Beef (Commodity)

Near Term Pricing: Decreasing
Supply vs. Demand: Available – Mixed
Beef markets are offering a short but important selling window as distributors work to clear on-hand inventory. The holiday demand window for ribs and tenderloins remains open for another 10–14 days, making this a critical period to protect local and regional share. While middle meats are softening, volatility is expected to return immediately after the New Year. Looking ahead, chucks, rounds, thin meats, and ground beef are projected to move higher as seasonal dynamics shift.

Butter

Near Term Pricing: Steady
Supply vs. Demand: Increasing Supply / Strong Demand
Butter production remains strong nationwide, with inventories building as post-holiday foodservice demand slows. Retail restocking continues to drive volume, while foodservice activity remains inconsistent across regions. Export interest is helping absorb supply, particularly in the Central and Western regions, though some excess butter is being placed into storage. Overall supply is ample, and pricing is expected to remain steady as markets normalize early in the year.

Cheese

Near Term Pricing: Decreasing
Supply vs. Demand: Increasing Supply / Moderating Demand
Cheese markets are softening as buyers work through existing inventories following the holiday season. Foodservice and retail demand has moderated, though activity is expected to rebound gradually as schools and institutional buyers return to normal schedules. Production remains steady, with milk supplies adequate to meet current needs. Export demand continues to play an important role in balancing the market, helping prevent more pronounced price declines.

Fluid Dairy

Near Term Pricing: Class I – Increasing / Class II – Decreasing
Supply vs. Demand: Available – Steady
Milk costs are expected to decline significantly in January, providing some near-term relief for fluid dairy buyers. Cream and cultured product pricing is also easing slightly as seasonal demand subsides. Production remains steady, and supply is sufficient to meet both retail and foodservice needs. Overall market conditions point to improved cost stability as the new year begins.

Oils / Shortening / Margarine

Near Term Pricing: Mixed
Supply vs. Demand: Available – Steady
Oilseed markets remain relatively stable as uncertainty around biofuel policy continues to limit trading volatility. Soy oil prices are expected to hold steady, while canola and peanut oils remain elevated due to demand modestly outpacing supply. Palm-based shortening and margarine products may ease slightly in select markets as January progresses. Tallow remains the outlier, with extremely high prices and tight supply expected to persist long term.

Pork (Commodity)

Near Term Pricing: Decreasing
Supply vs. Demand: Available – Weak
Pork markets remain unremarkable as seasonal attention stays focused on beef, turkey, and value-added ham items. Demand is weak, and supply is sufficient across major cuts, limiting any upward price momentum. Without a clear demand catalyst, pork pricing is expected to remain soft through the early weeks of the year.

Pork (Value-Added)

Near Term Pricing: Decreasing
Supply vs. Demand: Available – Steady
Bacon pricing appears to be at or near its seasonal bottom and is expected to stabilize through much of 2026. While near-term movement is limited, longer-term fundamentals point to a sharp rebound. Prices are projected to rise as much as 25% between January and March, making current levels an opportunity for forward planning.

Poultry (Chicken)

Near Term Pricing: Steady
Supply vs. Demand: Available – Steady
Chicken markets remain balanced, with stable pricing across both white and dark meat categories. Supply is broadly available, and demand is consistent but unspectacular. With no major disruptions reported, chicken continues to offer reliable availability and predictable costs for operators.

Poultry (Turkey)

Near Term Pricing: Increasing
Supply vs. Demand: Short – Strong
Turkey pricing continues to rise as supply remains well short of demand. Avian Influenza outbreaks are further tightening availability across multiple regions. Near-term relief is unlikely, keeping turkey pricing elevated as operators move deeper into winter planning.

Produce

Near Term Pricing:
Lower – Iceberg, Romaine, Strawberries, Lemons
Steady – Avocados, Bell Peppers, Broccoli, Onions, Tomatoes, Idaho Russets
Higher – Apples, Oranges
Supply vs. Demand: Improving to Short/Strong
Produce markets have improved overall, with lettuce and strawberries now promotable thanks to strong quality and increased supplies. Apples and oranges are trending higher due to reduced availability of smaller foodservice sizes and weather-related sizing shifts. Avocados, tomatoes, and potatoes remain steady with good quality and supply. Overall conditions are favorable, though operators should watch citrus and apple sizing closely.

Seafood

Near Term Pricing: Increasing
Supply vs. Demand: Available – Steady
Seafood markets remain volatile as tariffs and inconsistent import flows continue to pressure costs. Supply of pasteurized crab meat, haddock, and cod is tightening, with shortages expected to drive additional price increases. Demand remains steady, but uncertainty around trade policy is keeping buyers cautious and pricing unstable.

Shell Eggs

Near Term Pricing: Decreasing
Supply vs. Demand: Increasing Supply / Decreasing Demand
Egg markets are softening as post-holiday demand declines and supplies remain moderate to heavy. Foodservice buying activity is light, particularly for liquid and frozen egg products, leading to reduced processing schedules. Breaking activity fell sharply as operators worked through inventory. Despite ongoing avian influenza impacts, cage-free and free-range eggs continue to capture growing interest from both retail and foodservice buyers.

Sugar

Near Term Pricing: Steady
Supply vs. Demand: Available – Steady
Sugar pricing remains stable as the domestic beet and cane harvest wraps up with expected yields. Supply levels are sufficient to meet foodservice demand into 2026, reducing reliance on imports. With strong domestic availability, pricing is expected to remain competitive through the first quarter.

Wheat (Flour-Based Products)

Near Term Pricing: Steady
Supply vs. Demand: Available – Steady
Domestic wheat supply remains solid, though international market concerns tied to Ukraine have begun pushing global prices higher. These pressures are starting to impact domestic flour costs, with slight price increases expected later in the month. The duration of this trend remains uncertain, but near-term supply remains sufficient to meet demand.