Market Update From the West Coast Meatheads
Beef
Tenders have hit a bottom and will be steady to higher prices through Valentines Day. End Cuts/thin meats are in short supply and prices are all higher into next week. Ribs are one the few cuts that continue to trend down in price. Live cattle is trading at $170 which is up from where it traded last week(mid $160s).
Chicken
WOGS remain in short supply and prices are increasing. Thigh meat is lower into next week. Breast meat is steady to slightly higher.
Pork
Bacon up a nickel to a dime, loins up $0.10-$0.20 but looks to remain fairly steady. Whole fresh pigs are still very high and in low supply.
Lamb
Imported items all steady. Domestic racks steady to up $0.15 cents. Legs, shoulders loins steady.
Veal
Short supply and rising cost. We and other suppliers have been shorted on items across the board. Costs are rising from $0.10 -$0.50.
Shrimp
Large wild Mexican is very scarce. Season almost over and no U10 or U12 insight. U15 scarce and will rise above $12 – $13/lb eventually.