USDA Asks Partners to Develop AI Solutions to Accelerate Crop Innovation

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is taking steps to speed up progress in plant science by calling on universities and stakeholders to help build new AI tools that can translate the huge amount of germplasm data the agency collects.

Through the Genesis Mission and the Agriculture Advanced Research and Development Authority (AgARDA), USDA is expected to launch an Agricultural National Science & Technology Challenge later this year. The Challenge will ask innovators to create practical solutions that pull together different types of...

Del Taco Named #1 Fast Food Restaurant in USA Today's 2026 10Best Reader's Choice Awards

Del Taco, the nation’s second-largest Mexican quick service restaurant*, has once again received top honors in USA TODAY's 2026 10Best Reader's Choice Awards, earning #1 Fast Food Restaurant and #1 Fast Food Fries. This marks Del Taco's second straight year being voted the nation's Best Fast Food Restaurant and the third consecutive year capturing the top spot for Best Fast Food Fries, further reinforcing the brand’s reputation as a nationwide fan favorite. Complementing the two ...

Study Finds Reinstating mCOOL Would Cost Consumers & Meat Supply Chain More Than $1 Billion Annually

The Meat Institute today announced a new economic analysis by Decision Innovation Solutions finds that reinstating Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (mCOOL) for beef and pork would impose significant costs, more than $1 billion annually, across the U.S. meat supply chain, increasing expenses for livestock producers, meat processors, retailers, and consumers while providing little evidence of increased consumer demand for labeled products.

“This study proves there are real and significant costs to mCOOL which would raise the price of meat for...

ANALYSIS: New Zealand's H1 2026 Beef Exports Recover from Seven-Year Low, Up 6.3% YOY

New Zealand's H1 2026 beef exports recovered to 282,104 MT, up 6.3% YOY, recovering from 2025's seven-year first-half low, according to the latest Stats NZ data.

The 75-year low US cattle herd drove YTD exports to the US to 131,423 MT, pushing US market share to 46.6%, the highest on record. May's 27,971 MT to the US was the highest monthly export volume ever recorded to a single market in the data series...

ANALYSIS: China’s H1 2026 Beef Imports Hit Record 1.53M MT Amid Safeguard Front-Loading

China's beef imports reached a fresh record of 1,530,561 metric tons (MT) through June 2026, according to the latest data from the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), surpassing the previous H1 high set in 2024 and landing 17.5% above the same period last year.

But the headline figure tells only part of the story.

Behind the record lies a deeply polarized market, one engineered by Beijing's new beef safeguard mechanism, announced by the Ministry...

The Retail Rundown: Consumers Redefine Value Across the Meat Case This Summer

With the summer grilling season in full swing, the protein case reflects more than shifting prices. The latest Circana retail data shows consumers continuing to prioritize value, but what defines value varies by protein category as supply dynamics, promotional strategies, and purchasing behavior evolve. 

Beef Leads the Meat Department Despite Premium Pricing

Beef remains the largest protein category by total weekly sales, generating $191.5 million last week—nearly 58% more than eggs and almost 77% higher than chicken. Average retail pricing reflects continued supply constraints, with an...

Brett Doyle Sworn In as USITC Commissioner, Bringing USTR and Capitol Hill Experience

Brett Doyle, a Republican from Connecticut, was sworn in as a Commissioner of the US International Trade Commission (USITC), the agency announced Monday. He was nominated by President Trump on January 29, 2026, and confirmed by the US Senate on July 16, 2026. His term will expire December 16, 2030. 

The USITC is responsible for investigating imports alleged to injure domestic industries or violate US intellectual property rights. According to the agency, it provides independent analysis on tariffs, trade and...

SCREWWORMS: Harder Announces New Bill to Protect Valley Livestock from Flesh-Eating Maggots

Today, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) announced new bipartisan legislation to protect Valley livestock and agriculture communities from a growing outbreak of flesh-eating insects. Harder’s Protecting America’s Herds Act invests in early detection and prevention of New World Screwworm flies to control the outbreak and ultimately keep these parasites out of the Valley.

Parasitic swarms just broke into the US, and they’re headed for the Valley:

• Screwworm flies have been eradicated in the U.S. since the 1960s, but just last month new cases were detected in Texas, and the outbreak has already spread to New Mexico...

El Niño to Impact Trade? Panama Canal Could Suspend Vessel Bookings, Says Bloomberg

As of July 21, operators at the Panama Canal could curtail some vessel booking slots due to water-supply challenges, reported Bloomberg. Previously, Expana's team flagged this possibility during a June 25 webinar, according to Weather & Crop Researcher, James Tyler. Affected commodities could range from corn and soybeans, to fruit, vegetables, seafood, and more.

On July 7, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) could reduce the maximum authorized vessel draft for its largest locks to 44 feet by...

Yum! Brands Appoints Nai De Leon as Chief People & Culture Officer

Yum! Brands, Inc. today announced that Nai De Leon has been appointed Chief People & Culture Officer, effective November 1, 2026.

As Chief People & Culture Officer, De Leon will lead Yum!'s global People & Culture strategy, overseeing Talent, Leadership Development, Total Rewards, Organizational Effectiveness and People Operations across the company's global business. She will report to Yum! Chief Executive Officer Chris Turner and serve on the Yum! Brands Global Leadership Team.

De Leon joined Yum! Brands in August 2025 as Chief Talent & Centers of Excellence Officer leading the company's...

Cracker Barrel Announces Strategic Actions

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. today announced two strategic actions.

Sale-Leaseback Transaction

Cracker Barrel completed a sale-leaseback transaction with an institutional real estate investor for 26 Company-owned Cracker Barrel store locations, generating net proceeds of approximately $77 million. The Company intends to deploy the proceeds towards debt reduction. The transaction is tax efficient and enables the Company to utilize capital loss carryforwards that otherwise would have expired.

Maple Street Biscuit Company Divestiture
Cracker Barrel also completed the sale of certain assets used in its Maple...

Perdue Named Official Chicken of the Baltimore Ravens

Perdue and the Baltimore Ravens announced Monday a new multi-year partnership that unites two iconic Maryland organizations around a shared commitment to fueling gameday, feeding communities and serving the state they proudly call home.

Beginning with the 2026 NFL season, Perdue becomes the Official Chicken of the Baltimore Ravens, creating new opportunities to engage fans on gameday, fuel Ravens players and staff, and help feed Maryland communities through hunger relief initiatives across the state.

The partnership officially kicked off today at the Maryland Food Bank...

ANALYSIS: China’s H1 2026 Meat Imports Retreat on Domestic Surplus and Safeguard Walls

China’s total meat imports, including offal, concluded the first half of 2026 on a downward trajectory, according to data from the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC).

Cumulative H1 volumes reached 3,110,000 metric tons (MT). This marks a 3.0% contraction compared to the same six-month period last year. The decline intensifies a multi-year deceleration that began in...

ANALYSIS: Ground Beef Sales, July 4 Week 2025 vs 2026

Total ground beef sales in the eight days leading up to and including July 4 declined 0.7% year over year, falling from $583.9 million in 2025 to $579.6 million in 2026, according to Circana scanner data. However, this modest sales decline masks a significant shift in consumer purchasing patterns, as total distribution volume dropped 8.5% to 376,247 units from 411,200 units. More notably, promotional activity at retail contracted substantially, with discounted sales falling 18.8% from $177.9 million in 2025 to $138.5 million in 2026...

Popeyes Celebrates Tenders this July with Weekend Takeover at The Surf Lodge 

Just in time for the July 27th holiday, Popeyes® is celebrating their famous, newly elevated Chicken Tenders with some southern hospitality in the Hamptons and getting everyone in on the party with a national offer leading up to one of the biggest moments of the year for tender lovers everywhere.

This summer, Popeyes teamed up with The Surf Lodge, the Hamptons beloved music venue, for a first-of-its-kind partnership to take over their viral multi-level "Chicken Tender Tower" becoming...

7-Eleven, Inc. Brings on the Wings for National Chicken Finger Day and Chicken Wing Day

This July, 7-Eleven, Inc. is giving chicken lovers the tender loving care they deserve with deals made for dipping, dunking and devouring. In celebration of National Chicken Finger Day (July 27) and National Chicken Wing Day (July 29), the chicken takeover lands at Raise the Roost® and Speedy Café® restaurants inside participating 7-Eleven®, Speedway® and Stripes® stores nationwide, with limited-time offers including $1 chicken tenders and wings.

Last year, 7-Eleven customers...

New Resource Helps Farming and Ranching Families Transition to Next Generation

Succession planning is one of the most important conversations farming and ranching families need to have, but those dialogues are often hard to navigate or never even get started. While it is a difficult subject to bring up, the time to plan is now.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is launching a new resource to help start the discussion. The online learning module guides families through the steps of transition and helps them create a succession plan unique to their operation.

“I’ve been through transition discussions with my kids, and I know it’s not comfortable. As a former ag lender, I’ve also seen my community struggle with these conversations...

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...

FMI Welcomes ROFDA Members, Advancing a Shared Vision for Stronger Wholesale-Retail Partnerships

FMI – The Food Industry Association (FMI) today announces that members of the Retailer Owned Food Distributors & Associates (ROFDA) – Affiliated Foods, AG Northeast, Certco, and Piggly Wiggly Alabama Distribution Company – have joined FMI, strengthening opportunities to serve its community through greater collaboration and shared insights. These members join existing FMI-ROFDA members, Associated Food Stores, Associated Grocers (LA), Associated Wholesale Grocers, Brookshire Bros. and URM Stores.

The addition of these ROFDA members comes as FMI and its wholesale leaders have examined five key strategies...

Domino's Posts 3% Global Retail Sales Growth in Q2

Domino’s Pizza delivered modest sales growth in the second quarter of 2026, with global retail sales, store expansion and order growth helping offset continued consumer demand pressures across the quick-service restaurant sector.

The company reported a 3% growth in its global retail sales, excluding foreign currency impacts, during the period, driven by order growth and continued store expansion despite ongoing pressure on consumer demand.

US same-store sales rose 0.1% in the quarter, while international same-store sales slipped 0.1%, excluding foreign currency...

Gotta Go Fast! Wendy's Brings Sonic the Hedgehog™ Kids' Meal to the US this Summer

To celebrate the 35th anniversary of Sonic the Hedgehog, Wendy's® is bringing fans a collectible Kids' Meal experience featuring one of seven collectible character card cases, each with a unique set of character cards from the Sonic the Hedgehog universe.

There are 35 trading cards in all to collect across the seven character sets featuring iconic heroes like Sonic the Hedgehog, Amy Rose and Miles "Tails" Prower, alongside faithful allies Silver the Hedgehog and Knuckles the Echidna...

Burger King Continues Turning Guest Feedback into Action 

Burger King® is launching the next chapter in its brand transformation, acting on feedback shared by thousands of Guests across the U.S. Just four months after inviting Guests to share honest feedback through its Listening Initiative that gave out President Tom Curtis' phone number, the brand is continuing to make changes inspired by the thousands of calls and texts received. Burger King is introducing two new initiatives designed to improve the moments Guests told the brand matter most – providing a consistent, accurate and welcoming in-restaurant experience...

ButcherBox Lands Target Meat and Seafood Executive

ButcherBox has hired Target's former Meat and Seafood Director, Josephine Theal.

Theal announced her departure from Target in a LinkedIn post late last week, ending a four-year tenure with the retailer. She said the role exceeded her expectations, giving her the opportunity to lead "with creativity," influence at scale, launch exclusive brand partnerships and "drive distinction in the meat & seafood categories."

Theal said, "What made it truly special was working alongside a dynamic team," she wrote, "and leading initiatives that shaped the way both consumers & brands view Target's fresh categories today."

Research Shows Promise for AI-Based Salmonella Detection in Poultry

New artificial intelligence (AI)-based tools could help poultry producers detect Salmonella more quickly using smartphone images and bird activity patterns, according to a newly published study conducted at the University of Georgia. The project was funded by the USPOULTRY Foundation to advance innovative solutions for poultry health and food safety. The research is part of the Association’s comprehensive research program, which encompasses all phases of poultry and egg production and processing, and is made possible in part through proceeds from the International Poultry Expo, part of the International Production &...

New World Screwworm in the US - What We Know So Far

The New World screwworm (NWS), a flesh-eating parasitic fly whose larvae feed on living tissue, has re-emerged as a major animal-health threat in the Americas after spreading northward through Central America and Mexico.

Federal and state authorities have expanded surveillance, quarantines, and sterile-fly releases in an effort to prevent the pest from becoming re-established in the country.

Expana is closely tracking the situation—see below for related coverage and an updated factsheet with the latest developments...

US Grocery Slowdown Enters a New Phase as Stretched Consumers Buy Less -- Bain & Company Analysis

The US grocery slowdown has entered a decisive new phase of falling unit sales as stretched American consumers pull back and buy fewer items, Bain & Company reports today in a new analysis with NielsenIQ.

The slowdown in US grocery began in mid-2025 with the emergence of a clear trend of negative unit growth. But Bain and NIQ report that it has accelerated since February, with units sold now having stepped down sharply, dropping by around 2% year-on-year in most of the subsequent four months up to June, and consistently across US regions. This comes alongside continuing increases in grocery bills, with grocery prices...

Expana's Weekly Top 10

This week’s Expana Top Ten highlights major developments shaping global food, agriculture and commodity markets, from new opportunities for US shrimp through federal food aid programs and continued momentum in the ready-to-drink beverage category to shifts in fertilizer production, trade policy and global supply chain risks.

Analysts also examine the impact of evolving consumer behavior, food safety concerns, geopolitical tensions and weather patterns, including strengthening El Niño conditions, on markets and industries worldwide. This list is in no particular order.

Find archived recaps here.

Seafood Sector Faces Key Policy Changes...

MLA - Confidence Strengthens in Australia's Sheep Industry as Producers Look to Rebuild Flocks

Improving sheepmeat and wool market conditions are helping restore confidence across Australia's sheep industry, with the latest Sheep Producers Intentions Survey (SPIS), conducted by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) and Australian Wool Innovation (AWI), showing producers are increasingly focused on retaining stock and rebuilding flock numbers.

Following improved seasonal conditions driven by widespread rainfall across southern Australia, sheep producers are increasingly looking to retain and rebuild flocks, supported by historically strong sheepmeat prices, strengthening wool markets and a tighter national sheep supply.

MLA Senior Market Information Analyst Emiliano Diaz said the May 2026 survey captured a notable change in industry confidence...

Food Safety Developments, Nostalgic Menu Launches and Expansion Lead Foodservice Headlines

Since the last Foodservice Roundup, the foodservice sector has been shaped by a mix of major food safety developments, nostalgic menu innovation and continued restaurant expansion. Here's a look at the key developments influencing market dynamics.

Cyclospora outbreak linked to Taco Bell lettuce draws scrutiny

One of the most notable developments in the foodservice industry has been the growing fallout from a widespread cyclospora outbreak linked to shredded lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms to Taco Bell.

The outbreak has sickened thousands...

FDA Issues Emergency Use Authorization for Drug for Short-Term Prevention of NWS in Horses

To advance the Trump administration’s actions to safeguard American agriculture, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration today [July 15, 2026]  issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for Ivermectin Liquid for Horses (ivermectin oral solution) for the short-term prevention of New World screwworm (NWS) infestations (myiasis) in horses. The product is authorized for use when administered within 24 hours of birth or at the time of initial wound care. Ivermectin Liquid for Horses is not for use in species other than horses.

“The Trump administration...

Middle East Market Intelligence Brief: Week Ending July 17, 2026

The United States expanded its war against Iran by striking bridges, an airport, and logistics infrastructure, while Iran retaliated with attacks on US bases in the Gulf and renewed disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passageway for global energy routes.

The collapse of a recent ceasefire has heightened fears of a broader regional conflict, with both sides signaling potential further escalation against critical infrastructure. The renewed fighting has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, pushed oil prices higher, and raised concerns that Iran and its Houthi allies could threaten additional maritime chokepoints...

Ron Simon & Associates Files First Cyclospora Lawsuit Against Taco Bell and Taylor Farms.

Today, the national food poisoning law firm of Ron Simon & Associates, along with DiCello Levitt & Casey LLC, of Ohio, filed the first cyclospora lawsuit arising out of the nationwide cyclosporiasis outbreak now linked to tainted shredded iceberg lettuce supplied to Taco Bell restaurants by Taylor Farms.

The suit was filed in Mahoning County, Ohio, on behalf of David Ott, a 27-year veteran of the United States Army.

On June 18th and 20th of 2026, Mr. Ott purchased several Taco Supremes from the Taco Bell...

Yum! Brands Celebrates the Power of Skills to Feed Brighter Futures

In 2014, a Sri Lankan delegate proposed dedicating a day for developing vocational skills for the world’s youth to the United Nations General Assembly. It was eventually passed and is celebrated annually on July 15.

In that same nation, Pizza Hut’s Youth Enablement Program (YEP) provides youth and people with disabilities with professional development, vocational education and industry-recognized credentials that prepare participants for careers in the quick-service restaurant industry. By reducing barriers to transportation and housing costs, the program helps participants...

Rancher's Premium Smokehouse Continues Rapid Retail Expansion in the Carolinas

More shoppers across North and South Carolina can now bring authentic smokehouse flavor home. Rancher's Premium Smokehouse, the fastest-growing national smoked sausage brand in the United States, has expanded into Hills Food Stores, introducing shoppers to its lineup of bold, barbecue-inspired smoked sausages crafted with premium protein and fresh ingredients.

By putting a fresh spin on classic barbecue flavors, Rancher's Premium Smokehouse is redefining the traditional smoked sausage category.

Now available at Hills Food Stores, shoppers can enjoy three signature varieties...

New Research Provides Insights to Improve Broiler Breeder Fertility and Chick Output

Broiler breeder flock social dynamics may play a much greater role in reproductive success than previously recognized, according to new research funded by USPOULTRY and the USPOULTRY Foundation. The research is part of the Association’s comprehensive research program, which encompasses all phases of poultry and egg production and processing, and is made possible in part through proceeds from the International Poultry Expo, part of the International Production & Processing Expo.

Project # BRU-16: Investigation into the Contributions of Roosters, Hens and Social Dynamics on the Reduced...

NRF Releases Updated Retail Fraud Taxonomy

The National Retail Federation today [July 14, 2026] released an updated version of the NRF Retail Fraud Taxonomy, a guide for analyzing fraud activity across retail environments developed collaboratively by NRF, Target Corporation and the Chertoff Group.

“Retail fraud has evolved: It is sophisticated, technology-driven and increasingly affecting different teams across business operations,” said NRF Vice President of Artificial Intelligence and Technology Policy Caroline Reppert, who is also director of NRF’s Center for Digital Risk & Innovation. “A common fraud taxonomy is the foundation of effective collaboration...

ANALYSIS: US Chicken Exports Rebound 7% Above Previous Year

Total exports of US chicken in May rose 7.0% year-over-year (YOY) and 6.2% month-over-month (MOM), compared with a 5-year average MOM increase of 0.9% from April to May. The result marks a sharp reversal from April's 7.0% YOY decline and represents a seasonally strong outflow of U.S. production. The recovery was concentrated, however. Taiwan's outsized surge carried much of the aggregate gain while the Philippines continued to deteriorate sharply.

Taiwan was the standout performer, rising 69.3% MOM and 8.9% YOY against a 5-year seasonal average...

FMI Strengthens Leadership Team with Two Strategic Appointments

The Food Industry Association today announces the appointment of two senior executives to newly expanded leadership roles that will strengthen the organization's advocacy, innovation and member engagement.

Jennifer Hatcher has been appointed Chief Innovation, Strategy and Membership Officer at FMI. Hatcher, after serving the organization for more than 25 years as a senior government relations executive, and in recent years assuming an expanded role in member relations, will lead the organization’s long-term strategic planning and innovation initiatives. Hatcher will focus on enhancing member value, strengthening engagement and positioning the organization for sustained growth...

Positive Outlook for Cattle Business as Summer Business Meeting Concludes

With optimism for the cattle business remaining strong, nearly 700 cattle producers from across the country gathered in Aurora, Colorado, this week for the Cattle Industry Summer Business Meeting. This event helps shape the future of the industry through grassroots policy development and discussions that will guide research, education and promotion efforts.

“We conduct a lot of business during this meeting, but we also benefit by gathering together and learning from each other,” said NCBA President Gene Copenhaver. “I appreciate the time producers take away from their families to make...

ANALYSIS: China's Livestock Sector Maintains Momentum as H1 2026 Meat Output Rises 4.3% YOY

China's livestock sector sustained its strong upward trajectory through the first half of 2026, building on a record-breaking 2025 with robust mid-year production gains.

According to the latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), a steady recovery in pork volumes and continued expansion in poultry output remain the primary drivers of the industry's growth.

The total national output of pork, beef, mutton, and poultry reached 50.50 million metric tons during the first six months of the year, representing a 4.3% year-on-year (YOY) increase.

This cumulative performance reflects more than a decade of strategic investment in agricultural self-sufficiency...

Brazil Detects First 2026 Case of Avian Flu in Wild Bird in São Paulo State

The Brazilian state of São Paulo has confirmed its first case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a wild bird in 2026, following the detection of the virus in the municipality of Guaíra.

According to an official statement published by the Municipality of Guaíra on July 16, the virus was identified in a free-ranging irerê, a species of wild duck also known as a white-faced whistling duck. The bird had been found by a local family in the Reynaldo Stein neighbourhood and...

Ranchers Encouraged by Grizzly Bear Management Returning to States

Yesterday, the Department of the Interior and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) released a revised 4(d) rule for grizzly bear management that would return management authority to states. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and the Public Lands Council (PLC) previously urged the Trump administration to reject the Biden-era proposal finalized in early 2025 and are encouraged to see a renewed focus on ensuring the Endangered Species Act (ESA) works as intended—supporting species’ recovery, recognizing conservation successes, and working collaboratively with state partners...

Farm Bureau: Farmer Losses Projected to Deepen

Several years of high inflation and low commodity prices, coupled with volatile production costs, are continuing to squeeze farmers financially. These forces are projected to hit farmers with $32 billion in losses for the major row crops in 2027 after a projected loss of $31 billion in 2026. Fruit, vegetable, nut and other specialty crop farmers faced billions of dollars in losses in 2025, with difficult market conditions continuing throughout 2026. American Farm Bureau Federation economists analyzed the losses felt across the farm economy in the latest Farm Bureau Intel.

The Farm Bureau Intel states, “Corn losses are projected to increase from $131 per acre in 2026 to $167 per acre in 2027. Soybean losses are projected to increase from $80 per acre...

Instacart Buys Arpalus to Expand Real-Time Shelf Intelligence and Improve Fulfillment Accuracy

Instacart has acquired Arpalus, a computer-vision firm that turns quick shelf-video scans into real-time on-shelf inventory data. This move is a direct play to reduce out-of-stocks, catalog gaps and the substitutions and cancellations that undermine online grocery fulfillment.

Arpalus’ models, built for grocery realities (low Wi‑Fi, poor lighting, thousands of similar SKUs), identify items with better than 95% accuracy and run on any smartphone or camera device. That lets Instacart’s roughly 600,000 shoppers generate shelf intelligence at...

Checkers & Rally's Doubles Down on Value with Unbeatable Meal Deal and Bold Menu Innovations

As consumers continue seeking more value from their dining dollars, Checkers & Rally's is doubling down on its commitment to delivering bold flavor at an unbeatable price.

Now available at participating locations nationwide, the $4 Unbeatable Meal Deal – with a $5 Meal Deal offered in select markets – gives guests more of what they crave without compromising on taste or value. For just $4 (or $5), guests can enjoy a complete meal featuring a choice of a new Loaded Tender...

ANALYSIS: Korea's H1 2026 Beef Imports Hit Record 284,045 MT on Australia’s Safeguard Rush

Korea's beef imports delivered a record first half in 2026, reaching 284,045 metric tons (MT) through June, according to the latest Korea Customs Service data.

The result surpasses the previous H1 high of 258,430 MT recorded in 2025, representing a year-on-year (YOY) gain of 25,615 MT or 9.9%, and marks the strongest first-half performance in the data series going back to 1994.

The record pace was set early. January 2026 registered 87,162 MT, the highest single month ever...

ANALYSIS: Economic Shifts Influence Turkey Retail Distribution

Total points of distribution of turkey at the retail counter through the middle of June show changing consumer demand patterns...

NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet - Second Wild Migratory Bird H5 Avian Influenza 

Sodexo Launches its 2030 Growth Acceleration Plan

Sodexo is hosting today its Investor Update in Paris, where Thierry Delaporte, Chief Executive Officer of Sodexo, and members of the management team will present Shift & Grow 2030, the Company’s roadmap focused on accelerating growth and restoring competitiveness, alongside the Group’s mid-term financial ambition.

Key highlights

— Shift & Grow 2030, a clear execution framework to accelerate growth and restore competitiveness

— Ambition to reach above +5% organic growth and above 5% operating margin by Fiscal 2030.

— Client-first approach, supported by clearer focus across geographies

American Egg Board’s Eggcelerator Lab® Announces Winners of 2026 Product Development Competition

The American Egg Board’s (AEB) Eggcelerator Lab^®, the egg industry’s premier innovation center, has announced the winners of its 2026 Product Development Competition. This year’s challenge invited undergraduate and graduate students to develop innovative egg-based beverages that showcase the versatility, functionality and nutritional benefits of eggs in emerging beverage formats.

Texas A&M University students Ikenna Okehie, Muhammad Bilal Haider and Rebeka Saldivar took first place with Ovivive. The egg-based functional beverage is clean-label and provides a rich, creamy, dairy-free experience powered...

Rancher’s Premium Smokehouse Expands in Piggly Wiggly Stores

Rancher’s Premium Smokehouse, a family-owned business based in Texas, has announced its expansion into 98 additional Piggly Wiggly stores in Alabama following a successful launch in stores across Georgia and the Carolinas.

The move comes in response to strong demand for the company’s products. Rancher’s Premium Smokehouse reported 202% year-over-year sales growth while continuing to expand distribution with major grocery retailers nationwide.

Shoppers in Alabama can now choose from three varieties, all located in the refrigerated meat section.

The Brisket Burnt Ends Smoked Sausage...

Southern Chicken Chain Zaxbys Brings its Famous Fingerz & Sauces to New York

Atlanta-born chicken chain Zaxbys® is touching down in New York with its saucy footprint this summer, representing a significant step in its national expansion strategy and bringing its operations across 24 states. Known for its Famous Fingerz™, 12 signature sauces and expansive menu of craveable menu items, Zaxbys is opening not one, but two locations in New York with openings in the Bronx and Manhattan.

"New York is one of the most influential food cities in the world, and we're incredibly...

KFC Revives Popcorn Chicken in Response to Fan Demand

Earlier this week, KFC welcomed back its Popcorn Chicken, responding to consumer demand for its return. The fan-favorite was first introduced in the 1990s before coming off menus sometime in 2023.

The new offering is available in three ways while supplies last, as the company promotes its return.

First, the $10 Chicken Bucket comes with 16 oz. of Popcorn Chicken, intended to be shared, and is served with four dipping sauces. Next, the Popcorn Chicken Big Box includes 6 oz. of Popcorn Chicken, two...

Domino's Bolsters Board with Dollar Tree CEO Michael Creedon Jr. and Tech Veteran Anneliese Olson

Domino's Pizza has appointed two new independent directors, welcoming Michael C. Creedon, Jr. and Anneliese Olson to its board.

"We're pleased to welcome Mike and Anneliese to the Board," said David Brandon, Domino's Executive Chairman. "Their deep experience leading consumer and technology-driven businesses will bring valuable, fresh perspectives as Domino's continues to execute our long-term strategy."

Creedon has held several leadership roles during his career with companies like Advance Auto Parts, Tyco International and ADT Security. He currently serves...

Firehouse Subs® Named 'Official Sub' of Major League Baseball®

Firehouse Subs®, the firefighter-founded restaurant brand known for hearty, hot subs, today announced its first professional sports league partnership: a multi-year deal with Major League Baseball® (MLB), making Firehouse Subs the 'Official Sub' of MLB across the United States and Canada. To celebrate the start of the second half of the baseball season, Firehouse Subs will launch "Extra Innings, Extra Subs" – a season-long promotion that rewards fans all summer long.

Beginning Friday, July 17, any time...

The Retail Rundown: Grocers Push Promotions to Drive Summer and Back-to-School Baskets

As grilling season nears its peak, retailers are competing for consumer dollars with promotions aimed at increasingly value-conscious shoppers willing to switch proteins, or trade down within a protein category, to stretch grocery budgets.

Beef, along with several premium seafood products, command the highest retail prices, consistent with historical norms. However, price premiums have widened noticeably for several red meat and seafood categories, including steaks, shellfish, and finfish.

Retailers have limited flexibility to aggressively promote beef amid historically tight cattle supplies and elevated wholesale beef prices. While ground beef remains one of the strongest...