Kroger Unveils Limited-Time Private Selection Pumpkin Harvest Collection for Fall
The Kroger Co. is leaning into pumpkin season with a new limited-time Private Selection Pumpkin Harvest Collection, bringing the seasonal flavor to coffee, beverages, snacks and bakery items across its family of stores.
The collection is designed to give shoppers pumpkin-focused options throughout the day, from morning coffee and afternoon snacking to desserts and other seasonal treats.
"That first crisp morning is the best sign that fall has officially arrived, welcoming in the warm flavors and spices that make this season so...
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Brinker Targets 4-6% Annual Revenue Growth Through FY2029, Ramps to 30 New Chili’s a Year
Earlier today at its headquarters in Dallas, Brinker International hosted its 2026 Investor Day, where the executive team outlined the company’s growth strategy and long-term financial objectives.
Built on strong execution to date and continued momentum, the company is introducing targets through fiscal 2029 that include 4-6% annual revenue growth driven by 2-3% unit growth as it ramps to 30 new restaurant openings per year across major new trade areas. It also expects double-digit annual...
ANALYSIS: Total US Chicken Exports Mostly Flat in July, 0.8% Below Previous Year
Total exports of US chicken in July rose 4.3% month-over-month (MOM) but slipped 0.8% year-over-year (YOY), compared with a 5-year average MOM decline of 0.4% from June to July. At 554.6 million lbs., volumes ran modestly below the 5-year July average of 565.4 million lbs.
Angola was the standout performer, with exports of 30.4 million lbs. more than doubling YOY (+138.1%) and continuing a run of exceptional growth. MOM growth of 12.9% trailed...
ANALYSIS: Choice 0x1 Boneless Strips Stay Elevated as Buyers Shift Focus Away From Ribs
The loin complex is experiencing an uptick in buying interest as some buyers shy away from ribs and turn to cuts within the loin primal as an economical alternative. One of the items that has been a focus is Choice 0x1 boneless strips.
As both bone-in and boneless rib varieties continue to hold near 2025 price levels, buyers are shifting their attention to the boneless 0x1 strip, contributing to its continued unseasonal strength. If we look at the last week of...
ANALYSIS: Turkey Parts Rally as Hatch Data Signals Higher Production Potential
Since June, turkey egg sets have consistently outpaced those of last year and have neared or even exceeded the 5-year average. This hasn’t consistently been reflected in the poult placements, but placements in August were only 1.5% off the 5-year average and 7.5% higher year-over-year (YOY). This signals a significant change in the current production state of the industry, which trade has reflected.
Throughout much of the summer, pricing for a number of parts and raw materials dipped precipitously...
Canadian Field Pea Market Well Supplied as Pea Protein Demand Rises
As of September 9, the Canadian pulse market is well supplied to meet strong demand for pea protein, according to Canada’s latest stocks data.
Changes in raw material supply take three or four months to affect the further processed pea protein market, shared Expana’s Market Reporter, Andraia Torsiello
Perdue Farms Delivering Protein to Food Banks and Investing in Nonprofit Programs
With Hunger Action Month underway during a critical time for food banks and nonprofit organizations across the U.S., Perdue Farms is delivering seven truckloads of protein—the equivalent of 181,000 meals—to food banks serving our neighbors and investing in hunger relief initiatives in our communities.
Perdue’s protein donations are helping to meet immediate needs for the following food banks:
USDA Report Shows US Agriculture Faces Higher Tariff Barriers Abroad
As of September 16, persistent challenges for US agriculture were said to be foreign markets which remain more protected than the US market, according to the USDA Economic Research Service report.
The USDA report does not call for specific tariff increases or cuts but lays out how US agriculture compares with foreign competitors under current most favored nation (MFN) tariff structures. The report may be used as a benchmark to show where tariff imbalances may influence export access...
Arby’s Brings Back Steak Nuggets With Push Across Loyalty, Sports and Social
Arby’s is supporting the limited-time return of its Steak Nuggets with a mix of influencer content, a loyalty promotion and football-related activations.
The restaurant chain recently brought back the menu item, which features bite-sized pieces of 100% steak. The return is being supported by activity across social media and sports partnerships, including appearances tied to both college and professional football.
As part of its social media efforts, Arby’s partnered with reality TV star, model and influencer Caleb McDaniel on content...
Meat Institute: MCOOL Amendment to Senate Farm Bill Raises Cost of Beef for Consumers
Following the Senate Committee on Agriculture’s approval of the Senate Farm Bill, The Agricultural Act of 2026, the Meat Institute today said the amendment to impose Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (MCOOL) on a struggling beef supply chain will raise already high costs of beef for consumers. Over 40 packer, processor and supplier members of the Meat Institute are participating in a fly-in this week to meet with Senators and Members of Congress from both parties, and with the...
NCC Praises Senate Ag Committee Passage of Farm Bill
The Senate Agriculture Committee this afternoon passed its version of the Farm Bill, the Agricultural Act of 2026, by a vote of 12-11. The bill now moves to the full Senate.
The National Chicken Council released the following statement upon passage:
“I want to thank Chairman Boozman for his leadership in advancing this important piece of legislation, and Senator Justice for his successful amendment that would add hot rotisserie chicken to the SNAP program,” said NCC President Harrison Kircher. “We are also...
One-Third of Shoppers Now Use AI to Shop, New Acosta Group Study Finds
Generative AI is rapidly becoming a fixture of the shopper journey across the food and consumer goods landscape, according to a new study from Acosta Group, with 34% of shoppers now using AI tools to shop and nearly half of Gen Z shoppers saying AI has influenced a recent purchase decision.
The findings, released ahead of Groceryshop 2026, arrive as food brands, CPG manufacturers, retailers, and foodservice operators reassess how their commerce strategies must adapt to a shopping landscape increasingly shaped by AI-driven product discovery...
Hi Baby Gorgeous! Wendy's is Officially Serving Lisa Barlow's Baby Gorgeous Meal
WHAT: Wendy's Chicken Nuggets have never been so glamorous. Starting today, fans can order Lisa Barlow's Baby Gorgeous Meal, inspired by the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star's go-to Wendy's order. After years of Lisa sharing her love for Wendy's across the Bravo universe, Wendy's is going the distance with this digital-exclusive meal only available in the Wendy's App and on DoorDash. Plus, when fans order Barlow's meal in the Wendy's app between 9/16 and 9/30, they're entered for...
P.F. Chang's Welcomes "Autumn in Kyoto" with New Duck Wings, Duck Fried Rice and Wagyu Egg Rolls
P.F. Chang's® is welcoming fall with Autumn in Kyoto, a limited-time dining experience inspired by one of Japan's most celebrated seasons. Beginning today, September 16, guests can gather around the table for a new lineup of rich seasonal dishes, including new duck offerings and Wagyu Egg Rolls, alongside handcrafted cocktails and shareable favorites inspired by the warmth and beauty of autumn in Kyoto.
The Fall season in Kyoto becomes a time for friends and family...
Friendly’s Introduces the Conehead Crew, Turning Kids Meals Into a Collectible Adventure
Friendly’s is giving kids something parents and grown-ups will wish they’d had at that age. Rolling out systemwide on Sept. 16, the new kids’ experience pairs a redesigned menu with sealed packs of collectible trading cards, engaging activity sheets, and five familiar ice cream sundae characters with newfound personalities and a built-in fan base. Say hello to the Conehead Crew!
The Crew guides the program and pops up everywhere from the menu cover to the standees by the front door:
Japan-Australia Meeting Strengthens Region's Food Security
Australia continues to strengthen its relationship with Japan, helping to unlock more export opportunities for Australian farmers and producers and supporting strong agricultural supply chains.
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry First Assistant Secretary for Trade and International Dr Jared Greenville delivered an opening message on behalf of Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins, alongside Japan’s Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Norikazu Suzuki, at the inaugural Japan-Australia Food Security Talks.
Japan is a valued partner and Australia’s third largest export market for...
Costco Expands Nationwide Delivery on Uber Eats
Uber Technologies, Inc. and Costco today announced a major national expansion of their U.S. partnership, bringing Costco delivery through Uber Eats to millions of more customers in 47 states, up from 17. Nearly 600 Costco locations are now available on Uber Eats, bringing on-demand and scheduled delivery through the Uber Eats app to even more Costco members.
Costco members can now get all their Costco favorites—from fresh produce and bulk groceries to household essentials and those only-at-Costco finds—delivered with Uber Eats, whether they’re...
Hunt Brothers Pizza Grows C-Store Footprint to 11,000+ Locations in 33 States, Marks 35 Years
Hunt Brothers Pizza is marking 35 years in business with a milestone that reflects the brand’s continued growth across the convenience channel, surpassing 11,000 locations in 33 states.
The family-owned company positions the brand as a turnkey foodservice option for retailers, offering a branded made-to-order pizza program intended to support in-store foodservice sales through standardized operating procedures and specified ingredient requirements.
Scott Hunt, CEO of Hunt Brothers Pizza, said the company was founded...
USPOULTRY Seeks BRI Preproposals to Examine PFAS in Potable Water at Poultry Processing Facilities
The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) and the USPOULTRY Foundation are seeking research preproposals to examine the presence and potential movement of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in incoming potable water supplies used at poultry processing facilities. As federal and state agencies expand PFAS monitoring and establish drinking water standards, additional scientific information is needed to better understand whether PFAS present in incoming water may contribute to residues elsewhere within poultry processing systems.
Through its Board Research Initiative (BRI), USPOULTRY aims to characterize...
Rancher’s Premium Smokehouse Partners With Houchens Food Group to Expand Across Its Vast Retail Foot
Rancher’s Premium Smokehouse, the nation’s fastest-growing national smoked sausage brand, has partnered with Houchens Food Group to bring its authentic Texas smokehouse flavors to shoppers across Houchens’ expansive retail network beginning in October.
Through the new partnership, Rancher’s will expand into IGA, Price Less IGA, Food Giant and Save A Lot locations operated by Houchens Food Group. As part of the rollout, Rancher’s is taking over shelf space previously occupied by an established national sausage competitor, marking a significant retai...
Harris Teeter Announces $253 Million Investment to Enhance Stores and Expand Footprint
Harris Teeter announced today it will invest approximately $253 million over the next three years to refresh and modernize select stores across the Charlotte, N.C. area. The investment also includes the development of three new stores.
The investment includes stores throughout the Charlotte metro area, with renovations and enhancements planned for locations such as Fort Mill and Rock Hill, S.C., and Matthews, Waxhaw, Concord and Huntersville, N.C., along with many other communities across the region. These improvements are designed to make shopping easier...
Farmers Push for Farm Bill Passage in Washington, DC
Farmers and ranchers are in Washington, DC this week, urging senators to pass the farm bill. Chad Smith tells us farmers are targeting all 100 senate offices.
Smith: The American Farm Bureau Federation, along with other agriculture organizations, brought farmers and ranchers to Washington DC this week to advocate for farm bill movement in the Senate. Addie Yoder, a Missouri corn and soybean farmer, talked about what they hope to accomplish this week on Capitol Hill.
Yoder: We are really hoping to accomplish a positive vote for the...
PS Seasoning Adds Four Kits as Home Meat Processing Gains Momentum
PS Seasoning is expanding its home meat processing lineup with four new kits for sausage, snack sticks, bacon and jerky, targeting consumers looking to get into meat processing without developing formulations or sourcing ingredients themselves.
The launch comes as protein remains a growing priority for consumers. According to The Power of Meat 2026 from FMI and the Meat Institute, protein has grown in importance for 42% of Americans, while 45% of shoppers say they are trying to prepare more meals containing meat or...
ADM Expands Regenerative Agriculture Programs to More Than 4.6 Million Acres
ADM’s regenerative agriculture programs reached more than 56,000 farmers across 4.6 million acres in 2025, as the company continues to expand efforts to connect on-farm practices with demand for lower-carbon agricultural products.
The company’s fourth annual regenerative agriculture report, released today, covers programs spanning 11 countries and 10 crops. Compared with regional benchmarks, ADM said the programs resulted in approximately 946,000 metric tons of CO₂e reductions.
The scale of the programs reflects the growing role regenerative agriculture is playing in...
ANALYSIS: The September Split That Can Occur Between Domestic and Imported Boneless Beef
First, domestic offerings have increased seasonally into fall. Cow slaughter rises and fed-cattle kills run heavy just as summer grilling demand fades, so lean and fat trim availability grows into a softening market.
Second, fat trim specifically has been volatile especially to the downside. The 50s market clears on immediate processor demand, so once that demand softens, price gaps have opened fast; several years show the weighted average dropping significantly in a single...
Chipotle Expands Apprentice Program as Restaurant Growth Accelerates
Chipotle Mexican Grill is expanding its Apprentice program as the fast-casual chain builds out the management pipeline it needs to support continued restaurant growth.
The company expects to open 350 to 370 new restaurants in 2026 and is targeting 7,000 restaurants across the US and Canada over the long term. As part of that expansion, Chipotle aims to have an Apprentice in each of its more than 4,200 company-owned restaurants by the end of 2027.
Apprentices currently support about three-quarters of Chipotle’s restaurants. The company...
Chef Boyardee Launches New National Brand Campaign, Marking the Next Champter for an American Icon
Chef Boyardee®, the iconic food brand that has been feeding American families for nearly a century, today announced the launch of a new national brand campaign, marking the latest step in a year of significant innovation and investment.
Since joining Hometown Food Company in 2025, Chef Boyardee has moved quickly to build on its deep brand equity while expanding what the brand can offer today's consumer. In 2026, Chef Boyardee returned to the national stage through a major NASCAR partnership, entered the...
Agriculture Moves Towards Innovation, Green Development, and Intelligence at CIFTIS
In the golden month of September, Shougang Park in Beijing is buzzing with activity. The 2026 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) has arrived as promised, with new technologies, new products, and new concepts taking the stage one after another. In the exhibition halls, agricultural elements stand out and capture attention.
This year's CIFTIS has, for the first time, established an Agricultural Socialised Services Zone, with the themed exhibition area "Agricultural Zhongguancun: Services to Every Field and Every Household" presenting related innovative practices and achievements. This is no longer just a place to display fruit and specialty produce for sale, but
Government of Canada Announces Farm Credit to Strengthen Food Security and Grow the Economy
The world is changing rapidly, trade shifts, global conflict, and climate change are all putting growing pressure on our food security systems. In response, Canada is charting a new course. We are building our strength at home and diversifying our partnerships abroad - creating new opportunities for long-term growth, resilience, and investment.
Today, the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food announced the launch of Farm Credit Canada's (FCC) $1 billion Agri-food Project Finance Fund, and $150 million to Velocity Agri...
USMEF Heartland Team Visits Japan
A team of 24 leaders and producers from beef, pork, corn and soybean organizations from across the U.S. visited Japan last week as part of the U.S. Meat Export Federation's Heartland Team.
The group visited retail and foodservice locations, a beef tongue processing facility, a culinary school and a slaughter and processing facility with a wagyu auction in the heart of Tokyo.
“The Japan consumer is very much like the American consumer. They really value high-quality beef,” Travis Maddock of the North Dakota Beef Commission noted. “Most of the beef they...
White Castle Loyalty Program Saved Customers $5.1 Million in Past Year
White Castle is kicking off a new year of value beginning Sept. 15 with the launch of Craver Nation Rewards Season 3. This follows a winning Season 2 — spanning Sept. 2025 to Sept. 2026 — which delivered $5.1 million in savings to members through exclusive deals and offers.
Season 3 of Craver Nation Rewards, White Castle’s free-to-join customer loyalty program, brings new Quests, rewards and opportunities to level up, along with special offers throughout the year. To celebrate the launch, members...
Hain Celestial to Refocus on North American Business, Divests International Brands
As of September 14, Hain Celestial’s fiscal fourth-quarter earnings call highlighted portfolio changes, tariff-refund benefits, and mixed demand trends across food and beverage categories, according to an earnings call transcript. At the same time, company leaders announced a definitive agreement to sell their international business to a private equity firm, Aurelius, for $323 million in cash.
MDARD Encourages Animal Owners to Continue Taking Steps to Prevent HPAI as Wild Birds Migrate
While highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has not been detected in Michigan's domestic animals since March 2026, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) encourages animal owners to remain vigilant and take preventative measures as wild birds start their fall migration.
"Since the current outbreak of HPAI began in February 2022, wild birds have been prominent carriers of this virus, serving as the most common cause for the spread of this disease. As wild birds have started to migrate this year, the virus...
Alveo Technologies Partners with Alliance Global (AGBL) to Expand Access to Avian Influenza Testing
Alveo Technologies, Inc., a global leader in rapid, point-of-need molecular diagnostics for early disease detection, today announced a distribution agreement with Alliance Global (AGBL) to bring the Alveo Sense Poultry avian influenza test to farmers, integrators and public health officials across the Africa, Central Asia and a portion of the Eastern Mediterranean at a time when the threat of bird flu has never been more urgent.
Avian influenza is spreading at alarming rates, infecting more than 208 million domestic birds in the U.S. alone...
MLA Launches Information Hub for Next Generation of Beef Genetics
Australian beef producers, breeders and industry stakeholders can now access a dedicated online resource explaining the development of one of the most significant advancements in the nation's livestock genetics system with the launch of Meat & Livestock Australia's (MLA) Multibreed Beef Genetic Evaluation Information Hub.
The new hub brings together information on the development of multibreed beef genetic evaluation, a major red meat industry strategic initiative designed to give producers the tools to compare the genetic merit of cattle across breeds and make more informed breeding decisions.
MLA Managing Director, Michael...
Sonny’s BBQ Brings Back Porktoberfest With Six Weeks of Pulled‑Pork Deals, Cruise Sweepstakes
Sonny’s BBQ is bringing back Porktoberfest, its annual fall promotion built around the chain’s signature slow-smoked pulled pork. The campaign runs from September 21 through October 25, with six weeks of deals for loyalty members and a cruise sweepstakes designed to build engagement.
This year’s promotion is tied to Sonny’s BBQ Rewards, the company’s free loyalty program, and includes weekly offers aimed at driving repeat visits.
"Every fall, Porktoberfest is our love letter to pulled pork, and to...
TGI Fridays Takes Aim at Value Dining With New 3 For All Menu
TGI Fridays is leaning into the value battle with a new 3 For All Menu that gives guests a full-size appetizer, entree and drink starting at $11.99, while adding premium choices and exclusive menu items at higher price points.
The offering is designed to give guests more choice than a traditional value bundle, with entree options spanning $11.99, $13.99 and $16.99. The lineup includes familiar favorites such as Cheeseburgers and Chicken Quesadillas, along with Crispy Chicken Sandwiches, Caesar salads...
SPAM® Brand Turns Up the Heat with New SPAM® Hot Honey Flavored and Win Son Bakery Collaboration
The SPAM® brand today announced the launch of SPAM® Hot Honey, a new full-time addition to its lineup of more than 10 varieties, bringing a sweet-and-spicy twist to the iconic canned meat. To celebrate, the SPAM® brand is teaming up with Win Son Bakery, the acclaimed Brooklyn eatery known for its fearless, modern approach to Taiwanese cuisine. Fans can get their first taste of the new flavor through two...
ANALYSIS: US Pork Exports Ease in July Amid Mexico Restrictions and Increasing Competition in Korea
US pork exports declined in July, with total shipments reaching 528.7 million pounds, down 2.1% from June and 4.6% from July 2025, according to US Department of Agriculture (USDA) data. The year-over-year (YOY) decline reflected weaker shipments across several major destinations, including Mexico, South Korea, and China. Mexico, the largest destination for US pork, fell 8.4% month over month (MOM) and 1.5% YOY. According to a report from the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF), July shipments to Mexico continued...
ANALYSIS: US Cattle Imports Reopen at Limited Pace as Sanitary Risks Persist
US cattle imports from Mexico have resumed under the phased reopening of Agua Prieta-Douglas, although movement remains gradual and limited. USDA data show 2,453 head entering during the week of August 24 and only 104 the following week, bringing year-to-date imports to 2,557 head versus 229,520 during the same period in 2025...
Nebraska Farm Bureau - White House Unveils Additional Actions Focused on Cattle Producers
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Sept. 4 aimed at strengthening the U.S. cattle and ranching industry amid historically low cattle numbers and growing consume demand for beef. The order directs several federal agencies to conduct a comprehensive review of regulations and policies affecting ranchers, with recommendations due within 90 days on ways to improve producers' financial viability and market access.
The order also takes several steps related to predator management, directing the Interior Department to evaluate whether gray wolves and Mexican wolves have met the...
PODCAST: Episode 46 - Grain Disruption and Plastics Complexity, Feat. Benoît Fayaud & Greg Potter
Canada Regains Market Access for Beef Exports to the Dominican Republic
Today, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced that the Dominican Republic (DR) has approved imports of Canadian beef and beef products, including offal, from cattle of all ages. This decision restores access to an important Caribbean market for the first time since 2003, when the DR imposed restrictions following Canada's initial case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).
The DR reopened its market following an audit of Canada's beef inspection system conducted by the Dominican Republic's General Directorate of Medicines, Food and Health Products (DIGEMAPS) and the General Directorate...
FMI Issues Statement on August 2026 CPI Food Price Numbers
Today, FMI – The Food Industry Association commented on the August Consumer Price Index (CPI) numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which show flat food-at-home inflation for August and a 2.2% increase over the last 12 months. FMI Vice President, Tax, Trade, Sustainability and Policy Development Andy Harig offered the following statement.
“The August CPI numbers bring some modest relief for grocery shoppers, with food-at-home inflation holding steady from July, though households continue to navigate the impact of higher prices throughout the economy. The...
Applebee’s Celebrates National Cheeseburger Day with One-Day $8.99 Burger & Fries Deal
Applebee’s® is bringing back its fan-favorite National Cheeseburger Day deal, offering guests a Classic Burger or Classic Cheeseburger served with Fries for just $8.99 on Sept. 18. Available for dine-in and To Go, the one-day offer gives guests the opportunity to enjoy a Handcrafted Burger and fries for less than $9.*
Applebee’s Handcrafted Burgers feature a juicy, all-beef patty topped with lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles on a Brioche bun. Guests can choose between...
Pei Wei Asian Kitchen Named Best Fast-Casual Chain by Reviewed
Pei Wei Asian Kitchen, the fast-casual Asian dining concept known for its wok-fired flavors and made-to-order meals, has been named the Best Fast-Casual Chain in the Reviewed 2026 Readers' Choice Awards, earning national recognition from consumers and reviewers alike.
The award celebrates Pei Wei's long-standing commitment to delivering fresh, flavorful Asian cuisine with the speed and convenience today's diners expect. Since opening in 2000, Pei Wei has distinguished itself by offering customizable rice and noodle bowls prepared...
ANALYSIS: Broiler Hatchery Expansion Loses Some Momentum Heading Into Fall
US broiler hatchery activity continues to run above year-ago levels, but the margin has narrowed considerably since the spring. Through the week ending 8/29, eggs set came in at 250,686 thousand and chicks placed at 194,367 thousand, both still positive year-over-year (YOY), but at gains of less than 1% compared to the 3–3.5% readings that characterized late April and early May. That the industry remains above 2025 at all is still meaningful, given that last year represented a record...
Expana's Weekly Top 10
Supply is getting tighter, and the knock-on effects are showing up everywhere. This week’s Top 10 tracks how weather disruption, geopolitics and stubbornly high input costs are rewriting sourcing playbooks and keeping pricing power elevated, from farm inputs through to finished goods. As companies pivot procurement from savings to security, markets are flashing warning signs with delayed harvests and constrained availability, that could force firms to make tough choices on production and margins.
The Supply Squeeze Intensifies: from fertilizer and procurement to grains and sugar...
Restructuring, Expansion and Fall Menu Innovation Take Center Stage in Foodservice
Over the past two weeks the foodservice sector has been defined by strategic reshuffling and targeted growth moves, with operators pruning portfolios and investing in efficiency while franchise and international expansion continue apace. At the same time seasonal promos and menu innovation are ramping up, compliance actions are reminding operators of labor risks, and seafood is surfacing as a prominent, high-visibility category.
Restructuring and compliance drive industry moves
Sysco reaffirmed its fiscal 2027 guidance, projecting net sales growth of about...
Middle East Market Intelligence Brief: Week Ending September 11, 2026
US President Trump said he expects the US-Iran war to end after the November midterms, while tensions continue to disrupt energy routes.
Iran-aligned Houthis have advanced to Perim Island and Dhubab near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, following their seizure of Mocha and the Hanish Islands, raising risks to Red Sea shipping and Saudi oil exports.
Meanwhile, Brent crude has topped $100/barrel amid growing concerns over prolonged supply disruptions.
Below is Expana’s weekly summary of the war’s most significant effects on global commodities. For the latest real-time updates, follow the Middle East Conflict tag...
Texas Iberico Launches 'Iberico on the Go' Premium Pork Snacking Sticks
Texas Iberico today announced the national launch of its Original Iberico Pork Snacking Sticks. Supported by the “Iberico on the Go” campaign, the new product brings the distinctive flavor and quality of the company’s 100% purebred Iberico pork, raised in the Texas Hill Country and made in Texas.
Iberico pork has long been celebrated by chefs and sought after in specialty charcuterie, but many American consumers have yet to experience the difference that premium pork and heritage breeds can offer. Texas Iberico created the...
Checker & Rally's Turn 40 and Cranks the Flava all the Way Up with Yung Gravy
Forty years ago, Checkers & Rally's hit the fast-food scene with a simple idea: boring had no place on the menu. Now, the iconic drive-thru brand is celebrating four decades of doing things differently with its 40th Flava Versary - a flavor-packed celebration featuring craveable new menu items, plenty of Famous Seasoned Fries and a new anthem created in collaboration with rapper Yung Gravy.
Checkers & Rally's has been maxing out flavor since the '80s, and for its milestone anniversary...
Hormel Foods Appoints Paul Kuehneman as Chief Accounting Officer
Hormel Foods has appointed Paul Kuehneman as its chief accounting officer. He will lead the company’s accounting organization and oversee its tax function, creating greater alignment across the finance organization and supporting the company’s finance strategy and operations.
Kuehneman brings more than three decades of experience to the role. He most recently served as interim chief financial officer and controller, helping guide the company through a leadership transition.
"Paul is a respected leader whose deep understanding of our business, financial expertise...
ANALYSIS: US Turkey Exports Rise in July as Global Buyers Return
Based on data from the USDA, July’s total turkey exports were up 8.8% year-over-year (YOY) and 22.0% month-over-month (MOM), far outpacing the 5-year average increase from June to July of 6.1%...
ANALYSIS: Brazil's August 2026 Beef Exports Down As China Trade Nearly Halts on Quota Exhaustion
According to the latest data released by Brazil's Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services (MDIC), total beef exports reached 195,714 metric tons (MT) in August 2026, declining 14.1% month-over-month (MOM) and 27.1% year-over-year (YOY). This is the lowest monthly volume recorded since February...
Sysco Reaffirms 2027 Guidance, Raises Mid-Term Growth Targets
Sysco is reaffirming its fiscal 2027 guidance while raising its mid-term growth targets, citing momentum in the business and a new multi-year AI-powered efficiency program. The company delivered solid results in fiscal 2026, helping set the stage for the reaffirmed outlook.
According to Expana’s report, Sysco’s sales rose 3.9% to $84.7 billion in 2026, while US Foodservice sales increased 4.4% to $15.4 billion and International Foodservice sales grew 6.7% to $4.2 billion.
"We finished fiscal 2026 with momentum, and that...
Wagamama Revamps US Menu with Customizable Formats and Expanded Drinks Lineup
Wagamama is overhauling its US menu, adding 26 dishes, 15 Asian-inspired beverages and more customizable formats as the pan-Asian chain looks to widen its appeal with American diners.
The rollout includes several seafood additions, among them Thai Chili Shrimp Bao Bun Tacos, poke bowls with fresh ahi tuna and Thai Chili Shrimp, and Salt + Pepper Calamari as a new shareable item. The company is also expanding its ramen and salad offerings, giving guests more ways to tailor meals...
New Wildlife Hospital to Bolster Western Australia's Bird Flu Response
The Cook Labor Government has committed $1.5 million in funding to the South West's first dedicated wildlife hospital as part of Western Australia's bird flu response.
The Margaret River Wildlife Hospital is set to open in late October and will significantly increase WA's capacity to treat native wildlife, support wildlife rehabilitation and respond to wildlife emergencies such as bird flu.
It is a partnership between WA Wildlife and Wildlife Recovery Australia and will provide specialist care for sick, injured and orphaned native animals, including threated species, filling a longstanding service gap outside the metropolitan...
MLA - Majority of Beef Producers Remain Committed to Herd Plans as Calf Numbers Hold Firm
Australian beef producers are largely maintaining their herd plans while adjusting cattle sales in response to livestock readiness, seasonal conditions and market opportunities, according to the latest Beef Producers Intentions Survey (BPIS) Pulse Survey.
The survey found 83% of producers have maintained the herd intentions they reported in April, while Australia's 2026 autumn calf drop remained largely unchanged at 2.49 million head.
MLA Senior Market Analyst Emiliano Diaz said the results show producers remain confident in their longer-term plans while responding to conditions within their individual...
FEATURED STORIES
ANALYSIS: Korea's August 2026 Beef Imports Plunge Under Weight of Safeguard Tariff