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 May 16, 2026
Beef Market:
Beef demand is picking up as we move closer to Memorial Day, with grilling season starting to take hold. Grinds continue to be the main driver, moving earlier and heavier than usual as burger features ramp up across high-volume menus. Ribeyes and strips are gaining traction with improving weather and more patio traffic. Over the next few weeks, expect strong pull on grinding meat to hold steady, with consistent movement on classic grilling cuts as operators lean into seasonal menus.
Pork Market:
Pork is in a strong seasonal groove right now, with ribs, loins, and butts all seeing increased demand as grilling menus come together. There’s been a noticeable push on ribs in particular, with stronger demand on back ribs and overall BBQ items as warmer weather settles in. Bellies have been a bit up and down but are holding relatively steady overall, with bacon demand remaining solid. Expect pork to stay reliable, though steady-to-firm demand across grilling cuts could create some upward pressure as we move through Memorial Day and into early summer.
Chicken Market:
Chicken demand is building in line with overall seasonal trends, as operators prepare for higher traffic and outdoor dining. Wings continue to be a go-to for shareable menus, and breast and thigh meat are moving well for grilled and sandwich applications. As we get closer to Memorial Day, expect steady demand across the board, especially on versatile cuts that can handle volume. Keeping a balanced mix on hand will help you stay flexible as menu demand shifts week to 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.
