Please note there will be a delay in the reflection of pricing trends at local distributors, attributed to the timing of inventory turnover and the arrival of new stock at distribution centers.
BEEF COMMODITY MARKET REPORT
Beef Insights
August 1, 2025
What’s Happening?
Beef markets in Canada remain under upward pressure heading into August, driven by tight supply fundamentals and continued strong demand. Prices have remained extremely high, particularly for middle meats like striploins and ribeyes, as grilling season peaks and inventory levels remain low. Imports from the U.S. are expensive due to currency pressure and steady domestic demand. The latest data also shows continued strength in lean grinding meat, pushing up costs on ground beef and burgers
As mentioned previously, beef prices are up over 15% compared to last year. Operators are increasingly challenged to balance margin protection with customer value perception, especially as diner traffic softens in some regions.
What Can You Do?
- Build Margin with Braised Cuts: Opt for value-rich cuts such as chuck to create flavourful slow-cooked menu items.
- Keep It Seasonal: Feature summer-friendly beef options like kabobs, tacos, or bowls that allow smaller portions without reducing satisfaction.
- Consider Daily Features: Use fluctuating pricing to your advantage by buying opportunistically and promoting flexible daily specials.
- Be Strategic with Ground Beef: Stretch your usage with dishes like chili or shepherd’s pie that maintain appeal and value.
Menu Suggestions
- Coffee-Braised Beef Blade Roast with Carrot Purée
- Chipotle-Lime Chuck Steak Tacos with Slaw
- Grilled Flank Steak Bowl with Quinoa and Chimichurri
- Beer & Bacon Ground Beef Sliders with Pickled Onions
PORK COMMODITY MARKET REPORT
Pork Insights
August 1, 2025
What’s Happening?
Canadian pork prices are beginning to show some softening in a few areas as summer progresses. Loins and butts are still trading at strong levels due to sustained export demand and retail featuring. However, ribs and bellies have started to lose momentum after an extended run-up. With larger pork supplies expected to come online in late summer, pricing relief may be on the horizon.
Operators should monitor market trends closely, especially as pork remains one of the few proteins still offering relatively good value compared to beef. Pulled pork, sausages, and loin-based menu items continue to be popular among cost-conscious diners.
What Can You Do?
- Lean Into Pulled Pork: With shoulder and picnic cuts still affordable, pulled pork is a great centrepiece for sandwiches, tacos, or plated entrées.
- Feature Chops in Creative Ways: Pork chops can be reimagined with seasonal glazes or marinades to deliver perceived value.
- Watch for Buying Opportunities: Prices on ribs may ease soon—consider buying ahead.
- Pair for Value: Combine pork mains with economical starches and summer veg to create filling, margin-friendly plates.
Menu Suggestions:
- Honey Mustard Grilled Pork Chops with Summer Slaw
- Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Apple Cider BBQ Sauce
- Smoked Back Ribs with Maple Glaze and Cornbread
- Tuscan-Style Pork Loin Roast with Herb-Roasted Potatoes
POULTRY COMMODITY MARKET REPORT
Poultry Insights
August 1, 2025
What’s Happening?
Chicken remains a critical value protein on menus, though pricing has firmed up slightly in recent weeks due to summer demand and steady retail interest. Boneless breasts continue to lead the category, with strong demand in both retail and foodservice. Wings remain elevated with sports viewing spikes, while dark meat cuts like thighs and drumsticks are seeing renewed popularity in fast-casual formats and takeout.
As poultry remains a better value than beef or in many regions, operators continue to lean heavily on chicken to keep menu costs in line and drive traffic.
What Can You Do?
- Cross-Utilize Chicken Cuts: Buy whole birds or bulk packs to stretch usage across multiple menu items.
- Diversify Your Formats: Try grilled, roasted, or marinated versions that can appear in bowls, sandwiches, or plated meals.
- Capitalize on Wings: If pricing allows, offer seasonal wing specials to draw in groups and sports fans.
- Highlight Healthy Prep: Promote grilled or baked chicken options as lighter summer fare.
Menu Suggestions:
- Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Buttermilk Dressing
- Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Thighs with Crispy Smashed Potatoes
- Korean-Style Wings with Gochujang Glaze and Pickled Veg
- BBQ Chicken Flatbread with Sweet Peppers and Mozzarella
SEAFOOD COMMODITY MARKET REPORT
Seafood Insights
August 1, 2025
What’s Happening?
Seafood pricing remains mixed across key species as we enter August. Salmon pricing has eased slightly, especially on frozen portions. Shrimp, however, remains elevated due to shipping delays and strong demand. Whitefish such as cod and haddock remain expensive, driven by supply constraints and retail competition.
On the west coast, Dungeness crab season is underway, but tight quotas are keeping prices firm. Lobster tails are holding steady, with some softening expected by mid-August. Operators should monitor U.S. trade news, as any shifts in border logistics could impact availability in Canada.
What Can You Do?
- Use Frozen to Your Advantage: Frozen salmon, shrimp, and cod provide cost control with longer shelf life.
- Be Flexible with Species: Consider tilapia, basa, or pollock for whitefish applications at a better price point.
- Add Seafood to Shareables: Seafood small plates or shareables allow you to stretch portions and boost perceived value.
- Promote Health Halo: Highlight seafood’s lean and nutritious profile to appeal to summer diners.
Menu Suggestions:
- Lemon-Pepper Grilled Basa Tacos with Cilantro Slaw
- Coconut Shrimp with Chili-Lime Dipping Sauce
- Cajun Blackened Salmon Bowl with Corn Salsa
- Atlantic Cod Cakes with Lemon Aioli and Summer Greens
PRODUCE COMMODITY MARKET REPORT
Current Key Produce Market Trends
General 2025 Trend
- Vegetable prices expected to increase by 5-7% in 2025
- Fruit prices expected to increase by 1-3%
What’s Happening?
Produce pricing is showing typical summer volatility. Canadian and U.S. growers are battling extreme heat in several regions, tightening supplies on heat-sensitive crops like leafy greens, green beans, and berries. Meanwhile, crops like tomatoes and zucchini are coming into better supply, helping to stabilize those markets.
Operators should continue to adapt menus to crop availability. Expect price increases to persist on items like lemons, corn, and bell peppers through early August due to strong demand and regional supply gaps.
What Can You Do?
- Stay Flexible with Sourcing: Consider switching to frozen or pre-cut when fresh quality dips.
- Optimize Seasonal Menu Items: Feature produce that’s abundant and lower cost like cucumbers, melons, and local tomatoes.
- Reduce Waste Through Pre-Portioning: Pre-cut produce can improve consistency and reduce spoilage during heat-impacted periods.
Price Alerts as of August 1, 2025
- Lemons: Supplies tight with strong demand; prices climbing.
- Green Beans: Eastern markets on alert due to tight supply and rising prices.
- Corn: Eastern yellow corn remains limited; western markets are also tightening.
- Brussels Sprouts: Heat stress has lowered yields, and prices are increasing.
- Bell Peppers: Green, red, and yellow varieties are tight in both East and West.
- Tomatoes: Eastern supply short; expect Western product to dominate.
- Cucumbers: Supply steady, but watch for potential gaps from Eastern regions.
- Asparagus: Transitional regions are driving tighter supply and increasing prices.
Consider Frozen with Alasko!
When fresh produce is limited or prices are high, Alasko provides a reliable solution with a full range of high-quality frozen fruits and vegetables.
We look forward to your questions, feedback and suggestions. Contact: Randy@gbfs.ca
