Flesh-Eating Screwworm Found Near Texas Border
A flesh-eating parasite spreading throughout Mexico is now closer to Texas, posing a dangerous threat to the state's livestock, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a health advisory Tuesday.
A case of New World screwworm was detected in livestock in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas, which borders the southern tip of Texas near Brownsville, according to the CDC. It's the latest development in the growing threat of screwworms, flesh-eating maggots that can burrow into open wounds and feed on live tissue, killing livestock and, in some rare cases, people...
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Zelensky Invites Businesses to Invest in Ukraine as 'End of War Documents' Nearly Ready
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland today (January 22) Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelensky, said that "the documents for ending this war" [Russia-Ukraine] are "nearly ready."
"Today's meeting [with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum a few hours earlier] was positive," he added. Zelensky also said the US team will go to Moscow today to continue peace talks.
Addressing business owners in the audience, Zelensky said: "Yes, there is a little risk right now
USDA: Help Protect the USA from African Swine Fever
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) invites U.S. swine producers, small farms, and pig owners to participate in the “I Protect Pigs” Photo Contest as part of this year’s Protect Our Pigs campaign. The campaign, in its fifth year, reinforces steps all pig owners can take to help protect our nation’s swine industry from deadly animal diseases like African swine fever (ASF). This year’s photo contest gives participants an opportunity to highlight how they help this effort on an individual basis...
ANALYSIS: Consumption Headwinds Trim China’s 2025 Beef Imports 2.5% YOY to 2.8M mt
China’s total beef imports in 2025 decreased 2.5% from a year ago to reach 2,802,150 metric tons (mt), according to the latest data from the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC).
Yearly volumes fell 64,129 mt from 2024, though September bucked the trend with a record 315,886 mt of beef arrivals. Shipments from the Mercosur trade bloc including Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay showed uneven results, while Australian volumes posted the largest annual gain.
Since Q4 2025, the placement of most suppliers on China’s "Enhanced Supervision List" sharply...
ANALYSIS: EU Layer Flock Downturn Signals Continued Sector Adjustment
EU layer flock data for October, 2025 indicate a noticeable reduction compared with the same month in 2024. Current numbers lie near the lower end of the post-pandemic range, showing that producers entered the final quarter of 2025 with a more cautious approach to production.
The decline in flock size reflects an adjustment to ongoing structural and regulatory factors shaping the sector. Continued emphasis on welfare and environmental compliance, alongside a cautious approach to biosecurity and production planning, led many producers to maintain stable and efficient operations rather than expand...
Winn-Dixie Sets the Pace for Innovation in Grocery Retail
On Wednesday, Southeastern Grocers officially became The Winn-Dixie Company, unifying its stores under a single name. This transformation includes refreshing and modernizing the Winn-Dixie brand to better connect with shoppers.
Anthony Hucker, Chairman and CEO of The Winn-Dixie Company, stated, “This is a defining moment—more than a name change, it proudly declares who we are and where we’re headed. Winn-Dixie has been part of feeding families and enriching communities for generations. Becoming The Winn-Dixie Company brings a deeply...
Introducing US Pork to New Audiences in Malaysia
As the U.S. pork industry gains access in Malaysia, efforts are expanding to introduce and promote U.S. pork to consumers through the foodservice sector. While Malaysia is largely Muslim, an estimated 35% of its 34 million people are non-Muslim with a strong affinity for pork.
USMEF partnered with three restaurants in Kuala Lumpur for two very different types of promotions, both designed to raise awareness of and promote the high-quality attributes of U.S. pork. At two upscale Corks Out restaurants in Kuala Lumpur, USMEF conducted a traditional promotion in which premium cuts of pork were offered with an incentive of a free dessert, specially chosen to pair with the specific cut. The three featured cuts were the U.S. pork ribeye, the shoulder and tomahawk steak.
Retailer Expansion Offers New Opportunities for US Beef in Taiwan
USMEF partnered with Taiwanese importer Yu-Ho Foods on a retail seminar about U.S. beef for Yu-Ho and its retail customer PX Mart. The retailer, already Taiwan’s largest supermarket chain with 1,200 outlets, had recently purchased a 20-outlet hypermart chain and expressed interest to Yu-Ho in seeing a wider range of U.S. beef items to consider for both chains.
USMEF conducted a technical seminar for the fresh foods department staff of PX Mart and Yu-Ho Foods at Yu-Ho’s headquarters. The first half of the seminar included an industry overview about U.S. production, grading standards and the quality...
New Analysis Reinforces Urgent Need for Additional Farm Support
American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall highlights the urgent need for legislation expanding the bridge support program for farmers, reinforced by new analysis indicating the economic crisis in farm country is likely to continue this year.
“We are grateful for the aid Congress has delivered to farmers this year and do not take that for granted. But we are in an economic crisis, the likes of which we haven’t seen in decades. New Farm Bureau analysis reveals farmers are likely to face another very difficult year if markets do not improve. The sad reality is the climbing rate of farm...
Trump Provides Global Overview and Thoughts on Greenland in Davos Address
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland today (January 21), US President Donald Trump shared what he described as "phenomenal news" about his first year of his second term, boasting about the economic performance of the US since his re-election, calling it the "most dramatic turnaround" ever seen in American history.
Trump blamed former President Joe Biden for causing inflation and said that under his leadership grocery prices are now down.
Beyond the domestic economy Trump argued that the US is the
ANALYSIS: Growing Demand Lifts Korea’s Total Beef Imports 1.5% YOY in 2025
Korea's total beef imports in 2025 rose by 1.5% from a year ago to 468,122 metric tons (mt), according to the Korea Customs Service.
The world’s fourth-largest beef importer reversed its 2024 slump with annual imports rising by 7,094 mt year-on-year (YOY).
The recovery was driven by weaker domestic Hanwoo production and a demand boost from the government’s "livelihood recovery consumption coupon" program, launched on July 21, which lifted household beef purchases...
ANALYSIS: US Pork Exports Surge to Decade-High in October 2025
US pork exports totaled 632.2 million pounds in October 2025, marking the largest monthly export volume since March, 2025. In aggregate, total US pork exports increased about 7.6% compared to October 2024. From a historical perspective, export volumes show October 2025 at a decade-high level for the month, surpassing all prior October readings dating back to 2016. Volumes also ran roughly 16% above the 10-year average, underscoring elevated current demand levels versus historical norms.
Mexico remains the dominant market, posting record monthly exports with volumes soaring approximately...
Secretary Rollins Signs Commissions for Senate-Confirmed USDA Leadership
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins today signed the official commissions of all Senate-confirmed officials serving at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), marking one year since the start of President Trump’s historic second term in office.
“One year into President Trump’s second term, we have assembled a results-driven team that is fully committed to putting farmers and ranchers first, strengthening our national security through agriculture, restoring common sense to government, and protecting America’s food supply,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. This commission signing represents more than a milestone...
Grubhub Parent Wonder Acquires Restaurant Rewards App Claim
Grubhub's parent company, Wonder, has announced the acquisition of Claim, a restaurant rewards app that offers exclusive cash-back rewards for dine-in or pick-up orders at local restaurants.
This acquisition promises significant benefits for both restaurants and diners within Grubhub's network. Restaurants can leverage Claim's powerful guest acquisition and retention tools, while diners can enjoy more savings and get paid to eat out.
Claim simplifies the dining experience by automatically recognizing qualifying transactions at the point of payment, without any need for codes or scanning...
ANALYSIS: The US Imported 11.6% More Boneless Beef in 2025 YOY
In 2025, the United States imported a total of 815,116 metric tons (mt) of boneless beef, marking an increase of 85,025 mt (+11.6%) compared to 2024. Despite widespread tariff uncertainty throughout much of the year, imports still climbed to record-high levels, underscoring the structural tightness in the US beef supply.
The increase was largely driven by constrained domestic beef production, which forced the US to rely more heavily on imported product to meet demand. Tight cattle inventories and reduced slaughter numbers limited domestic output, leaving imports to play a critical role in balancing the market...
At Davos, Von der Leyen Hails "Mother of All Deals" with India
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced Tuesday at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, that the European Union (EU) is nearing the conclusion of a free trade agreement with India.
While some details remain to be settled, she described the deal as “the mother of all deals,” highlighting that it would encompass a market of 2 billion people and represent nearly a quarter of global GDP, underscoring the EU’s goal to diversify its trade partnerships.
ANALYSIS: Cage-Free Market Momentum Shifts; First Gains Since Late November
The cage-free market has begun to show upward momentum this week, marking its first upward adjustment in nearly two months. After a prolonged period defined by surplus production and muted demand nationwide, a shift in buying needs—driven largely by aggressive retail promotions—has injected a more bullish tone into the category.
Retail demand, particularly along the West Coast, has strengthened notably and is absorbing a large share of available cage-free supply. This improvement coincides with the rollout of new promotional features, some priced as low as $0.99/dozen. Other promotions, while less aggressive, are still frequently positioned below...
Suzanna’s Kitchen Recalls RTE Grilled Chicken Breast Fillet Due to Possible Listeria Contamination
Suzanna’s Kitchen, a Norcross, Ga., establishment, is recalling approximately 13,720 pounds of ready- to-eat grilled chicken breast fillet products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes (Lm), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today [January 16, 2026].
The ready-to-eat grilled chicken breast fillet items were produced on October 14, 2025. The following products are subject to recall:
Navigating the Trump Tariff Turbulence: A Comprehensive Timeline
US President Donald Trump and his administration have paused reciprocal tariffs on most countries.
“Based on the lack of respect that China has shown... I am hereby raising the [tariff] charged to China by the [USA] to 125%, effective immediately,” wrote Trump on Truth Social at 1:18 pm ET.
It’s not clear if this 125% is in addition to the 20% imposed on Chinese imports to the US. In early March, Trump noted that he would add another 10% tariff on Chinese goods...
Farmers Applaud Return of Whole Milk to Schools
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented on President Trump signing the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act into law.
“Farmers applaud Rep. GT Thompson and Senator Roger Marshall for working to return whole milk to America’s schools, and to the president for signing the legislation today. The commonsense, bipartisan bill ensures children will have access to important vitamins, protein and other nutritients while supporting dairy farmers who need access to expanded markets for their product.
“America’s farmers as a whole are struggling with high expenses that outpace income. Finding a solution that benefits everyone without...
In this role, Borrelli will oversee the Retail business unit, which includes many of the company’s most recognized consumer brands and represents one of its largest growth engines.
“I am delighted to welcome Domenic to the company. He has a proven track record of creating consumer-driven growth in well...
Agricultural Groups Sound Alarm about Farmers’ Future
Agriculture groups sound an alarm about the economic crisis in rural America in a letter sent today to Congress. 56 organizations representing a cross-section of agriculture signed the letter, sending a strong message to Congress.
The letter describes an existential threat looming over many farms, stating, “America’s farmers, ranchers, and growers are facing extreme economic pressures that threaten the long-term viability of the U.S. agriculture sector. An alarming number of farmers are financially underwater, farm bankruptcies continue to climb, and many farmers may have difficulty securing financing to grow their next crop.”
Farm losses are the result of a multitude of challenges...
ANALYSIS: Broiler Production, The Final Tally Is In...
With 2026 underway, chicken market activity is gaining momentum as buyers and sellers jockey for early-year positioning. Amid this renewed engagement, it is easy to overlook a critical backdrop: Cumulative chicken headcount closed the year at a record high. Total production reached just over 8.82 billion head, surpassing the prior all-time peak set in 2020 by approximately 180.5 million head. This outcome closely mirrors the steady, week-over-week advances observed in the hatch throughout the past year, with late-Q4 delivering new record weekly highs in both egg sets and placements...
Kroger Launches Fast, Convenient Delivery on Uber Apps Nationwide
Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: UBER) and The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) today [January 15, 2026] announced the launch of nearly 2,700 Kroger Family of Companies stores on the Uber Eats, Uber, and Postmates apps. Customers nationwide can now shop their local Kroger banner for fresh groceries, Kroger’s Our Brandsfavorites, household essentials, and more with the convenience of on-demand and same day delivery via Uber’s apps.
This rollout delivers on the companies’ previously announced plan to broaden access, choice, and value for millions of households. In...
Popeyes Announces New Head Chef and Chief Marketing Officer Appointment
Restaurant Brands International was featured in Expana's latest foodservice roundup, highlighting leadership shifts taking shape in 2026.
Just before the new year, the company announced internal promotions for Head Chef positions at two of its flagship brands.
Amy Alarcon has been appointed Head Chef for Burger King, U.S. & Canada, bringing 18 years of industry experience. She will lead Burger King's culinary strategy, including menu innovation, product development, and quality standards across the brand.
Robert (Bobby) O’Brien has been appointed Head Chef for Popeyes...
New Guidelines Spark a Protein-Driven Food Revolution in Foodservice
New dietary guidelines have now been out for a week.
In the update, Americans are encouraged to include protein foods at every meal, focusing on high-quality, nutrient-dense sources. The serving goals outlined in this report are 1.2–1.6 grams (approximately 0.042–0.056 ounces) of protein per kilogram of body weight per day.
"Pretty interesting shift toward protein overall. Under the previous 0.8 g/kg guidelines, intake would have been roughly 69 g/day, while the updated guidance implies about a +34 to...
ANALYSIS: US 2025 Choice–Select Spread Near COVID-Era Lows as Select Supply Tightens
The spread between Choice and Select cutouts has continued to tighten as Select values draw support from increasingly constrained supplies. Cattle grading Select are at record-low levels, limiting the volume of Select product available and compressing the traditional discount to Choice. This scarcity has left the Select cutout less vulnerable to seasonal pressure and allowed it to firm relative to historical norms, even during periods when Choice typically commands the bulk of demand.
At the start of 2026, the Choice-Select spread...
ANALYSIS: Turkey Market Eyes Modest Supply Relief as Egg Sets Improve Year-Over-Year
The turkey industry closed out 2025 with the second-lowest poult placement number on record, sitting just above that of 2024. However, the egg set figures for January 2026 outpaced those of 2024 and 2025, providing the possibility for slightly greater supply availability in the coming months.
During seven months in 2025, poult placements hit an all-time seasonal low, which influenced record low harvest figures throughout much of the year. On top of slim production numbers, HPAI resulted...
Hunt Brothers® Pizza Brings Back Beloved Buffalo Chicken Pizza LTO
Hunt Brothers® Pizza, the #1 branded pizza program in the convenience store industry, announced the return of the Buffalo Chicken Pizza today, one of its most popular limited time offerings, starting January 19. The Hunt Brothers Pizza LTO program increases foot traffic and profits for thousands of c-store partners by leveraging both made-to-order and grab-and-go sales strategies.
"For 17 years, our Buffalo Chicken Pizza has been one of those special Limited Time Offers that consumers look forward...
ButcherBox Announces Partnership with Target
ButcherBox, a subscription based, direct-to-consumer meat and seafood brand, have announced its first major retail launch.
The company is introducing fresh, 100% grass-fed, grass-finished beef products in Target stores nationwide, aligning with the store's commitment to expand wellness-focused offerings in its inventory.
"This opportunity isn't just about showcasing our brand on Target shelves nationwide," said Reba Hatcher, Chief Commercial Officer at ButcherBox. "It's a major signal in the increasing demand from consumers for healthier meat and making better meat accessible at a larger scale...
Zaxby's Brings Back Fan Favorites for the New Year
"New year, same saucy cravings" is the catchy motto Zaxby's shared in its latest announcement featuring exciting menu innovations.
The company is reintroducing two of its most iconic creations, back by popular demand for a limited time starting January 19.
First up is Zaxby's Southern Fried Shrimp, returning with flair in three distinct styles:
Leadership Shifts Set the Stage in Foodservice for 2026
So far in the new year, we've seen new menus, ad campaigns, partnerships, and emerging trends.
While the industry maintains its focus on consumers, value, and traffic retention, it has ramped up efforts to facilitate growth and expansion.
In this latest foodservice roundup, Expana has assembled a detailed look at the most significant leadership changes shaking up the industry as it welcomes 2026.
Hormel Foods
Hormel Foods announced the upcoming
Hormel Foods announced the upcoming retirements of two long-time leaders: Mark Morey, Vice President of Operations for fresh pork, and Paul Peil...
Kroger Announces Executive Leadership Changes, Outlines Vision for 2026
Kroger is making significant changes in its executive team with a series of new appointments.
"We are excited to promote several talented senior executives to key roles that will position Kroger for future success," stated Ron Sargent, Kroger's Chairman and CEO. "Victor Smith, Monica Garnes, Kendra Doyel, and Ken DeLuca are strong leaders with decades of experience, and I look forward to their continued success in their new roles. I also want to thank Colleen Juergensen and Tom Schwilke for their many contributions to our customers, associates, and...
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