Food costs: wholesale prices rose 0.6% in September, led by produce and seafood
The National Restaurant Association reports the Producer Price Index for all foods rose 0.6% from August to September after two monthly declines, driven by fresh vegetables (+36.9%), fresh fruit, seafood, beef and veal (+2.6%) and wheat flour. Prices were still 2.6% below September 2025 but 34% above February 2020. Year over year, fresh vegetables (+17.8%), fats and oils, flour and fruit were up, while eggs (-75.3%), butter, pork, processed poultry and cheese were down.
Why it matters for directors: Relief depends on your menu mix. Shift features toward proteins and dairy that are down year over year, and watch produce-heavy menus where costs jumped in September.
Original source: National Restaurant Association ↗