Market Outlook

Prices are expected to stay elevated through late April, driven by the season’s typical upswing. Ribeye supplies remain tight as retail buyers rush to lock in product ahead of grilling season.

Prices will continue to display a strong tone, supported by seasonal demand and their standing as the preferred middle meat cut. That said, further increases will likely meet resistance as consumers grow more price-sensitive in the current economic climate.

Prices are moving higher earlier than expected, driven by tightening supplies. Reduced slaughter and steady foodservice demand will continue to support the market as grilling season approaches.

Prices will remain well supported in April, moving contrary to typical seasonal trends. This strength reflects both expanded foodservice menu presence and increasing retail demand as grilling season approaches.

Prices will maintain a strong tone in the coming weeks, in line with typical seasonal patterns for April. The cut continues to offer solid value for consumers seeking a leaner alternative to pricier premium options.

Prices will remain supported as slower beef production and seasonal demand from St. Patrick’s Day and Passover provided an added lift to prices. With production still soft and retailers starting to book ahead of Memorial Day, values should stay above year-ago levels.

Prices are expected to push higher through April, riding the seasonal trend that typically peaks in early May.

Prices are expected to remain firm into April as retail and foodservice demand stays robust. With buyers beginning to position ahead of Cinco de Mayo and supplies tightening, values should remain well-supported.

Prices are expected to ease into a more balanced tone as Round primal availability gradually improves. Foodservice demand remains tepid at best, leaving little room for upside in the near term.

Prices will remain elevated through April, underpinned by solid retail demand for quality ground product. While consumer resistance typically emerges at these levels, the threshold looks increasingly likely to be tested as spring approaches.

Prices are expected to remain firm as strong retail demand and tightening fresh lean supplies provide support. As grilling season draws closer, demand shows no signs of letting up — a trend that should keep upward pressure on values.

Whole birds close the morning with an overall steady assessment. Market feedback continues to characterize this segment as well-supported, driven primarily by consistent retail demand at week’s end. Supplies are reported as adequate across most sales channels, with no material supply disruptions noted.

Bone-in breasts and front halves are balanced, though several participants indicate that deboning demand has eased compared to recent weeks. Supplies of boneless breasts are described as adequate to fully adequate, depending on individual production and sales exposure. Sellers with heavier reliance on further processing report slower movement as the holiday approaches, while retail-oriented sellers continue to experience steady demand. Market values remain largely stable, with most transactions occurring within established ranges, though limited pockets of mild price pressure persist. Tenderloin availability remains tight in some areas, and sellers with limited inventory are able to command firmer terms.

Wing markets remain steady. Some participants report a modest increase in recent spot inquiries compared to late first-quarter levels. However, overall demand remains below historical norms. Based on current activity, the wing complex is assessed as stable without strong upward or downward momentum.

Spot demand for leg quarters and thighs remains active, although transaction volumes were lighter during the morning’s activity. Market input suggests leg meat values are at least steady, with some sellers evaluating buyer willingness to consider premiums. This has resulted in limited, low-volume transactions at firmer levels. Drumsticks show similar dynamics, with sellers maintaining firm positions. Leg meat supplies are more visible than in recent weeks, leading some buyers to delay near-term procurement. Thigh meat, by contrast, remains well-cleared, with demand exceeding available offerings and limited response to higher bids.

Market activity in whole turkeys remains subdued during the holiday period. Trade in fresh whole birds is notably lighter than in prior years, and negotiations for parts and raw materials have slowed considerably. Market movement shows limited variation, with changes occurring sporadically as most participants defer meaningful engagement until after the Easter weekend.
Frozen whole turkeys continue to move in low volumes, generally under firm market conditions. Consumer-sized breasts with gravy packets have seen limited transactional activity, while basted production levels remain unchanged. Buyers continue to seek institutional-sized breasts, though spot opportunities remain limited due to tight inventories.

Fresh and frozen turkey breast markets close the week with a generally steady tone. While seller expectations for domestic production continue to vary by supplier, negotiation activity has slowed ahead of the weekend, resulting in a flat overall market assessment. Export demand remains minimal, influenced by competitively priced offerings from Brazil.

Prices are expected to maintain a steady to firm tone through April. Despite year-over-year gains in overall pork production, values remain sensitive to demand shifts given historically lean cold storage inventories.

Prices look poised to hold steady to firm over the coming weeks as seasonal strength begins to build heading into April. Solid retail demand and active export interest should provide a firm floor for the market in the near term.

Prices pulled back seasonally in March after a strong start to the year. The cut’s relative value compared to competing proteins will continue to attract buyers, a dynamic that should spark featuring activity and firmer retail demand as grilling season approaches.

Prices are expected to hold steady over the coming weeks, tracking closely with normal seasonal trends. Export interest in U.S. Butt products will remain firm, though adequate supplies should keep the market balanced.

Prices will shift to a slighter softer tone over the next several weeks, following normal seasonal price trends. Retail demand will cool from Easter demand while increased pork production will put more supply on the market to be absorbed.

Prices continue to rise gradually as supply tightens. Ongoing uncertainty related to MMPA impacts is expected to support continued upward pressure.

The white shrimp market remains generally stable, with lower inbound costs from India offset by higher Central American replacement costs. Pricing is expected to hold at current levels or ease slightly, though freight fuel costs continue to limit further downside.

Black tiger shrimp pricing is broadly stable, with modest softness observed in headless shell-on formats and smaller sizes. The near-term outlook points to stable to slightly lower pricing, constrained by elevated sea freight costs.

Pricing is firm to slightly higher ahead of Lent, with large sizes remaining extremely tight or unavailable due to MMPA restrictions across key fishing areas.

The market has stabilized, with some lower offers appearing in larger sizes. Core volume sizes remain stable and are beginning to show upward pressure as supplies tighten.

Prices have stabilized at elevated levels, with tight availability across all sizes. Pricing is expected to remain elevated in the near term.

Live lobster pricing remains firm with ongoing tight supply. Values are expected to edge higher through Mother’s Day.

Pricing remains steady, supported by limited raw material availability despite ample frozen tail inventories. Values are expected to trend higher approaching Mother’s Day.

Availability remains extremely limited ahead of the new season. Tight supplies, particularly in 5–8 oz and 4-up sizes, continue to support elevated pricing.

Pricing has leveled off amid continued absence of Russian supply. Higher-priced Japanese product has improved availability in larger sizes, supporting firm market conditions.

Pricing remains flat, though multiple producing regions are experiencing quality and consistency challenges.

The market remains balanced, with no material changes expected in near-term pricing.

The market has leveled off and remains stable, with pricing expected to soften in early June.

Pricing remains steady, with expectations for modest softening heading into early June.

The fresh salmon market is stable, with seasonal pressure anticipated to ease pricing in early June.

Asian supply remains steady, while South and Central American availability is constrained and expected to remain a concern through spring 2026.

Market conditions are unchanged, with no anticipated pricing shifts in the forecast.

Pricing remains firm overall, though select sizes have seen softer demand. Quotas remain significantly lower than last year, suggesting any price relief will be short-lived.

Prices continue to rise as global availability remains constrained. Key sizes and cuts are being allocated, with limited relief expected before late Q2.

Supply has tightened as demand shifts away from higher-priced Atlantic cod. While still competitively positioned, availability of key sizes is limited.

The market remains balanced, with no material changes anticipated.

The season is active, with pricing elevated due to high operating and fuel costs contributing to continued upward pressure.

Milk production remains impressive, and is still trending steady to higher across the country as we approach peak spring flush season. US milk production report showed a massive 2.9% increase in February vs. the prior year and another 15k head added to domestic dairy herds from last month. This is the largest US herd since 1993 and is keeping more than enough milk coming to market to satisfy processor needs. On the cream side, stronger YOY milk fat tests have kept large amounts of cream coming to the market. Overall supplies remain comfortable, while increased demand has kept them from becoming burdensome.

The butter market is slightly lower this week as prices continue to give back some of its early March rally. Recent export data did show the US exported the most butter in the month of January since 1994, but forward expectations don’t appear as optimistic. Export demand will likely face further headwinds given the recent run up in US values, elevated freight costs, stronger US dollar and growing inflation risk from the US – Iran war. Updated production data from the USDA showed butter output was 6% higher YOY in January, and up 11.5% from December. This trend of higher output should continue into April as butterfat remains available and churns are running near capacity. February cold storage levels remained depressed due to strong export demand and are still 17% below last year. However, cold storage inventories are still building seasonally, and producers are running strong to take advantage of increased cream supplies coming to market.

The cheese markets pushed back to the highest levels since November. The US has seen several months of record cheese sales and a compelling discount vs. other major world exporters. However, the recent rally in domestic prices, combined with the firming US Dollar, increased freight costs, and increased inflationary concerns, may be doing harm to forward cheese exports. Domestic offtake has been limited and has kept the burden on the exporter to clear product and prevent a more significant US cold storage build. Current cold storage levels are running 1% lower YOY as a result of strong international demand. Cheese production in January came in 4.7% higher YOY and that sharply higher YOY output is likely to continue into the spring. Milk production remains impressive, and should encourage strong cheese output into the spring flush season.

The shell egg markets have rolled over from their recent highs and are working back towards their calendar year lows. Updated monthly flock data showed the US table egg laying flock as of March 1st at 315.8 million head, up 5.8 million from last month (counter seasonal) and +8.2% YOY. HPAI disruptions remain a concern into the spring, having impacted 17.6 million layers so far this year, but comfortable supplies nearby are keeping the market under pressure nearby. Retail demand has benefitted from more aggressive shelf prices, while foodservice orders have been more muted. Updated cage free layers for March showed little movement as flocks were only 300k head lower than the prior month, despite the small premium to conventional eggs. This remains the largest cage free flock on record, keeping plenty of supply coming to market.

Soybean oil futures remain a follower to the energy markets and continue to consolidate just shy of the recent multi-year highs. The ongoing US – Iran war, and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has driven energy and vegetable oil markets sharply higher in recent weeks. The final 2026/2027 biofuel policy was released this past week, confirming the higher biofuel demand and keeping a floor under the market. Domestic spot crude and refined soybean oil basis offers remained mostly steady last week with South American levels coming up off of their recent lows.

Canola futures remain near their recent highs and continue to follow the lead of the soybean and soybean oil markets. RBD canola oil basis values remained firm through Q2 and are up 350 points from a month ago.

The spot palm oil futures pushed higher this past week, continuing to narrow the discount to soybean oil in the global cash market. Malaysian palm oil exports for March 1 to 25 rose 38.4% vs. the prior month to 1.4 million tonnes, led by higher shipments to the EU, India and the subcontinent, and China, according to Intertek Testing Services.

Blueberries are extremely limited; prices are elevated. The offshore season has ended. Florida/Georgia production is delayed due to recent freezing temperatures. Mexican fruit will be shipped until the San Joaquin Valley season begins in late April.

Offshore 

• Both the Chilean and Peruvian seasons have officially ended
• The market is elevated; supplies are limited

Mexico

• Volume has increased 60% since last week
• Yields are expected to tighten over the next two weeks
• Quality is good; some early breakdown has been reported
• Expect rising prices and tight stocks

Florida

• Abnormally low temperatures over the past month have delayed the season by three to four weeks
• Southern Florida experienced approximately 20% damage from the freezing temperatures
• Other areas north of Orlando saw 40-50% damage
• Suppliers are assessing damages and expect significant losses
• Markets are up; stocks are scarce

Although honeydew supplies remain limited, availability is beginning to stabilize. Cantaloupe yields are average but tightening. The domestic season will not begin until early May.

Cantaloupe – Central America

• Production remains adequate in the near term, with a slight seasonal decline expected over the coming weeks while production winds down
• Current sizing is primarily 9s and 12s, with some larger fruit expected later next week
• Quality continues to perform well, with improving external color and strong flavor profiles
• Expect markets to trend higher through April as the crop transitions north to Mexico and the U.S.

Honeydew – Central America

• Supplies remain extremely limited, though recent production improvements are helping to stabilize coverage
• Availability is expected to increase each week as harvesting recovers
• Large sizes remain particularly limited, requiring order flexibility
• Expect markets to begin easing next week as new crop supplies ramp up

Honeydew – Mexico

• Quality is improving due to new production in Northern Mexico
• Current supplies are dominated by large sizes (4s and 5s), with some 6s available
• Supplies remain tight, but volume will build over the next two weeks as Northern Mexico gains momentum
• Markets are firm in the near term, but should ease next week

California lemons are tightening, especially 165- and 200-count sizes. The crop is currently yielding mostly larger fruit in the 95- through 140-count range. The California Navel season is winding down; supplies of 113- and 138-count fruit remain extremely limited. Some growers have started to transition into the Valencia variety, but those stocks are limited as well.

Lemons

• Markon First Crop (MFC) and Essentials (ESS) Lemons are available  
• Districts One and Two (the San Joaquin Valley and Southern California) are currently in production
• 165- and 200-count sizes are limited; yields are dominated by 95- through 140-count lemons
• Quality is good; some greening and scarring have been reported
• Expect a slow yet steady price climb as demand increases over the next six to eight weeks

Oranges

• MFC and ESS Navel and Valencia Oranges are available out of California 
• Oranges are currently being shipped out of California, Arizona, Texas, Florida, and New Jersey (imported Moroccan)
  • The California Valencia season has begun in a limited manner; Navel supplies are expected to run until early May
  • The South Texas season will end in mid-April
  • Mexican Valencias (crossing into Nogales, Arizona) are expected to run into June
  • Florida Valencia oranges are on the market
  • Moroccan Valencias continue shipping off the East Coast
• Small sizes (113- through 138-count oranges) remain extremely limited in California and South Texas
• Expect good quality and elevated markets

The Chilean stone fruit season is now past its peak, with supplies gradually tightening. The Chilean peach season concluded abruptly because of continued quality concerns. The domestic stone fruit season is anticipated to begin in late April, requiring close monitoring of availability until then.

Peaches

• Import peach season has ended abruptly
• A supply gap of approximately four weeks is expected before the domestic season begins
• Extremely limited availability is anticipated until domestic production ramps up

Nectarines

• Nectarine volumes are declining week over week
• Current supplies are projected to last through late April
• Quality is good; sugar levels range from 11 to 14 Brix
• Tightening availability is expected as the season progresses

Plums

• Volume is high
• Quality is good; sugar levels range from 12 to 14 Brix
• The season will run through May
• High prices will persist until the domestic season starts in May

Lime prices remain elevated; yields are extremely limited. Upcoming Holy Week disruptions are expected to keep supplies tight. MFC and ESS Limes remain available.

Mexico (into South Texas)

• Rainfall remains insufficient to drive meaningful size gain; small fruit dominates crops
• Current sizing remains concentrated in the 230-, 250-, and 275-count range; larger sizes are scarce
• No. 2 volume is low, especially in large sizes
• Occasional oil spotting and skin breakdown have been reported
• No harvesting is expected past Wednesday, with minimal crossings and reduced production during Holy Week
• Markets are expected to remain elevated through the week of April 16

Colombia

• Weather conditions have returned to normal
• Rainfall impact was less disruptive to volume than initially expected
• Near‑term availability remains relatively steady
• Holy Week is expected to impact arrivals
• Expect high prices to persist through mid-April

Hawaii

• The crop remains intact, but continued wet conditions are limiting production
• Field access remains restricted, keeping harvesting in a holding pattern
• Limited volume may be possible on a day‑to‑day basis as conditions allow
• Weather trends appear more favorable in the long term, supporting improved access once fields dry out
• Prices are higher, following the upward trend with Mexico and Colombia

Micro Cilantro is extremely limited due to recent weather-related growing challenges.

• The West Coast’s fluctuating temperatures have negatively impacted crop quality, resulting in lower yields and tighter supplies
• Demand continues to exceed available supply
• Yields are low as growers are culling heat-related quality issues
• Expect limited supplies for the next 10-14 days; availability will gradually increase as growing conditions stabilize

Yields are tightening throughout the industry. Blueberry demand outpaces available supplies. Blackberry and raspberry volume is average; quality is generally good, with minimal defects despite recent heat.

Blueberries

• Prices are elevated
• The Chilean and Peruvian seasons have ended; import shipments have officially concluded
• Mexican-grown supplies are meeting current demands
• The Florida/Georgia growing region is set to begin production next week on a limited basis
• Stocks will remain snug through April, then increase once California’s San Joaquin Valley season starts in early May

Blackberries/Raspberries

• Markets are up
• Harvesting is past its seasonal peak in Central Mexico; labor challenges are also impacting overall availability
• Limited production has begun in Baja, Mexico
• Expect tight stocks through March; volume will start to increase in April

Storage crop MFC Onions are available in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Fresh-run MFC Onions are available in Texas.

Pacific Northwest

• Washington, Idaho, and Oregon growers expect storage supplies ship through the week of April 20; several suppliers may continue to ship into early May
• Quality ranges from good to fair; growers are sorting for common end-of-season issues such as internal browning, bruising, decay, sprouting, and translucency
• Markon recommends ordering for quick turns and limiting inventory to avoid quality problems
• White onion markets will slowly increase until California production begins in late April
  • Both the Mexican and local storage seasons are ending
  • Some growers have begun transferring fresh-run white onions from Texas to fill orders
• Expect steady red and yellow prices over the next 7-10 days

Utah

• Storage supplies have been depleted
• Some sheds will remain in operation, transferring product from other regions to fill orders as needed

Mexico

• Yellow, red, and white onions are sporadically crossing into South Texas
• White onion shipments are decreasing as the season will wrap up over the next three to four weeks
• Quality varies by supplier; green cast, soft texture, mechanical damage, and thin skins are to be expected with fresh-run onions
• Prices will increase slightly next week due to decreased production in observation of Holy Week and Easter

Texas

• Fresh-run red, yellow, and white onions are available
• All sizes and colors are available
  • White onions are tightening
  • Demand has increased as the Mexican season is ending
• Due to a Texas marketing order, No. 2 grade onions will not be available
• Quality is good due to ideal growing conditions; fresh-run onions will exhibit higher moisture content, thinner skins, and overall shorter shelf-life
• Markon recommends ordering for quick turns
• Expect steady red and yellow prices over the next 7-10 days; white onions could see a market increase, depending on demand

California’s key growing regions—Santa Maria, Oxnard, Salinas, and Watsonville—are benefiting from clear forecasts and ideal growing conditions. Quality is improving across all districts. Pricing is beginning to trend downward as supplies increase.

Santa Maria, California 

• MFC Strawberries are available
• Berry size is medium; counts have gotten smaller, averaging 18 to 22 pieces per 1-pound clamshell
• Quality is good; issues include bruising and white shoulders
• Prices will inch down as weather conditions improve

Oxnard, California

• MFC Strawberries are available
• Berry size is medium; counts have gotten smaller, averaging 18 to 22 pieces per 1-pound clamshell
• Defects are minimal; growers report some white shoulders and packing-related bruising
• Markets will ease as weather conditions improve

Watsonville/Salinas

• Berry size is large; counts range from 10-15 berries per 1-pound clamshell
• Volume is increasing daily
• Most of the damaged fruit has been culled
• Prices will begin to decrease as weather conditions improve

Sweet potato markets are poised to rise. Lower yields along with unexpected surge in demand during January and February has suppliers keeping their remaining storage supplies tight. Prices are anticipated to climb over the summer months until new crop stocks are harvested in late August or early September.

California

• Remaining storage supplies are adequate
• Quality is very good
• Strong East Coast demand is pushing markets higher

Louisiana

• Very limited supplies remain; the season is expected to finish by first week of April
• Remaining quality ranges from fair to good
• New crop harvests will resume in September

Mississippi

• Dry summer months reduced overall yields for winter and spring storage
• Quality is good
• Lower volume and strong demand will push prices higher

North Carolina

• Unexpected demand in January and February has forced suppliers to keep remaining storage inventories tight
• Quality is good
• Markets are expected to increase over the next several months

Tomatoes are extremely limited; demand exceeds supply. Florida’s freezing temperatures killed many acres last month; Mexican yields are also low. MFC Tomatoes are limited; packer label may be substituted as needed.

Rounds

• Mexico’s main growing region of Sinaloa is winding down earlier than in previous years due to poor weather and disease pressure
  • Overall volume is low and unable to meet current demand
  • Quality has been inconsistent; additional grading is required at pack out
  • The upcoming Holy week (March 30 -April 5) will reduce labor and overall production
• Florida supplies are extremely tight following recent freezing temperatures, strong winds, and frost damage
  • Quality is fair; additional grading is required at pack out
  • Expect extremely snug supplies until mid- to late April
  • South Florida is expected to see a slight increase in volume in two weeks, but overall stocks will remain limited
• Due to very tight supplies, size and variety substitutions must be considered, especially for Roma orders
• Expect high prices over the next two weeks when new crop harvesting gets underway in late April

Romas

• Mexican supplies are snug due to the recent heat wave; increased disease pressure is lowering yields
  • Medium sizes are most readily available
  • Quality is average
• Florida stocks will remain limited until mid- to late April
• Quality is fair; higher grading is required
• Expect stronger markets over the next week with volatility until late April

Grape & Cherry Varieties

• Florida volume is low due to freezing weather conditions this past winter
• Mexican supplies are very snug; the recent heat wave destroyed many fields
• Expect higher prices over the next two weeks