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
September 1, 2025
What’s Happening?
The Canadian beef market continues to experience upward pricing pressure as processors manage tight cattle supplies and higher input costs. Rib and loin cuts remain elevated, while end cuts like chucks and rounds are becoming increasingly attractive for value-focused menu planning. The wholesale market shows some regional variation, but overall Canadian AAA prices are up significantly year-over-year. With grilling season still in full swing through September, demand for steaks and burgers remains strong across most provinces.
What Can You Do?
- Explore underutilized cuts to manage costs.
- Stretch premium proteins by offering mixed plates or beef-featured pastas.
- Emphasize Canadian beef sourcing on menus to boost customer trust.
- Portion smart—consider 6 oz steaks instead of 8 oz to maintain perceived value.
Menu Suggestions
- Grilled Flat Iron Steak with Chimichurri and Roasted Corn Salad
- Braised Beef Short Ribs with Horseradish Cream and Garlic Mash
- Beef Kofta Wraps with Tzatziki and Pickled Red Onion
- Steak and Summer Vegetable Skewers with Couscous
- Beef and Mushroom Pappardelle with Fresh Herbs
PORK COMMODITY MARKET REPORT
Pork Insights
September 1, 2025
What’s Happening?
The pork market remains relatively stable, with ample supply and cooling export demand helping ease domestic pricing. Loins and butts continue to provide good value for operators, while ribs have started to soften slightly following peak summer demand.
Ground pork is especially cost-effective right now and is being increasingly used by chefs as a protein swap to help manage overall food costs.
What Can You Do?
- Promote pork as a premium yet affordable centre-of-plate protein.
- Get creative with ground pork in shareables, bowls, and handhelds.
- Use dry rubs or house-made glazes to elevate low-cost cuts.
- Take advantage of early fall comfort food trends—roasts and braises.
Menu Suggestions:
- Smoked Pork Shoulder Sandwiches with Slaw and Mustard BBQ
- Grilled Pork Loin with Apple-Fennel Slaw and Dijon Cream
- Pork Belly Burnt Ends with Pickled Jalapeño
- Ground Pork Bao Buns with Hoisin and Fresh Herbs
- Maple-Glazed Pork Chops with Roasted Sweet Potatoes
POULTRY COMMODITY MARKET REPORT
Poultry Insights
September 1, 2025
What’s Happening?
Canadian chicken prices have begun to stabilize, especially for breast meat, which saw upward pressure earlier in the summer. Wing demand is slowing slightly post-patio peak, but thighs and drumsticks remain in strong demand, especially among operators seeking margin-friendly alternatives.
Prepared and marinated poultry SKUs are also seeing increased adoption due to ongoing labour shortages in kitchens.
What Can You Do?
- Promote chicken thighs and drumsticks as high-margin seasonal features.
- Add spicy or global flavour profiles to attract younger diners.
- Offer “build-your-own” chicken bowls or wraps to manage portion costs.
- Leverage marinated and ready-to-cook formats to save labour.
- Keep chicken visible as a value-forward protein vs. beef.
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
September 1, 2025
What’s Happening?
Seafood costs remain mixed going into September. According to the latest U.S. Farmers Report and Canadian distributor trends, frozen whitefish species such as pollock and hake continue to offer solid value.
Meanwhile, fresh salmon prices are elevated due to tight supply, and lobster tails remain at historically high prices. Scallop supply has improved slightly, stabilizing costs. Many operators are reducing reliance on fresh finfish and instead using frozen-at-sea alternatives for consistency and cost management.
What Can You Do?
- Menu budget-friendly frozen options like pollock, hoki, or haddock.
- Use seafood in mixed applications—tacos, pastas, or chowders.
- Highlight sustainability certifications for frozen seafood products.
- Consider pre-battered or breaded formats for consistent quality.
- Avoid over-relying on fresh high-end species until prices moderate.
Menu Suggestions:
- Baja-Style Fish Tacos with Cabbage Slaw and Lime Crema
- Hake Fish Cakes with Lemon Aioli and Microgreens
- Seafood Chowder with Pollock, Shrimp, and Corn
- Crispy Breaded Cod Sandwich with Pickles and Remoulade
- Teriyaki Salmon Rice Bowl with Edamame and Carrot Slaw
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?
Weather events in the U.S. and Canada have impacted several key crops. Tomato supplies are improving but still tight, especially for grape and cherry varieties. Avocado prices remain firm due to smaller crops out of Mexico, while lettuce markets are steady.
Onion and potato markets are expected to transition in the coming weeks, with short-term pricing volatility likely. Seasonal fruit crops such as peaches, melons, and berries continue to perform well but will wind down by late September.
What Can You Do?
- Embrace seasonal local produce while it’s still available in September.
- Consider pre-cut produce options to save labour.
- Build menu features around stable or promotional vegetables like carrots, cabbage, and squash.
- Reduce waste by rotating fresh produce into daily features and soups.
Fresh Produce Price Alerts – September 1, 2025
- Avocados – Prices remain elevated; consider smaller sizes or limiting guacamole promos.
- Tomatoes – Field tomatoes improving, but grape/cherry still tight.
- Potatoes – Storage crops finishing; quality good but price is climbing.
- Leafy Greens – Romaine and iceberg stable, but green leaf is tight.
- Citrus – Oranges transitioning to imports; watch pricing.
- Peppers – Bell pepper markets steady with good domestic supply.
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
