Welcome to your essential weekly update on the meat and seafood market! This space is dedicated to providing chefs with timely insights into market trends, helping you navigate the ever-changing landscape of food costs and availability. Stay informed and ahead of the curve to expertly plan your menus and maintain your restaurant’s competitive edge.
Meat & Seafood Market Report
MEAT MARKET UPDATE
UPDATED November 21, 2025
Beef Market:
Even though packers added hours before the holidays, the “choice cutout” — essentially the wholesale market value of Choice-grade beef — is very strong, running about $70 higher than last year. We expect it to ease a little through November, likely pulling back to $360–$375 per hundredweight, because demand for grilling dips and holiday features get built. But supply is tight, so it probably won’t collapse. On the flip side, if holiday promos pick up, exports grow, or something disrupts supply (weather, disease, etc.), prices could jump. Watch how much cattle are slaughtered during Thanksgiving week and what the cutout does right afterward — that will be a good signal for beef demand going into December.
Pork Market:
The pork market softened slightly this week as demand slowed after the holidays. Prices for loins, ribs, and butts dipped a bit, while bellies stayed steady. Supply is stable, but plenty of product in cold storage is keeping prices from rising. Exports are moving at a moderate pace but face tougher competition from Europe. Overall, the market is expected to stay steady to slightly weaker for the rest of November. Buyers should keep inventories balanced and plan purchases carefully based on sales.
Chicken Market:
The chicken market is mixed and still settling. Whole birds (WOGs), especially 3–4 lb, and jumbo boneless breasts are trading steady, and tenders are tight and holding firm. Wings are the weak spot, with prices under pressure, especially for medium and jumbo sizes. Dark meat (legs, leg quarters, drums) is steady with slightly better movement, while thighs are mixed with some discounting. Leg meat and thigh meat are generally stable, with a small pickup in buying interest versus last week.
Looking for specific information on the meat market? Contact our team today.
SEAFOOD MARKET UPDATE
Scallops: The scallop market is on the rise nationwide, but we’re working with our suppliers to keep pricing competitive.
Check out our seasonality chart below and read more about seafood seasonality here.
