Executives from Kroger, Publix, Sysco and Walmart Join GS1 US Board of Governors

The GS1 US Board of Governors has elected four industry leaders to join the GS1 US Board: Benjamin Hamilton, vice president, supply chain planning, Kroger; Brad Oliver, senior vice president of product business development, Publix Super Markets, Inc.; Greg Keller, senior vice president, national accounts, Sysco, SYGMA, and Guest Worldwide; and Greg Cathey, senior vice president, transformation and innovation, Walmart. Additionally, Brian Dick, president and CEO, Golden State Foods, has been appointed vice chairman.

These executives comprise a cross-industry Board of Governors...

ANALYSIS: Expectations for Chicken Prices After EU Bans Poultry Imports from Brazil

Brazil, which accounts for approximately 30% of global poultry exports (with China as its top customer, followed by the United Arab Emirates, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa), confirmed its first outbreak of bird flu on a poultry farm on May 16, 2025. In response, the European Commission (EC) has banned imports of Brazilian poultry and poultry meat products to the European Union (EU).

Although the EU represents only 4.4% of Brazil’s total poultry exports, Brazil accounts for approximately 32% of the EU’s poultry... 

ANALYSIS: Turkey Hatch Figures Reflect Supply Pinch with Slight Variations

Given the well accounted for supply landscape surrounding most key segments within the turkey complex at the moment, market participants are closely monitoring for any signs of a shift from the prevailing status quo. Although May marked the nineteenth consecutive month of year-over-year (YoY) declines in the eggs in incubators, there could be some emerging indications that an inflection point may be approaching, at least on paper.

May’s beginning tally of 24.8 million eggs in incubators was just 0.2%, or 51,000 eggs, below the comparable period in...

ANALYSIS: Australia’s Q1 2025 Beef Production Rises 2.7% QoQ on Higher Cattle Turnoff

Australia produced 679,048 mt of beef in Q1 2025 (excluding meat from calves), up 2.7% from the previous quarter, according to the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

Just shy of the Q3 2024 record, the 18,149 mt increase was driven by higher cattle turnoff in Victoria (VIC) and South Australia (SA) due to dry weather conditions. On a quarterly basis, SA lifted 15.6% in beef production while VIC firmed 2.9%.

New South Wales (NSW) produced 7.7% more beef in Q1 2025... 

ANALYSIS: Early 2025 Safeguard Trigger Looms as China Ramps Up Aussie Beef

China’s imports of Australian beef are rapidly approaching the 2025 Special Agricultural Safeguard (SSG) threshold, raising industry concerns that the Most-Favored Nation tariffs could be activated earlier than anticipated.

The 2025 SSG volume is set at 208,307 mt. The latest General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (GACC) data showed year-to-date (YTD) volumes from Australia are tracking above seasonal averages, driven largely by strong grain-fed beef shipments since the start of the year...

ANALYSIS: Pork Cutout Strengthens Ahead of Memorial Day

The Expana pork cutout value continued its gradual upward trajectory, a trend that began in mid-April, posting a 6% gain through Friday’s close. This includes a 3% increase over the past week alone, driven primarily by strength in the ham, picnic, and butt primals, as seasonal demand intensifies heading into the heart of grilling season. Year-to-date slaughter rates are running 1.2% below year-ago levels and cold storage inventories are sitting at record lows, both supporting the cutout value. The approach of the Memorial Day holiday...

Snack Mania Recalls Nearly 10,000 Pounds of Chicken Coxinhas Due to Lack of Federal Inspection

According to an announcement from the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), Snack Mania Brazilian Delights Corp has issued a recall of approximately 9,722 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken coxinhas products. The recall was initiated because the products were produced without the benefit of federal inspection.

The affected items were produced on various dates between June 27, 2024, and May 2, 2025. They are packaged in 16.37 oz plastic containers labeled “Snack Mania COXINHAS BRAZILIAN...

Cargill Forecasts a Sizzling Start to Summer Grilling this Memorial Day

As millions of Americans mark the start of summer this Memorial Day weekend, Cargill is forecasting a strong demand for protein as grills fire up across the country. The company expects that many consumers will prioritize affordability without sacrificing taste by seeking out staples like ground beef, chicken and hot dogs.

Nearly 9 of 10 consumers say they’re ready to grill this summer, with approximately half of them planning to do so weekly. Beef (79%) and poultry (64%) remain the top choices for the grill...

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...

Dolly Parton Partners with Conagra Brands on New Line of Frozen Dinners

America’s sweetheart and musical icon, Dolly Parton, has announced the expansion of her retail food line.

In partnership with industry leader Conagra Brands, the launch builds on a successful collaboration that began in 2022.

The new line combines the convenience of single-serve frozen meals with the finger-licking flavors of Southern-inspired cuisine. Each meal retails for $4.49 and can be prepared in either the microwave or oven. The meals are available at major grocery retailers across the US.

Product highlights... 

ANALYSIS: US Beef Hearts Price Inching Closer to Record High

In the current beef variety market, hearts are attracting a lot of attention. Currently, the weekly average price is up about 44% from the beginning of the year, sitting at approximately $1.68/lb—almost 3% below the all-time high of $1.73/lb recorded in October 2024.

For 2020-2024 the weekly average price was around $1.14/lb and over the last 10 years, the weekly average price of beef hearts has increased by 123.18%. The current high prices can be partly attributed to reduced slaughter...b

ANALYSIS: Korea’s April 2025 Beef Imports Slip MoM to 38,068 mt

Korea’s beef imports in the month of April 2025 amounted to 38,068 metric tons (mt), slipping 5.3% month-on-month (MoM), according to the latest data from Korea Customs Service.

In line with historical trends, the 2,130 mt monthly decrease was driven by lower in-bound shipments across key suppliers such as the United States (US), Australia, Canada and New Zealand.  

Annually, April imports firmed 1.5% year-on-year (YoY), a modest increase of 555 mt, led by higher tonnage from Australia and New Zealand while supply from the...

The Retail Rundown: Seafood Leads Memorial Day Retail Ads; Weather Poses Challenges

Seafood leads retail protein promotions heading into Memorial Day weekend, accounting for 28.7% of total featured protein ad volume. Pork follows at 25.9%, with beef at 21.3% and chicken at 19.3%.

Egg feature volume is virtually absent amid sluggish retail demand. Warmer weather is prompting a shift toward fruit and cereal for breakfast, while elevated, though easing, shelf prices continue to dampen consumer interest, according to Expana.

Within the seafood category, fresh and frozen fillets represent the largest share of advertised items at nearly 28%. Raw shrimp...

HPAI H5N1 Virus in Dairy Cattle – What We Know

In March 2024, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) A (H5N1), commonly referred to as bird flu, was confirmed in domestic US livestock for the first time in a dairy operation in Texas. Since then, the virus has spread to 1,065 dairy operations across 17 states, raising widespread uncertainty throughout the dairy and livestock markets. Industry participants have raised concerns about the outbreak's potential impact on consumer perception and demand for dairy and meat products, though government agencies reiterate that the national food supply remains safe. Expana is closely monitoring the situation...

Feeder Vessel Transfers Disqualify Cargo from In-Transit Tariff Exemption Under IEEPA

The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has provided clarification regarding the application of the in-transit tariff exemption under the Reciprocal Tariff Executive Order, with specific implications for feeder vessel operations. In guidance released on May 15, CBP confirmed that cargo transferred from a feeder vessel to a US-bound vessel after April 5, 2025, will not qualify for the in-transit exemption.

Under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), cargo that was loaded before April 5 and remains...

Applebee’s Reintroduces “All You Can Eat” to Drive Seasonal Traffic

Applebee’s has reintroduced its popular “All You Can Eat” promotion, an LTO strategy the brand consistently deploys during high-traffic periods to drive guest visits.

This season’s lineup features three proven guest favorites and legacy menu items: Chicken Tenders, Riblets, and Double Crunch Shrimp—offering broad consumer appeal.

• All You Can Eat Chicken Tenders – Battered and fried white meat chicken, served crispy with a choice of two savory dipping sauces.
• All You Can Eat Riblets – Bone-in pork riblets, slow-cooked and finished in either...

ANALYSIS: UK–US Trade Agreement on Tariffs: Implications for the Beef Industry

On May 8, 2025, the United Kingdom and the United States formalized a trade agreement targeting the reduction of tariffs on selected goods, marking a significant shift in bilateral trade relations. Among the headline provisions was the removal or reduction of tariffs on key commodities, notably steel, aluminum, and beef.

A particularly impactful change involves US beef exports to the UK. Previously constrained by a 20% tariff on a quota of 1,000 tons, US beef will now benefit from a zero-tariff quota expanded to...

ANALYSIS: Retail Lamb Demand Peaks with Easter

Retail scanner data from Circana indicates that fresh lamb leg sales rose sharply in April, largely driven by Easter and the cultural traditions associated with the protein. For the week of April 20, 2025 (Easter week), sales totaled over $8.2 million—approximately $700,000 more than during Easter 2024, which occurred earlier in the year. While the average discounted price in 2024 was lower at $5.74 per pound, shoppers in 2025 paid an average of $6.03 per pound and still purchased nearly three times more volume than the prior week...

Expana Honors an Industry Legend and the Next Generation with Awards

The award ceremony at this year’s Executive Conference, the event for leaders in the animal protein sector, featured the annually presented Rising Star Award sponsored by Farm Credit, and the Lifetime Achievement Award.

In its third year, the Rising Star Award is presented to a protein industry newcomer who is striving towards innovation, collaboration and success for not only their business but the wider sector. The Lifetime Achievement Award is given to an individual who has had a multi-faceted and distinguished career in...

Meat Institute and AMSA Offer a Training Resource to Support New Swine Inspection System

The Meat Institute, in collaboration with the American Meat Science Association (AMSA), has assembled a practical training guide to support effective implementation of the USDA’s New Swine Inspection System (NSIS). This new resource is designed to enhance in-plant training and provide consistent, science-based guidance—particularly for sorting decisions.

Created in direct response to feedback from establishments and industry partners, the guide features real-world examples, clear explanations, and condition-specific imagery to improve accuracy and confidence in decision-making...

Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #9

Expana’s global team of specialist reporters has been tracking every twist and turn in the fluid tariff situation.

Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #9."

This report allows the Expana community to see where key commodity markets stand as of this past week... Click the above PDF report, or keep scrolling to read in plain text...

GSF Promotes Bill Chiou to Vice President, Global Applications & Welcomes Guillermo Hernandez Garcia

In recent leadership news, GSF is pleased to announce the promotion of Bill Chiou to Vice President, Global Applications and the appointment of Guillermo Hernandez Garcia as Group Vice President, Supply Chain.

In late April, Bill assumed his elevated information technology role of Vice President, Global Applications. In this position, he oversees the strategic development, implementation, management, and continuous improvement of GSF’s global applications portfolio. He ensures business applications support and advance the company’s strategic objectives, operational efficiency, and digital transformation initiatives across all divisions and geographies.

ANALYSIS: The Rise of Beef and Dairy Animal Crossbreeding in the US 

Beef-on-dairy (beef x dairy) crossbreeding has gained significant traction in recent years, particularly the use of Holstein cows bred with widely used beef cattle breeds.  Financial incentives are present for dairy farmers in times when milk checks remain uncertain.

Historically, however, the beef and dairy sectors have operated as largely separate industries. Dairy farms have primarily focused on milk production, with breeding programs aimed at optimizing traits like milk yield, udder health, and reproductive efficiency...

ANALYSIS: China’s Meat Imports Slip 6.4% MoM to 512,899 mt in April

China in April 2025 imported 512,899 metric tons (mt) of meat, including variety meats, down 6.4% month-on-month (MoM), according to preliminary figures from China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC).

The 34,926 mt decline in exports reflected a mix of challenges. The ongoing cost-of-living crisis has weighed on meat consumption, while a boost in domestic production during Q1 2025, fueled by a recovery in pig farming and higher beef and poultry output, has lessened reliance on imports...

Brazil Confirms First Bird Flu Outbreak on Commercial Poultry Farm in Nearly 20 Years 

Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa) confirmed on Friday, May 16 an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus in a breeder facility for commercial poultry. The outbreak was detected on May 15 in the municipality of Montenegro, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, where one of the largest poultry production facilities in the country is located.  

“This is the first HPAI outbreak detected in Brazil’s commercial poultry farming system,” Mapa said, and added that containment and eradication measures...

House Agriculture Committee Advances Legislation with Key NCBA Priorities

Today, the House Agriculture Committee passed their initial reconciliation bill, which contains several NCBA supported provisions that strengthen our defense against foreign animal disease and support producers who have lost cattle due to predator depredation or natural disasters. The legislation now moves to the full House of Representatives for further consideration.

“Cattle farmers and ranchers across the country have continued advocating for tools that protect the cattle industry from foreign animal disease and help producers recover from the loss of their cattle, whether by predator...

Brazil’s Meatpacker Marfrig Seeks BRF Acquisition

Marfrig has announced its agreement to buy all remaining shares of Brazilian firm BRF to turn the other Brazilian firm it into a subsidiary.

Marfrig forecasts R$24 million (USD$4.7 million) in costs associated with the merger, but R$485 million per year in new revenue and cost synergies, largely though cross-selling and logistics optimisation after the acquisition.

Marfrig already owns 50.49% of the Brazilian firn. It acquired around a quarter of BRF's shares in 2021. 

The acquisition would increase Marfrig’s capacity in poultry, pork, and processed foods...

ANALYSIS: Chicken Exports for March Driven by Global Uncertainty 

March 2025 broiler exports totaled 568,711,000 lbs, up 1.8% year-over-year (YoY) and 3.9% from February. While the headline growth appears stable, underlying market movements suggest a broiler export sector navigating increasing trade friction and market realignment.

Taiwan saw the steepest decline, with volumes falling 47.3% YoY and 69.5% month-over-month (MoM), landing far below its 5-year March average. This aligns with ongoing geopolitical strain and shifting procurement policies, possibly tied to broader regional trade conflicts and retaliatory barriers that have sharply reduced...

Mars Opens New Pet Food Facility in Ohio

Mars has opened a new $450 million Royal Canin pet food factory in Lewisburg, Ohio, representing the largest single investment in a Royal Canin manufacturing site globally. 

The new facility, spanning 450,000 square feet, will produce enough dry pet food to feed 4 million pets annually and create up to 270 new jobs over five years. 

In the US, Mars operates 37 factories in addition to veterinary clinics, labs and 14 global and regional offices. This investment is part of Mars’ larger $6 billion commitment