Market Update From the West Coast Meatheads
Beef
Middles continue to trend down into next week. Sirloin flap is currently the item in the tightest supply and prices are approaching their 2014 highs.
Chicken
The sharp increases of breast meat slowed down this week and prices will only be increasing slightly into next week. Expect breast meat prices to level off for a few weeks. Thighs and WOGS are both decreasing into next week.
Pork
Bacon and bellies up a dime this week. I heard possibility of coming off in the next 2 weeks. Loins are up a dime. Butts are steady.
Lamb
All items steady to up a dime. That trend will continue as we move towards Valentine’s day and into lent. Australian racks and other cuts are steady but the big issue is getting it out of the port and USDA inspected.
Veal
Cost is somewhat stabilized. Product is short in all cuts including bones, and demi glaze. We expect more cost increases before it gets better.
Shrimp
West Coast was able to buy more U15 shrimp, but we the season is basically over and the catch was poor which means high prices.