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
November 1, 2025
What’s Happening?
Beef prices surged to record highs in late August before softening slightly into late October. Production remains well below both last year and the five-year average in Canada and the U.S., creating persistent supply tightness. Demand for steaks, burgers, and roasts continues to surprise to the upside, particularly in full-service restaurants. While loins are expected to soften seasonally into January, rib cuts typically climb again in November in preparation for holiday and catering menus. Chuck and round cuts offer better value as pricing pressure remains across premium SKUs.
What Can You Do?
- Highlight “Canadian Raised” beef to promote value and local support.
- Offer petite steak sandwiches or surf-and-turf features to manage margins.
- Shift to frozen or portion-controlled value-added beef SKUs to reduce labour costs.
- Feature beef as a rotating “Chef’s Cut” special to align with market movements.
Menu Suggestions
- Beer-Braised Chuck Roast with Horseradish Mash
- Steak and Mushroom Poutine with Peppercorn Gravy
- Petite Sirloin & Shrimp Skillet with Garlic Butter
- Beef Short Rib Stew with Fall Root Vegetables
PORK COMMODITY MARKET REPORT
Pork Insights
November 1, 2025
What’s Happening?
Tight supply and sustained demand allowed pork prices to remain firm through Q3, without the usual late-summer dip. Prices have now started to seasonally ease into Q4, particularly for hams, butts, and loins. The October 27 Pork Market Report notes stable pricing for ribs and strong belly [bacon] demand volatility. Buyers can expect better value heading into holiday planning, especially compared to beef, though pricing remains higher than the past two years.
What Can You Do?
- Position pork as a lower-cost centre-of-plate protein versus beef.
- Explore shoulder, ground pork, and loin options for multi-purpose usage.
- Add ethnic or global flair (Mexican, Korean, Filipino) to differentiate pork offerings.
- Mix pork with other ground meats to reduce cost without compromising flavour.
Menu Suggestions:
- Cider-Braised Pork Shoulder with Rosemary Roasted Squash
- Sticky BBQ Pork Ribs with Apple Slaw and Cornbread
- Ground Pork & Beef Chili with Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread
- Grilled Pork Loin with Maple Dijon Glaze and Warm Grain Salad
POULTRY COMMODITY MARKET REPORT
Poultry Insights
November 1, 2025
What’s Happening?
Chicken buyers continue to face tight domestic supply and restricted import volumes due to early-year quota usage and ongoing production issues. The market is reporting modest price relief in some regions, especially as patio season demand winds down. However, overall pricing remains elevated vs. last year. Breast meat remains in highest demand, while thighs and drumsticks offer the best value for foodservice operators heading into the winter months.
What Can You Do?
- Lean into dark meat cuts for fall and winter comfort food menu items.
- Use spice-forward or global marinades to differentiate simple cuts.
- Offer poultry-based pasta or rice bowls to manage costs while maintaining portion size.
- Capitalize on demand for boneless wings and tenders as appetizers or bundled combos.
Menu Suggestions:
- Buttermilk Chicken Thigh Sandwich with Pickled Jalapeño Slaw
- BBQ Pulled Chicken Pizza with Caramelized Onion and Gouda
- Thai Red Curry Chicken Bowl with Jasmine Rice and Roasted Veg
- Chicken Alfredo Mac Bake with Garlic Panko Topping
- Harissa Chicken Drumsticks with Cucumber Yogurt Dip
SEAFOOD COMMODITY MARKET REPORT
Seafood Insights
November 1, 2025
What’s Happening?
Seafood pricing remains highly varied. Whitefish species like hake, cod, and pollock offer dependable value. However, salmon prices remain high due to global supply pressures, and Black Tiger shrimp pricing is rising sharply due to harvest disruptions and holiday demand. Lobster remains premium, scallops are slightly softer, and shellfish such as mussels and clams are abundant and well priced.
What Can You Do?
- Feature frozen whitefish in tacos, chowders, and casseroles for value.
- Use shrimp in mixed dishes (pasta, rice bowls) to stretch premium protein.
- Promote Canadian shellfish as seasonal features or shareable appetizers.
- Rotate high-end fresh fish in LTOs to protect margins.
- Swap lobster for more affordable alternatives like scallop, shrimp, or whitefish in rolls or bisques.
Menu Suggestions:
- Crispy Fish Tacos with Hake, Pickled Cabbage, and Chipotle Mayo
- Creamy Seafood Chowder with Cod, Clams, and Corn
- Garlic Butter Tiger Shrimp Pasta with Chili Flakes
- Scallop & Spinach Risotto with Lemon Zest and Parmesan
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?
October weather patterns continue to affect produce supply across North America. Rounds and Roma tomatoes are stabilizing, while grape/cherry types remain elevated. Leafy greens are impacted by quality concerns and tighter availability.
Avocados remain expensive, with smaller sizes dominating. Onions and potatoes are transitioning to new crop supply, leading to pricing volatility. Citrus (lemons and oranges) pricing remains firm due to imported origin costs. Local fall crops like squash and cabbage are abundant and stable, offering excellent seasonal value.
What Can You Do?
- Spotlight root vegetables and squash in soups, stews, and vegetarian features.
- Monitor tomato prices and switch varieties or formats as needed.
- Reduce dessert costs by rotating away from fresh berries to frozen fruit compotes or baked alternatives.
- Offer produce-forward soups, side dishes, and warm salads to increase check averages.
- Use greenhouse-grown cucumbers and peppers for consistency and availability.
Fresh Produce Price Alerts – November 1, 2025
- Avocados – Pricing firm; consider downsizing or limiting guac-based menu items.
- Tomatoes – Grape/cherry still tight; substitute with Romas where possible.
- Leafy Greens – Variable quality; plan for occasional subbing of varieties.
- Strawberries – Expect continued tight volume and premium pricing.
- Oranges/Lemons – Imported supply costly.
- Onions & Potatoes – Transitioning crops; price and quality volatility expected.
Consider Frozen with Alasko!
When fresh produce or seafood prices are volatile, Alasko offers chef-ready frozen fruits, vegetables, and whitefish fillets that deliver consistency and cost control through the holidays and beyond.
We look forward to your questions, feedback and suggestions. Contact: Randy@gbfs.ca
