Foodservice Market Update NZ: Market Bites July 2026

As winter settles in, foodservice operators continue to navigate a mix of seasonal supply changes, global market pressure and category-specific cost movements.

This month, we’re seeing continued pressure across red meat, dairy, eggs, edible oils and selected produce, while farmed seafood, pork and some imported meat lines remain relatively stable.

Foodservice Inflation Update

Bidfood’s measured Foodservice inflation is currently +7.08% year to date, based on pricing across a basket of commonly purchased Foodservice products.

This is not a blanket increase across every product. Pricing continues to vary by category, with the greatest pressure concentrated in globally traded products such as beef, lamb, dairy, eggs and edible oils.

Seasonal factors continue to influence fresh produce, while ongoing global demand, export markets and supply conditions are driving much of the movement seen across key food categories.

The recent escalation of conflict in the Middle East is also creating additional cost pressure through fuel, freight, fertiliser and imported goods. While product availability remains stable at this stage, these factors may continue to influence pricing over the coming months.

Below is a category-by-category snapshot of what we’re seeing across the market this month.

Beef

Silver Fern Farms and Pure South programmed chilled supply is expected to remain at good levels through July and August, supported by strong Prime Steer processing.

Prime Beef programmes have also been extended to help manage Prime Steer processing, improving overall chilled availability. Bidfood is working to maintain chilled stock coverage through to early September.

Processing numbers are expected to decline through July as the industry moves further into the off-season. While some temporary price relief has been seen across selected steak cuts, pricing is expected to increase again as seasonal supply tightens.

Branches have increased frozen steak cut inventories to help manage potential off-season supply challenges.

Demand and pricing for trim, round and secondary beef cuts remain extremely strong, driven by mince, diced beef and corned beef production.

Alternative Prime Beef cuts continue to perform well as a value alternative to Prime Steer, although Prime Steer still delivers the superior eating quality.

Lamb

Lamb processing numbers continue to decline as the industry moves further into the off-season.

Pricing is expected to increase through July as seasonal processor contracts ramp up.

Explore our premium Fresh Meats, Silver Fern Farms, Lumina and Pure South lamb range.

New Zealand Pork

Fresh pork pricing is expected to remain stable over the coming months.

Supply and pricing continue to perform consistently.

Imported Meat

Pork: Supply remains good, with stable pricing expected over the coming months. This continues to be a strong menu option.

Lamb: Australian pricing continues to hold firm.

Beef: Australia’s export quota into China has now been filled, with Australian beef prices beginning to soften.

What’s New

New season avocados have started.

New season New Zealand oranges and limes have started, with pricing expected to ease.

New Zealand mandarins are now in season.

What’s Good

Green and gold kiwifruit continue to be good options.

Brassicas are good buying.

Good supply of truffles is coming through.

Imports

Australian strawberries have started, with prices currently firm.

All melons are now coming out of Australia, with supply expected to be patchy.

Imported grapes continue to arrive from Mexico, the USA and Chile.

What’s Short

Winter pricing is now in effect for fresh herbs.

Winter conditions may affect supply of mint, dill, basil and chives.

Lettuce pricing is likely to increase and supply may become limited.

Salads, mesclun, spinach and rocket may also be affected by winter conditions.

Tomato pricing may be affected by the colder months.

What’s Finished

Red kiwifruit has finished.

Persimmons are finishing very soon.

Feijoa season is coming to an end.

Winter has certainly made its presence felt, with rougher conditions at sea creating challenges for fishing vessels and causing fluctuations in the supply of wild-caught seafood.

The good news is there is still plenty of quality seafood available, with farmed products continuing to provide excellent value and reliable supply.

Overall pricing remains relatively steady, although some wild-caught species may experience short-term movements depending on weather and catch conditions.

This Month’s Catch

Farmed salmon continues to offer excellent value, consistent quality and reliable supply.

Mussels remain one of the standout performers this winter, delivering great quality at attractive pricing.

Squid supply has been less predictable, with weather and catch conditions impacting availability.

Wild-caught seafood may remain more variable week to week as winter conditions continue.

Frozen seafood remains a practical option for operators looking for consistency, menu stability and better protection from short-term supply gaps.

Demand remains strong across both New Zealand and international markets.

Looking Ahead

As we move further into winter, weather will continue to be the biggest influence on seafood supply. While some wild-caught species may remain harder to come by, there are still plenty of great seafood options available.

Whether you’re looking for value, consistency or something a little special, there is no shortage of quality seafood on offer this month.

Alcohol Excise Increase Takes Effect 1 July

New Zealand’s annual alcohol excise tax increase comes into effect on 1 July, with many suppliers adjusting their pricing to reflect the government-mandated rise.

It is worth noting that some brands may use this moment to increase pricing beyond the excise adjustment, lifting margins under the cover of a regulatory change.

Now is a good time to review your beverage range and explore like-for-like alternatives that deliver stronger value without compromising on quality. There are comparable spirits, wines and RTDs available that maintain premium standards while offering more competitive pricing.

Another effective way to reduce overall beverage costs is to shift faster-moving lines into sustainable bulk formats ranging from 5L to 20L. These formats can help reduce cost per serve, minimise glass waste, support sustainability goals and maintain product consistency.

The excise increase does not have to simply mean higher costs. It can be an opportunity to optimise your range, improve margins and support sustainability across your beverage offering.

Anchovies

Poor fishing conditions across key Mediterranean sourcing regions have resulted in lower catch volumes and reduced availability.

As supply constraints continue, significant cost increases are expected over the coming months.

Summary

July is shaping up as a month where planning, flexibility and menu awareness will be important. While some categories remain under pressure, there are still strong opportunities across farmed seafood, frozen seafood, pork, seasonal produce and value-focused alternatives.

For support with product availability, menu options or suitable substitutes, please speak with your local Bidfood team.