⚠️ These are general seasonal patterns based on typical US market trends. Actual prices vary by region, supplier, and market conditions. Use as guidance, not guarantees.
Right Now — November
Thanksgiving demand drives significant price increases in November
💡 Lock in turkey pricing or contracts before October. Consider adding a seasonal surcharge to November catering menus.
Holiday season demand and seasonal fishing regulations
💡 Feature crab dishes in summer menus when prices are lowest. Build holiday pricing with crab surcharges.
Holiday demand spikes shrimp prices. Summer is peak domestic harvest.
💡 Stock up on shrimp or lock in supplier pricing before November holiday season.
Off-season winter strawberries are imported — prices nearly double November through February
💡 Avoid strawberry-heavy dishes in winter or add a $3-5 seasonal surcharge. Feature them in spring/summer menus.
Avocado prices fluctuate heavily based on Mexican harvest cycles and weather events
💡 Build flexible pricing into guacamole and avocado dishes. Avoid locking in fixed prices for avocado-heavy menus.
Spring is peak asparagus season — domestic supply drops prices significantly March-May
💡 Feature asparagus dishes in spring menus for best margins. Minimize in fall/winter or adjust pricing.
Fresh corn is a summer crop — winter prices are significantly higher due to shipping from Mexico
💡 Use frozen or canned corn in winter recipes. Feature fresh corn dishes in summer for better value.
Summer is peak domestic blueberry season. Winter berries are imported from South America.
💡 Feature blueberry dishes in summer months. Consider frozen blueberries for winter baking and catering.
Peaches are a summer fruit — out of season from October through May
💡 Use peaches only in summer seasonal menus. Canned or frozen peaches for off-season applications.
Fresh herbs are more expensive in winter due to greenhouse production
💡 Consider growing herbs year-round or budget for higher fresh herb costs in winter menus.
Fall harvest brings peak supply and lowest prices for winter squash varieties
💡 Feature squash dishes in fall menus for best value. Great for November catering events.
Holiday baking demand and potential supply disruptions increase egg prices in Q4
💡 Build egg-heavy menu items in spring when supply is highest. Monitor pricing before holiday catering season.
Holiday cheesecake and dip demand increases Q4 prices
💡 Stock cream cheese before Thanksgiving for holiday catering season.
Wheat commodity prices fluctuate and holiday baking increases demand
💡 Monitor flour prices quarterly. Buy in bulk when prices are stable.
Full Year Calendar
Ingredient Seasonal Profiles
Peak: +35% · Low: −15%
Thanksgiving demand drives significant price increases in November
Peak: +25% · Low: −10%
Easter demand (March-April) significantly increases lamb prices
Peak: +40% · Low: −20%
Holiday season demand and seasonal fishing regulations
Peak: +30% · Low: −25%
Summer is peak lobster season — prices drop significantly July-September
Peak: +20% · Low: −10%
Holiday demand spikes shrimp prices. Summer is peak domestic harvest.
Peak: +60% · Low: −30%
Off-season winter strawberries are imported — prices nearly double November through February
Peak: +45% · Low: −20%
Avocado prices fluctuate heavily based on Mexican harvest cycles and weather events
Peak: +55% · Low: −25%
Winter tomatoes are greenhouse or imported — significantly higher cost than summer field-grown
Peak: +50% · Low: −30%
Spring is peak asparagus season — domestic supply drops prices significantly March-May
Peak: +70% · Low: −35%
Fresh corn is a summer crop — winter prices are significantly higher due to shipping from Mexico
Peak: +65% · Low: −30%
Summer is peak domestic blueberry season. Winter berries are imported from South America.
Peak: +80% · Low: −40%
Peaches are a summer fruit — out of season from October through May
Peak: +35% · Low: −15%
Winter bell peppers are greenhouse-grown — higher cost than summer field-grown domestic peppers
Peak: +40% · Low: −15%
Fresh herbs are more expensive in winter due to greenhouse production
Peak: +30% · Low: −20%
Fall harvest brings peak supply and lowest prices for winter squash varieties
Peak: +25% · Low: −10%
Holiday baking demand and potential supply disruptions increase egg prices in Q4
Peak: +20% · Low: −8%
Holiday baking season significantly increases butter demand in November-December
Peak: +15% · Low: −5%
Holiday cheesecake and dip demand increases Q4 prices
Peak: +15% · Low: −5%
Wheat commodity prices fluctuate and holiday baking increases demand
How to Use Seasonal Intelligence in Your Business
Design quarterly menus around low-cost seasonal ingredients to protect margins.
Always check seasonal pricing before locking in event quotes — especially for proteins.
Some ingredients can be purchased in bulk during the low season and frozen for later use.
Transparent seasonal surcharges build trust with long-term clients.