Joint Statement by the Heads of the IEA, IMF, World Bank Group, and WTO

The Heads of the International Energy Agency, International Monetary Fund, World Bank Group and World Trade Organization met on May 28 as part of the high-level coordination group established in April to maximize their institutions’ response to the energy, trade, and economic impacts of the war in the Middle East. Following the meeting, they issued the statement below:

“The war in the Middle East is generating substantial and highly asymmetric impacts on energy supplies, food security, and economic activity across countries and regions. While the...

Expana's Weekly Top 10

Today, Expana’s Weekly Top 10 highlights the headlines shaping the week, as reported by Expana’s writers and market experts.

As summer gets underway, weather‑driven shifts in grilling demand are pushing retailers to pivot toward Father’s Day promotions. Trade and geopolitics remain major market disruptors, with renewed USMCA talks, evolving US‑China tariff signals, seafood trade enforcement pressure, and Middle East developments influencing energy and freight markets. This week’s update also covers industry consolidation, product reformulation amid easing cocoa prices, and new fertilizer supply coming online as Brazil...

Walmart Brings 30-Minute-or-Less Delivery to 33 US Markets

Walmart is making shopping more convenient than ever with the availability of 30-minute-or-less delivery across 33 U.S. markets. Designed to help save customers time and simplify everyday life, the service gives customers another flexible way to get the items they need, want and love — when they need them.

Customers can shop from more than 100,000 eligible items, including fresh groceries, pantry staples, baby essentials, cold and flu medicine, household supplies, pet food, electronics and prescription delivery.

The availability of 30-minute-or-less delivery builds on...

Middle East Market Intelligence Brief: Week Ending May 29, 2026

Three months into the Iran war, the United States and Iran have reached a tentative framework to extend a ceasefire, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and ease some US blockade measures, though the deal has not been approved by US President Donald Trump, reports Reuters. 

The proposed agreement would create a 60-day window for broader negotiations after months of conflict disrupted global oil, LNG, and other commodity markets. Major unresolved issues include Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions relief, and security in the Strait of Hormuz.

The framework is seen as a temporary de-escalation measure aimed at stabilizing energy markets rather than...

Wakefern Expands Domestic Kosher Beef Program With Direct Sourcing for ShopRite Supermarkets

Wakefern Food Corp., is expanding its fresh domestic kosher beef program across ShopRite stores, rolling out a new direct‑sourcing model designed to improve supply consistency and broaden access to OU‑certified products.

Under the program, select ShopRite locations with kosher meat departments under rabbinical supervision will offer a wider assortment of fresh, high‑quality domestic kosher beef, including bone‑in and boneless cuts, steaks, roasts and offals. The initiative strengthens Wakefern’s access to US‑sourced beef and increases availability of...

Butterball Aims for Everyday Relevance With “Care Hard. Cook Easy.” Campaign

Butterball is looking to move beyond its Thanksgiving stronghold with the launch of “Care hard. Cook easy.”, a new integrated campaign aimed at building everyday relevance and long-term growth, particularly with younger consumers.

Developed with agency partner Carmichael Lynch, the effort reflects Butterball’s push to translate decades of holiday leadership into more frequent meal occasions across the year.

“At Butterball, we’ve earned a special place in people’s lives during the holidays, and we have a tremendous opportunity to show up for them all year...

ANALYSIS: Staggering Differences for US Select and Prime Grading Percentages YTD Compared to 2025

Select and Prime grading percentages are experiencing a standout year so far compared to previous years, while Choice is holding fairly steady to that of the previous three years. The Prime grading percentage continues to push higher with new record highs being set multiple times so far this year, and the end of the second quarter of the year is still roughly a month out. Year-to-date (YTD), 2026 Prime grading is up roughly 35% compared to 2025. If...

ANALYSIS: Mexican Beef Exports to the US Slow During May

The Mexican export market continued reflecting cautious buying behavior during May, as uncertainty surrounding the future direction of tariffs on alternative beef origins continued limiting broader forward commitments from buyers. Mexican beef movement into the US has generally remained above year-ago levels, although volumes have shown a gradual downward trend throughout the month following the stronger pace observed earlier in the year. Market participants continued describing most purchasing activity as largely hand-to-mouth...

ANALYSIS: Chicken Cold Storage Inventories Shift Higher in April Despite Targeted Drawdowns

April’s cold storage data reflects a modest replenishment in some sectors of the chicken complex, while a net outflow is noted in other areas...

Import of Poultry Meat & Products From Special Area No. 4 of Province of Alberta in Canada Suspended

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (May 29) that in view of a notification from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) about an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in Special Area No. 4 of the Province of Alberta in Canada, the CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from the area with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong.

A CFS spokesman said that according to the Census and Statistics Department, no poultry meat or eggs were...

CBP Laredo Field Office Warns Traveling Public About the New World Screwworm Threat

U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Laredo Field Office, is warning the South Texas traveling public about the threat of the New World Screwworm through a public awareness campaign.

CBP Laredo Field Office has developed an informational tearsheet in English and Spanish that advises about the threat of NWS and is distributing the tearsheet at the eight ports of entry from Brownsville to Del Rio, Texas that comprise the Laredo Field Office area of responsibility. CBP Laredo Field Office is amplifying this same message via Director, Field Operations...

WILDE Unveils Protein-Packed Crackers as High-Protein Snacking Continues to Surge

Capitalizing on the growing consumer demand for high-protein snacks, protein-focused brand WILDE is introducing WILDE Protein Crackers, a new cracker made with chicken breast, chicken bone broth, and cheese.

The product begins rolling out nationwide today, with broader retail distribution planned through the spring and summer months.

The oven-baked crackers deliver 12 grams of protein per serving and come in four flavors: Classic Cheddar, Smoked Gouda, Buffalo Cheddar, and Hot Honey...

DoorDash, Deliveroo and Wolt Launch First Global FIFA World Cup 2026 Campaign

DoorDash is taking its FIFA World Cup 2026 sponsorship global, launching a new international campaign with Deliveroo and Wolt as the three brands come together in a shared marketing push for the tournament.

The campaign, titled “Deliver Us to Fútbol,” rolled out today across TV, BVOD, out-of-home, paid digital, audio and social channels. It marks the first international creative campaign spanning DoorDash and its global portfolio brands, with local activations, events and partnerships planned across the US, Canada, the UK...

Chipotle Builds on Rewards Momentum With Return of ‘Summer of Extras’

Chipotle is reviving its “Summer of Extras” promotion for the second year in a row, extending its push into gamified loyalty as restaurant brands look for new ways to drive frequency and deepen digital engagement.

The summer campaign runs from June 1 through Aug. 31 and gives Chipotle Rewards members a free entrée for every seven monthly visits. This year’s version adds more engagement tools, including local restaurant rankings, state and national leaderboards, badges, progress tracking, limited-time “Side Quests” and weekly Rewards Exchange...

Hormel Foods Delivers Strong Q2 Growth Across All Segments

Hormel Foods posted stronger second-quarter fiscal 2026 results, driven by growth across all three business segments and continued momentum in its protein-focused portfolio.

The company reported net sales of $2.97 billion for the quarter ended April 26, with organic net sales up 3%. Operating income totaled $217 million, while adjusted operating income reached $294 million. Diluted earnings per share were $0.29, or $0.40 on an adjusted basis.

“We delivered strong second quarter results marked by profitable growth and improved performance...

ANALYSIS: Japan and Mexico Lead Strong 2026 Q1 Growth in US Beef Variety Meat Exports

US beef variety meat exports according to the US Meat Export Federation posted very strong growth through the first quarter of 2026, with total world exports reaching 80,654 metric tons (MT), up 14% from the same period in 2025. Export value showed even more impressive growth, climbing 45% year over year (YOY) to $367.6 million, highlighting the significantly stronger pricing environment for variety meats globally.

Mexico remained the dominant destination market, importing 33,404 MT through March, an 11%...

ANALYSIS: Turkey Harvest Features Historic Live Weights and Diverging Price Trends

Turkey harvest continues its upward trend this year following the record lows of 2025. Year-to-date (YTD) headcount is up 3.0% year-over-year (YOY), though it still falls 8.3% below the 5-year average. The largest increases have been made when it comes to live weight, with new record highs being set every month since February. In fact, February was the first time ever in which average live weight was over 34 lbs. In April, it sat at 34.3 lbs....

Tyson Foods Announces Jeff Schomburger to Succeed Donnie King as President and CEO

Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN) announced today that Jeff Schomburger has been named President and Chief Executive Officer, effective October 4, 2026. Following a period of transition beginning in July, Schomburger will succeed King who has had an incredible 43-year career with the company. Schomburger has been a member of the Tyson Foods Board of Directors since 2016, providing him a strong understanding of the company’s operations and strategy.

Schomburger brings deep customer and consumer brand experience to the role, having held multiple senior leadership positions throughout...

TSCRA Attends Ribbon Cutting at Kerrville ARS Facility

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association President Stephen Diebel today [May 27, 2026] attended the grand opening and 80^th anniversary of the Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory operated by the Agricultural Research Service (ARS).

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association was well represented at the grand opening and communicated the association’s support of the valuable research conducted at the Kerrville facility focused on protecting livestock from pests, such as the New World screwworm.

“The Kerrville facility has a rich history in the New World screwworm fight,” Diebel said. “The groundbreaking work that took place 70 years ago continues to serve as an investment in pest management for our livestock industries.”

NIFA Invests $990K in Response to New World Screwworm Threat and Bovine Theilerios

NIFA (the National Institute of Food and Agriculture) has funded — through the Rapid Response to Emerging and Re-emerging Pest and Diseases Events Across Food and Agriculture Systems program — one project that addresses the threat of New World Screwworm and one project that addresses the spread of bovine theileriosis. Rapid responses to pest and disease events are critical to maintaining a secure, accessible, safe, nutritious, affordable and abundant food supply. Innovative Extension and applied research efforts are needed to alleviate the impacts pest and disease events...

This bovine TB research is the first regionalised project of its kind to tackle the disease with a holistic package of measures centred around wildlife, cattle and people.

Operating in the Derry City and Strabane region in Northern Ireland, and north-east Donegal in the Irish Republic, it has already secured around £5.6million from the Irish Government’s...

USDA Opens State-of-the-Art Livestock Insects Research Laboratory to Combat Livestock Pests

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) opened the Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory, a state-of-the-art laboratory facility today that will provide the U.S. cattle industry with innovative tools and advanced technologies to manage and eliminate the invasive fly and tick pests that threaten the U.S. cattle industry.

“The Trump Administration has been committed to eradicating pests that could harm our American livestock since the President has been sworn in. The brand new Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock...

ANALYSIS: US Bone-in Ham 23/27 Balanced as Stronger Peso Supports Mexican Demand

The 23/27 trimmed selected ham market in May 2026 continues to see demand supported by a more favorable currency backdrop for its largest export market. The Mexican peso has strengthened about 10.6% against the US dollar year over year (YOY), improving from roughly 19.45 pesos per dollar in May 2025 to around...

ANALYSIS: US Pork Belly 13/15 Prices Ease From 2025 Highs as Seasonal Demand Window Opens

US pork belly prices have continued to ease since late March 2026, with the derind belly 13/15 lb currently trading near $1.40/lb. This is down more than 20% from late-March levels and about 13% below the five-year May average of $1.61/lb. The decline has mainly been driven by increased spot belly availability, while downstream demand...

Weaver Meats Expands Ohio Plant to Grow Co-Packing and Private-Label Capacity

Weaver Meats has completed its latest plant expansion in Painesville, Ohio, increasing processing space to more than 40,000 square feet as the family-owned meat snack manufacturer looks to grow its co-packing and private-label business.

The project adds 18,500 square feet to the facility and includes equipment upgrades across grinding, stuffing and packaging. Company leaders said the added capacity positions Weaver Meats to take on new business immediately, particularly from customers seeking a manufacturing partner for jerky, snack sticks and other...

Church’s Texas Chicken Names Kevin Nemeth Chief Commercial Officer to Lead Growth Strategy

Church’s Texas Chicken has named Kevin Nemeth Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, putting him in charge of the chain’s commercial strategy as it looks to better align brand, marketing, digital, loyalty, menu, pricing and product innovation across the system.

Nemeth will be tasked with connecting those functions more closely to support traffic growth, boost visit frequency, strengthen guest engagement and improve restaurant-level performance for franchisees. The role also includes oversight of CRM, revenue growth and...

New Cash Incentive Program Accelerates Dairy Queen Franchise Growth

International Dairy Queen, Inc. (IDQ), through its wholly owned subsidiaries American Dairy Queen Corporation and Dairy Queen Canada Inc., leaders in the quick-service restaurant industry, today announced a new franchise incentive aimed at driving continued growth across the U.S. and Canada. The program rewards both new and existing franchisees who meet agreed‑upon opening timelines. It also provides additional, larger incentives for multi-unit growth.

The new program provides franchisees who open a new, freestanding DQ Grill & Chill® restaurant on schedule...

Second Senior Kroger Executive Announces Retirement This Month

Kroger said Tim Massa, Executive Vice President and Chief Associate Experience Officer, will retire Sept. 18, closing out a 16-year run in which he helped shape the retailer’s people strategy, labor approach and leadership pipeline.

Massa has been with Kroger for 16 years, following a long tenure at Procter & Gamble. During his time at Kroger, he held several senior leadership roles, including Group Vice President of Human Resources and Labor Relations, Chief People Officer, Senior Vice President, and Executive Vice President and...

The Retail Rundown: Retail Focus Shifts Toward Father’s Day Grilling Demand

Cold and wet weather across several regions of the country dampened Memorial Day grilling plans, likely creating a softer-than-anticipated kickoff to the unofficial start of the summer grilling season.

Attention is now quickly turning toward the next major grilling occasions of the summer—Father’s Day and the Fourth of July holiday period. These seasonal events historically begin to influence demand patterns for grilling staples such as bellies, loins, ribs, and steaks. 

Following Memorial Day, protein promotions have shifted more heavily toward seafood, which now accounts...

Walmart Enhances Supply Chain to Bring Customers What They Need, When They Need It

Continuing its commitment of Everyday Low Prices (EDLP) for customers, Walmart today announced a new supply chain strategy, Prepaid Consolidation. This program helps get products to shelves and customers faster by simplifying inbound supplier logistics and building a more connected, scalable, tech-enabled supply chain that improves service and lowers costs.

The program expands Walmart’s first mile capabilities for prepaid suppliers by using its national supply chain network to create a scalable way to merge shipments, creating greater transportation efficiency. Suppliers send products under a single...

Secretary Rollins Signs Disaster Declaration for Pennsylvania Counties

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins, along with U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, met with agricultural leaders today in Pennsylvania to announce U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) assistance to help producers recover from recent freeze events. Secretary Rollins signed a disaster designation for 17 counties in Pennsylvania due to damage and losses caused by below-freezing temperatures that occurred April 19 through April 21, 2026.

“Fighting for our farmers means being there for them when Mother Nature hits, today we are showing that USDA stands...

Kroger’s Valerie Jabbar Retires After Nearly Four Decades

Kroger has announced the retirement of Valerie Jabbar, Senior Vice President of Retail Divisions, marking the close of a nearly 40‑year career with the company.

Jabbar joined Kroger in 1987 as a store clerk and steadily rose through the organization, holding a wide range of leadership roles across operations and merchandising. Over the years, her positions included district manager, vice president of merchandising, division president of Ralphs, and group vice president of Center Store Merchandising.

“Val's journey from store clerk to senior vice president...

Jersey Mike's Ushers In the Summer Season with Return of Its Fan-Favorite Chicken Salad

After a breakout debut in 2025, and following overwhelming demand from fans, Jersey Mike's Subs is heating up summer with the return of its fan-favorite Chicken Salad. Now available at more than 3,200 store locations nationwide for a limited-time, Chicken Salad is the perfect way to fuel up for those highly anticipated summertime adventures.

"After we launched Chicken Salad last summer and saw it sell out across the country in mere weeks, we knew...

Burger King Revives Crown Nuggets, Teams With Crayola for Summer Family Push

Burger King is kicking off the summer with a pair of limited‑time offerings designed to tap into nostalgia while boosting family engagement at the counter.

Starting June 2, the chain will bring back its crown‑shaped chicken nuggets nationwide for the first time since 2011, responding to years of consumer demand. The limited‑time item will be available while supplies last, including as part of the $3.99 King Jr. Meal, which comes with a side and drink, as well as in an...

ANALYSIS: Herd Health Remains a Key Watchpoint for the Pork Industry in 2026

The topic of herd health has surfaced repeatedly throughout the year following the supply impact observed during 2025, as Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) and Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV) pressured production levels during the third quarter and beyond. Moving into 2026, similar concerns emerged early in the year as elevated PRRS and PEDV positivity rates carried over from late 2025 into the current year.

According to the Swine Health Information Center (SHIC), monitoring data from December 2025 through May... 

ANALYSIS: New Zealand's April 2026 Beef Exports Surge 24.3% MOM on Peak Season Run 

New Zealand's beef exports rebounded strongly in April 2026, climbing 24.3% month-on-month (MOM) to 48,647 metric tons (MT) as the peak cow processing season materialized, according to recent Stats NZ data.  

Shipments rose 14.8% year-on-year (YOY), helping narrow the year-to-date (YTD) deficit to just -0.9% at...

ANALYSIS: Korea's April 2026 Beef Imports Retreat 14.8% MOM Amid China Supply Rush 

Korea's beef imports declined to 39,191 MT in April, down 14.8% month-on-month (MOM) as suppliers diverted volumes to meet China's safeguard quota rush, according to the latest Korean Trade Statistics.  

Volumes rose 3.0% year-on-year (YOY), supported by resilient domestic demand despite the monthly...

The Foodservice Industry Highlights Consumer Trends Leadership Moves and Brand Growth

From anxious drive-thru decisions and nostalgic dining room makeovers to executive shakeups and autonomous food deliveries, the restaurant industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace. This week’s roundup highlights the trends, leadership moves and consumer insights shaping the future of foodservice as brands look to balance innovation, convenience and value in an increasingly competitive market. 

Explore more from Expana’s biweekly foodservice roundups here. 

Consumer Insights & Research

A Global Payments’ survey of 2,000 US QSR customers uncovers widespread “order anxiety” that’s likely costing...

China Lifts HPAI Poultry Export Restrictions for 17 States

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) this week updated its China export restrictions webpage to reflect that China has lifted HPAI-related poultry export restrictions for 17 states, effective May 15, 2026. The states are Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia. Only products produced on or after May 15, 2026 are eligible for export to China from these states.

BACKGROUND: China had been blocking raw poultry imports from U.S. states affected by HPAI outbreaks. Under...

USMEF Conference Concludes with Focus on Marketing Innovations & Factors Impacting Red Meat Supply

DoorDash Names Tim Castree Chief Marketing Officer as Growth Momentum Continues into 2026

DoorDash has named Tim Castree as its new chief marketing officer, adding a seasoned global marketing executive to its leadership team as the company continues to scale its platform and expand how customers engage with the brand.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Tim Castree to DoorDash as our new Chief Marketing Officer,” said Prabir Adarkar, president and COO of DoorDash. He described Castree as “a deeply customer-obsessed, naturally curious leader” who brings “a rare intellectual rigor to every dimension of marketing, from performance...

Imported Beef Trade Slows as Trump Admin Deliberates

The Trump administration’s mixed messaging on beef imports added fresh uncertainty to the imported beef market this month.

As of May 21, "President Donald Trump’s efforts to lower beef prices has divided top administration officials and some of his closest allies—prompting the White House to halt plans to temporarily reduce import tariffs, according to four people familiar with the talks," reported Politico.

Expana Publication Schedule for the Memorial Day Holiday Period

Expana will be observing the Memorial Day holiday on Monday, May 25, across its Americas offices, which will impact the publication dates of several Expana Benchmark Prices. The closure will also impact news publications across all platforms.

The European and APAC offices’ publication schedules will be unaffected by this holiday.

The Memorial Day holiday period will affect the following markets:

USMEF Spring Conference Spotlights Market Access Developments, Robust Growth in Central America

Livestock and grain producers, red meat processors and exporters, and other key stakeholders gathered in Oklahoma City Wednesday for opening day of the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Spring Conference.

Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur welcomed the group, detailing the importance of international trade to Oklahoma’s agricultural economy. Sec. Arthur, who is also a cattle producer, shared highlights from a recent visit to Japan in which she met with USMEF staff and saw firsthand how U.S. red meat is merchandised...

ANALYSIS: China's April 2026 Beef Imports Slump 13.5% MOM Despite Safeguard Rush

China's beef imports declined 13.5% month-on-month (MOM) to 208,718 metric tons (MT) in April 2026, according to the latest data from the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC).  

The 32,560 MT drop came despite the ongoing safeguard quota rush that has driven aggressive front-loading throughout the year. 

The April slump marked a clear shift from the intense import pace that characterized Q1, with volumes finishing 0.3% below April 2025 levels even as suppliers continue racing to maximize quota utilization ahead...

ANALYSIS: Chicken Production Soars as Egg Sets and Chick Placements Sustain Record Highs

Broiler egg sets and chick placements continue to come in at record high levels, reflecting a continued push by the broiler industry to increase overall production. On a year to date (YTD) basis through the week ending May 16th 2026, egg sets are up 2.2% year over year (YOY), while cumulative chick placements are also up 2.4% YOY. These numbers indicate that not only is the industry working to place additional eggs in incubators, but these efforts are having a notable impact on...

Mississippi State, Wayne-Sanderson Farms Advance Poultry Research With New Feed Mill

Wayne-Sanderson Farms is continuing its partnership with Mississippi State University following the recent groundbreaking of the university’s new modular poultry feed mill, a project aimed at advancing poultry research and workforce training.

The new 5,000-square-foot feed mill at MSU’s H.H. Leveck Animal Research Center is part of a broader modernization effort that includes renovated poultry houses, upgraded research labs and an automated processing plant designed to support the school’s “farm-to-processing” educational model.

“Wayne-Sanderson Farms is honored...

BJ’s Wholesale Club Posts Solid First Quarter, Expands Footprint With New Clubs

BJ’s Wholesale Club reported strong first-quarter fiscal 2026 results, driven by gains in membership, fuel and digital sales as the retailer continued expanding its footprint across the U.S.

The company said comparable club sales increased 6.3% year over year for the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2026. Excluding gasoline sales, comparable sales rose 1.5%. Membership fee income climbed 9.9% to $132.4 million, while digitally enabled comparable sales grew 28%, contributing to a two-year stacked comp...

Friendly’s Rolls Out Summer Menus, Expanded Drinks and Value Updates to Drive Seasonal Traffic

Friendly’s is rolling out a slate of seasonal menu updates and value-focused offerings designed to drive traffic as summer begins, combining limited-time items, expanded beverages and refreshed in-store value options.

“At Friendly’s, summer is all about families and friends coming together to enjoy a mix of tradition and something new, whether that’s a lobster roll, a fun drink or a simple meal that fits the day,” said Dawn Petite, president of Friendly’s Restaurants. “This menu brings...