April 7, 2026 Market Report

Alerts & What’s Trending

Are Rising Food Costs Eating Your Margins?

Are You Actually Getting the Best Price?

Where Are Your Margins Quietly Slipping Away?

 

Produce

Iceberg lettuce prices are stabilizing near $10/carton, while roma tomatoes continue a sharp climb, nearing $40/carton again due to ongoing supply volatility. Avocados hit a new YTD high but remain below seasonal norms.

Outlook: Tomato volatility is expected to persist through April until supply improves from Mexico and the Eastern U.S. Avocado pricing may trend upward into early summer, but major spikes are unlikely without supply disruptions.

Grain

Grain markets were mixed, reacting to biofuel policy updates, USDA reports, geopolitical tensions, and weather. Soybeans remained relatively stable despite policy changes, while soybean oil failed to regain momentum after its March pullback.

Outlook: Markets are in a holding pattern, awaiting clarity on global trade dynamics and policy impacts. Expect continued volatility tied to macro factors rather than supply fundamentals alone.

Dairy

Dairy markets were mostly steady, with cheese up slightly (<1%) and butter down ~2%. Milk production is increasing seasonally, and exports remain strong—cheese exports up 30% YoY and butter up 77%.

Outlook: Strong export demand is helping absorb increased production, but ample milk supply may keep domestic pricing in check. Expect stable-to-soft pricing in the near term, with cheese production likely to increase further.

Beef

Beef production rose 2.2% week over week but remains down 6.4% year over year, with year-to-date output trailing by 7.6% and cattle slaughter down roughly 10%. Prices remain elevated, with record highs in feeder and live cattle, while packer margins have turned negative.

Outlook: Tight cattle supply will continue to support historically high beef prices, with limited near-term relief due to drought-constrained herd expansion. Operators should expect ongoing cost pressure, particularly in premium cuts, and consider mix optimization strategies.

Pork

Hog prices softened last week, with year-to-date production down 0.4% compared to last year. Demand strength in ribs and ham supported modest gains in the pork cutout, but USDA inventory data showed lower-than-expected herd and production indicators.

Outlook: Tighter supply expectations later in 2026 could support pricing, though improved pig-per-litter yields (up 2.2% YoY) may partially offset declines. Near-term pricing should remain relatively stable, with upside potential tied to seasonal grilling demand.

Seafood

Tilapia prices dropped to a record low of $1.41/lb. in January before showing signs of volatility tied to shifting import volumes. Historical trends suggest seasonal price peaks occur around March–April.

Outlook: Prices are likely rising short term due to seasonal tightening but should begin trending downward again by May. Operators may find short windows of favorable pricing before normalization.

Poultry

Chicken output continues to ease slightly, with broiler slaughter down 0.2% week over week and nearly flat year over year. Despite this, forward indicators remain strong, with egg sets and chick placements running ~2% above last year and USDA projecting Q2 production up by 300 million pounds. Pricing firmed across most categories, with boneless skinless breasts jumping 17% in the past month, while eggs dropped below $1 and turkey breast softened.

Outlook: Supply growth and strong producer margins should keep chicken availability elevated, which may limit sustained price spikes outside of volatile items like wings. Expect continued short-term firmness, but broader pricing pressure could stabilize as production ramps.