top of page
Bidfood_logo.png
Search

Stay Ahead with Bidfood's Market Bites: November 2025

  • Writer: Bidfood Team
    Bidfood Team
  • Oct 31, 2025
  • 3 min read

Updated: Jan 6

Stay ahead of industry trends in the market with Bidfood's Market Bites. Here, we provide the latest updates across key product categories. From pricing pressures to seasonal shifts, here’s what you need to know to plan your menus with confidence.


Sliced meat garnished with rosemary on a dark surface. The word "Protein" is on a pink background on the left side.

Key Protein Updates


Beef

  • As the off-season ends, the NZ Beef kill is now ramping up. We expect NZ Beef to become available towards the end of October. However, availability is usually limited at this time as NZ meat companies fulfill offshore contracts. Volumes of NZ/SFF product should improve from late November.

  • Australian beef will likely continue to support local supply.

  • Seasonal maintenance at meat plants has now been completed.

  • Strong global demand is expected to keep beef prices firm. We don’t foresee any real changes here. This seems to be the new norm.

  • US tariffs (15%) on NZ beef do not appear to be suppressing prices. Instead, these costs are being passed on to the American consumer.

  • Despite high beef pricing, consumer demand remains strong. Beef is now starting to be seen as a healthy whole food option. How things change!


Lamb

  • Lamb pricing continues to face upward pressure. The NZD is still trending weaker.

  • The lamb schedule has surpassed $11/kg for premium lambs. This schedule reflects the farmgate price paid to farmers for their livestock by meat processors.

  • Lamb is now considered a luxury protein option.


NZ Pork

  • Pricing has remained remarkably stable for us in food service over the past 14 months.

  • We expect no changes in the near future for our main lines.


Poultry

  • Poultry pricing and supply remain steady.


Green banner with "Fresh Produce" text on left. Background features close-up of fresh green lettuce, conveying freshness.

Fresh Produce Highlights


What’s New

  • Berries: The berry season is in full swing. Strawberries are a great buy, with strong supply also for blueberries and raspberries.

  • Asparagus: In its prime, asparagus is of excellent quality and supply. Check if your branch stocks white and purple asparagus this season.

  • Heirloom Tomatoes: Good volumes and great quality are coming through.

  • Cherries: Early cherries are now available, with peak volumes expected from mid-November.


What’s Coming Up

  • Stone Fruit: The first stone fruit will begin arriving toward the end of the month.

  • Sweetcorn: Expected to start showing up towards the end of November.

  • Blackberries: These will be starting soon.


Tight Supply

  • Apples: Very short supply.

  • Tamarillo: Supply is starting to tighten.

  • Parsnips & Leeks: Supply is beginning to wind down.

  • Pumpkin (Crown): Short supply.

  • Melons: Supply continues from Australia.

  • Baby Carrots: All colours are short, with no clear ETA for full supply.


What’s Out

  • Buttercup & Butternut Pumpkin: Finished for the season.

  • Yams: Season has ended.

  • Brussels Sprouts: Season finished.


Text "Dairy | Cheese & Butter" on a light yellow background with a butter texture. Simple and clean design.

Dairy Market Insights


The dairy market continues to experience historically high milk prices. Fonterra has confirmed a final price of $10.15 per kgMS for last season. They forecast a price range of $9–$11 per kgMS for the current season, with a midpoint of $10.


Golden oil swirling underwater on the right, with "Oils" text on the left in white. Warm, fluid texture, yellow background.

Vegetable Oils

Prices remain high and volatile, especially for premium-quality olive oil. However, canola supply is expected to improve with upcoming harvests.


Other Commodities text on an orange background with sliced and whole pineapples on the right, conveying a tropical, fresh theme.

Other Commodities

  • Nuts, Herbs & Spices: Prices remain firm due to supply constraints, weather disruptions, and strong global demand. Limited availability is expected to persist.

  • Dried Fruit: Prices are rising sharply due to crop failures and constrained supply. Apricot supply is fully exhausted until 2026, while sultanas and raisins remain in short supply, facing additional pressure from market interventions.

  • Frozen Berries: European raspberries are experiencing sharp price rises. Chinese blueberries are seeing record production and export growth, while strawberries are largely retained for domestic consumption.


Conclusion


Staying informed about market trends is crucial for our success. By understanding the current landscape, we can better plan our menus and meet customer demands. Let’s continue to adapt and thrive in this ever-changing environment.


For more insights, visit Bidfood New Zealand.

Comments

bottom of page