Foodservice Market Update NZ: Market Bites April 2026

As we move into April, the market continues to be shaped by a mix of stable supply conditions and rising global cost pressures.

While international factors - including fuel, freight, and geopolitical tensions - are driving cost increases across the supply chain, Bidfood’s scale, supplier partnerships, and procurement expertise continue to ensure reliable product availability for our customers.

At a national level, New Zealand’s supply chain resilience is further supported by government contingency planning. If disruption increases, the framework allows for stronger interventions at Phases 3 and 4 - including prioritising fuel for emergency services, freight, food supply chains, and key industries that underpin the economy.

This foodservice market update NZ highlights that while supply remains secure, pricing across several categories is expected to firm as these external pressures continue to flow through the market.

Foodservice Market Update NZ: Protein

Beef

There is no significant change in the beef market this month, with kills expected to remain steady through to June. While there is some uncertainty around the potential impact of the Iran war, pricing currently remains stable and some value parcels may become available.

Supply from Silverfern Farms and Pure South continues to perform well, with consistent availability of programmed chilled product. Demand for New Zealand beef remains strong internationally, despite higher buy prices over the past year, and this trend is not expected to shift in the near future.

Pricing appears stable overall, although some global resistance is beginning to emerge. However, with an ongoing global beef shortage, the market is expected to hold firm. Alternative Prime Beef (PR/PB) continues to perform well as a more affordable option compared to Prime Steer (PS), although it’s important to note the difference in eating quality.

The NZD has weakened slightly against both the EUR and USD, which may influence future pricing dynamics.

Lamb

Lamb pricing has stabilised, with no major changes to report this month. Supply remains strong, with a wide range available including Freshmeats, Silverfern Farms, Lumina, Hand Pick 10, and Pure South.

There is potential for some frozen Australian lamb to enter the New Zealand market as a result of the Iran war, likely in the form of BRN shoulders, legs, and foreshanks.

Pork

Import pork remains stable through to August and continues to be a strong option for winter menus, particularly with lamb and beef pricing remaining high.

For New Zealand pork, Freshpork has implemented small price increases of approximately 3% for April, driven by higher freight and diesel costs.

Foodservice Market Update NZ: Produce

Pricing Outlook

Fresh produce pricing is expected to increase over the April to June period. This is due to rising fuel prices, higher freight surcharges, and increasing input costs such as fertiliser, all of which are flowing through the supply chain.

What’s New

• NZ Limes

• Feijoas

• New season pears

• Brussel sprouts

• New season apples now in full swing – Royal Gala, Pacific Beauty, Queen, Rose, Braeburn, Fuji

• Jerusalem artichokes

• Satsuma mandarins

• NZ Valencia oranges

What’s Good

• Green and Gold kiwifruit

• Rhubarb

• Cauliflower and broccoli

• Kumara (Beauregard, red, and gold)

• Pumpkin varieties (Crown, Butternut, Buttercup)

• Brassicas including kale, cavolo nero, and kohlrabi

What’s Short

Tomatoes are lifting in price due to colder conditions.

Hot house produce such as capsicums and telegraph cucumbers are also seeing price increases.

Berry supply is tightening, although imported Australian strawberries may be available depending on supply conditions.

Herb availability is expected to shorten, particularly oregano, dill, and sage.

What’s Finished

Red witloof

Most stone fruit (finishing by April)

NZ melons

Sweetcorn

Red kiwifruit

Foodservice Market Update NZ: Grocery & Pantry

Honey

Honey supply is tightening due to reduced hive numbers, challenging seasonal conditions, and significantly increased beekeeper operating costs. This is resulting in upward pressure on pricing.

Foodservice Market Update NZ: Market Overview

From a broader perspective, this foodservice market update NZ shows supply chains remain stable with no immediate disruption expected. Most shipments continue to move as planned, supported by alternative shipping routes where needed.

However, global cost pressures are intensifying. Ongoing Middle East tensions are driving higher oil prices, which are impacting freight, transport, and production costs worldwide. Shipping lines and logistics providers are applying additional surcharges and fuel adjustments, increasing overall landed costs.

As an import-reliant market, New Zealand is more exposed to these global shifts, particularly through fuel and domestic transport costs. As a result, broader food cost increases are expected over time as energy and raw material costs continue to rise.

While there is no immediate risk to supply, upward pressure on pricing is expected as these global cost increases continue to move through the supply chain.