Poultry
Chicken production continues running ahead of last year, with weekly slaughter reaching 174.9 million head, up 1% week over week and 2.5% year over year. Prices were mixed across the complex, with modest increases in breasts, thighs, leg quarters, and whole birds, while wings dropped nearly 9% to their lowest level in seven weeks. Strong production growth has helped keep overall chicken pricing relatively competitive compared to other proteins.
Outlook: Chicken’s price advantage over beef could make it an appealing option for operators managing food costs. If production growth slows later in the spring, breast meat prices may begin to strengthen, making it important for operators to keep a close eye on purchasing and menu pricing.
Beef
Beef markets moved higher last week, with Choice and Select boxed beef cutouts rising roughly 2–3%. Gains were driven by rib, loin, flank, and plate primals as seasonal demand begins to build. Packers remain cautious as they continue navigating tight margins.
Outlook: Beef prices may remain firm in the near term, which could put pressure on food costs for beef-heavy menus. Tracking protein costs closely and adjusting menu pricing or promotions may help operators protect margins as seasonal demand strengthens.
Pork
Pork production remains elevated, running more than 5% above year-ago levels even as weekly slaughter slipped slightly. Despite the larger supply, the pork cutout rose about 1% last week, led by a strong increase in belly prices. Meanwhile, rib prices declined, with St. Louis ribs trading at a significant discount to babyback ribs.
Outlook: As the industry approaches the spring grilling season, pork prices may trend higher. Operators monitoring their purchasing data may find short-term value in the rib complex while the pricing spread between rib cuts remains wide.
Seafood
Tilapia prices showed signs of stabilizing after a sharp correction in 2025, though supply remains abundant due to rising import volumes. Imports have returned to their highest levels since the pandemic recovery.
Outlook: Strong supply could keep tilapia pricing relatively steady in the near term. For operators managing seafood costs, stable pricing may provide a predictable option when planning menus and inventory.
Produce
Produce markets showed mixed movement last week. Lettuce prices continued easing from February highs, while Roma tomatoes surged more than 76% week over week due to crop damage in Mexico and freeze impacts in the Eastern U.S., creating a tight supply situation.
Outlook: Tomato pricing may remain volatile until supply conditions improve. Operators should watch produce costs closely and adjust purchasing or menu planning as needed to maintain food cost targets.
Dairy
Dairy trading was active last week, with butter leading the move higher as weekly averages jumped nearly 13%. Cheese prices increased modestly while nonfat dry milk also moved higher. Export demand continues to support butter markets.
Outlook: Butter prices could remain elevated if export demand stays strong, while more available cheese supplies may help keep cheese pricing relatively stable. Monitoring dairy costs will remain important for operators with butter-heavy menu items.
Grains
Grain markets posted another strong week, led by soybean oil along with wheat, corn, and other row crops. Strength has been supported by rising crude oil prices and geopolitical tensions affecting fertilizer markets and biofuel demand.
Outlook: Sustained strength in grain markets could eventually push feed costs higher, which may ripple through poultry, pork, and beef pricing later in the year. Operators tracking ingredient costs should keep an eye on grain trends as a leading indicator for protein markets.
