Recent geopolitical disruption is adding further uncertainty to already volatile food markets, with protein categories among the most exposed. For schools, that creates immediate pressure on how catering is planned, costed, and delivered.

For schools, that quickly turns into practical decisions around product choice, supplier mix, and how to maintain standards while managing cost.

At Entegra, we track food pricing, supplier data, and market movements across global supply chains, working with organisations across multiple sectors including education. This gives us a clear view of where costs are moving and why.

For schools, these shifts do not sit in isolation. They show up in menus, supplier pricing, and ultimately in catering budgets. Staying on top of where costs are moving, and why, is becoming an essential part of managing food provision effectively.

To help schools understand what is changing and where pressure is building, Entegra has produced its latest Protein Market Trends report.

• Beef prices are beginning to stabilise, although demand is shifting away from premium cuts towards more cost-effective options such as mince.
• Pork markets remain under pressure compared to last year, with early signs of seasonal recovery expected in the coming months.
• Poultry is entering a more volatile phase. Rising feed costs and ongoing geopolitical disruption are creating uncertainty in pricing.
• Seafood supply is tightening, particularly across cod and pollock, with sustained price increases already coming through.
• Changes in consumer behaviour continue to influence demand across protein categories, adding further complexity.

For schools, the impact is clear. Cost increases rarely appear in one place. They move across multiple suppliers and products, making them harder to track and manage without a clear view of pricing and spend.
 

From data to decisions: Helping schools respond faster

Through the Government Commercial Agency’s Buying Better Food and Drink framework, delivered by Entegra, schools are supported with ongoing market intelligence, procurement support, and purchasing data. This helps inform supplier choice, product mix, and pricing decisions as conditions change.

Combined with a structured approach to procurement, this supports better control of budgets while maintaining the quality of food provision.

The full Protein Market Trends report provides a detailed view of pricing movements, supply pressures, and emerging risks across key categories.

Download the latest report here.