Insight to help plan your menu

European beef prices have stabilised but remain high, with tightening cattle supplies and declining production supporting the market. Rising costs, bluetongue and regulatory pressures are limiting supply, while weaker consumer demand is providing some balance. Prices are expected to remain firm into 2027.

Sugar prices remain under pressure in 2026 as strong global production and improved supply have eased market tightness. However, weather risks and rising production costs remain key factors to watch, while European prices continue to be influenced by local crop conditions and import availability.

Egg prices remain elevated in 2026, with supply constrained by ongoing avian influenza outbreaks, reduced flock numbers and higher production costs. Strong demand and tighter availability are keeping pressure on the market, with prices expected to remain firm while supply recovers.

Dairy prices fell sharply in 2026 following record milk production, but are now rising as seasonal supply tightens and UK and European heatwaves reduce yields. Cream, butter and cheese prices are all under pressure, with strong foodservice demand adding to the squeeze. Longer-term, falling dairy farm numbers and herd sizes continue to raise supply concerns.

White fish prices remain elevated, with quota cuts tightening supply of cod and pollock, while strong demand for alternatives continues to support prices. Despite an 18% quota increase for haddock, prices remain high as wider whitefish availability stays constrained.

Canned tomato and bean prices remain under pressure, with higher fertiliser, packaging and energy costs continuing to impact production. Drought and reduced crop yields in key growing regions are adding further pressure to raw material availability.

For kitchens looking to manage costs, consider using fresh ingredients to make sauces and purées, or add bell peppers for colour and courgettes and squash for texture and flavour.

Potato supply looks less secure for 2026/27. Reduced planting in France and Germany, higher energy and fertiliser costs, and prolonged European heatwaves and drought are raising concerns over yields and frozen potato prices. Similar weather risks are affecting frozen vegetables, although Sysco’s strong supplier position provides some resilience.

Wheat prices have risen over 20% from early-year lows, driven by European heatwaves and drought reducing yield and quality expectations, alongside disruption to Black Sea exports. While strong global supply should prevent shortages, ongoing weather and geopolitical risks are likely to keep prices elevated and volatile.

European chicken prices have strengthened in 2026, driven by strong demand and tighter supply. The biggest market risk is Brazil, the EU’s largest poultry supplier. From 3 September 2026, Brazilian poultry imports will be suspended over antimicrobial compliance concerns, prompting EU buyers to build stocks ahead of the deadline. Poland is also seeing tighter availability as strong domestic and export demand, combined with hot weather reducing bird weights and slaughter numbers, supports prices. The UK is taking a different approach, with Brazilian imports expected to continue while DEFRA completes its review.