Market Report

Beef Insights

March 1, 2025

What’s Happening?

Beef prices have stabilized after volatility, influenced by seasonal demand shifts and macroeconomic factors like potential tariffs. The mid-winter price lull persists, but spring’s grilling season may push prices higher.

Canadian beef buyers continue to navigate a challenging market, balancing U.S. pricing trends with domestic purchasing behaviour. The depreciation of the Canadian dollar has further compounded cost pressures, making imports from the U.S. and other global suppliers increasingly expensive.

Middle meats (ribs and loins) remain strong due to seasonal demand and limited availability. End cuts (chucks and rounds) have softened but may rebound as demand for lean trimmings stays firm while ground beef prices continue to be exceptionally high, sustaining strong retail demand.

What Can You Do?

• Optimize Cut Selection: Incorporate cost-effective alternatives such as chuck, round, and sirloin to maintain profitability without sacrificing quality.
• Focus on Portion Control: Reduce portion sizes for premium cuts like rib eyes, striploins, and tenderloins, pairing them with hearty sides such as roasted vegetables or grain-based salads.
• Promote Value Cuts: Encourage braised dishes and marinated beef preparations to maximize tenderness and flavor while controlling input costs.

• Braised Beef Short Ribs with Root Vegetables and Red Wine Reduction
• Chuck Steak Tacos with Chipotle Aioli, Pickled Onions, and Cotija Cheese
• Slow-Smoked Brisket Sandwich with Caramelized Onions, Horseradish Aioli, and House-Made Pickles
• Korean-Style Marinated Flank Steak with Sesame Slaw and Spicy Gochujang Sauce

Pork Insights

March 1, 2025

What’s Happening?

The pork market is in a temporary price stall due to seasonal demand shifts and export uncertainties. However, wholesale pork demand remains strong, especially for processed cuts like hams and bellies, which are seeing price pressure.

Hams and bellies [bacon] are maintaining firm pricing, driven by both domestic consumption and global trade activity. Loins and butts have gained traction in export markets such as Korea and Japan, causing pricing to move somewhat higher. Picnics are seeing increased demand as pork processors stock up for sausage and further-processed meat production.

The North American pork industry is also facing potential supply disruptions due to ongoing trade negotiations, with speculation about new tariffs potentially impacting pricing structures in the coming months.

What Can You Do?

• Diversify Protein Offerings: Pork remains an attractive alternative to beef, particularly in cost-conscious menu planning.
• Create Value Combos: Design meal deals that pair pork entrees with affordable sides to offer customers a sense of value while keeping your food costs in check.
• Leverage Shoulder Cuts: Utilize versatile and affordable shoulder cuts, such as picnics for slow-cooked dishes, pulled pork, or braised entrees. These cuts are ideal for creating flavourful meals that appeal to budget-conscious diners.

Menu Suggestions:

• Maple-Glazed Pork Belly Sliders with Apple Slaw and Spicy Mustard
• Grilled Pork Loin with Caramelized Pear Chutney and Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
• Slow-Smoked Pulled Pork Tacos with Pickled Red Cabbage and Lime Crema
• Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta with Roasted Peppers and Parmesan Cream Sauce

Poultry Insights

March 1, 2025

What’s Happening?

Chicken remains a cost-effective protein, though demand has softened slightly. It remains more affordable and versatile than beef, with steady supply and minimal disruptions, making it a reliable menu choice for operators.

Breasts: Prices remain stable with steady retail demand, while foodservice operators are increasingly incorporating them into diverse menu applications. Grilled, roasted, or breaded breast options remain a staple on menus. Wings: Seasonal demand has kept prices firm, with further increases expected ahead of spring promotions. Operators should anticipate strong consumer interest in wings for upcoming major sporting events. Legs: Prices have eased slightly but remain higher than historical averages due to steady export demand and continued retail featuring. Dark meat cuts continue to be a cost-effective option for operators looking to balance protein costs while delivering bold flavours.

What Can You Do?

• Consider Dark Meat Cuts: Chicken thighs and drumsticks offer excellent margin potential, providing a flavourful alternative that appeals to diners seeking both value and taste.
• Leverage Prepared and Marinated Options: Pre-marinated or lightly processed chicken options can streamline kitchen operations while delivering strong, consistent product profiles.
• Expand International Offerings: With global flavours trending, consider incorporating chicken into international dishes, such as Korean fried chicken, Peruvian-style roasted chicken, or Middle Eastern shawarma to attract a broader audience.

Menu Suggestions:

• Herb-Roasted Chicken Thighs with Garlic Butter and Crispy Potatoes
• Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry with Jasmine Rice and Sesame Soy Glaze
• Peri-Peri Grilled Chicken with Citrus Slaw and Sweet Potato Fries
• Chicken Parmesan with Fresh Basil, Mozzarella, and House-Made Marinara

Seafood Insights

March 1, 2025

What’s Happening?

The seafood market remains dynamic, with pricing fluctuations across key species. Supply challenges in some areas have led to price increases, while seasonal trends have softened others. With increasing consumer interest in seafood due to its perceived health benefits, demand remains steady across foodservice and retail sectors.

• Shrimp: Imported black tiger and domestic white shrimp prices continue to rise due to shipping delays and global supply chain constraints.
• Salmon: Fresh Chilean Atlantic salmon prices have risen slightly due to strong demand, while frozen portions remain stable.
• Whitefish (Cod, Haddock, Pollock): Prices are trending higher due to tighter inventories, increased transportation costs, and strong retail and foodservice demand.
• Crab & Lobster: North American lobster tail prices have stabilized but remain elevated, while Canadian snow crab faces uncertainty with potential U.S. tariff implications, adding volatility to the market.

What Can You Do?

• Diversify Seafood Offerings: Utilize cost-effective options such as frozen salmon, tilapia, or pangasius [also known as Basa – an Asian species of catfish] to maintain menu variety while controlling costs.
• Highlight Sustainable Choices: Consumers continue to prioritize responsibly sourced seafood. Promote sustainability certifications such as MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) and ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council) to attract eco-conscious diners.
• Adjust Pricing Strategies: Monitor global seafood trends and potential tariff impacts to stay ahead of price fluctuations and optimize purchasing strategies.

Menu Suggestions:

• Seared Atlantic Salmon with Lemon Dill Butter and Roasted Asparagus
• Garlic Butter Shrimp Linguine with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Basil
• Beer-Battered Cod Tacos with Cabbage Slaw, Avocado Crema, and Pico de Gallo
• Spicy Cajun Blackened Tilapia with Corn Relish and Cilantro Lime Rice

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%

Strategies to Mitigate Price Increases

• Seasonal Menu Planning: Focus on in-season options like root vegetables (turnips, parsnips, carrots) and winter squash to reduce costs and create hearty, seasonal dishes.
• Portion Adjustments: Reduce portions of expensive produce while balancing plates with grains or legumes.
• Creative Substitutions: Replace high-cost ingredients, like imported greens, with affordable, nutrient-rich options like cabbage or kale.
• Preserve Versatility: Feature stable, versatile ingredients like sweet potatoes, beets, and apples in soups, salads, and desserts.
• Leverage Technology: Use predictive inventory management tools to optimize purchasing and reduce waste.

Price Alerts as of March 1, 2025

• Tomatoes: Supply remains tight, with continued upward price pressure on Roma and round varieties.
• Lettuce: Weather-related quality issues are affecting iceberg and romaine, keeping prices elevated.
• Broccoli & Cauliflower: Strong demand and lower yields are keeping prices above seasonal averages.
• Bell Peppers: Limited red and yellow pepper supply is driving higher prices, while green peppers remain stable.
• Avocados: Increased demand and variable crop yields in Mexico are contributing to price fluctuations.

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