Common Cents Act Clears Congress, Delivering Key Victory for Restaurant Operators

Last night, the Senate passed the Common Cents Act, sending the bill to President Trump for his signature. The vote follows months of advocacy by the National Restaurant Association to address concerns about impact the penny phaseout was having on consumers and business owners.

The Association worked closely with both houses of Congress on the bill that establishes a set of rounding principles for when exact change isn't available in a cash transaction and provides a safe harbor from liability for business owners who follow those principles...

Secretary Rollins Congratulates Luke Lindberg on World Food Programme Appointment

Today, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins congratulated Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg on his appointment as Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and welcomed President Donald J. Trump’s nomination of Greg Ibach to serve as the next Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs.

“Luke Lindberg has been a tremendous friend and partner in our mission to deliver for America’s farmers and ranchers. With his help, the Trump Administration had cut the agricultural trade deficit by 51%, helped deliver...

OpenTable's Inaugural US Restaurant Impact Report Reveals Why Restaurants Matter More Than Ever

For more than 28 years, OpenTable has worked alongside restaurants to help them fill tables, connect with diners, and grow their businesses. Today, the global restaurant tech platform which seats 2 billion diners annually is putting restaurants in the spotlight with the release of its first U.S. Restaurant Impact Report: new research examining the vital role restaurants play in local economies, communities, and everyday life, and the role diners play in supporting the dining ecosystem.

With U.S. dining up 11% year-over-year¹ at OpenTable restaurants, that impact is only growing. Full tables can...

Cargill Invests USD 130 Million To Expand Poultry Operations in Asia

As global protein demand and consumer appetite for high-quality cooked poultry products continues to accelerate, Cargill is investing over USD 130 million over next two years to expand its poultry operations across Asia. The investment encompasses capacity and efficiency enhancements across Cargill’s entire poultry network in Thailand and the Philippines and will help strengthen supply chain resilience, enhance food safety, quality and innovation for its foodservice and retail customers globally.

A key component of the investment is the deployment of advanced technologies to optimize both production processes and...

Four Weeks In: Assessing the Market Response to the Expanded Beef Tariff-Rate Quota

Four weeks after the September 1 launch of the United States’ temporary 300,000 metric ton (MT) beef tariff-rate quota expansion, market data have so far provided limited evidence of a broad consumer-price response associated with the additional tariff-free import volume.

Below, Expana examines the market’s reaction to date and highlights key watchpoints for the weeks ahead.

Wholesale and Producer Prices Move Modestly Lower

The US boxed beef cutout (Choice, 600/900 total carcass value) has traded in a narrow band since the September 1 effective date, moving from $3.70/lb to $3.66/lb as of September 25...

ANALYSIS: October Seasonality—US Domestic Boneless Beef vs. Imported Beef

Over ten years, the pattern is that October prices the domestic lean market below September without exception, while fat trim recovers within the month from a depressed base, and imported lean does very little at all. October is a weaker month than September for domestic 90s on the measure that matters most for cost, and a far more volatile one for fats. 

Throughout this report the four series are referred to by name: fresh 90s and fresh 50s for the two US domestic chemical lean items, Aust/NZ blend cow 90% and Brazil 90% for the two imported items. Codes appear...

ANALYSIS: EU Egg Production Shifts at Different Speeds Across Member States

The EU’s egg sector is steadily moving away from caged production, but the pace of the transition varies considerably between major producing countries. For the market, this means that the availability of different egg categories is changing at different rates, while producers face decisions over investment and future production capacity.

France is relatively advanced, SNIPO reports cages accounted for under 25% of laying hens in 2025, down from more than 68% a decade earlier, with 52% now in free-range or organic systems— well above the EU’s 23%...

Expana Exclusive: Supplying 46,000+ Restaurants in Complex Context - McDonald's Supply Chain Leader

Darcy Gilbert, Vice President of Global Food and Beverage Sourcing at McDonald's, leads a global team accountable for overseeing approximately $30 billion in annual spend across 46,000+ restaurants in 100+ markets, and a global network of supplier partners. At its heart, the team’s job is making sure the food customers love shows up in every restaurant, every day. Yet navigating such a vast system in a fast-changing world requires far more than simply leveraging scale.

In an exclusive interview ahead of her appearance...

Utz Enters Protein-Forward Snacking with New Pretzel and Cheese Curl Lines

On September 24, leaders at Utz Brands launched a new protein-forward snack lineup, marking the salty snacks manufacturer's first move into the fast-growing, high-protein category. The Hanover, Pennsylvania-based company unveiled Utz Protein Pretzels and Protein Cheese Curls, each delivering 8-10 grams of protein per serving, according to a company release.

Born From Bold Flavor, Popeyes® Announces their Latest Chicken Sandwich Innovation

As a Real Louisiana Kitchen, Popeyes® doesn't just serve bold flavor, it's the authority on it. Popeyes' culinary team is always looking for new ways to bring bold flavors together, and they saw an opportunity to combine some of the menu's most beloved staples in an entirely new way. It's no surprise fans have long found their own ways to combine the brand's signature chicken and biscuits with honey on social media; but now, Popeyes is putting its culinary expertise behind that...

Firehouse Subs® Brings Back Its Fan-Favorite Thanksgiving Turkey Sub

The wait is over. Firehouse Subs®, the firefighter-founded restaurant brand known for its hot, hearty subs, is bringing back the fan-favorite Thanksgiving Turkey Sub to participating restaurants nationwide. After selling out across the country last year, the Thanksgiving feast-inspired sub returns by popular demand and is available now through the end of December, while supplies last, joined by a new seasonal treat: the Pecan Bar.

The Thanksgiving Turkey Sub is piled high with tender carved turkey breast, warm stuffing...

McLane Company Earns Fourth Consecutive Service Provider of the Year Award from 7-Eleven Franchisees

McLane Company, Inc., one of the largest distributors in America and a leading supply chain partner to retail and restaurant brands, is proud to announce it has been named Service Provider of the Year by the National Coalition of Associations of 7-Eleven Franchisees (NCASEF) for the fourth consecutive year.

Presented at the NCASEF National Trade Show in July, the award recognizes service providers that consistently deliver exceptional support, value and partnership to 7-Eleven franchisees. McLane’s recognition reflects its...

Perkins Restaurant & Bakery Invites Families to Stay and Play with Limited Edition Mahjong Set

Perkins Restaurant & Bakery, the iconic family-dining restaurant known for homestyle meals, all day value, and its iconic bakery, is inviting guests to linger a little longer with the launch of a limited-edition Perkins Mahjong set.

Inspired by the Perkins experience and the traditions that have brought families together around its tables for 60 years, the exclusive set puts a Perkins inspired spin on one of the world’s most beloved tabletop games. Designed for both longtime Mahjong players and those discovering the game...

Demand Signals Report: Unlock CPG, Consumer Behavior Insights

Circana's Demand Signals report provides a comprehensive picture of how shifting consumer behavior impacts the U.S. consumer packaged goods sector. Gain timely, data-backed insights that help support critical business decisions.

Key highlights from this period's report:

Consumer confidence drops on rising energy costs, while higher interest rates may add pressure ahead. Consumer confidence declined again in early September, its second consecutive monthly drop. Although August CPI held steady at 3.4%, gas prices have risen sharply in September and are back near the peaks...

CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor Shows 11th Month of Sales Growth in August

Retail sales rose modestly in August, marking the 11th consecutive month of gains, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor, powered by Affinity Solutions, released today [September 25, 2026] by the National Retail Federation.

"Retail sales climbed steadily once again in August," NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. "Supported by low unemployment and steady wage gains, households remained budget-conscious but took full advantage of back-to-school promotions to stretch their dollars. Retailers stayed committed to affordability, keeping everyday products accessible for American families."

Total retail sales, excluding automobile dealers and gasoline stations, were up 0.22% seasonally...

Expana's Weekly Top 10

This week’s Top 10 stories highlight the global forces shaping food, agriculture, and trade markets, from rising tariff tensions and geopolitical risk to supply chain disruptions, fertilizer supply moves, and shifting protein demand. Together, these developments underscore how policy, weather, logistics, and consumer trends continue to influence market conditions across the food and commodity landscape.

Trade & Policy

10. Trade tensions are back in focus ahead of the Sept. 24 Trump-Xi summit, with a possible new Section 301 tariff on China under discussion and the current trade truce extended by two...

Butterball® Togetherness Report™ Reveals 2026 Thanksgiving Outlook

Butterball, LLC, the company known for the most recognized and loved* turkey brand in the U.S., today announced the findings of the 2026 Butterball Togetherness Report, which explores how hosts and guests plan to shop, cook and celebrate this Thanksgiving.

The annual holiday report reveals that 85% of consumers plan to celebrate Thanksgiving this year, with an anticipated celebration size of 10 people. Hosts are holding on to their traditions, with most saying even higher costs won't change their plans. Consumers are looking forward to spending time with family...

Foodservice Heads Into Fall With Expansion, Stronger Earnings and Seasonal Promotions

Foodservice operators are heading into fall with expansion plans, solid financial performance, and a renewed push to convert everyday visits into repeat occasions. This biweekly roundup highlights the latest earnings and growth updates, industry data shaping consumer behavior, and seasonal promotions designed to drive traffic, loyalty participation, and digital engagement.

Market Expansions and Financial Results

Chipotle is expanding its Apprentice program to deepen its management pipeline as it prepares to open 350 to 370 new restaurants in 2026 and works toward a...

Middle East Market Intelligence Brief: Week Ending September 25, 2026

Saudi, Turkish, and Pakistani military chiefs are set to meet in Saudi Arabia as Riyadh faces renewed Houthi attacks and seeks support under the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement. The talks coincide with US–Iran negotiations in New York over a phased deal linking Iran’s reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to US economic relief.

Both sides are reluctant to give up leverage, while Gulf states push for restored freedom of navigation and an end to escalation. The November 3 US midterms add urgency as disruption to Gulf energy and shipping routes continues...

ANALYSIS: Chicken Thigh Meat Challenge Breast Meat’s Longstanding Reign

Demand for thigh meat has been particularly robust this year, which has resulted in relatively high pricing for thigh meat in relation to jumbo boneless breast meat.

Historically, jumbo boneless breast meat has been the most prominent cut of the chicken, so much so that it fueled significant genetic advancements in boneless breast meat size. In 2012, the Cobb 500 performance guidelines outlined a boneless breast carcass yield of 25.11% for a 7 lb. bird, and a whole thigh yield of...

Restaurant Employees See Industry as a Long-Term Career, National Restaurant Association Finds

Restaurant employees increasingly view the industry as a place to build skills and advance their careers, according to the National Restaurant Association’s new Made in Restaurants: Industry Careers in America report.

Based on surveys of current and former restaurant employees and adults who have never worked in the industry, the report finds that 89% of current restaurant employees see opportunities for career advancement, while 96% are satisfied with their industry work experience.

The findings also point to long-term interest in the...

Darden Posts First-Quarter Sales Growth, Reaffirms Fiscal 2027 Outlook

Darden Restaurants opened fiscal 2027 with higher sales and earnings in the first quarter, helped by positive same-restaurant sales across all of its business segments.

For the quarter ended Aug. 30, 2026, total sales increased 5.1% to $3.2 billion. Blended same-restaurant sales rose 3.1% on a fiscal calendar basis and 3.2% on a comparable calendar basis.

Reported diluted net earnings per share from continuing operations were $2.05, up 4.1% from last year’s adjusted diluted net earnings per share from continuing operations. The company...

Avian Flu and African Swine Fever: EU Provides €73 Million to Compensate Italian Farmers

Today, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Christophe Hansen is in Sorrento, Italy, where he will meet Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Sovereignty, Francesco Lollobrigida. While there, he will also deliver a keynote speech at the General Assembly meeting of the Association of Poultry Processors and Poultry Trade in the EU (AVEC), and participate in a panel discussion on 'Building the Future of the EU Poultry Sector Through Innovation'.

This visit comes as Member States agreed on the Commission's proposal to provide €73 million to Italy...

MLA - More Beef From Fewer Cattle: How Productivity Is Reshaping the Herd

Australia's cattle herd is entering a period of gradual contraction, but the production system supporting it looks very different to previous cattle cycles.

MLA's September Cattle Industry Projections estimate the national herd at approximately 30.8 million head in 2026, before easing to just under 30 million by 2028. Despite the decline, cattle turn-off is expected to remain historically high.

The key to understanding this apparent contradiction is productivity. Australian producers are increasingly generating more output from the breeding herd while moving cattle through the production system more efficiently.

Long-term investment in the breeding herd

The productivity gains have not occurred overnight.

UK Weighs Second Wave of Cost-of-Living Tariff Suspensions on Food, Fertilizer, and Kerosene

Amid consumer price pressure from the Middle East conflict, the UK government has moved on two fronts to suspend import tariffs on selected goods. The first package, announced April 30 and implemented June 21, 2026, removed duties on select fruits, fruit juices, pasta, couscous, and tuna which is in effect now, through December 31, 2028, according to a UK government update...

KFC Debuts Open House in McKinney, Bringing the Kentucky Fried Comeback to Life

Today, KFC announced that Open House, a new restaurant bringing the Kentucky Fried Comeback to life in one place, will open September 26 at 8751 El Dorado Parkway in McKinney, Texas. Open House brings KFC's four customer touchpoints, Product, Promotion, Place and Price, together all at once, building on the food and hospitality that made KFC iconic while introducing bold new flavors, new dayparts and new ways for guests to experience the House of Fried Chicken. Inspired by the Colonel's belief that...

7-Eleven, Inc. Restaurants Make Mealtime Easier with New Value Menus

7-Eleven, Inc. is amping up value at Laredo Taco Company®, Raise the Roost® and Speedy Cafe® restaurants with new value menus perfect for busy mornings, lunch breaks and easy dinners. With fan-favorite options served up at a great price, the latest lineup makes mealtime easier than ever.

Savory tacos, crispy chicken and hot breakfast sandwiches bring plenty of comfort-food appeal, with prices that are just as easy to enjoy. The meal deals include...

Starbucks to Close 250 North American Coffeehouses

On September 24, leaders at Starbucks decided to close approximately 250 North America coffeehouses, according to the company news page.

The store closures will account for roughly 1% of its more than 18,000 US and Canada locations, as part of its "Back to Starbucks" turnaround strategy.

QSR Tech Expectations Rise as Nearly All Consumers Weigh Digital Experience

Technology is playing an increasingly important role in where consumers choose to eat, but new research from Canopy suggests quick-service restaurants have little room for error as digital touchpoints become more embedded in the customer experience.

Canopy’s 2026 Restaurant Tech Report: Add Sauce, Hold the Friction, based on a survey of 1,007 US consumers, found that technology now influences dining choices for 94% of respondents, up from 80% in 2025. At the same time, 37% said they have abandoned an order because...

Zachary Nunn - Nunn Leads Bipartisan BEEF Act to Support Iowa Cattlemen, Lower Costs for Families

DES MOINES, IA - Representatives Zach Nunn (IA-03) and Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) introduced the Banning External Entry of Foreign Beef (BEEF) Act , bipartisan legislation aimed at rebuilding America's cattle herd, increasing domestic beef production, and lowering grocery costs for families. The bill would also reverse the recent expansion of foreign beef imports and require congressional approval before similar increases can take effect in the future.

"Lowering beef prices for Iowa families and supporting our cattle producers should go hand-in-hand," said Rep. Nunn...

Farmers Renew Call to End Increased Beef Imports

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall today called on President Trump to roll back plans to import an additional 300,000 metric tons of beef into the United States. An American Farm Bureau Federation analysis shows increasing imports has had little impact on ground beef prices at the grocery store. Meanwhile, cattle prices have weakened, with ranchers experiencing losses up to $300 to $400 per head.

“America’s farmers and ranchers are renewing their call to the president to reverse course on his plan to import foreign-raised beef. While we appreciate Mr. Trump’s goal of reducing grocery costs for America’s families, increasing beef imports has not brought prices down...

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detected in a  Multi-Species Backyard Flock in Boone County

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have detected a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1 HPAI) in a multi-species backyard flock in Boone County. This case is Iowa’s seventh detection of H5N1 HPAI in 2026.

About H5N1 HPAI in Birds

H5N1 HPAI is a viral disease that affects both wild and domestic bird populations. H5N1 HPAI can travel in wild birds without those birds appearing sick, but is often fatal to domestic bird populations, including chickens and turkeys...

Maple Leaf Foods to Consolidate US Plant Protein Production to Indianapolis

On September 22, the team at Ontario-based Maple Leaf Foods announced the upcoming closure at plant protein manufacturing sites in Seattle, Washington and Turners Falls, Massachusetts, according to a press release.

So, the move will consolidate all US production into a single "Centre of Excellence" at the company’s Indianapolis, Indiana plant. The transition will occur in phases over 12 to 18 months, with completion targeted for Q4 2027; both legacy sites will continue operating throughout the transfer to maintain customer service continuity.

The Retail Rundown: Fall Meat Trends Take Shape

Fall is officially here, and the meat case is beginning to reflect the seasonal shift from grilling to roasting and slow cooking. USDA’s latest national feature data show retailers adjusting the mix, with beef roasts gaining attention while chicken and pork continue to provide plenty of promotional activity.

On the beef side, the national feature rate slipped to 84.9% for the week ending Sept. 24, down from 89.0% the previous week. Ground beef activity has been easing as grilling season winds down, while roast and round cuts are gaining ground...

New Competere Report Calls for a Shift Beyond Ultra-Processed Food Definitions

As governments and health authorities intensify efforts to define ultra-processed foods (UPFs), a new Competere policy guide argues that policymakers may be asking the wrong question: rather than seeking the perfect definition, prevention should move beyond classification itself.

The paper proposes a different policy path: replace the search for a universal UPF definition with dynamic decision support that combines product characteristics, quantity, frequency, individual needs, and lifestyle using emerging digital and AI-enabled tools.

Ultra-Processed Foods — Beyond Oversimplification: From Classification to Smarter Prevention, authored by Competere Chair Pietro Paganini, is designed as a practical tool for...

ANALYSIS: Mexican Beef Exports to US Exhibited Mixed Movement in August

US imports of Mexican beef showed mixed movement in August, with stronger shipments of fresh cuts contrasting with lower volumes of boneless trimmings. Fresh beef cuts remained the main source of strength, with weekly volumes averaging about 3,782 metric tons, 16.8% above the same period in 2025 and continuing to run consistently above last year’s levels. The suspension of live cattle exports contributed to increased domestic slaughter and broader beef availability in Mexico, increasing the importance of the US market as an outlet for that additional supply. That movement continued even under a less favorable exchange-rate environment for Mexican exporters, while some US buyers extended coverage beyond immediate requirements and established positions for the...

ANALYSIS: Tom Turkey Market in a Standstill as Limited Supply Clashes With Buyer Caution

The value of frozen 16 lb. toms continues to be well established at a record high of $1.92/lb. With more processors focusing on the production of heavy toms for cut up and deboning rather than allocating birds toward whole bird production, few supplies are currently available on the open market.

Pricing reached a previous record high of $1.85/lb. in 2022 before declining throughout much of 2023 and 2024 and reaching a low of $0.97/lb. in 2025. Values subsequently rebounded significantly throughout 2025. The market then experienced a seasonal decline at the beginning of this year before exceeding the previous record high in early June. Since then, offerings have become...

ANALYSIS: EU Egg Exports Ease in July as UK and Japan Demand Softens

According to the latest data from the European Commission, EU egg exports (excluding hatching eggs and expressed in egg equivalent weight), eased to 25,168 tons in July 2026, down 1.2% from 25,467 tons in June. The July result was 17.1% below the 30,344 tons recorded a year earlier, pointing to a weaker seasonal export performance than in 2025. Nevertheless, the year-to-date decline remained comparatively limited: exports totaled 227,632 tons in January-July, just 1.3% below 230,571 tons in the corresponding period of last year.

The UK remained the EU’s largest reported destination, although shipments continued to contract. July exports to the UK fell...

ANALYSIS: New Zealand’s August 2026 Beef Exports Ease as Tight Supply Checks China Growth

New Zealand's beef exports fell 17.4% month-on-month (MOM) to 33,319 MT in August 2026, a seasonal retreat consistent with the off-peak production window, according to the latest Stats NZ data.

The 12.6% year-on-year (YOY) gain lifted eight-month cumulative exports to 355,763 MT, up 7.6% YOY, accelerating from July's 7.1% pace.

United States (US)-bound tonnage remained the largest component of New Zealand's beef exports at 11,642 MT, down 25.7% MOM (-4,026 MT). Volumes nevertheless rose 18.4%...

ANALYSIS: US Pork Belly Prices Near Record Lows on Ample Supply and Slower Demand

Pork belly prices have fallen to levels rarely seen for this time of year. Prices for 15/17-pound derind bellies dropped to $1.005/lb for the week ended September 21, just above the September record low of $1.00/lb, established during the week of September 5, 2016. Bellies have lost roughly 47% of their value over the past month after reaching the mid-$1.80s in late August.

USDA Cold Storage data helps explain some of the pressure. Although frozen belly stocks were below year-ago levels during...

Star Meat Delivery Inc. Recalls Raw Pork, Beef, and Goat Products Without the Benefit of Inspection 

Star Meat Delivery Inc., located in Lucama, N.C., is recalling approximately 167,639 pounds of raw pork, beef, and goat products that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection, bearing labels with a false USDA mark of inspection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today [September 22, 2026]. As more information becomes available, FSIS may update the product list and labels with additional items. 

Any product bearing the false establishment number “EST. 1363” should be considered misbranded and...

ALDI Invests in Even Lower Prices this Fall, Offering US Shoppers $86 Million in Savings

Starting today, ALDI is helping shoppers stretch their grocery budgets even further this fall, delivering an estimated $86 million in savings through additional price investments on the season's fresh favorites.¹ With the addition of the lower prices, nearly one-third of the everyday in-store assortment² at ALDI is priced lower than last year.

"At ALDI, value is a year-round promise, not a promotion," said Scott Patton, ALDI Chief Commercial Officer. "Customers trust us to help them make the most of their grocery budget...

Upscale Promotion Elevates US Pork’s Brand Image in Southern Taiwan

Industry efforts to position U.S. pork as a premium product in Taiwan are moving forward through a promotional partnership with importer Pesin and upscale retailer Hei Bonn Gorudohausu. At the retailer’s locations in Kaohsiung, a major city on Taiwan’s southwestern coast, U.S. pork is featured in high-end, Pesin-branded products during an extended promotion through the end of this year. U.S. pork cuts featured and sampled include thin-sliced cuts of loin, collar and belly, shoulder ribs and a picnic steak cut. The high-end branding approach...

McDonald’s Brings Back MONOPOLY with App-Based Gameplay

McDonald’s is bringing back MONOPOLY Oct. 6 with a revamped format designed to drive engagement through its mobile app and loyalty program, while keeping the peel-off game pieces that have been central to the promotion.

For the 2026 edition, customers will peel game pieces from eligible menu packaging and scan them in the McDonald’s app. Each piece can deliver an instant-win food prize, MyMcDonald’s Rewards points, a property piece for the Collect to Win game or a Chance Card game play.

The promotion runs across breakfast, lunch and...

Wingstop Rolls Out Game Day Rewards for Club Wingstop Members

Wingstop is launching a new rewards promotion tied to football season, giving Club Wingstop members a free Watch Party Bundle after three qualifying purchases.

The Game Day Punch Card runs Sept. 24 through Oct. 21 and is available through members’ Club Wingstop accounts. Each member can complete the punch card once. Customers who purchase three Watch Party Bundles as separate orders during the promotional period will receive a fourth bundle free, along with a $50 Ticketmaster Ticket Cash code, while supplies last.

The three qualifying...

Culver's Debuts First-Ever Smoked Cheddar CurderBurger® as Curdtoberfest™ Returns

Culver's is inviting guests to gather round for the return of Curdtoberfest, its annual monthlong celebration honoring Wisconsin's heritage, rich traditions and the gooey, golden cheese that brings people together.

Leading this year's festivities is the debut of the Smoked Cheddar CurderBurger, the brand's first flavored CurderBurger, alongside the return of Jalapeño Cheese Curds, National Cheese Curd Day celebrations and a monthlong Curdtoberfest Sweepstakes experience running from Sept. 28 through Oct. 31.

The Smoked Cheddar CurderBurger features Culver's fresh, never-frozen beef topped...

ANALYSIS: China's August 2026 Beef Imports Fall 3.3% MOM as Brazil Stalls and Argentina Steps In

China's beef imports totaled 208,171 metric tons (MT) in August 2026, down 3.3% month-on-month (MOM) and 18.9% year-on-year (YOY), according to the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC).

The YOY decline is the steepest of any month in 2026, deepening from July's 14.0% drop as the safeguard framework's country-specific ceilings work their way through the supply base.

Year-to-date (YTD) arrivals of 1,953,986 MT remain 8.0% above the same period in...

Research Advances Could Improve rHVT Vaccine Production, Efficiency and Dose Uniformity

A recent study funded by USPOULTRY and the USPOULTRY Foundation has identified a promising approach to improve the production and delivery of recombinant herpesvirus of turkey (rHVT) vaccines, which are widely used to protect poultry against important diseases. The research is part of the Association’s comprehensive research program, which encompasses all phases of poultry and egg production and processing. The research is made possible in part through proceeds from the International Poultry Expo, part of the International Production & Processing Expo.

Project # BRU-19: Improving Efficiency...

NRF Halloween Survey Shows Consumer Spending Expected to Reach $13.5 Billion

Consumer spending on Halloween is expected to reach $13.5 billion this year, according to the National Retail Federation’s annual consumer survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics. The figure maintains the strong spending level of last year’s record $13.1 billion and reflects consumers’ continued enthusiasm for the holiday.

“Consumers continue to make Halloween a spending priority, but they are also approaching the season with affordability in mind,” NRF Vice President of Industry and Consumer Insights Allison Zeller said. “For more than two decades...

Generational Shifts Reshape Europe’s €361.2bn Foodservice Market

According to Circana’s latest report, Europe’s foodservice market was worth €361.2 billion in the year through June 2026, but relatively stable headline figures mask significant differences in how generations use the channel.

The report showed that in Europe’s five largest foodservice markets (Great Britain, Germany, France, Spain and Italy) spending rose 1.4% in the year ending June 2026, while visits fell 0.7%. Average spending per consumer increased 2.1%.

“Consumer behavior is evolving beneath the headline numbers,” Edurne Uranga, VP Foodservice Europe at Circana, said at the European...

USDA Announces Actions Marking New Era of Companion Animal Welfare

Today, Secretary Brooke L. Rollins, U.S. Department of Agriculture, held a Strikeforce roundtable with federal agency partners where she announced actions to usher in a new era of companion animal oversight under the leadership of the Trump Administration.

Partners at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Department of Justice (DOJ), the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, the USDA Office of Inspector General (US OIG) and the DOJ OIG participated in the event.

“In the Trump Administration, animals deserve to be treated...

Australia: Beef Production to Exceed 3 Million Tonnes as Cattle Herd Proves More Resilient

Australia’s cattle industry is producing more beef from an increasingly productive herd, with national beef and veal production set to exceed three million tonnes for the first time in 2026 despite cattle numbers beginning to ease.

Meat & Livestock Australia’s (MLA) latest Australian Cattle Industry Projections – September Update shows improved seasonal conditions and long-term productivity gains are supporting historically high cattle turn-off while slowing the herd contraction that was previously forecast.

MLA Market Information Manager Stuart Bull said that was...

Carl’s Jr. Invites Burger Fans to “Steal the Crown” With New Promotion

Carl’s Jr. is taking aim at competing burger chains with its latest promotion, “Stealing the Crown,” which offers My Rewards members a free Angus Maximus burger in exchange for proof of a disappointing competitor burger experience.

Through Sept. 25, eligible loyalty members can direct message Carl’s Jr. on Instagram with either a receipt from a competitor purchase dated Jan. 1 through Sept. 7, 2026, or a photo of a discarded crown from... a certain competitor. The first 100 eligible...