Foodservice Market Update NZ: Market Bites May 2026

Protein & Produce Take Centre Stage

As we move into May, the market is shaping up around two key themes: protein cost pressures and shifting seasonal produce availability. While there are some short-term opportunities emerging, volatility remains the underlying story - particularly across red meat and imported inputs. On the produce side, we’re seeing a clear seasonal transition, with strong local supply in some lines balanced by tightening availability in others as winter approaches.

Across beef, lamb, pork, and poultry, there are some mixed signals - offering both opportunity and caution for menu planning.

Beef

• Beef kills have been very strong and are seeing some better pricing on steak cuts giving temporary relief. Expect to see this product around for the next 2-3(?) months before tightening again. Nothing is certain however.

• Silverfern Farms and Pure South programmed chilled supply continues to be good with consistent supply.

• Trims and round/secondary cut demand and prices very high – flows into mince, diced corned beef product etc.

• Alternative Prime Beef (PR/PB) cuts now a staple as a cheaper alternative to Prime Steer (PS). Need to remember Prime Beef does not eat as well as Prime Steer.

• NZD continues to be weak against both EUR and USD.

What this means:

There’s a short window of relative relief on steak cuts, but underlying demand for secondary cuts remains strong - keeping pressure on everyday menu staples like mince. The weaker NZD continues to influence pricing, particularly for export-linked products.

Lamb

• No real change here – Lamb prices have stabilised for now.

• Great supply options remain

• Have a great Lamb range on offer with Freshmeats, Silverfern Farms, Lumina, and Pure South. Have seen some tightening on some frozen lines as export contracts play catch due to unpredictable lamb availability.

• Have not seen Aussie Lamb as expected.

What this means:

Lamb is currently in a holding pattern, but tightening frozen supply and unpredictable availability suggest this stability may not last. Strong branded programs continue to provide consistency.

NZ Pork

• Fresh pork pricing expected to remain stable for May.

What this means:

Pork continues to be one of the most stable protein options, making it a reliable choice for cost control.

Import Meat

• Pork price remaining stable and slightly reducing over the coming months. Fantastic menu option with the high protein cost of beef and lamb.

• Import beef – starting to see beef price reducing, but this will only be for a short period of time

What this means:

Imported proteins present a strategic opportunity, especially pork, as a counterbalance to high domestic beef and lamb costs—but timing will be key given the short-term nature of beef price relief.

We’re expecting some price increases on poultry lines in May due to the additional transport and logistics costs currently being seen around the country.

If the unrest overseas continues, this could also flow onto increased feed pricing that may result in further increases later on in the year.

What this means:

Poultry, often a go-to for value, is now facing upward pressure, particularly from logistics and global feed costs - something to watch closely heading into winter.

Seasonality is becoming more pronounced, with strong local volumes in some categories and weather-driven tightening in others.

What’s New

• NZ Lemons

• Brussel sprouts - Great volumes

• Jerusalem artichokes - Expected mid May

• Satsuma Mandarins

• Valencia oranges NZ

• Persimmon - Good volumes coming through

• Tamarillo- should see good volumes in early May

• Import melons should start at the end of April beginning of May

• Yams - End of May

• Green beans - Australian will start end of April beginning of May

• Imported courgette will start mid/end of May

Insight:

Citrus is coming into strength, and root vegetables are building—ideal for seasonal menu transitions. Imported lines will begin to supplement gaps as local supply shifts.

What’s Good

• Kiwifruit green, gold

• Rhubarb

• Crown pumpkin, Butternut, Buttercup

• Broccoli

• Celeriac

• Parsnips

Insight:

These lines offer strong value and quality, making them ideal for menu features. Root veg and brassicas are particularly well-positioned for winter dishes.

What’s Short

• Tomatoes lifting in price due to cold

• All berries starting to tighten up - import strawberries available (aus) if favorable supply , weather etc.

• Dill starting to get short heading into winter

• Eggplant will tighten up

• Rocket due to weather

• Feijoas - Starting to tighten up

• Heirloom tomatoes will come to an end in May

Insight:

Cooler weather is driving price increases and tightening supply across key fresh items—especially tomatoes, berries, and herbs. Expect increased reliance on imports where available.

What’s Finished

• Figs finishing end of April

• NZ melons finishing up in April

• Red kiwi will finish

• Sweetcorn will slow down

  
  

Insight:

Summer lines are exiting quickly, reinforcing the need to pivot menus toward autumn/winter produce.

Figs

Although the 2025 crop was slightly larger than the 2024 crop, this was still below historic levels. Poor quality fruit, rising input costs and rising demand have seen the 3rd year in a row of increased export pricing.

Hazlenuts

Turkey supplies approx. 75% of the worlds production of Hazelnuts. High demand and reduced crops due to climatic events have kept prices rising throughout the season.

Raisins

Frost and rain damage has impacted the Iranian crop, leaving only South African fruit available. The Middle East conflict leaves future availability in question.

What this means:

Global supply disruptions and climate impacts continue to drive upward pricing pressure on key ingredient lines, particularly nuts and dried fruit—important for bakery, desserts, and value-add menu items.

Final Takeaways for May

Protein: Short-term opportunities exist in beef and imported lines, but overall cost pressure remains. Pork stands out as a stable option.

Produce: Strong local supply in root veg and citrus provides value, while weather is tightening supply on more delicate lines.

Strategy: Now is the time to lean into seasonal produce and balance protein mix to manage margin effectively.