OpenTable Data Shows Mothers Day Dining Is Driving Larger Parties and Earlier Dinners

OpenTable has revealed new data indicating what moms really want on Mother’s Day. Skip breakfast in bed: the research shows moms would rather celebrate with a multigenerational lunch or early dinner than be in charge of the cleanup afterward. That preference is helping drive larger gatherings, with reservations for parties of six or more on Mother’s Day up 13% year over year in 2025.

While brunch at noon remains the most popular option, an early dinner trend is emerging, with 5 p...

New Data Shows Continued Threat to Food Affordability Due to California Prop. 12

Equipped with brand new retail and U.S. Department of Agriculture data reinforcing California Proposition 12’s detrimental impacts on both producers and consumers, 105 American pork producers from 23 states took to Capitol Hill, advocating for their livelihoods with federal lawmakers.

Researchers at the North Dakota State University Agricultural Risk Policy Center found that Prop.12-driven price increases have persisted, even two years after the law was fully implemented. On average, prices for covered products are 20% higher due to Prop. 12, calculated by comparing price increases in California to the rest of the...

New Data Highlights Strong Beef Demand, Even as Supply Remains Tight

New consumer data shows that beef demand remains strong, even as prices rise and supplies tighten.

Day 55 of Iran War: Iran Refuses Strait Reopening; Peace Timeline Unclear

Iran’s parliament speaker said Tehran would not reopen the Strait of Hormuz while the US blockade remained in place, calling it a “blatant violation” of the ceasefire between the two sides.

In Washington, the Senate voted 55–46 to reject a war powers resolution aimed at limiting US President Donald Trump’s authority to wage war on Iran, marking the fifth failed attempt to curb presidential war powers. The White House on Wednesday said Trump has not set a deadline by which Iran must submit a peace proposal...

Unilever Food Solutions Turns Future Menus Into Real-Time AI-driven Platform for Chefs and Operators

Unilever Food Solutions (UFS) is expanding its Future Menus platform from an annual trend report into what it describes as an action-oriented program built on a new experiential intelligence model, signaling a broader push to give chefs and operators more practical, real-time guidance.

According to the company, Future Menus 2026 was designed to address a gap in the market for predictive tools that can identify emerging diner expectations while also helping operators improve menu profitability, operational efficiency...

Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill Introduced to Add Hot Rotisserie Chicken in SNAP

Sens. Jim Justice (D-WV), John Fetterman (D-PA), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), and Michael Bennet (D-CO) introduced the Hot Rotisserie Chicken Act which would allow Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants to purchase hot rotisserie chicken with their benefits. Rep. Rick Crawford (R-AR) introduced companion legislation in the House.

The bill does not increase funding or participant eligibility for SNAP or allow all hot foods to be included for purchase, only hot rotisserie chicken.

“The Hot Rotisserie Chicken...

ANALYSIS: April 2026 UK Beef Market Overview

Industry reports indicate UK beef production is expected to decline 1.3% year over year (YOY) to 894,000 tonnes in 2026, driven by a significant reduction in cattle numbers and slaughter rates. Similarly, UK beef imports are projected to fall another 1% YOY in 2026. Lower import volumes from the UK's primary supplier, Ireland, are anticipated as domestic supply constraints limit export availability. As a result, the UK is likely to increase imports from alternative suppliers such as Poland, New Zealand, and Australia, supported by favorable market...

ANALYSIS: Jumbo Chicken Breast Meat: Inflationary Pressure Caps Seasonal Demand Lift

Jumbo boneless skinless breast meat has followed a notably uneven path so far this year, with price movement failing to match the more consistent seasonal lift typically seen through the first and second quarters...

Wendy’s Brings Cookie Dough, Watermelon and Jalapeño Flavors to Its Spring Menu

Wendy’s is refreshing its spring menu with a mix of permanent and limited-time offerings, leaning into trending flavor profiles like cookie dough, watermelon and jalapeño.

On the savory side the brand is bringing the heat to familiar formats with a trio featuring a jalapeno makeover. The lineup includes the Jalapeño Ranch Cheeseburger, Jalapeño Bacon Breakfast Potatoes and Jalapeño Breakfast Biscuits.

For dessert, Wendy's introduces its new Cookie Dough Frosty Fusion. This innovation, which joins Wendy’s core menu on April 23, blends cookie dough...for 

USDA Announces FSIS Reorganization, Establishes National Food Safety Center in Iowa

Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a reorganization of the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) to modernize operations, streamline support functions and better align the agency with the nation’s agricultural landscape.

As part of this effort, USDA will establish a new National Food Safety Center (NFSC) in Urbandale, Iowa, which will serve as the primary hub for FSIS administrative, technical and support operations.

“This is about building a stronger, more resilient food safety system for the country. By establishing a National Food...

USDA Advances Reorganization & Restructuring of the Research, Education, and Economics Mission Area

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Research, Education, and Economics (REE) Mission Area today announced a reorganization and leadership restructuring to better align its work with USDA priorities, improve operational efficiency, and deliver results more effectively for American farmers, ranchers, and producers.

This effort refocuses REE’s structure on mission delivery—streamlining operations, strengthening leadership accountability, and positioning resources closer to the agricultural communities USDA serves. The updated structure will be guided by five core principles: strengthening leadership accountability, reducing organizational complexity, ensuring consistency across agencies where appropriate, leveraging emerging...

7-Eleven, Inc.'s Laredo Taco Company® is Serving Up Festive Eats and Big Value This Cinco de Mayo

7-Eleven, Inc. is marking Cinco de Mayo with big flavor and a lineup of limited-time menu offers. On May 5, Laredo Taco Company® restaurants are rolling out made-to-order Tex-Mex favorites, celebratory drinks and convenient catering options at participating 7-Eleven®, Speedway® and Stripes® stores nationwide.

Laredo Taco Company restaurants are a one-stop destination for Cinco de Mayo celebrations of any size, with a flavorful...

Minerva Foods and Rumin8 Announce Results of Groundbreaking Methane Reduction Study 

Minerva Foods, a global food company and South America's leading beef exporter, and Rumin8, an Australian climate technology company developing feed additives to reduce livestock methane emissions, today announced the results of a study demonstrating significant reductions in methane emissions from cattle alongside improved feed efficiency.

The research was conducted in partnership with the University of São Paulo through the Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture (ESALQ/USP), one of Brazil's leading agricultural research institutions.

The 120-day study evaluated the impact of Rumin8's feed additive on enteric...

Day 54 of Iran War: Ceasefire Extended as US Maintains Naval Blockade

US President Donald Trump extended the Iran ceasefire to allow more time for Tehran to submit a proposal and for negotiations to continue, while keeping a US naval blockade on Iranian ports in place. Iran called the blockade a violation of the truce and said it would not negotiate under pressure.

Tensions remain high across the region, with continued violence in the West Bank and southern Lebanon despite ceasefires.  Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains severely constrained, heightening concerns over global oil supplies, as both sides blame...

ANALYSIS: HPAI and Disease Pressure Reshape Turkey Breast Market Away From Traditional Demand Cycles

Fresh boneless tom breast meat values have moved away from historically demand driven seasonality and are now shaped primarily by supply side disruption. Disease pressure, particularly Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and Avian Metapneumovirus, has played a central role in limiting production and tightening availability well ahead of traditional peak demand windows.

Historically, the market followed a more predictable pattern, with prices building gradually into the spring and summer months as deli demand strengthened. The 5 year average reflects this steady progression...

Craft Beer Cows? A San Diego County Ranch and a Del Mar Craft Brewery Join Forces 

A beef burger and beer is a time-honored combination. Like a lot of things, it works because it’s simple. The balance between the burger and the beer is satisfying. But while the concept might be simple, raising the beef and brewing the beer are complex. It might not be too much of a stretch to call both processes artforms.

The art of ranching and the art of brewing are both part of the culinary life of San Diego County, a food system that...

Sam’s Club Launches Enhanced Express Delivery, Fueling Continued eCommerce Growth 

Sam’s Club, a leading membership retail club, has launched an enhanced tier to its popular Express delivery, enabling members to go from checkout to doorstep delivery on thousands of in-club items in as little as an hour—often faster—with no minimum purchase and at the same price as in the club.

“Members love our three hours or less Express delivery, but they told us they wanted an even faster option—so, we delivered,” said Greg Pulsifer, Senior Vice President, eCommerce at Sam’s...

Online Grocery Set to Drive Majority of US Grocery Growth Through 2028

Online grocery shopping has firmly entered the mainstream, according to a new report from FMI – The Food Industry Association and NielsenIQ, which positions e-commerce as a primary driver of future grocery growth.

"Ecommerce is poised for extensive growth," said Jack O’Leary, director of ecommerce strategic insights for NIQ. "With online grocery sales increasing at a projected 11.6% annual rate through 2028 and already accounting for about one-fifth of total grocery spending, success now hinges on how well retailers connect digital and physical...

The Retail Rundown: Retailers Balance Premium Cuts and Value Picks Ahead of Mother’s Day

Early signs of grilling season are emerging, with retailers striking a balance between premium beef offerings and value-focused pork and chicken to draw in shoppers. At the same time, they’re preparing to compete for share during one of the year’s biggest foodservice-driven occasions: Mother’s Day.

Mother’s Day, falling on May 10 this year, is a holiday typically dominated by restaurants, with 63% of consumers planning a special outing and total spending projected to hit a record $38 billion, according to the National Retail...

Private Label Reaches New Milestone Across Europe’s Biggest Grocery Markets

Circana reports private label has reached a new milestone in Europe, hitting a 50% unit share across France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and the UK for the first time. The gain reflects sustained pressure from higher living costs, with store brands steadily expanding share since 2021 by more than three percentage points.

Circana’s Senior Vice President of Strategic Growth Insights, Ananda Roy, said, "Supermarket private label brands have spent the last decade becoming powerful brands in their own right. Given that a normal shopping...

7-Eleven Recalls Sandwiches Across Western Canada Over Listeria Concerns

7-Eleven has recalled various sandwich products across Western Canada due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination, according to a food recall warning posted by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) on April 14.

The recall affects sandwiches sold in Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan provinces and was triggered by 7-Eleven Canada. No illnesses linked to the recalled products have been reported as of publication.

The CFIA is conducting a food safety investigation that may lead to additional recalls and is verifying that the recalled products have been removed from...

Meat Institute Recognizes 2025 Environmental, Worker Safety and Community Impact Award Winners

The Meat Institute recognized nearly 100 meat and poultry facilities at the 2026 Environmental, Labor and Safety+ Conference in Houston, Texas, for showcasing their commitment to continuous improvement in the areas of environmental achievement, worker safety and community impact.

“This year’s award winners reflect the innovation, commitment and leadership that define the meat and poultry industry,” said Julie Anna Potts, president and CEO of the Meat Institute. “Their work to advance worker safety, environmental stewardship and strong communities demonstrates how our member companies...

Circana Forecasts 3% Foodservice Growth Across US and Europe in 2026

Circana projects US and European foodservice spend will grow 3% in 2026, as evolving consumer behaviors reshape demand across channels, dayparts and formats.

Speaking at Alimentaria, VP Foodservice Europe Edurne Uranga noted that while the two regions share common trends, they differ structurally. “The reality is more nuanced. The two markets share common dynamics, particularly the blurring of channels as new touchpoints emerge to capture immediate consumption occasions, but diverge in important structural ways.”

In the US, convenience stores are driving disruption...

USDA and Palantir Launch Partnership to Deliver Faster, Modernized Support for Farmers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Palantir Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ: PLTR) announced the signing of a $300 million Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) to support the National Farm Security Action Plan (NFSAP) and modernize how USDA delivers services to America’s farmers. The agreement advances two priorities: strengthening farm security as a national security imperative and accelerating producer-first program delivery across USDA’s Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC) mission areas. Building on capabilities already in use at USDA, Palantir will provide operational software to enable USDA to...

White Castle Expands Reach with Automated Hot-Food Kiosk Partnership

White Castle is expanding its automated retail strategy through an exclusive partnership with Automated Retail Technologies (ART), LLC, aiming to bring its Sliders to more nontraditional locations through hot-food kiosks.

The alliance will support the national rollout of White Castle Crave & Go kiosks, beginning with 1,000 locations across commercial and institutional settings such as college campuses, hospitals, workplaces and transportation hubs. The kiosks prepare orders on demand, giving consumers access to hot White Castle products in areas where a traditional restaurant...

Eckrich Serves Up the Taste of Home and Feel-Good Moments with Campaign Celebrating Bold Flavor for 

Eckrich®, the beloved brand known for its delicious smoked sausages and deli meats, unveils the latest iteration of its national campaign “The Sausage That Takes You Home.” The campaign celebrates grilling season by highlighting how Eckrich Smoked Sausage delivers ease, bold flavor and the warmth of home across everyday grilling occasions.

The campaign builds on the success of the 2025 launch of “The Sausage That Takes You Home”, continuing the brand’s focus on...

Moe's Southwest Grill Launches Grilled Burrito Dippers -- Its First-Ever Snack-Sized Offering

In Collaboration with the MD Foodie Boyz

Moe's Southwest Grill®, the beloved fast-casual chain is now saying "Welcome to Moe's!" to a new menu item – Grilled Burrito Dippers. In collaboration with the food-obsessed teen podcast hosts and creators, MD Foodie Boyz, the Dipper is premiering as the brand's first-ever snack-sized menu item on April 21.

A Grilled Burrito Dipper is a handheld, mini burrito built for the moments between meals: late-night hangs, post-game hunger, study session fuel...

NCC Submits Comments Supporting USDA Proposal to Increase Poultry Line Speeds

The National Chicken Council (NCC) yesterday filed comments with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) strongly supporting a proposed rule that would increase the maximum line speed for young chicken processors operating under the New Poultry Inspection System (NPIS) from 140 to 175 birds per minute (bpm).

“This is a science-based rule backed with decades of data that will make chicken more affordable for American families, create jobs in rural communities, and strengthen U.S. global competitiveness — all while...

ANALYSIS: New Zealand’s Q1 2026 Beef Exports Dips 3.8% YOY as March Volumes Plummet

New Zealand’s beef export sector concluded the first quarter of 2026 on the back foot according to recent Stats NZ data, with year-to-date (YTD) volumes failing to match the pace of the previous year.

Total outbound shipments for the quarter reached 127,831 metric tons (MT), marking a 3.8% year-to-date (YTD) decline compared to the same period in 2025. This quarterly deficit of 5,042 MT underscores the ongoing impact of constrained cattle availability and the...

ANALYSIS: China’s Q1 2026 Beef Imports Rise 27.5% YOY on Safeguard Quota Rush

China’s total beef imports for the first quarter of 2026 reached 869,079 metric tons (MT), representing a 27.5% year-on-year (YOY) volume increase as major suppliers raced to beat newly implemented tariff cliffs.

While total imports in March recorded a slight 7.7% month-on-month (MOM) decline to 241,277 MT following the Lunar New Year peak, the broader trend remains...

ANALYSIS: Korea’s Q1 2026 Beef Imports Surge 16.7% YOY on Lower Production

Korea’s total beef imports for the first quarter (Q1) of 2026 reached 165,683 metric tons (MT), representing a 16.7% year-on-year (YOY) increase, according to data from Korea Customs Service.

This robust performance indicated that Q1 2026 continues to ride the momentum from the 2025 recovery, which saw imports surge to reverse a four-year...

Kroger Spotlights E-commerce Growth with Online Deal Days Push

The Kroger Co. is leaning further into e-commerce as it launches its “Online Deal Days” promotion, pairing limited-time discounts with new data showing continued consumer demand for speed, value and convenience in online grocery shopping.

Running from April 22 through May 5, the event is aimed at driving digital engagement across Pickup and Delivery. Offers include $30 off a first Pickup or Delivery order of $75 or more, free delivery on orders over $50, and digital discounts on...

Chipotle Kicks off the Summer Season with the Return of Highly Popular Chipotle Honey Chicken

Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) today announced the return of Chipotle Honey Chicken, which debuted in 2025 as the brand's best-performing limited-time offering and quickly became a fan favorite, driving record demand. The protein will be available in restaurants across the U.S., Canada, the U.K., France and Germany beginning April 28.

Made with freshly grilled chicken, marinated with smoky chipotle peppers and finished with a touch of pure honey, Chipotle Honey Chicken delivers a bold...

Pizza Hut Introduces New Hut Rewards, Evolving Loyalty into a Membership that Delivers 

Pizza Hut just relaunched its Hut Rewards program, evolving it into a new, next-generation membership designed to deliver ongoing value, exclusive access and new experiences for customers.

At a time when consumers are looking for more than traditional points programs, Hut Rewards is designed to consistently pay off by bringing more under one roof. The program is created to evolve over time, giving members more ways to earn points on eligible purchases, reach rewards faster through challenges and bonus opportunities, explore an expanded...

Zaxby's Rolls out New Giant Chicken Finger Wraps that are Far From a Snack, They're the Whole Meal

Zaxbys® has officially entered the wrap game with the introduction of its GIANT Chicken Finger Wraps, a lineup of three bold flavors available starting April 27. These wraps are far from a snack. They're full-on meals built to satisfy bigger, bolder cravings.

As appetites evolve, Zaxbys is stepping in with wraps that deliver in a GIANT way. Packed with three Chicken Fingerz™ and the iconic flavors of its fan...

Swaggerty’s Farm Expands Production with New Facility Expansion

Family-owned and operated Swaggerty’s Farm has officially opened and begun operations at its new 50,000-square-foot production expansion in Kodak, Tennessee.

The expansion marks a significant milestone for the East Tennessee-based company, increasing production capacity while enhancing efficiency and maintaining the high-quality standards customers have come to expect.

The new facility features modern, energy-efficient systems and innovative building materials, supporting Swaggerty’s Farm’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and continuous improvement.

For nearly a century, Swaggerty’s Farm has produced premium sausage...

Yum! Marks Earth Month with Continued Sustainability Progress Across its Brands

Operating in more than 155 countries and territories, Yum! and its brands are making steady progress on sustainability through everyday actions and strategic partnerships.

“Whether it’s improving packaging, protecting the landscapes where our ingredients are sourced or working with partners around the world, these efforts reflect how we’re building a more resilient business for the future,” said Yum! Chief Sustainability Officer Jon Hixson.

This work to reduce environmental impact and strengthen the people and communities connected to Yum!’s business continues through both incremental improvements and larger-scale collaborations.

Subway Celebrates Lyrid Meteor Shower with a Meatier Deal: Two Protein Pockets for $6 and More

As an uptick in fireball sightings nationwide has experts and amateur meteor hunters teeming with excitement ahead of the Lyrid Meteor Shower’s return to the skies, Subway is making this spectacle even meatier with out-of-this-world savings. On April 21, during the peak of this annual celestial event, Subway is offering two of its new Protein Pockets for just $6.* But if you’re lucky enough to find a Lyrid meteorite, you could win...

ANALYSIS: Cage-Free Market Slips Amid Oversupply and Rising Freight Costs 

The US cage-free market has begun to soften again, though only modestly so far this week, with values declining 2cts to $0.75/dozen. Despite the limited movement in quoted prices, broader structural pressures remain firmly in place.....

ANALYSIS: China’s Livestock Sector Builds on Record 2025 as Q1 2026 Output Grows 4.8% YOY 

China’s livestock sector continued the strong pace set in 2025, delivering robust growth in the first quarter of 2026 as a sustained rebound in pig production and soaring poultry output drove the industry forward, according to the latest National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) data. 

The combined national output of pork, beef, mutton, and poultry reached 26.62 million metric tons in the first three months of the year, representing a significant 4.8% year-on-year (YOY) increase.  

This growth underscores...

Cargill Wins Two 2026 Edison Awards, Extending Four-Year Innovation Streak

Cargill has earned two 2026 Edison Awards, marking its fourth consecutive year of recognition from the global innovation program in the Consumer Food Innovations and Sustainable Industry Solutions categories.

The Edison Awards™, named after inventor Thomas Edison, honor some of the world’s most innovative products and business leaders. Winners are selected by a panel of peers from industry, academia and the innovation sector, based on concept, value and impact.

This year, Cargill was recognized for two innovations. 

NextCoa™, which received a Gold award...

Domino's® Delivers a Draft Week Win: All Pizza is 50% Off

With the football draft right around the corner, Domino's Pizza Inc. (Nasdaq: DPZ) is delivering a deal worthy of a first-round pick. From April 20-26, customers can score 50% off all menu-priced pizzas ordered online.

"The draft is one of those moments when food, friends and anticipation all come together," said Frank Garrido, Domino's executive vice president – chief restaurant officer. "From the first pick to the final round, Domino's is here with a deal that makes draft‑day...

Jersey Mike's Announces Confidential Submission of Draft Registration Statement for IPO

Jersey Mike's Subs Inc. today announced that it has confidentially submitted a draft registration statement on Form S-1 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") relating to a proposed initial public offering of shares of its Class A common stock. The number of shares to be offered and the price range for the proposed offering have not yet been determined. The offering is subject to market and other conditions and the completion of the SEC's review process.

This press release...

“6-7” Has Entered the Dinner Chat: Perdue Launches Limited-Edition Nuggets

The Internet’s Most Unavoidable Phrase Is Now a Chicken Nugget – Available Exclusively at Walmart Starting May 1

Yes, it's a little cringe. Yes, the kids who started it may have moved on. But if you have a Gen Alpha at home, you know: it’s still everywhere.

Now, Perdue Foods is bringing the phrase no parent in America has been able to escape to the dinner table with the launch of PERDUE® SIX SEVEN CHICKEN NUGGETS, a limited-edition, panko-breaded chicken nugget...

American Egg Board CEO Emily Metz named Ag Association Leader of the Year

The American Egg Board announced that its president and CEO, Emily Metz, has been named Ag Association Leader of the Year by the National Agri-Marketing Association, an honor recognizing senior executives who demonstrate exceptional leadership within agricultural organizations and associations.

Metz received the award during the organization’s 2026 Agri-Marketing Conference in St. Louis, Missouri, on April 16.

The recognition comes at a notable moment for the US egg industry. Recently, the American Egg Board gained national visibility with...

Gen Z and Millennials Reshape British Dining with a Health-First Mindset

Gen Z and Millennials are driving a health-first shift in British dining, with 45% following specific diets and reshaping how foodservice menus are developed. According to Circana, nearly one in four (23%) British consumers seeking higher-protein, lower-calorie meals will switch dining venues to match their preferences. Demand for energy, immunity, and weight management products is also among the fastest-growing segments.

While GLP-1 adoption remains limited in Britain due to regulations, Circana reports growing momentum. Awareness...

USDA and US Army Corps of Engineers Break Ground on New Texas Sterile Fly Production Facility

Groundbreaking Marks Next Major Milestone in Strengthening U.S. New World Screwworm Preparedness

Today, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins and Lieutenant General William H. “Butch” Graham, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) commanding general, led the groundbreaking for the new sterile fly production facility at Moore Air Base in Edinburg, Texas. USDA is partnering with USACE to construct this facility, which is a cornerstone of Secretary Rollins’ five-pronged strategy (PDF, 1005 KB) to combat New World Screwworm (NWS)...

NCC Submits Comments Supporting Delay of Poultry Payment Rule, Urges Full Rescission

NCC today submitted formal comments to USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service supporting the agency’s proposed 18-month delay of the Poultry Grower Payment Systems and Capital Improvement Systems rule, which is set to go into effect on July 1, 2026. AMS proposed the delay in March after reviewing the rule’s potential costs to the poultry industry and consumers.

Beyond the millions of dollars in compliance costs the rule would impose, it would effectively ban bonuses for the best chicken farmers. Eliminating this performance-based...

Fogo de Chão Announces Retirement of Chief Financial Officer Anthony “Tony” D. Laday

Fogo de Chão, the internationally renowned restaurant from Brazil known for its elevated churrasco dining experience, today announced that Tony Laday, Chief Financial Officer, has decided to retire after a distinguished career.

Tony has served as Chief Financial Officer since April 2014, overseeing Finance, Accounting, Supply Chain, Treasury, Investor Relations, and Technology. His retirement marks the culmination of a 12-year tenure during which he played a critical role in shaping Fogo’s financial and operational foundation and...

Expana's Weekly Top 10

Expana’s Weekly Top 10 rounds up some of the biggest stories shaping markets this week, all reported by our trusted experts and journalists. From weekly digests to Europe’s evolving CO2 supply landscape and daily coverage of how the conflict in the Middle East is affecting global commodities, this recap highlights some of the week’s most impactful and insightful developments.

This list is in no particular order.

10. Shannon Behary reported on discussions from gasworld's recent European Co2 Summit

Europe’s biomethane sector is becoming a bigger source of merchant CO2, giving the food...

Smithfield Unveils New Agency Team to Strengthen Brand Growth and Consumer Reach

Smithfield Foods announced a new integrated agency team designed to amplify market presence, deepen consumer connection and innovation across its portfolio of brands including Smithfield, Nathan’s, Eckrich, Farmland, Armour, Farmer John, Kretschmar, Carando and Margherita.

The company has assembled a coalition aimed at leading its brand strategy. As part of this effort the company has named Leo Chicago as creative agency of record and LaForce as lead communications partner joining existing agencies Kelly Scott Madison Media and Mars United Commerce, who will continue leading...

Day 49 of Iran War: Oil Slumps as Iran Opens Hormuz; Lebanon Ceasefire Fuels Hopes of Wider Deal

With a 10-day ceasefire in Lebanon taking effect, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the Strait of Hormuz is open to all commercial vessels for the duration of the truce, Reuters reported.

US President Donald Trump said a broader deal to end the war involving Iran is “very close,” with another round of negotiations potentially taking place this weekend in Islamabad. 

Despite signs of progress, significant hurdles remain as key differences persist, leaving both sides preparing for either a diplomatic breakthrough...

ANALYSIS: Chicken Production Soars as Egg Sets and Chick Placements Reach All-Time Highs

Broiler egg sets and chick placements continue to come in at record high levels, reflecting a continued push by the chicken industry to increase production...

Walmart Launches Major Store Investment Push with 650+ Remodels, Great Value Brand Refresh

US retail giant Walmart announced on April 16 that it will make "significant" investments across its stores to create jobs, strengthen local communities, and deliver faster, more convenient shopping experiences. The company also unveiled a comprehensive redesign of its flagship private label 'Great Value' brand.

For 2026, Walmart has scheduled over 650 remodels to its Supercenters and Neighborhood Markets, alongside approximately 20 new store openings planned through early 2027. The company has already opened several new locations this year, including Supercenters in Eastvale, California...

First Continent-Wide Map of Dominant Avian Influenza Strain Explains Its Spread

An international group of scientists mapped the spread of the current dominant strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus through North American bird populations in 2024. Led by scientists from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the collaboration provides a comprehensive view of this novel flu spreading through birds in North America. The investigators collected and sequenced samples from birds across the continent, letting them map the virus's spread. They also compared the virus from birds to those causing human infections, showing that current human vaccine stockpiles will likely...

USMEF Statement on America First Trade Promotion Program Allocations

On April 16, the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) announced the 2026 America First Trade Promotion Program (AFTPP) funding allocations, which are key investments aimed at advancing U.S. agricultural exports.

U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom issued this statement:

USMEF greatly appreciates the Trump administration’s efforts to expand U.S. agricultural exports through reciprocal trade agreements and other critical negotiations. But resources are also needed to capitalize on these agreements, and...

Day 48 of Iran War: Pakistan Steps Up Mediation as US-Iran Talks Gain Momentum

Efforts to revive negotiations between the United States and Iran are gaining momentum, with Pakistan acting again as an intermediary. 

The renewed diplomatic push comes against a backdrop of escalating tensions. Iran has warned it may broaden its response to a US naval blockade beyond its territorial waters.

Meanwhile, divisions persist in Washington, where the US Senate has rejected a measure that sought to curb the war without congressional approval.

The economic fallout from the war could deepen global food insecurity, with millions more at...

Blimpie Launches Big Flavor and Bigger Value with New $7.99 Meal Deal

This spring, Blimpie® is bringing unbeatable value to sandwich lovers nationwide with the launch of its newest promotional offering, The Best Meal Deal, available now at participating U.S. locations.

Designed for guests who crave both quality and value, The Best Meal Deal features a rotating lineup of Blimpie’s core subs made the Blimpie Way, or with the customer’s choice of toppings, so customers can enjoy the subs they love, in a complete meal.

Each meal includes a regular size daily...

PrimoHoagies Appoints Angela Coppler as SVP of Development to Accelerate Next Phase of Expansion

PrimoHoagies, the award-winning Italian specialty sandwich franchise known for its authentic hoagies, premium ingredients, and 30+ year heritage, recently announced the appointment of Angela Coppler as Senior Vice President of Development.

The move signals a deliberate evolution in the brand's growth strategy, focusing on disciplined, performance-driven national scaling designed to attract sophisticated multi-unit operators and investors.

This is not a traditional franchise sales hire. Coppler joined PrimoHoagies to architect and execute a holistic growth strategy, one that...

Chipotle Brings Back its Hockey Jersey BOGO for the 2026 Stanley Cup® Playoffs

Chipotle Mexican Grill is bringing back its Hockey Jersey BOGO for the sixth consecutive year as the 2026 Stanley Cup® Playoffs get underway. On Monday, April 20, after 3 p.m. local time, fans who wear a hockey jersey to participating restaurants in the U.S. and Canada can receive a BUY-ONE-GET-ONE (BOGO) entrée.

Chipotle's First-Ever Hockey Jersey

For the first time, Chipotle is releasing a limited-edition hockey jersey inspired by past Hockey Jersey BOGO...

Buca di Beppo Helps Guests File Away The 2026 Tax Season With Buy-One-Get-One Pasta Celebration

This tax season, there’s even more to go around the table at Buca di Beppo. Order any full-price pasta, get a family-size portion free through April 19, 2026

Taxes are inevitable, but stress doesn’t have to be. This tax season, Buca di Beppo is taking the load off paperwork and loading up pasta dishes that won’t break the bank. Guests can buy one pasta and get a second pasta free (of equal or lesser value), making it easier...

ANALYSIS: Turkey Industry Weighs Hatchery Uptick Against Persistent Disease Threats

While turkey hatchery figures still sit below the five-year average, they continue to outpace last year, which is shaping expectations within the industry that more meat could become available in the months ahead...

USTR 2026 National Trade Estimate Report: Highlights Global Barriers to Trade for Commodity Markets 

On March 31, leaders at the United States Trade Representative (USTR) released its 2026 National Trade Estimate (NTE) report, outlining US market access via country specific details that intends to reshape how US trade policy views global markets. The 500+ page report is divided into sections which address the trade environments present between US markets and those of each trading partner as a baseline for producers, importers, and exporters. It seems that the...

USMEF Partners with Certified Hereford Beef for Three Launch Events in Colombia

Industry efforts to differentiate U.S. beef in Colombia took another step forward with a nationwide launch of the Certified Hereford Beef (CHB) brand. In partnership with member Agri Food & Feed, importer Ancla y Viento and with support by the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá, USMEF implemented promotional launch events for CHB with foodservice and hospitality sectors in three major Colombian cities.

Nearly 350 attendees, including importers, distributors, restaurant owners, chefs, buyers and managers attended the promotional events in Bogotá, Cartagena and Cali. USMEF Colombia Representative María Ruíz provided welcome...

NCBA and ICA Engage in Tax Day Congressional Press Conference

Today [April 15, 2026], members of both the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and Iowa Cattlemen's Association (ICA) participated in a Tax Day press conference hosted by Speaker of the House Mike Johnson. This event focused on the Working Families Tax Cuts included in the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB). The legislation expanded the estate tax exemption, commonly referred to as the Death Tax, and also enacted permanent increases to the Section 199A Small Business Deduction and Section 179 Deduction, and restored 100 percent Bonus Depreciation.