FMI Research: Holiday Shoppers Put Family Meals First & Lean on Grocery Loyalty Programs to Save

Holiday food remains the centerpiece of the season, and shoppers are protecting it. According to U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends 2026: Holidays, released today by FMI – The Food Industry Association, 45% of shoppers are extremely or very concerned about rising prices for holiday foods, up 8 points from fall 2025. Yet shoppers say they would rather cut back on holiday clothing, décor or events than scale back their holiday feast, and many are turning to their grocery store’s loyalty program to make the math work.

Shoppers also report feeling more in control of their grocery budgets. The share reporting a lot or some control over...

ANALYSIS: Choice 0x1 Strip Loins – How Seasonal Highs and Lows Have Shifted Over the Past Five Years

Choice 0x1 strip loins are trading near their 12-month low, just as the market heads into the part of the year when prices have historically bottomed out and begun to recover. That makes this a good time to look back at when seasonal highs and lows have developed over recent years and how the pattern has evolved. The backdrop is the cattle cycle. Signs suggest the industry is moving into the retention phase, with tighter cattle supplies providing...

ANALYSIS: US Beef Prices—Retail and Wholesale Trends

Beef prices have climbed sharply in recent years, outpacing increases in chicken and pork, putting additional pressure on consumers’ grocery budgets. However, recent data suggest the market may be beginning to cool, with retail price increases slowing, wholesale prices declining, and the gap between premium and lower-cost beef cuts narrowing. These trends point to a changing beef market, even as store prices remain well above 2019 levels.

Until 2022, store prices for beef, chicken and pork moved roughly together. From 2023, beef kept climbing while chicken and pork stayed in a...

Retail Campaigns Strengthen US Beef’s Presence in Vietnam

As U.S. trade officials work to finalize a reciprocal trade agreement with Vietnam, the market offers niche opportunities for U.S. beef despite tariff disadvantages and other market access obstacles. An expanding middle class, tourism growth and retail development point to expanding prospects down the road in this promising market.

To improve visibility and increase consumer awareness in support of U.S. beef importers in Vietnam, USMEF is implementing wide-ranging retail campaigns in major cities. U.S. beef was recently promoted at three Mega Mart stores in Ho Chi Minh City and one store each in Hanoi, Da Nang, Bien Hoa and Hai Phong...

Australian Red Meat Industry Remains Resilient as Exports Reach Record High

Australia’s red meat and livestock industry strengthened its contribution to the national economy in 2025, with industry turnover approaching $100 billion and exports reaching a new record, according to Meat & Livestock Australia’s (MLA) latest State of the Industry Report.

The results come against a challenging operating environment for many producers, with variable seasonal conditions and elevated input costs continuing to place pressure on individual farm businesses through 2025 and into 2026.

The State of the Industry Report 2026 provides a comprehensive snapshot of the industry’s performance, including production, trade, domestic consumption, economic contribution and employment...

CME Group Sets New Volume Record in Lean Hog Futures and Options

CME Group, the world's leading derivatives marketplace, today [November 11, 2026] announced that its Lean Hog futures and options reached a new daily volume record of 209,363 contracts on November 9, 2026, surpassing the previous record of 204,948 contracts traded on November 10, 2025. 

"Steady supply and contracting demand have pushed Lean Hog prices to six-year lows, and market participants are turning to CME Group in record numbers to manage their risk," said John Ricci, Global Head of Agricultural Products at CME Group. "This price volatility is another example of why we remain focused on equipping clients with precise hedging tools to manage their risk in any market environment." 

Hardee's® Brings Flame-Grilled Steak to Breakfast and Beyond

Steak season is here. As the leaves fall and temperatures drop, Hardee's is bringing the warm indulgence of savory flame-grilled steak to breakfast and beyond with four new menu items. As chillier temperatures hit the forecast, the new Flame-Grilled Steak lineup is providing a savory way to warm up and watch the leaves fall this season.

Meet the Flame-Grilled Steak Lineup

The Flame-Grilled Steak platform features four menu items: two breakfast sandwiches, a breakfast bowl and a Frisco sandwich to satisfy cravings throughout...

Yum China Surpasses 20,000 Stores and Targets 30,000 Within Four Years

Yum China Holdings, Inc. (the "Company" or "Yum China") (NYSE: YUMC and HKEX: 9987) today announced that it has hit the 20,000-store milestone, spanning over 2,800 cities and towns across China, as it celebrates the 10th anniversary of its listing on the New York Stock Exchange.

The Company celebrated this milestone with over 10,000 restaurant general managers (RGMs) at its annual RGM convention. This year's event was held in Chengdu, a vibrant city renowned for its rich culinary culture. The occasion...

USDA Proposes Federal Rule to Expand Access to Grazing Allotments for American Ranchers

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins and U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum today [November 10, 2026] announced a USDA proposed rule to update grazing permit issuance, eligibility and qualifications, and revise grazing fee provisions to ensure consistent fee-setting across national forests and grasslands in 16 contiguous Western states providing a more seamless practice for America’s Ranchers. This will benefit rural communities by supporting small and large ranching operations and create local jobs.

The proposed rule aligns with the Administration’s October 2025 USDA...

New Consumer Research: GLP-1 Users Put Protein First and Meat and Poultry Are Delivering

A new report from the Meat Foundation and 210 Analytics finds consumers taking a GLP-1 are making protein, meat and poultry, a central part of how they eat.

From the same author of the Power of Meat, Meat and the GLP-1 Mindset combines two national consumer surveys with Circana purchase data from households with verified GLP-1 prescriptions. The surveys and purchase data point in the same direction: GLP-1 consumers say protein matters, and their grocery purchases show it. 

Key findings include...

Minerva Foods Reports Net Revenue of R$56.2 Billion in 12 Months

Minerva S.A. (BM&FBOVESPA: BEEF3 | OTC - Nasdaq International: MRVSY), a global food company that owns the brands Cabaña Las Lilas, Estância 92 and Pul, and a leader in beef exports in South America, announces its results for the third quarter of 2026 (3Q26). The financial and operating information below is presented in BRGAAP, in Brazilian reais (R$), in accordance with IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards).

Minerva Foods reported net revenue of R$14.5 billion in 3Q26, up 3.0% from 2Q26, amid lower cattle availability, mainly in Brazil, and lower shipments to China following the exhaustion of Brazil's quota under China's safeguard measure. In the last twelve months, net revenue totaled R$56.2 billion, growth of 9.5%.

USDA Confirms Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in a Dairy Herd in Oregon

Today [November 10, 2026], the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) confirmed via PCR (polymerase chain reaction) detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 clade 2.3.4.4b in a dairy cattle herd in Oregon. APHIS will complete genetic sequencing and announce final results as soon as they are available. The affected herd was tested as part of Oregon's ongoing surveillance for HPAI in dairy cattle. Prior to this detection, the herd has consistently tested negative through routine surveillance conducted under the National Milk Testing Strategy program...

Farmers Ask Leaders to Turn Words into Action on Labor Reform

AFBF President Zippy Duvall today [November 10, 2026] called on President Trump and congressional leaders to find a bipartisan pathway forward that stabilizes America's food supply by stabilizing the workforce behind it.

"President Trump has - yet again - called for a reasonable solution to the labor crisis in America and new members of Congress, as well as long-time leaders, are joining the chorus. Farmers and ranchers applaud the renewed interest in reform. We stand ready to work with the president and Congress to ensure we have enough workers to...

USDA Begins Hiring for Nation’s Largest Facility to Combat New World Screwworm

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin hiring for 228 positions at the New World Screwworm (NWS) Sterile Fly Production Facility in Edinburg, Texas, starting this month. Those interested in the positions can apply online starting today at USAJobs.gov or can attend a hiring event in McAllen, Texas, from Nov. 17-19, 2026.

“Protecting U.S. livestock and wildlife from New World Screwworm is a national security priority, and this new facility will drastically boost the availability of...

FMI Statement on October 2026 CPI Food Price Numbers

Today, FMI – The Food Industry Association commented on the October Consumer Price Index (CPI) numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which show an increase of 0.4% for food-at-home inflation in October. FMI Vice President, Tax, Trade, Sustainability and Policy Development Andy Harig offered the following statement. 

“October’s CPI report shows that food prices rose as the pass-through of higher recent energy costs continues to work its way through the grocery supply chain. Meats, poultry, fish and eggs increased 0.5%, as beef prices in particular rose...

USDA Awards Grant to Morgan County Beef Processor

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Ohio State Director Charles Tassell announced that USDA will invest $186,653 in Hilltop Butcher Shop through the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP). Ohio Senator Brian Chavez, Ohio Representative Ty Moore, and Morgan County Commissioners joined State Director Tassell to announce the award. 

“President Trump is focused on putting American ranchers first, and providing more local processing opportunities will help our ranchers to expand their herds.” said Tassell. “It was great to join our partners at Hilltop Butcher Shop in supporting the ranchers of...

Expana Publication Schedule for the Veterans Day, November 11

Expana will be observing the Veterans Day holiday on Wednesday, November 11, across its Americas offices, which will impact the publication dates of several Expana Benchmark Prices and news.

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

The Veterans Day holiday period will affect the following markets.

Birds Eye Debuts Thanksgiving-Specific Frozen Vegetables

On November 10, leaders at Conagra Brands' Birds Eye brand are promoting frozen vegetables and side dishes ahead of Thanksgiving, according to a press release that cites peak-period holiday demand.

The product promotions included that for Birds Eye Steamfresh® Diced Sweet Potatoes which are washed, peeled, diced, and ready-to-microwave. Also highlighted are the brand’s Oven Roasters line with vegetables like sweet Potatoes, carrots, and red potatoes, according to the release that features pre-cut vegetables for baking.

TGI Fridays Rolls Out Holiday Promotion with Limited-time Menu, Desserts and Rewards

TGI Fridays is launching its holiday promotion, bringing back its TGI Elf Days campaign at participating restaurants through Jan. 4, 2027. The seasonal program includes holiday-themed décor, a limited-time menu, returning desserts and cocktails, and promotional offers tied to the campaign.

"TGI Elf Days was a huge hit among Guests last year, giving friends and families another reason to come together and enjoy the holidays," said Ray Blanchette, Chief Executive Officer at TGI Fridays®. "This year...

ANALYSIS: Brazil’s October 2026 Beef Exports Hold Steady MOM as China Rebounds, but Fell 39% YOY

The latest update from Brazil's Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services (MDIC) showed that fresh beef exports totaled 195,371 metric tons (MT) in October 2026, virtually unchanged from the previous month (+0.1% MOM). Despite the stable monthly result, shipments remained 39.0% below October 2025, when exports reached 320,533 MT.

The unchanged total reflects offsetting moves between destinations. China-bound volumes rose by 30,997 MT MOM, while all other destinations combined fell by 30,791 MT. China returned to the top...

US Import Volumes Expected to Ease after Extended Peak Season, NRF says

Import volumes at the nation’s major ports are expected to taper off through the rest of the year following an extended peak shipping season that has kept terminals busy, according to the latest Global Port Tracker report.

Global Port Tracker, produced for NRF by Hackett Associates, provides historical data and forecasts for major US ports including Los Angeles/Long Beach, Oakland, Seattle and Tacoma on the West Coast; New York/New Jersey, Virginia, Charleston, Savannah, Port Everglades, Miami and...

New World Screwworm in the US - What We Know

The New World screwworm (NWS), a flesh-eating parasitic fly whose larvae feed on living tissue, has re-emerged as a major animal-health threat in the Americas after spreading northward through Central America and Mexico.

Federal and state authorities have expanded surveillance, quarantines, and sterile-fly releases in an effort to prevent the pest from becoming re-established in the country.

On October 21, the USDA confirmed the first detection of NWS in US wildlife in an elk in Pecos County, Texas, while New Mexico officials reported a case in...

Mars to Invest $1.4 Billion in US Manufacturing Next Year

As of November 10, leaders at Mars, Incorporated plan to invest an estimated $1.4 billion in US manufacturing and operations in 2027, according to a press release that states the cash infusion would be the company's largest single-year commitment toward US capacity for snacking and pet food production.

After 50 years of operations, Mars' team is focusing investments on one Waco, Texas plant which makes more than 56 billion candy pieces per year, according to the release regarding snacks like Snickers, Starburst, and Skittles.

New Report Reveals Major Cage-Free Progress Across US Restaurant Chains

Nearly a decade after major U.S. restaurant chains pledged to eliminate eggs from caged hens, a new report from The Humane League reveals significant industry progress along with a growing accountability divide. While dozens of companies have fulfilled their cage-free commitments, a few recognizable restaurant brands have missed deadlines, weakened their policies, or failed to disclose their progress.

The Humane League's 2026 Eggsposé: The State of Cage-Free in the US Restaurant Industry examines about 100 restaurant chains and...

NDFU Urges Congress to Pass Farm Bill Before End of Year

North Dakota Farmers Union is urging Congress to get to work on passing a Farm Bill and deliver meaningful farm policy for family farmers and ranchers before the end of the year.

“Farmers and ranchers continue to be plagued by high input costs and market uncertainty,” NDFU President Matt Perdue said. “The election is over. The politics are behind us. Now, Congress needs to focus on the policy.”

NDFU is calling on lawmakers to build on the progress made in both chambers, and advance priorities such as year-round E15, mandatory country-of-origin labeling for beef and greater fertilizer price transparency. Congress must also work together...

JBS Enters Personal Care Market with Flora Acquisition

JBS N.V. (“JBS”) (NYSE: JBS; B3: JBSS32) announced today [November 9, 2026] the acquisition of 100% of Flora, a Brazilian consumer products company owned by J&F Group, JBS’s controlling shareholder, in a transaction valued at US$542 million.

The acquisition represents a strategic expansion of JBS’s value-added consumer products platform and marks its entry into the beauty and personal care market, while expanding its presence in household cleaning products and opening opportunities for growth in nutrition, health, and dietary supplements. According to McKinsey’s Future of Wellness 2027 report, the global wellness market is valued at US$2.7 trillion. A key strategic rationale is the opportunity...

Import Cargo Still Strong as Peak Season Winds Down

Import volume at the nation’s major container ports is expected to taper off for the remainder of the year following an extended peak season that has kept docks busy since the spring, according to the Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

“U.S. ports have seen high volume levels throughout this year’s longer-than-usual peak season and numbers are still strong even as the season winds down,” NRF Vice President for...

MAHA is Being Subverted by Special Interest Groups, Says Calley Means

On November 6, former senior advisor to the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Calley Means said that Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiatives are being subverted by special interest pressure, according to his interview on the Joe Rogan Experience (JRE). 

“I was optimistic that we could use that coalition to bust through the DC swamp to get some things done... And we did get some things done, but all of them were through public shame," said Means...

CBB - Beef & Dairy: A Growing Connection

As beef-on-dairy continues to reshape the cattle industry, Beef Checkoff research and demand-building efforts are helping create value across the supply chain.

Beef and dairy have always been connected, but the rapid growth of beef-on-dairy crossbreeding has brought the two segments even closer. Dairy cattle have long represented a share of the beef supply, and today's dairy producers contribute significantly to the Beef Checkoff as cattle move through the marketplace.

That connection makes Checkoff-funded research, promotion and producer involvement relevant across the cattle industry.

By the Numbers

* About...

Jersey Mike's Expands Global Footprint with First UK Restaurant Opening in London

Jersey Mike's Subs Inc. today announced the opening of its first restaurant in the United Kingdom, bringing its authentic, hand-crafted subs to Europe for the first time. Located at 1-4 Argyll Street, W1F 7TA, just steps from Oxford Street and Oxford Circus, the restaurant is the first to open under the master franchise agreement with Jersey Mike’s Founder Peter Cancro, to develop 300 restaurants across the UK and Ireland.

The opening represents an important milestone in Jersey Mike's international...

TGI Fridays Enters Las Vegas With New Franchise Partnership, Continuing its Domestic Expansion

TGI Fridays, where the world goes to celebrate, today announced a development agreement with LVP Food Service Concepts, LLC, an entity of LV Petroleum, to open five new Fridays restaurants in the Las Vegas market over the next three years. The agreement marks Fridays second domestic development announcement in three months, following its agreement with Bliss Bites to open multiple restaurants in New York.

The agreement continues to advance the momentum of Fridays' "1-2-3 Strategic Vision," its comprehensive growth plan...

Tyson Foods and Allied Beef Company Announce Plans to Establish a Long-Term Partnership

Tyson Foods (NYSE: TSN) today announced its intent to establish a new long-term partnership with Allied Beef Company (Allied Beef), a consortium of American ranchers, designed to strengthen the domestic cattle supply chain and support the future of Tyson Foods’ beef production. The collaboration would create a direct partnership between Tyson Foods and American ranchers, creating a more economically sustainable model across the supply chain while supporting rancher opportunities and long-term growth.

In anticipation of the partnership, Tyson Foods is moving forward with plans to fully reopen the second production shift...

Veterans Day Marks 20th Anniversary of Little Caesars® Veterans Program

In keeping with its longstanding tradition of giving back to those who serve, Little Caesars® is once again offering a free HOT-N-READY® Lunch Combo to veterans and active-duty military members this Veterans Day.

On Wednesday, November 11, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., veterans and active military can enjoy a complimentary Lunch Combo, which includes four slices of Little Caesars signature Detroit-style Deep Dish pizza and a 20-ounce Pepsi beverage.

"Veterans and active-duty service members...

Atkins Ranch Impact Update Reveals 65% Global Warming Potential Reduction

Atkins Ranch has released its interim Impact Update, showing a reduction in global warming potential (GWP) at its California processing facility by 65%.

The premium New Zealand lamb producer achieved the reduction by replacing R404 refrigerant with lower-emission R448A in its closed-loop refrigeration system, following improvements to its leak-detection technology in 2025.

The changes also improved energy efficiency at the Fremont facility, according to the company’s newly released 2026 Impact Update: Setting the Standard to Leave Nature Even ...

ANALYSIS: Live Cattle Weights Down YTD as Fall Rate of Gain Trail 25’ and 24’

Live cattle weights have been increasing progressively and, over the past three years, have only dipped below the previous year in 2024 for a small fraction of time. With slaughter levels holding generally underneath the previous 10 years, cattle weights have been playing a large role in supporting meat production levels. For the week ending 10/31/2026, production was trailing 2025 year-to-date by only 4.9%, while slaughter was running 7.1% behind last...

ANALYSIS: EU Retail Egg Market Loses Momentum as Seasonal Demand Disappoints

EU wholesale prices for medium/large eggs remained broadly stable in October, averaging €2.47/kg, down just 0.26% month on month (MOM). However, prices remained significantly below year-earlier levels, recording a 13.61% year-on-year (YOY) decline.

 The apparent price stability masks a gradual weakening in market conditions throughout the month. Market participants report that initial buying interest failed to translate into sustained demand, while increasing availability, particularly of small and medium-sized eggs, put further pressure on sellers. There is broad...

McDonald’s and Uber Expand Global Partnership Across Delivery and Loyalty in 14 Markets

Uber Technologies, Inc. and McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE: MCD) today announced a multi-year expansion of their partnership, bringing new delivery and rewards features to customers in 14 markets across the world. This includes the U.S., Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, and the U.K.

McDonald’s and Uber first partnered in 2017 in the U.S., and McDonald’s is now available on Uber Eats in 30 countries. The expanded partnership builds on...

Fresh & Ready Foods LLC Recalls Fresh To You Brand Sausage, Egg & Cheese Biscuit Sandwich 

Fresh & Ready Foods LLC of Renton, WA is recalling 2,414 of Fresh To You Sausage, Egg & Cheese Biscuit Sandwiches (4.6 oz) because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Listeria monocytogenes infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The recalled Fresh To You Sausage...

Expana's Weekly Top 10

From global commodity markets to restaurant dining rooms, developments across industries are reshaping the business landscape. Shifting trade relationships, supply constraints, market volatility and changing consumer demand are creating new challenges and opportunities, while companies across the supply chain continue to adapt and position themselves for growth.

Find archived recaps here.  

Agricultural Markets and Supply Chain Pressures

10. PODCAST: Episode 49 - Ammonia, CO2, and Sulfur: The Supply Chain Risks Facing Agrifood by Simon Duke

This episode of Agrifood for Thought examines tightening ammonia, CO2 and sulfur supplies and the potential impact...

Beef Exports Edged Higher in September; Pork Still Trending Lower

U.S. beef exports closed the third quarter on a positive note, with September volume increasing slightly from a year ago and value climbing 8%, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Pork exports were below year-ago levels for the fifth consecutive month, due in part to a sharp decline in variety meat shipments.

Led by another robust performance in Taiwan and year-over-year increases in South Korea and...

Doug Baker Appointed to Lead FMI’s Industry Relations Practice

Today, FMI – The Food Industry Association announces the appointment of Doug Baker to senior vice president, industry relations & chief collaboration officer, positioning him to lead the next chapter of FMI’s industry collaboration strategy and strengthen the association’s role as a convener of retailers, wholesalers, product suppliers and other partners, while advancing initiatives that create member value and support the growth and performance of the food industry. Baker will assume these duties, effective December 1.

Doug Baker, FMI
“The challenges and opportunities facing our industry increasingly require...

USDA Awards $32.2 Million to Support Farmers and Connect More Americans with Local Foods

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) today awarded over $32.2 million to 99 grant projects that strengthen market opportunities for local and regional food businesses while expanding consumer access to healthy, locally grown food. The funding is distributed through the Local Agriculture Market Program’s (LAMP) Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP), Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP), and Regional Food System Partnerships (RFSP) grant programs.

“The Local Agriculture Market Program advances USDA's commitment to putting farmers first by...

Walmart Expands Nation’s Largest Retail Drone Delivery Operation with 300 New Zipline Sites

Walmart, which operates the nation’s largest retail drone delivery program, is bringing the delivery option to even more doorsteps. Today, the retailer announced a new multi-year agreement with Zipline to add 300 drone delivery sites nationwide, with the potential to expand. The rollout builds on Walmart’s drone delivery program, which has completed more than 2 million deliveries to date. Walmart has worked with Zipline to make drone deliveries since 2021.

Whether it’s the missing frosting for a...

USDA Announces Updates in Farm Bill Animal Health Programs, Including $80 Million in New Funding

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is announcing major updates to its Farm Bill animal health programs, including increased annual funding and expanded investments made possible through the 2025 Working Families Tax Cuts Act.

Through the Act, annual funding for APHIS’ three Farm Bill animal health programs—the National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program (NADPRP), the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN), and the National Animal Vaccine and Veterinary...

PepsiCo Secures Renewal Across Select KFC International Markets

PepsiCo has been selected as the continued beverage partner of choice for KFC locations across Australia, India, UK, Spain, Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Belgium. This renewal builds on a decades-long global partnership with KFC across the Middle East, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and other markets already serving PepsiCo brands and products.

KFC and PepsiCo work together to tailor beverage selections and menu offerings to local tastes and dining occasions. While availability differs by market, fan favorites include Pepsi Zero Sugar®, Pepsi MAX®, Pepsi MAX® Cherry...

US Foods Reports 10% Adjusted EBITDA Growth in Q3, Updates Full-Year Outlook

US Foods Holding Corp. reported higher sales, profit and earnings in the third quarter of fiscal 2026, driven by continued momentum in independent restaurants and margin improvement.

The foodservice distributor posted net sales of $10.4 billion, up 2.1% year-over-year (YOY), while total case volume increased 1.3%. Independent restaurant case volume rose 5%, extending the company’s market share gains in that segment. Healthcare volume increased 3.3% and hospitality volume climbed 3.7%, while chain volume declined 1.5%.

Gross profit increased 8.6% to....

Connected Tech Emerges as Restaurants’ Next Competitive Edge

After 25 years of adding technology across the business, restaurants are entering a harder phase of digital transformation. New research from the National Restaurant Association finds that technology adoption is widespread, and most operators say it's paying off. The bigger opportunity now is getting tools, data, and the people who use them to work as one system.

Research Insight: The Future of Restaurant Technology draws on an operator survey, interviews with restaurant leaders, and a body of existing research. It finds that the next stage of restaurant technology...

ANALYSIS: Frozen Chicken Stocks Close September Near 10 Year Seasonal Low

Total cold storage inventories of chicken in September were down 5.0% year-over-year (YOY). Stocks rose 2.0% on a month-over-month (MOM) basis from August to September, which fell short of the 5-year average rise of 2.7% for the same period. Total inventories also sat roughly 4.7% below the 5-year...

ANALYSIS: Tight Turkey Supplies Persist as Cold Storage Falls to 359.8 Million Pounds

Total cold storage of turkey meat is down 4.5% year-over-year (YOY), hitting a new seasonal record low of 359.8 million pounds. This is an 8.5% decline from August of this year, which closely follows the 5-year average month-over-month (MOM) decrease of 6.4%. Supplies remain tight across the industry, but the different trends in cold storage across lines show the changes in demand patterns.

Frozen inventories of whole birds fell 10.7% YOY. Like with total holdings, September’s...

P.F. Chang’s Rolls Out Holiday Menu, Three-Course Meal and First-Ever Christmas Day Service

P.F. Chang’s is heading into the holiday season with a seasonal menu, a three-course holiday meal and new catering options. The chain also plans to open all US restaurants on Christmas Day for the first time.

The holiday menu is available now through Jan. 26, 2027, and includes several new dishes: King Crab Gyoza, Dashi Risotto with Seared Hokkaido Scallops, Fire-Roasted Crispy Duck and Honey Sesame Crème Brûlée.

King Crab Gyoza features dumplings served with garlic, yuzu ponzu, lemon...

Canada Extends China Market-Access Pact for Canola Meal, Peas, Lobster and Crab to 2028

Canada and China have agreed to a two-year extension of market access for Canadian canola meal, peas, lobster and crab, following talks at the Joint Economic and Trade Commission (JETC) meeting in Beijing.

Canada’s Minister of International Trade, Maninder Sidhu, met with China’s Minister of Commerce, Wang Wentao, to discuss bilateral trade and economic issues. According to an announcement following the meeting, the negotiations resulted in a pact extending market access for the four Canadian products...

LA, Long Beach Port Labor Talks Extended to Friday Amid Strike Concerns

The Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) and ILWU Local 26 have extended their contract through midnight Pacific Time Friday, Nov. 6, as negotiations continue to avert a potential disruption at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

The talks, involving approximately 250 watchmen, are continuing with assistance from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. Although the workers represent roughly 2% of the ILWU workforce, PMA says the terminals where they work handle about 85% of cargo at the Port of Long Beach and 33% at the...

US Pork Producers Express Gratitude for Long-awaited EPA Data Decision

For more than 20 years, hog and other livestock farmers have lived with uncertainty over what new federal permitting or reporting requirements could result from an emissions study conducted nearly two decades ago.

In a regulatory win for pork producers and other farmers, the Environmental Protection Agency announced it will not finalize those emissions-estimating methodologies and will move to end obligations set under a 2005 agreement. After reviewing data collected from 2005-2007, EPA determined the data are too old and too limited to support reliable methods, noting...