Market Bites – September 2026

Market Bites – September 2026

Spring is here, bringing new seasonal opportunities alongside a market that continues to shift across key foodservice categories.

This month, beef supply is looking better than expected, while lamb moves firmly into the off-season and pork pricing eases across a number of cuts. In produce, the first New Zealand asparagus and strawberries are arriving, with some great buying opportunities emerging as spring gets underway.

At the same time, cost pressures remain across selected categories including sugar, edible oils, eggs and dairy. Here’s what’s happening across the market this September.

Beef

• Winter has been kind. Beef supply to processors has been better than expected.

• New Zealand is experiencing a rapidly intensifying El Niño event that was officially declared in July 2026 and is forecast to persist into 2027.

• A good possibility that the new processing season will start earlier than normal on the back of this as many eastern parts of the country already drying out.

• Silverfern Farms and Pure South programmed chilled supply for all steak cuts now looking good.

• NZ Steak cut and round cuts pricing stable at current levels. Exception seems to be topsides where off-shore demand has been strong, prices firm and supply a bit harder

• PR kill has been better than expected and supply to our branches generally good.

• Alternative Prime Beef (PR/PB) cuts have found a solid following as a value alternative to Prime Steer (PS). However we still need to remember that Prime Beef (PB/PR) doesn’t eat as well as Prime Steer.

Lamb

• Lamb numbers available for processing now tight. Now into the off-season proper.

• Lamb will be impacted by the El Nino weather event the same as beef above. Good probability exists that we will have an early start to the new lamb processing season as well.

• Lamb cut pricing has been stable. This has been largely unexpected while ‘Lamb schedule’ (farmer payments) pricing remains high.

Remember check out our premium Freshmeats, Silverfern Farms, Lumina, and Pure South offerings

NZ Pork

• Freshpork reviewed pricing last month with general price decreases across many cuts. These now flowing into branches.

• Supply steady as we have come to expect.

Spring is beginning to make its presence felt, with the first of some much-anticipated seasonal lines arriving. There are also some good buying opportunities across the market, while a number of winter lines begin to wind down.

What’s in Season

• Asparagus – The first New Zealand asparagus is arriving now. As with most early-season produce, pricing is currently at a premium, with availability expected to improve as the season builds.

• Strawberries – Both New Zealand and Australian strawberries are coming through, giving us options as we head towards spring.

• Oranges, Pears, Avocados & Yams – All are in season now and are great options to feature on menus.

• Brussels Sprouts – Still available, but the season is winding down with only a few weeks expected to remain.

• Jerusalem Artichokes – Also nearing the end of their season, with availability expected for just a few more weeks.

Good Buying

There are some great opportunities across the market this week, with improved supply and softer pricing on several lines.

• Broccoli – Good buying with favourable market pricing.

• Spring Onions – Pricing has eased, although supply can still be inconsistent.

• Cherry Tomatoes – Pricing has come down, making these a good option for menus.

• Cucumbers – Pricing has also eased and represents good buying.

• Rhubarb – Good supply and availability.

• Limes – Imported limes are in stock now.

  
  

Supply Watch

• Mandarins – New Zealand Satsumas are finishing for the season. Winter New Zealand varieties and Australian fruit are available, although pricing is higher.

• Rocket – Availability remains very limited. Supply is expected to improve and return to more consistent levels around early to mid-September.

• Melons – Australian supply remains inconsistent, particularly watermelon, so availability may vary.

• Chives – Supply continues to be inconsistent.

• Cabbage – Market pricing has increased.

• Onions – Pricing is up across the category.

• Agria Potatoes – Pricing has increased.

• Campari Tomatoes – Currently very expensive due to market conditions.

Coming Up

• White Asparagus – Expected towards the end of September.

• Heirloom Tomatoes – Due to begin around late September to early October.

Sugar

Sugar is expected to increase significantly in the coming months.

Raw sugar futures rallied strongly, with October NY sugar #11 rising 3.56% to hit a 15-month high while London white sugar gained 3.15%, reaching its highest in 16 months. The surge occurred after reports indicated India may cut import duties to boost domestic supply ahead of festival demand, underlining persistent concerns over global availability. Traders pointed to a strengthening El Niño pattern and Indian weather risks as factors adding upside pressure. Brazil’s recent output shortfall and recovering ethanol prices reinforced expectations that more cane could be diverted from sugar production, amplifying supply uncertainty at a time when funds have turned net long for the first time since late 2024.

Foodservice Cost Outlook

Foodservice inflation has moderated, but the market has not reset. Cost pressure is now narrower, more category-specific, and more exposed to external volatility across red meat, dairy, eggs, edible oils, selected produce and transport-linked inputs.

Bidfood’s FY26 Foodservice inflation was +6.16% against the prior year, with the April to June quarter moderating to +3.38%. This confirms inflation has eased from earlier FY26 levels, but it should not be read as a full reset of the cost environment.

The key point is that inflation is no longer as broad-based as it was earlier in FY26. The remaining pressure is more variable by category and more sensitive to input-cost movements.

Plan Ahead This September

As we move further into spring, changing seasonality is creating both opportunities and areas to watch. New-season produce is beginning to arrive, pork is providing some pricing relief and beef supply has been better than expected, while lamb availability tightens through the off-season.

With cost pressure becoming increasingly category-specific, keeping an eye on availability, seasonality and good-buying opportunities can help foodservice operators make informed purchasing and menu decisions.

Stay connected with your local Bidfood team for the latest availability, pricing and product opportunities in your region.