January 27, 2026 Market Report

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Produce

Produce markets experienced renewed volatility tied to weather disruptions. Roma tomato prices jumped 13% week over week, returning to the $15/carton range, driven by cold weather across the Eastern U.S. Iceberg lettuce held steady despite expectations for declines, as harvesting and yield challenges emerged out West. Avocados continued to firm, with 48-count Hass reaching an 11-week high.

Outlook: Cold temperatures suggest tomato pricing could remain elevated longer than expected, while iceberg lettuce carries short-term upside risk. Increased price volatility heightens the importance of real-time price verification, especially for produce items prone to rapid week-to-week swings.

Grain

Grain markets rebounded, led by soybean oil amid anticipation of EPA guidance on 2026 biofuel blending requirements. Soybeans followed higher but remain constrained by technical resistance and concerns over outstanding export sales yet to be shipped.

Outlook: Near-term soybean upside appears limited, with resistance near $10.80. Policy-driven volatility reinforces the value of forward visibility and market benchmarking when evaluating supplier pricing adjustments.

Dairy

Dairy pricing was mostly higher last week. CME blocks increased to $1.35/lb, while barrels held flat. Butter rose $0.15 to $1.46/lb, though year-to-date pricing remains well below last year and the five-year average. Cheese production continues to expand as manufacturers support strong whey demand, while retail dairy demand outpaces foodservice.

Outlook: With cream supplies readily available and production running strong, dairy markets are expected to remain balanced, with modest upside risk. Consistent production levels make this category well-suited for contract compliance reviews and rebate reconciliation.

Beef

Cattle futures softened modestly, but boxed beef values moved higher, reflecting ongoing supply tightness. Choice cutouts rose to $367.45/cwt, with strength concentrated in the loin complex, especially striploins. End cuts and trim were mixed, while select ground beef items showed incremental gains.

Outlook: With weekly cattle harvest running 5–6% below last year and additional packer plant reductions expected, boxed beef prices should remain supported even as seasonal demand slows. Operators should monitor price dispersion by cut and ensure billed pricing aligns with contracted cutout formulas.

Pork

Pork markets trended higher across futures, cash hogs, and wholesale pricing. The pork cutout climbed to $94.62/cwt, supported by gains in bellies and butts. Export demand remained active, highlighted by 179 loads of boneless pork butts sold internationally. Some trim values eased, but overall carcass pricing strengthened.

Outlook: With harvest volumes declining week over week, pork prices are positioned to trend steady to slightly firmer. Variability across primals reinforces the need for SKU-level price tracking, particularly for bellies, butts, and trim.

Seafood

Frozen snow crab prices rose 7.1% month over month in the latest data, marking the largest increase since early 2025 and interrupting a longer-term downward trend. The move mirrors seasonal behavior seen in prior years rather than a structural shift.

Outlook: Snow crab pricing is still expected to resume a downward trend heading into early spring. Operators should continue monitoring for timing mismatches between market movement and billed pricing as seasonal patterns evolve.

Poultry

Poultry pricing moved higher across most categories last week, even as production increased. USDA young chicken harvest totaled 176.3 million head, up 12% year over year, yet the National Composite WOG inched up to $1.21/lb. White meat pricing strengthened notably, with boneless/skinless breasts rising $0.07 to $1.26/lb, now 8.5% higher month over month but still 15% below last year and under the five-year average. Dark meat followed suit, with boneless/skinless thighs up 9% m/m. Wings rebounded, tenderloins edged higher, and drumsticks softened slightly. Turkey prices were flat week over week but remain significantly higher year over year. Egg prices continued their sharp correction, now down 52% m/m and 89% y/y.

Outlook: Despite higher harvest volumes, poultry prices are expected to remain stable to slightly higher near term. Ongoing price firmness alongside year-over-year deflation underscores the importance of invoice validation and contract alignment, particularly across high-volume breast and thigh SKUs.