Listed below are several industry Websites that provide valuable market related information that will help you stay abreast of ever-changing market conditions in the foodservice industry.

http://www.ams.usda.gov/
http://www.foodservicedairy.com
http://www.cme.com/wrappedpages/misc/cheese.html
http://www.foodservice.com/
http://www.catfishnews.com/markets.htm
http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/dnav/pet/pet_pri_gnd_dcus_r30_w.htm

BEEF

Market is unsettled.  Total production for last week was 3.5% lower than the previous week.  This is due in part to continued negative operating margins and the production that was cut back as a result.  Live prices, while most steady this week, remain at very high levels and well above same time last year.  Futures continue to point towards this market continuing to firm as we move further into the year.  Packer margins remain severely negative and have been negative for several weeks now.  Production numbers started off this week down again as packers attempt to decrease inventories to minimize the impact of the negative margins.  If large production cutbacks take place over the next few weeks it can have a large impact on current market expectations and can cause the market to firm more than expected. 

Grinds- Market is firming.  Pricing inched upward again this week as inventories continue to tighten.  Productions cutbacks can have a large impact on grind availability and further cutbacks could cause this market to continue to firm.  Expectations are for this market to firm over the next few weeks.

Loins- Market is steady to slightly firmer.  This market is expected to remain steady to firmer as we move closer to Valentine’s Day and demand increases.

Rounds- Market is steady to slightly firmer.  The market reversed it trends this week after steady decreases the last few weeks.  Inventories are more in line with current demand and expected to put pressure on pricing.

Ribs- Market is steady to slightly firmer.  As with the loin market this market is expected to firm as we move closer to Valentine’s Day and the move back lower as demand decreases.

Chucks- Market is steady to slightly firmer. 

PORK

Market is mixed.  Total pork production for last week was up .8% versus prior week and up 2.4% versus same time last year.  Live prices increased last week and continue to remain above same time last year.  Futures remain strong and continue to point towards stronger pricing this year.  Current packer margins are in the negative and production cutbacks are expected over the next few weeks.  Global demand remains strong and is expected to help hold prices higher than normal seasonal trends.

Bellies- Market is steady.  After inching slowly higher the past few weeks the market has remained steady this week.  This market is expected to firm over the next several weeks.  Seasonal trends point towards this market firming as we moving thru the spring.

Hams- Market is steady to slightly firmer.  Larger sizes currently have greater availability thus putting pressure on pricing for smaller sizes.  Demand is expected to increase as we move thru the next few weeks and move closer to Easter.

Butts- Market is steady to slightly weaker.  Inventories are good and exports, while good, are not as strong as in past weeks.

Loins- Market is slightly weaker.  Pricing has lost ground on the increases seen over the past few weeks.  This is due in part to inventories being greater than current demand.

Ribs- Market is steady to slightly firmer.  This market is beginning to enter its seasonal uptrend as demand starts to increase in anticipation of seasonal needs.

CHICKEN

Trade this week has been minimal, which is typical for this time of year.  The Poultry convention is also this week, with some players out of pocket therefore, trading is mostly spotty.  WOGs and whole birds are rated about steady.  Whole breasts and breast fronts are steady and trade at current levels.  Boneless and tenders are seeing some lower offerings depending on supplier, in hope of moving some inventory.  Leg quarters, thigh and leg meat are moving within current market levels.     Wings have started to slow down with a slight slip of the market, but this could be temporary.

TURKEY

Markets are soft this week with little trading.  Overall market is steady to about steady.  Toms and hens are rated as steady to at least steady.  Fresh breast meat has been reported at some discount level, market could see some additional movement.  Tenderloins are much in the same situation.  Thigh meat is full steady.  Drums are steady as well as wings.    

SEAFOOD

Gulf Shrimp- Market is steady.  Even though demand is reported as slightly down, inventories remain very tight.  According to NOAA, landings for Gulf Shrimp for the month of December were down over 36% versus same time last year.

Black Tiger Shrimp- Market is steady.  Demand is dull.

White Shrimp- Market is unsettled.  Overall market is weak and pricing varies between suppliers as they try to improve demand.  Current demand is rated as dull.

Warm Water Lobster Tails- Market is steady to slightly firmer.  5 and 6 oz tails are slightly firmer because of tighter inventories while the rest of the market is rated as steady.

North American Lobster Tails- Market is steady.

Snow Crab- Market is firmer.  Inventories are light for an active demand.

Dungeness Crab- Market is firmer.  Pricing continues to move upward based on tight inventories and an active demand.

Scallops- Market is steady but firm.  Inventories remain limited and global demand remains strong.

Salmon- Market is mixed.  European whole fish continue to trend downward based on good inventories for a fair demand.  The Chilean market is mixed as inventories vary between suppliers.  Overall inventories on Chilean are rated as good for a quiet demand.  Both the Northeast and West Coast markets are rated as steady.

Cod- Market is steady to slightly firmer.  Inventories are light for a good demand.

Flounder- Market is firmer.  Inventories are light for a good demand.

Haddock- Market is steady.

Pollock- Market is steady. Inventories are light with a current light demand.

Whiting- Market is Market is steady.

Domestic Catfish- Market is steady.  Inventories remain well below average for this time of the year.  Recent reports show that total production for December was down 35% versus same time last year.

Tilapia- Market is mixed.  Larger sizes are firm with inventory being difficult to come by.  Smaller sizes have a much better inventory situation and prices are reflective.

Swai- Market is mixed.  Smaller sizes are mostly steady because of tighter inventories while larger sizes are steady to slightly softer in pricing because of more available inventories.  Several reports describe the increase in production costs in Vietnam and the pressure that those costs are expected to put on pricing as we move forward.

Mahi- Mahi- Market is unsettled.  Inventories remain tight and pricing and inventory varies between suppliers.

Grouper- Market is steady but firm.  Inventories are tight and supply varies between suppliers.

DAIRY

Cheese- Market is softer.  Both the CME Block and Barrel markets have moved downward this week.  Current cheese production is good with current milk production listed as building.  Cheese inventories are building.  Reports this week state that at their current levels, domestic cheese prices now looks favorable on the world market as pricing is lower than other markets such as New Zealand.

Butter- Market is softer.  The CME butter market has inched lower again this week.  Churning schedules are seasonally strong and current production has outpaced demand.  Reports show that butter production is off to a better start this year than in years past and that inventories have increased thus far at a faster pace than the past few years.

EGGS

Market is steady.  Retail demand is good and expectations are for advertising to increase as we head into February.  Inventories are good for current demand.  Total shell egg inventories were down 6.6% versus same time last week as this week began.  The decrease in inventories is due to increased demand as well as a decrease in production due to seasonal production cutbacks.

FRUITS, VEGETABLES, & IMPORTS

Tuna

The year starts on an uncertain footing as markets are negatively influenced by low or negative economic growth prospects and harsh austerity measures reducing consumers’ disposable income during 2012 in most of Western Europe. At the same time, where supply is able to adjust, prices could still remain high; this is what we are

seeing for tuna, herring, and mackerel where lower landings are compensated with markedly higher prices, also as a result of strong demand from non-European markets.

Apples

Apple products continue with brisk demand across all varieties.  Exports are up approximately 25% over last year.  All suppliers have adequate inventory to meet normal demand.  Expect pricing to remain steady.

SOY

The dollar declined and futures prices saw some support because of it. The announcement that interest rates were going to remain at low levels through 2014 precipitated the dollar drop. The soy complex saw an upward tick. South American weather is still playing a major role in expectations of crop yields and global supplies.

WHEAT

Wheat futures moved slightly higher based on the dollar reaction. Russia may restrict exports but the general consensus is that the global supply is promising even if this should occur.