Market Bites: August 2026

As we move further into winter, seasonal supply continues to influence the availability and pricing of key protein and produce lines. Lamb and beef remain firmly in the off-season, while poultry pricing is expected to lift during August. Across produce, winter conditions are impacting a handful of lines, although supply remains good for many seasonal favourites.

Here's what's happening across the market this month.

Beef

• The off-season is here, with beef kills slowing down faster than expected.

• Silver Fern Farms and Pure South programmed chilled supply into July and August at good levels for rump and ribeyes. Chilled striploin and fillet supply is now drying up quickly.

• NZ steak cut pricing is now on the way up, with product expected to return to the pricing levels seen six months ago.

• Branches have Silver Fern frozen steak cuts in stock to help alleviate potential off-season supply issues.

• PR kill still seems to be better than expected at present.

• Alternative Prime Beef (PR/PB) cuts have found a solid following as a value alternative to Prime Steer (PS). However, it is important to remember that Prime Beef (PB/PR) does not eat as well as Prime Steer.

• Round and secondary cut demand and pricing remain firm, particularly for products such as corned silverside, diced beef and schnitzel.

Lamb

• Lamb numbers available for processing have dropped right off. We are now into the off-season proper.

• Lamb schedule pricing continues to climb to record levels. Farmgate pricing is expected to reach $13+ per kilogram soon.

• Remember to check out our premium Fresh Meats, Silver Fern Farms, Lumina and Pure South ranges.

  
  

New Zealand Pork

• Freshpork has recently reviewed pricing, with some decreases expected to flow through for August deliveries.

• Supply remains steady, as we have come to expect.

Poultry

• We are anticipating poultry price increases during August, driven by ongoing cost pressures across the supply chain.

• Feed remains one of the largest input costs in poultry production, and as New Zealand relies on imported ingredients for a significant portion of commercial feed, increased global freight and sourcing costs continue to impact the market. As a result, poultry suppliers are implementing price increases across the board.

Avian Influenza Update

The recent detection of the H5 strain of Avian Influenza in New Zealand is not currently affecting commercial poultry production. To date, confirmed cases have been isolated and have not involved commercial poultry operations.

As a precautionary measure, some poultry producers are temporarily housing free-range birds indoors to help protect flocks and minimise the risk of contact with wild birds. These measures are being taken to support bird welfare and maintain supply continuity.

Imported Proteins

Pork

Global pork supply is currently strong, giving us excellent access to premium product at great value.

We work exclusively with trusted, quality-assured suppliers — Wichita, Baucells and HK — who understand our market's exact specifications and consistently deliver on quality. This means you can count on reliable, top-tier pork, batch after batch.

Backed by Bidfood's specialised meat category team, our customers get more than just great product — you get real expertise. Our team is on hand to help you explore new pork menu ideas, make the most of current value, and build offerings your customers will love.

Lamb

Australian pricing continues to remain firm.

Beef

Australian beef prices continue to soften and are expected to trend lower over the coming weeks.

Seafood

August brings some great seasonal seafood opportunities, with fresh supply continuing to be influenced by winter weather.

• Hoki – The season is now well underway, with the first of the new-season catch expected to become available towards the end of the month.

• Greenshell™ mussels – Continue to offer excellent value and versatility across winter menus.

• Bluff oysters – Are heading into their final month of the season, so now is the time to get orders locked in before availability tightens.

• Salmon – Remains a popular choice, although supply can vary across brands and specifications. For consistency and convenience, frozen salmon, prawns, squid, scallops and portion-controlled fish remain great alternatives.

  
  

What's Good

• Tamarillos – Good supply.

• Brussels sprouts – Good quality and good supply through the winter months.

• Grapes – Good supply of red grapes. Green and black grapes are now all coming out of the USA, so prices have lifted.

• Navel oranges – Good supply.

• Jerusalem artichokes – Expected to be available through to September.

• Witloof – Both red and yellow varieties have good supply and consistent quality.

  
  

What's Short

• Passionfruit – Supply is inconsistent due to the cold, wet weather.

• Tomatoes – Prices are lifting during the colder months.

• Chives, dill and basil – Supply may be inconsistent during August due to colder weather.

• Limes – New Zealand supply is coming to an end, with imported product now available.

• Edible flowers – Supply is limited.

  
  

Imports

• Melons – Now coming out of Australia. There are issues with watermelon supply, with no product currently available.

• Mandarins – Australian supply is well underway as the New Zealand season comes to an end.

• Strawberries – Australian strawberries are becoming more consistent, with some local indoor production also available.

  
  

What's Out

• Truffles – The season has now finished.

  
  

Coming Soon

• Blueberries

• Australian sweetcorn

  
  

Global Shipping Update

Global freight conditions remain mixed.

International shipping continues to face challenges, particularly on trade routes from Asia. While shipping capacity remains tight and freight costs have increased, there are encouraging signs that conditions are expected to improve over the coming months.

Asia

Freight costs from Asia continue to rise due to peak season demand, carrier surcharges and ongoing capacity constraints. This may place upward pressure on the landed cost of some imported products.

Importers are working closely with suppliers and shipping partners to minimise disruptions and maintain supply continuity.

Australia

Shipping conditions across the Tasman have improved, with increased vessel capacity and softer freight rates. These favourable conditions are expected to support more reliable supply and stable pricing on Australian-sourced products.

Europe

Supply from Europe remains relatively stable. Although congestion persists at some major ports, delays are manageable and product availability has remained largely unaffected.

Domestic New Zealand

Domestic freight costs continue to face upward pressure.

While transport networks continue to perform well, increases in domestic freight costs may contribute to higher distribution costs across the supply chain.

Looking Ahead

While freight markets remain dynamic, conditions are expected to gradually improve from early August, with better vessel availability and fewer booking delays.

Businesses should continue to monitor freight trends, as both international shipping costs and domestic transport charges remain key factors influencing product pricing and availability.

Our import teams continue to work proactively with suppliers and logistics partners to minimise supply disruptions and manage cost pressures, helping ensure reliable supply for our customers.