Poultry
Boneless skinless breasts dropped again to $1.95/lb—down 30% from last month—while wings inched up to $1.47/lb but are still far below 2023 pricing. Boneless thigh meat also dipped but remains elevated year-over-year. Turkey prices climbed, with breasts up 12% and whole birds up 6%.
Outlook: Expect prices to keep sliding as harvests increase. This is a good time to monitor contracts and use white meat strategically across the menu.
Beef
Beef cutout values fell last week. Striploins and ribeyes declined, but tenderloins and shortloins ticked up. Ground beef slipped to $3.77/lb, while 50% trim hit a record high at $2.68/lb.
Outlook: Prices are trending lower overall. Review portion sizes, cost-per-serving, and ordering patterns to stay ahead of fluctuations.
Pork
The pork cutout rose 3% last week after a sharp dip the week before. Bellies, hams, and tenderloins drove the rebound, while pork butts and ribs moved lower. Trim values remain firm.
Outlook: With price drops expected in the coming weeks, it’s a good time to evaluate inventory levels and buy strategically where margins allow.
Seafood
Seafood prices fell sharply last month—tilapia dropped 12% and is already below where it typically lands in September. Lower-than-usual import volumes are keeping prices soft.
Outlook: Great time to feature seafood as a value protein. Build limited-time offers or seasonal items while prices remain favorable.
Produce
Lettuce prices have nearly tripled since mid-June—an unusual spike for this time of year—and could go even higher before cooling off. Idaho potato prices are also up 40% ahead of harvest.
Outlook: Be ready for continued swings. Use lower-cost greens, pre-cut options, or frozen alternatives to manage waste and prep time.
Dairy
Butter and cheese prices were mostly flat last week, though heat is starting to impact milk supply. Cheesemakers in warmer regions are sourcing additional milk through the spot market.
Outlook: Expect stable pricing for now, but keep an eye on regional availability if you rely heavily on dairy ingredients.
Grain
Corn prices dropped again, even with record-setting export numbers, due to large harvest expectations in the U.S. and Brazil.
Outlook: Lower grain prices could ease cost pressure on items like bread, flour, and fryer oil. Watch for long-term savings opportunities in pantry staples.
