Poultry
Chicken harvests stayed steady at 171.8M head. Whole birds eased a bit, while boneless/skinless breasts climbed to $2.02/lb (up 9% year-over-year). Wings dipped slightly to $1.72/lb but are still much cheaper than last year. Egg prices fell another 9% this week and are down almost 30% from 2024.
Outlook: With chicken stabilizing and eggs cheaper, now’s the time to re-check portion costs and update recipe margins. Watch for tariff impacts that could drag prices lower into fall.
Beef
Beef prices pushed higher with choice cutout values up 3% and tenderloins hitting $18.37/lb. Even ground beef climbed, with 81% lean moving up to $4.09/lb. Chuck rolls, rounds, and other end cuts also trended higher.
Outlook: Expect higher beef costs heading into Labor Day and into the holiday season. Operators should keep an eye on high-end cuts like tenderloin and ribeye and update menu pricing or portions to stay profitable.
Pork
The pork cutout slipped slightly to $112.60/cwt, but butts and ribs were stronger thanks to export demand. Bellies and hams saw the steepest declines, with hams down 14% last week.
Outlook: Lower hog prices could bring some relief, but expect mixed results across different cuts. Operators should use inventory reports to track savings on hams and bellies while budgeting more for butts and ribs.
Seafood
Yellowfin tuna has dropped 37% in the last three months, well below normal seasonal patterns. Import volumes are softening, but prices likely won’t rebound above $4/lb until early 2026.
Outlook: Operators with seafood-heavy menus can lean into tuna while costs are down, but plan ahead for increases later this year.
Produce
Lettuce prices jumped 10.5% last week, and iceberg is headed toward another seasonal rally that could bring prices back into the $40–$50/carton range. Tomatoes also bounced back after softer summer pricing.
Outlook: Operators should plan ahead for higher salad and sandwich costs through fall. Recipe costing adjustments now will help avoid margin hits when the lettuce rally peaks.
Dairy
Butter slipped to $2.24/lb, continuing its downward trend, while cheese prices held mostly steady. Milk supplies remain tight, but retail and export cheese demand is keeping things balanced.
Outlook: Expect butter prices to stay soft, which could help baked goods and sauces, but cheese will likely stay steady. Review weekly invoices to make sure your team is taking advantage of these shifts.
Grains
Corn and soybeans moved higher after crop tours reported weaker yields in key states, though Minnesota’s bumper crop may offset some of the shortfall. Wheat managed small gains.
Outlook: Grain volatility impacts feed costs, which ripple into proteins like beef, poultry, and pork. Keep monitoring supplier invoices and factor this into cost forecasts.
