising, which can present a buying opportunity. Demand for palm is higher due to strong demand and flooding in Indonesia and Malaysia, which results in decreased production.

Dairy

As demand rises, the price of shell eggs keeps rising. Market share for California shell eggs is declining. Markets for cheese are still stable or slightly rising. This week, butter markets fell, and there are still pessimistic undertones. Due to non-market cost reasons in March, Cream and Culture pricing modifications were made.

Beef

Packers are forced to hold prices unchanged or boost them as cattle costs continue to rise. Nonetheless, some inventories are beginning to appear as rib sales remain steady. Available supply is a contributing cause to the upward trend in tenderloin prices. Although shortloins and strips continue to draw interest, packers and buyers have not come to an agreement on a price. There are steady grinds.

Pork

Butts increased in price in response to typical seasonal demand and export demand for boneless butts. Because there is enough supply to fulfill demand, loin prices have remained fairly stable. While there is still a large amount of inventory in cold storage, rib sales somewhat declined. Green ham prices are on the rise due to rising demand from international markets. Due to excessive cold storage levels, bellies shifted counter seasonally.

Poultry

This week, the back of the bird is seeing the highest demand. Large breasts are still in high demand. Demand and supply are balanced by tenders. This week, whole chickens and cut ups were more expensive. The price of jumbo wings was low, but March is expected to see an increase. The medium wings remained stable. Above were little wings.

Seafood

Last Wednesday marked the beginning of Lent, which will endure through the first week of April. (April 6 – February 22). Compared to previous year, supplies of shrimp, salmon, tilapia, pangasius, pasteurized crab meat, mahi, tuna, calamari, cod, and pollock have all steadied.

February 27, 2023 UncategorizedBy Annie Pepanyan

Freshly Picked, February 27, 2023

Alerts & What’s Trending

Produce

In several of the growing regions, weather problems (lower temperatures and rain) have started to negatively impact yields and quality, which will probably force markets to trend upward over the coming few weeks. Notwithstanding minor quality difficulties brought on by the colder temperatures, supplies of several vegetables grown in the desert producing zone are still steady.

Grains

The soybean oil market increased last week as a result of decreased worldwide stocks being reported, decoupling slightly from the energy market. Palm moved slightly higher and canola was flat on no new information, but demand is starting to rise.

Dairy

Is there a shortage of shell eggs? With the exception of California, markets are up. Markets for cheese are steady because demand is consistent. Butter markets rose, but since there is a plentiful supply, expect falls the next week. March non-market cost variables are causing cream and culture prices to change.

Beef

Packers are spending more on cattle, which results in lower box counts and higher costs. Although Select and No Roll are hard to find, ribs remain consistent. Even after Valentine’s Day, tenderloin prices remain on the rise. Shortloins and strips continue to be more popular as packers attempt to increase the price up front. Grinds are tight, and chucks and rounds are trading more strongly.

Pork

The upfront purchases and rising domestic demand caused the butt market to climb upward. The minor decline in rib sales is anticipated to be short-lived because interest has been increasing. This week, loins leveled off as fewer retailers ran advertising. As predicted, the growth of bellies is continuing.

Poultry

This week, the back of the bird is seeing the highest demand. Large breasts are still in high demand. Demand and supply are balanced by tenders. Both whole and cut up chickens were cheaper this week. As March Madness draws closer, demand for jumbo and mini wings is also continuing to increase. The medium wings remained stable.

Seafood

Lent began on Wednesday and lasts until the first week of April (February 22nd – April 6th). Compared to other seafood species, supplies of shrimp, salmon, tilapia, pangasius, pasteurized crabmeat, mahi, tuna, calamari, cod, and pollock have all stabilized. During Lent, they are the perfect addition to fish dishes.

February 20, 2023 UncategorizedBy Annie Pepanyan

Freshly Picked, February 20, 2023

Alerts & What’s Trending

Produce

We continue to observe lower than anticipated supplies of slicer cucumber and yellow squash in South Florida and Mexico. Bell peppers are widely accessible and of excellent quality! There’s less tomato output in Florida and fewer tomatoes available in the west. Due to the crop’s current frost damage, which results in incredibly poor yields and unanticipated loss, the corn market will be exceedingly volatile. Cold temperatures and weather damage are producing shortages this season, but the hot pepper market appears to be holding steady.

Grains

Last week, the price of soybean oil declined, but by week’s end, it had recovered thanks to rising crude oil prices. The market’s average fell overall. Demand was strong and stocks of palm oil were greater. With predicted overall stockpiles vs. demand, canola is unchanged.

Dairy

In spite of strong demand, shell egg prices are declining. Despite increased production, US cheese markets declined while rising in the EU. Butter prices are rising while the markets for cream and culture are heading downward. With the effects of avian influenza being postponed, processed eggs are increasing.

Beef

The supply of ribs remains steady, but finding Select and No-Roll from packers remains challenging. The amount of tenderloins seems to be stabilizing. Strips and shortloins keep moving steadily, but packers are making an effort to move more frontward. Chucks and rounds are still trading steadily, with variations in supply and demand among packers. Grinds remain stable.

Pork

Due to upfront purchases and domestic interest, butts have somewhat climbed for the coming week. While rib prices are now stable, they are anticipated to rise further throughout the month. Although retail demand is keeping this industry strong, loins also increased in price. Also, throughout the month of February, it is anticipated that belly size would increase.

Poultry

The poultry market is still moving in the same manner as it was during Super Bowl week. This week saw an increase in the price of giant breasts due to strong demand for that product. Medium-sized breasts were stable, as were tenders. The demand for wings is rising as more operators want to stock their refrigerators.

Seafood

Lent begins on March 13 and lasts until the first week of April (February 22nd – April 6th). Compared to other seafood species, supplies of shrimp, salmon, tilapia, pangasius, pasteurized crabmeat, mahi, tuna, calamari, cod, and pollock have all stabilized.

February 16, 2023 BlogUncategorizedBy Melissa Evans

5 Benefits of Joining a Produce Management Program

Produce management refers to the process of procuring, storing, and using produce (fruits and vegetables) in a foodservice operation, such as a restaurant. It involves a range of activities and processes aimed at ensuring that the produce used in the restaurant is fresh, high-quality, and safe to consume.

Some aspects of produce management include procurement, storage, inventory management, preparation, menu development, and cost control.

By joining a produce management program, you can streamline the produce procurement process and ensure you receive the best quality produce for your menu.

Joining a produce management program can be beneficial for your restaurant for several reasons:

Produce Management

Access to fresh and high-quality produce

Produce programs typically source fresh and high-quality produce from local farmers and suppliers, giving restaurants access to a wider variety of seasonal and specialty produce that may not be readily available through traditional supply chains.

Produce Management

Support for local agriculture

By joining a produce program, a restaurant can support local agriculture and help to build a sustainable food system. This can improve the restaurant’s reputation and help it to connect with customers who care about sustainable food choices.

Produce Management

Cost savings

Produce programs can help restaurants to save money by offering competitive pricing for high-quality produce and reducing waste through better supply chain management.

Produce Management

Improved menu offerings

Access to a wider variety of fresh and high-quality produce can help a restaurant to improve its menu offerings, making it more appealing to customers and helping to attract new business.

Produce Management

Simplified ordering process

Many produce programs offer a streamlined ordering process, making it easier for restaurants to manage their food procurement and reduce administrative workload.

By joining a produce management program, a restaurant can improve the quality of its menu offerings, support local agriculture, and realize cost savings. These benefits can help to increase customer satisfaction, improve the restaurant’s bottom line, and contribute to the overall success of the business.

At Consolidated Concepts, our produce management program helps multi-unit restaurants stabilize produce prices and increase quality. If you don’t currently have a produce program, not only are you not getting the best quality product on the market, but you’re probably subjected to major swings in the markets as commodity markets shift. Our managed produce programs stabilize those shifts so that your prices are more predictable.

February 13, 2023 UncategorizedBy Annie Pepanyan

Freshly Picked, February 13, 2023

Alerts & What’s Trending

Produce

In some of the growing regions, better weather is predicted, which should help boost total yields and quality over the coming several weeks for many commodities. Unfavorable weather, on the other hand, is having an impact on several commodities, lowering overall yields. The desert growing region of Yuma, Arizona, has experienced consistent growing conditions, and growers are still seeing morning frost. The frost is still contributing to small harvest delays, sluggish crop maturation, and quality problems. These problems include epidermal peeling and fringe burn. With only extremely slight odds of lettuce ice in the forecast heading into next week, the weather in Yuma is predicted to become better. Overall market pricing for the majority of commodities decreased this week. For the upcoming several weeks, markets are anticipated to stay stable.

Grains

The market for soybean oil changed relatively little last week overall. Crude oil did cause it to trade lower, but it ended the week unchanged. Due to rising demand, the price difference between palm and soybean oil is narrowing. Markets for canola rose as a result of rising demand.

Dairy

As markets search for a floor, the demand for shell eggs is falling. This week’s cheese market decline is due to less demand. The cost of Cream and Culture is going down in February. AI Impacts are causing increases in non-cage free processed eggs for February, which is helping the butter markets.

Beef

The harvest is being cut back by packers, which will result in decreased inventory levels. While Select and No Roll are quite difficult to find from the more seasoned packers, ribs are consistently available. Since most merchants have already purchased their Valentine’s Day inventory, tenderloin prices are expected to decline further. Rounds, chucks, and strips are constant. The market is stable and grinds are available.

Pork

This week saw a tiny decline in butts, and the markets may continue to make concessions for one more week. Spareribs are becoming more popular as demand for Memorial Day grows. Although they should do so with spareribs, back ribs and St. Louis ribs showed signs of frailty. With the retail demand, loins are still demonstrating strength. Even with high cold storage levels, bellies shifted.

Poultry

Jumbo breasts and wings are in high demand this week. Tenders have increased as demand has increased. Legs without bones were higher. This week, the leg meat remained flat. This week, both whole and cut up birds are available.

Seafood

February 22 marks the start of Lent. Shrimp landings have decreased in Texas and Louisiana. With too much inventory, the market for imported shrimp is uneasy. The US market for farmed whole fish is smaller because of reduced demand, but it is stable in Europe. There are enough supplies of frozen fish.

February 10, 2023 BlogUncategorizedBy Melissa Evans

Visibility Into Spend Management: The Secret Sauce to a Winning Restaurant Brand

Let’s get straight to the point – there’s no way you’re running a successful restaurant if you don’t have visibility into your spend. Being a multi-unit restaurant operator, you need to a centralized location that breaks down your spend management per location.

By having access to detailed reports on things such as food cost and operational expenses, spend management technology can help foodservice operators identify areas where they can cut costs or negotiate better deals with suppliers.

Spend management technology can help you monitor and improve cost control, providing insights into areas where costs can be reduced and helping to ensure that expenses are aligned with the budget.

By leveraging spend management technology you get access to real-time visibility into your restaurant’s financial data, making it easier to identify trends, make informed decisions, and track the performance of the business.

Having visibility into your restaurants spend management can provide a number of benefits, including:

Spend Management

By having a clear understanding of where and how the money is being spent, operators can identify areas where they can reduce costs and increase efficiency.

Spend Management

With visibility into spend, you can create more accurate budgets and better plan for future expenses.

Spend Management

By tracking and managing expenses in a centralized, transparent manner, you can ensure compliance is met with internal policies and external regulations.

Spend Management

With visibility into spend management, you can provide stakeholders with greater transparency into how money is being used, leading to increased trust and accountability.

Spend Management

By having access to real-time data on spending, organizations can make more informed decisions about where to allocate resources.

Overall, spend management technology can help foodservice businesses improve their financial performance by providing the tools and information they need to make better decisions about purchasing, inventory management, and cost control.

At Consolidated Concepts, we use data visualization and technology to give you a bird’s eye view and insight into your purchasing so you can make more strategic, more profitable business decisions. Connect with our industry experts at RLC at booth #210 to learn how we can help you optimize the supply chain and boost profitability, or schedule a meeting with Luis Lara, our SVP Business Development, here!

February 6, 2023 UncategorizedBy Annie Pepanyan

Freshly Picked, February 6, 2023

Alerts & What’s Trending

Produce

The availability of slicer cucumbers is still incredibly low in South Florida and Mexico, but it is gradually increasing! The quality of squash and bell peppers is excellent, and they are widely available. Although Florida’s tomato output has increased this week, we are still well below average for this time of year as a result of various weather-related issues over the past three months. Although not particularly alarming, we anticipate lesser production and higher than usual market pricing. Since the crop is currently being affected by the effects of last month’s freeze, which resulted in extremely low yields and greater loss than anticipated, the corn market will be quite short. As chilly temperatures and weather-related damage are producing shortages this season, the hot pepper market appears to be holding steady, with Serrano and Anaheim being the most expensive and scarcest options. Due to the lower temperatures, honeydew and cantaloupe have gotten fairly difficult and won’t likely get any easier until mid-February. Yuma’s weather is still chilly, with frost appearing most mornings. The weather is expected to remain cooler into the first part of next week.

Grains

Good rains in Argentina and declining diesel fuel prices contributed to the decline in soybean oil prices. Canola, which competes with commodities grown in Australia and Europe, fell lower before returning to neutral last week. As Lunar New Year celebrations come to an end, palm oil market demand is anticipated to increase.

Dairy

As markets search for a floor because of reasonable demand, shell egg production is declining. Markets for cheese and butter are falling this week due to plentiful supplies and weak demand. The cost of Cream and Culture is going down in February.

Beef

Tenderloins and ribs are still trading at reduced prices, but prospective floors, particularly for ribs, are a possibility. Strips are in demand because packers offer them as a rib substitute. Chucks and rounds are still trading steadily, with current levels of supply and demand being balanced. The Super Bowl advertising have caused grinds to stall.

Pork

As we anticipate an increasing trend this month, the butts market increased this week. In light of ongoing retail demand, loins were also moved up for the next week. Although there is still a large supply, the price of ribs is moving sideways. As there is a plentiful supply of fresh goods, belly sizes are still declining.

Poultry

The price of Jumbo and Medium size breast, tenders, and wings rises in response to seasonal demand. Stronger demand is being seen for boneless thighs. This week, the leg meat remained flat. Due to rising labor and food prices, the price of whole birds and cut ups is on the rise.

Seafood

After a year of scarcities brought on by water closures, frozen oysters from the Gulf are once more readily available. As the overseas output from the fresh harvest has progressively arrived, the supply of calamari from Asia has improved. It’s almost time for Lent. Lent 2023 for this year starts on Wednesday, February 22 and ends on Thursday, April 6.

January 30, 2023 UncategorizedBy Annie Pepanyan

Freshly Picked, January 30, 2023

Alerts & What’s Trending

Produce

We continue to see a very low supply of cucumbers in South Florida and Mexico, and we don’t anticipate things getting much better for a few weeks. The availability of color peppers is excellent, and squash and bell peppers appear to be lessening. Due to many weather-related effects over the past three months, Florida tomato production is down this week and is still far below average for this time of year. Although not particularly alarming, we anticipate lesser production and higher than usual market pricing. Since the crop is currently being affected by the effects of last month’s freeze, which resulted in extremely low yields and greater loss than anticipated, the corn market will be quite short. Cold temperatures and weather damage are producing shortages this season, but the hot pepper market appears to be holding steady, with Serrano and Anaheim being the most expensive and scarcest varieties.

Grains

The market for soybean oil remained stable because to improvements in South American weather. The recent drop in canola seed costs is a result of Germany’s potential move away from grain-based biofuels. Low demand causes Palm to decline.

Dairy

As markets search for a floor because of reasonable demand, shell egg production is declining. Markets for cheese and butter are falling this week due to plentiful supplies and weak demand. The cost of Cream and Culture is going down in February.

Beef

Winter storms and their potential effects on grades and weights are a hot topic in the market. Tenderloins and ribs are moving at a reduced price but less fiercely than in previous weeks. Strips continue to lose popularity as it seems that most of the buying has already been done. Chucks and rounds are still trading steadily, with current levels of supply and demand being balanced.

Pork

Pork butts are still in demand and will continue to be weak through February. Due to inclusions in retailer advertisements for the rest of the month, loin prices increased somewhat. The price of ribs is keeping steady and is likely to move sideways for the foreseeable future. Due to the high amounts of cold storage, bellies are declining. Cushion demand has slowed, and this market’s decline is ongoing.

Poultry

The price of Jumbo and Medium size breast, tenders, and wings rises in response to seasonal demand. The demand for boneless thigh and leg meat is beginning to increase. Due to rising labor and food prices, the price of whole birds and cut ups is on the rise.

Seafood

Since the majority of crab fisherman switched to targeting cod, Alaskan cod fishing has started and is anticipated to soon fill its quota. Due to excessive stockpiles floating in the U.S. market, the imported shrimp market is still unstable and poor. Due to the reduction of excess stocks, the mahi-mahi market is stabilizing.

January 23, 2023 UncategorizedBy Annie Pepanyan

Freshly Picked, January 23, 2023

Alerts & What’s Trending

Produce

We continue to observe a lower supply and firmer markets for green pepper, zucchini, and yellow squash in South Florida and Mexico. The supply of color peppers is outstanding, but cucumbers are still very scarce and won’t likely get any better for a few weeks. Florida’s tomato production is increasing, but is still significantly below average for this time of year as a result of various weather-related issues during the past three months. Reduced production and higher than usual market prices are what we anticipate. As chilly temperatures and weather damage are producing shortages this season, the hot pepper market appears to be holding steady, with serrano and Anaheim being the most expensive and scarcest varieties.

Grains

With good news regarding stocks, soybean oil trade last week ended almost unchanged. As availability expanded globally, canola trading declined. The market continued to experience weak demand, which led to reduced prices for Palm.

Dairy

As markets search for a floor, the demand for shell eggs is falling. Markets for cheese recover but are predicted to fall the following week. Markets for butter grew this week while remaining stable. Prices for Cream and Culture are dropping in January.

Beef

Buyer and seller tension will remain high as cattle supplies decline, and upward price pressure will persist. Feed lot numbers are not increasing due to two weeks of decreasing carcass weights.

Pork

Pork Butts are moving down significantly due to weakened demand in foodservice and retail Ribs are down slightly and with a surplus of supply in the market ribs could continue to trend down. Loins are now being featured in retail ads bringing this market up for next week. Bellies are relatively flat. Hams came down as exports to Mexico has slowed down.

Poultry

The price of Jumbo and Medium size breast, tenders, and wings rises in response to seasonal demand. Leg and thigh meat without bones are available in sufficient quantities. Due to rising labor and food prices, the price of whole birds and cut ups is on the rise.

Seafood

White shrimp landings have been higher than anticipated thus far, but brown shrimp landings are still below average. Due to the decreased scallop quota, prices are anticipated to stay above historical levels. For both blue and red pasteurized crab, markets have gotten softer.

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