Market Report

Beef Insights

April 1, 2025

What’s Happening?

Beef prices remain elevated into April, supported by strong U.S. demand and tight supply conditions across North America. Canadian beef buyers are also feeling pressure from the weak Canadian dollar, further driving up costs. Despite the higher prices, both retail and foodservice channels are moving product steadily, reflecting strong consumer demand and the continued willingness to pay for quality beef. Middle meats like ribs and loins are holding strong as the grilling season gains momentum, while end cuts such as chucks and rounds are experiencing some softness.

However, lean trimmings remain firm due to sustained ground beef demand. Retail beef margins remain above average, but volume movement is slightly below last year’s levels. Meanwhile, foodservice buyers are increasingly focusing on alternative proteins and more economical beef items to manage customer price sensitivity and ensure menu profitability in a cost-conscious market.

What Can You Do?

• Control Costs with Creative Cuts: Consider cuts like tri-tip and sirloin flap to offer beef experiences with better cost control.
• Use Trimmed or Ground Options: Create innovative dishes with high-quality ground beef or trim-based blends to offer flavour without the high cost of premium cuts.
• Leverage Weekly Features: Use market conditions to your advantage by featuring beef items when prices plateau or dip briefly.

• Grilled Flank Steak: charred to perfection, topped with fresh Chimichurri and sweet fire-roasted peppers
• Smoked Chuck Roast Poutine: tender smoked chuck roast, smothered in rich gravy and melty cheese curds
• Ground Brisket Burger: juicy brisket patty, topped with aged cheddar, sweet tomato jam, and tangy pickled shallots
• Chuck Steak Tacos: succulent chuck steak, drizzled with creamy chipotle aioli, pickled onions, and crumbled cotija Cheese

Pork Insights

April 1, 2025

What’s Happening?

Pork prices are holding firm as we move into April, supported by tighter-than-expected supplies and strong domestic and export demand. Retail advertising continues to support popular cuts like pork ribs and loins, which are seeing consistent interest from consumers. Meanwhile, pork bellies (bacon) remain stable, with steady pricing and strong demand in both retail and foodservice. In the foodservice sector, there’s increased interest in value-added products and processed cuts like sausages and pulled pork, which are in high demand due to their convenience and versatility in a wide range of dishes.

Looking ahead, the outlook suggests no immediate relief in pricing, with most primals expected to trend slightly higher throughout Q2. The ongoing supply constraints, combined with strong consumer demand, are expected to continue driving prices upward. Canadian foodservice operators are closely monitoring U.S. tariff developments, as these could have a significant impact on pricing in the coming weeks, adding an additional layer of uncertainty to the market.

What Can You Do?

• Focus on Value Cuts: For example, shoulder cuts and rib ends provide versatility and better margins.
• Batch-Cooked Menu Items: Pulled pork or pork ragùs are cost-effective and lend themselves to high-volume service.
• Offer Global Flavours: Feature Korean BBQ pork

Menu Suggestions:

• Sweet Soy Glazed Pork Ribs: tender ribs glazed in a rich, sweet soy sauce, paired with crisp, refreshing ginger slaw
• Slow-Cooked Carnitas Tacos: melt-in-your-mouth slow-cooked carnitas, topped with fresh, tangy salsa verde
• Pulled Pork Banh Mi: savory pulled pork, loaded with pickled veggies and fresh cilantro, served on a crisp baguette
• Maple-Glazed Pork Belly Sliders: sweet maple-glazed pork belly, topped with crunchy apple slaw and zesty spicy mustard

Poultry Insights

April 1, 2025

What’s Happening?

Poultry continues to be one of the most stable and reliable protein sources in the market, with prices demonstrating consistent upward momentum as we move into the month of April. The cost of breasts and wings is seeing moderate increases, primarily driven by robust retail promotions and a noticeable reduction in overall inventories. These price adjustments reflect the ongoing demand and the challenges posed by lower stock levels. Meanwhile, demand for dark meat remains consistently strong, with legs and thighs being particularly popular due to their affordability in comparison to other types of protein, which has kept them in high demand among both consumers and foodservice providers.

As for production, it is gradually ramping up in an effort to meet the growing demand, but processors continue to face challenges related to tight inventory levels and supply chain constraints. Although production is increasing, there are still significant difficulties in maintaining stock levels that match market needs. In response to these challenges, imports have seen an uptick, particularly from Brazil, as suppliers work to balance the shortages. However, the cost and availability of these imported goods remain somewhat unpredictable, with fluctuating prices and supply uncertainties adding further complexity to the market.

What Can You Do?

• Plan Ahead: Anticipate modest price increases and plan accordingly.
• Utilize Versatile Cuts: Chicken thighs and drumsticks offer good margin potential and pair well with global flavours.
• 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.

Menu Suggestions:

• Tandoori-Spiced Chicken Thighs: juicy chicken thighs marinated in bold tandoori spices, with cucumber raita
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings: crispy chicken wings coated in garlic parmesan, paired with creamy ranch dip
• Chicken Shawarma Rice Bowl: tender shawarma-spiced chicken over a bed of rice, drizzled with tahini dressing
• Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich: crispy buttermilk fried chicken, topped with crunchy slaw and hot honey

Seafood Insights

April 1, 2025

What’s Happening?

Seafood pricing remains mixed as we head into April, with different categories experiencing varying trends. Atlantic salmon prices are relatively secure, supported by good availability in the market, allowing for stable pricing and consistent supply. In contrast, shrimp markets are continuing to see upward price movement, particularly for black tiger and Gulf shell-on varieties. These price increases are being driven by ongoing logistics issues and container constraints, which are limiting supply and adding pressure to costs.

Meanwhile, the prices for cod, haddock, and pollock are holding firm, primarily due to tight supply conditions and strong, consistent demand across both retail and foodservice channels. Lobster tail and crab meat prices are remaining elevated, with volatility persisting as a result of global trade uncertainties and limited harvests from the Canadian spring season. This volatility is further compounded by fluctuating trade conditions, making it difficult to predict price trends in the short term. Operators should continue to closely monitor the whitefish and shellfish markets, as volatility is expected to persist throughout Q2, with potential fluctuations in both supply and pricing.

What Can You Do?

• Balance Menu with Frozen and Value Species: Frozen cod or pollock offer stable pricing with ideal plate coverage.
• Leverage LTOs: Feature various species on a short-term basis to capitalize on interest while managing cost.
• Adjust Pricing Strategies: Monitor global seafood trends and potential tariff impacts to stay ahead of price fluctuations and optimize purchasing strategies.

Menu Suggestions:

• Herb-Crusted Baked Cod: flaky cod with a crispy herb crust, served with a luscious lemon beurre blanc
• Shrimp and Grits: succulent shrimp paired with smoky andouille sausage and creamy grits, topped with fresh scallions
• Grilled Salmon Nicoise Salad: perfectly grilled salmon on a bed of crisp greens, with tangy capers and crisp green beans
• Lobster Mac and Cheese: decadent lobster in creamy mac and cheese, featuring rich aged white cheddar

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 April 1, 2025

• Lettuce: Iceberg and romaine prices remain high due to desert crop sourcing transitions and weather-related quality issues.
• Tomatoes: Roma and round varieties continue to climb as Mexican winter crops wind down and Florida transitions.
• Broccoli & Cauliflower: Markets are active as desert regions harvests taper off and other regions ramp up slowly.
• Cucumbers: Supplies are tightening, especially in the West. Prices are firming.
• Avocados: Small sizes are plentiful; larger sizes are limited, contributing to upward price pressure.
• Peppers: Red and yellow bell peppers remain tight; green peppers are steady.
• Strawberries: Markets remain secure with variable supply out of Florida and California.

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.