NRF 2026 Hot 25 List Highlights Fastest-Growing Retailers

The National Retail Federation today announced the 2026 Hot 25 Retailers List, compiled by Kantar. The annual list ranks the fastest-growing retailers in the United States based on increases in domestic retail sales between 2024 and 2025.

“The retailers on this year’s Hot 25 list highlight the diversity and innovation shaping today’s retail landscape,” NRF Chief Economist and Executive Director of Research Mark Mathews said. “As consumer preferences evolve, these retailers are responding with products, value and shopping experiences that resonate with consumers.”

Chinese retailer Miniso claimed the top...

ANALYSIS: Australia's July 2026 Beef Exports Ease as China Safeguard Delivers First Full-Month Impact

Australia's outbound beef shipments retreated further in July 2026, with total export volumes easing to 143,962 metric tons (MT), according to the latest trade data from Australia's Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).

The result marks a second consecutive monthly decline from May's all-time record of 152,438 MT, falling 1.9% below June's 146,798 MT and 4.3% below the same month last year, the first year-on-year (YOY) decline since December 2022...

Albertsons Companies Expands AI-Powered Grocery Shopping with New Safeway Plugin in ChatGPT

Albertsons® Companies, Inc. continues its digital transformation today announcing its Safeway plugin in ChatGPT, making grocery shopping faster, easier and more intuitive. Available now, the new Safeway plugin helps consumers discover products, evaluate options and complete their shopping journey in ChatGPT, while remaining in control of their purchasing decisions.

“We are on a mission to power our customers at every touchpoint with AI to deliver a seamless shopping experience that’s faster, easier and more enjoyable,” said Jill Pavlovich, SVP of Digital Customer Experience...

7-Eleven Introduces Limited-Time Breakfast and All-Day Offers for Back-to-School Rush

7-Eleven, Inc. is rolling out a new lineup of breakfast offers and all-day deals timed for the back-to-school rush across 7-Eleven®, Speedway® and Stripes® stores nationwide. The initiative highlights quick, low-price options aimed at busy mornings and parents on-the-go.

For a limited time, customers can find hot, hearty items at the chain’s in-store restaurants:

Laredo Taco Company® restaurants are rolling out all-day $3 quesadillas. It includes a...

Marco's Pizza Signs Three-Unit Agreement in Columbia, Missouri

Marco's Pizza, one of the nation's fastest-growing pizza brands, announces a new three-unit development agreement in Columbia, Missouri, led by franchise co-owners Russ Anderson and Betzayda "Betzy" Alvarez-Anderson. Joining them in the agreement is Betzy's husband and Russ' nephew, Klayton Anderson, who will serve as operator. The first location is scheduled to open in October 2026, at 911 Rain Forest Pkwy., marking the start of a broader regional development plan across mid-Missouri.

"This agreement reflects exactly the kind of operator partnership that drives sustainable growth for our brand," said Gerardo Flores, Chief Development Officer of Marco's Pizza. "Russ, Betzy...

Piggly Wiggly Food For Less Announces Affordable Protein Initiative for American Families

In response to rising grocery costs, Piggly Wiggly Food For Less announced today its Affordable Protein Initiative, reinforcing the company's commitment to providing fresh, high-quality meat at an exceptional value. Through strategic manufacturer partnerships, fresh in-store meat operations, its proprietary Power Buy Program, and its Cost Plus 10% pricing philosophy, Piggly Wiggly Food For Less is helping customers save on the products families purchase most.

"Meat is the centerpiece of almost every family meal," said Kevin McDaniel, co-owner of Piggly Wiggly Food For Less...

The Retail Rundown: Retailers Pivot to Back-to-School and Football Season

August marks one of grocers' busiest seasonal transitions as retailers work to capture the final weeks of summer while preparing for back-to-school routines, Labor Day cookouts, and the start of football season.

Store circulars are increasingly shifting from vacation essentials to lunchbox staples, breakfast foods, and snacks. Retailers are also capitalizing on the broader protein trend by highlighting products that deliver both nutrition and convenience, with deli meats and ready-to-eat offerings prominently featured. 

USDA retail feature activity indicates this emphasis on fresh proteins, with ground beef serving as a key traffic driver...

USMEF Launches “Father’s Day is US Beef Day” Initiative in Japan

Comprehensive campaign connects U.S. beef to Father’s Day while boosting consumer demand through retail and foodservice promotions.

Inflation and a weakened currency continue pushing Japan’s food prices upward. With the yen recently hitting its weakest level in 40 years, Japanese consumers are naturally trading down to less expensive food options, particularly for everyday items. At-home consumption of beef dropped 3% in 2025, and has fallen 15% since 2019, according to Japan’s Agriculture & Livestock Industries Corporation.

While retail sales for imported beef are down, the weakened yen is boosting tourism. Last year, a record 42.7 million tourists visited Japan, a 16% increase over 2024, per...

Secretary Rollins Announces New Steps to Put Farmers First While at Minnesota Farmfest

Today [August 4, 2026], at Minnesota Farmfest, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced several steps that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is taking to support America’s farmers in response to ongoing challenges across the agricultural sector. These actions include a series of data modernization, payment flexibility, and enhanced crop insurance options to benefit farmers.

“When I travel across farm country, I hear the same message over and over: producers want a USDA that works for them. The Trump USDA is focused on making changes that improve the livelihood of our great farmers. I am pleased to announce three critical initiatives to support farmers and U.S. agriculture broadly...

FMI Response to Senate AI Surveillance Pricing Hearing

Today [August 4, 2026], FMI – The Food Industry Association Vice President of Tax, Trade, Sustainability and Policy Development Andy Harig issued the following statement regarding today's Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism hearing on AI surveillance pricing.

"FMI supports policies that promote transparent, accurate and understandable pricing for consumers. Grocery retailers compete every day to earn shoppers' trust by delivering value, convenience and affordable food, and consumers have more choices than ever about where and how they shop.  

"Food prices are influenced by a wide range of factors, including supply and...

PrimoHoagies Strengthens Operational Excellence Under COO Glen Brandeburg

PrimoHoagies, the award-winning Italian specialty sandwich franchise known for its authentic hoagies, premium ingredients and more than 34 years of family stewardship, is strengthening another critical pillar of its long-term growth strategy through the leadership of Chief Operating Officer Glen Brandeburg.

With more than three decades of restaurant leadership experience spanning corporate operations, franchise support, field leadership, executive management, and multi-brand franchise operations, Brandeburg joins PrimoHoagies to build the operating systems, franchise support infrastructure, and execution discipline that will help the family-owned...

After 3 Months of Decline, Farmer Sentiment Rebounds in July

After three consecutive months of decline, farmer sentiment rebounded as the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer reported an increase of 13 points in July to 126. The Current Conditions Index increased 20 points to 122, while the Future Expectations Index rose 11 points to 129. High input costs remained producers' top concern, with 46% identifying them as the biggest challenge facing their operation. When asked about the biggest challenge to success over the next five to 10 years, 30% of respondents cited crop or livestock prices. The survey...

Portillo’s Appoints Kevin Kalicak as Chief Financial Officer

Portillo’s, the fast-casual restaurant concept known for serving Chicago-style favorites for more than 60 years, today announced the appointment of Kevin Kalicak as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, effective September 7, 2026.

Mr. Kalicak joins Portillo’s bringing decades of financial leadership within the restaurant industry, serving in various roles with Darden Restaurants for more than 25 years. As Chief Financial Officer of Portillo’s, he will oversee the company’s finance organization, including financial planning and analysis, accounting, investor relations, internal audit, tax, supply chain and other corporat...

Wingstop Brings Back Carolina Gold and Jamaican Jerk for Limited-Time Flavor Promotion

Wingstop is bringing back its Carolina Gold and Jamaican Jerk wing flavors for a limited time as part of its new Flavor Rodeo promotion, while introducing two new menu additions designed to complement the launch.

Club Wingstop members will receive early access to the returning flavors beginning Aug. 7, with a nationwide rollout starting Aug. 11. The promotion also includes the debut of Hot Honey Mustard Dip and Sprite Strawberry Rodeo, the latter available exclusively at Wingstop restaurants equipped with Coca-Cola Freestyle...

US Expands Forced-Labor Blacklist on China; Tomato and Salmon Producers Targeted

On July 31, the US Department of Homeland Security issued new barriers for trade with China by expanding the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) Entity List by adding 43 companies. The list expansion marks the largest single increase since the law took effect. So, starting August 3, trade will be blocked from certain Chinese companies making tomatoes, cotton, nuts, salmon, aluminum foil, battery materials, and pharmaceuticals. 

While the action is tariff-adjacent due to the forced labor aspect, this is more of a company and region-specific trade embargo...

ANALYSIS: Japan H1 2026 Beef Imports Rise 4.5% YOY Despite Demand and Currency Headwinds

Japan imported 247,461 metric tons (MT) of beef in the first half of 2026, up 4.5% year-on-year (YOY), according to data from Japan's Trade Statistics.

This marks a partial recovery from the decade low of 496,166 MT recorded in full-year 2025, which was the first time annual imports had fallen below 500,000 MT since 2015.

The H1 gain was partly seasonal, with April's surge to a two-year high of 55,357 MT driven by concentrated Golden Week restocking...

ANALYSIS: Plant Protein Prices Firm as Production Tightens

Soybean production has tightened, according to the latest WASDE report. This has led to firmer soy protein ingredient prices, based on industry feedback. Despite this sentiment, soy protein isolate remains a more affordable option compared to pea protein isolate, which was last assessed at $4.04/Lb, nearly 40% higher on the year.

Soy protein is most used in plant-based alternative products as it is considered a complete nutrition profile, while pea protein is typically chosen by companies formulating products considering allergen concerns...

Sysco Reports Higher Fourth-Quarter Sales, Volume Growth; Sets 2027 Outlook

Sysco reported higher sales, earnings and case volume for the fourth quarter ended June 27, with growth across its US and international foodservice operations while introducing fiscal 2027 guidance that includes productivity gains from artificial intelligence initiatives.

Fourth-quarter sales rose 4.7%, led by a 2.5% increase in US Foodservice case volume and 2.6% growth in local case volume. Gross profit climbed 3.7% to $4.1 billion, operating income increased 10.6% to $983 million and net earnings grew 3.8% to $551 million.

Ockap Caviar & Cuisine Joins Miami Spice With $95 Three-Course Reserve Menu in Brickell

Ockap Caviar & Cuisine will join the 25th edition of Miami Spice Restaurant Months, the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau’s annual dining program running Aug. 1 through Sept. 30.

The Brickell caviar house, founded by Dominican restaurateur Oscar Andrés Brenes in partnership with Paris-based Ducasse Conseil, is offering a Miami Spice Reserve three-course Experience for $95 at its 1060 Brickell Avenue location.

"We wanted a restaurant that reflects the standards of fine dining without the formality or intimidation that...

US Bank Freight Payment Index: Shippers Pay More as Trucking Capacity Tightens

Truck capacity tightens as shippers pay more for lessShippers paid significantly more to move freight in the second quarter of 2026, even as shipment volumes declined, according to the latest U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index.

National shipment volumes fell 1.1% from the first quarter, marking the second consecutive sequential decline. Compared with a year earlier, shipments were down 2.8%. At the same time, spending increased 6.4% from the prior quarter and 28.1% year over year, reflecting a market in which freight demand remains soft but available capacity has...

McDonald's Appoints Skye Anderson as President of McDonald's USA

McDonald's Corporation today announced that Skye Anderson, a Company executive with more than 26 years of McDonald's experience, has been appointed President, McDonald's USA, effective today. Her appointment reflects the Company's focus on improving everyday restaurant experience, strengthening value offerings for customers and driving long-term profitable growth across the U.S. business. In this role, Anderson will oversee nearly 14,000 restaurants across the United States and lead the Company's largest market as the organization advances McDonald's > NEXT, its strategy to be customers' first choice while unlocking growth and productivity across...

Wendy’s Brings Back Pretzel Bacon Pub Cheeseburger as Part of Fall Menu Refresh

As summer winds down, Wendy's is preparing a fall menu refresh, bringing back fan favorites and adding seasonal items.

The Pretzel Bacon Pub Cheeseburger returns by popular demand after its success in the "Bring it Back" bracket contest earlier in the year, where fans voted on the return of several discontinued items.

"The 'Bring It Back' bracket made one thing clear: Wendy's fans wanted the Pretzel Bacon Pub Cheeseburger back, and we're excited to deliver," said Lindsay Radkoski, Chief Marketing Officer...

Ukrop’s Recalls Nearly 22,900 lb of Baked Spaghetti, Chicken Cobbler Over Metal Contamination Risk

Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods is recalling about 22,880 lb of baked spaghetti and chicken cobbler products after a customer complaint alleged the presence of foreign material, specifically metal slivers, according to the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA's) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

FSIS announced the recall late Friday, July 31. The affected fully cooked products were produced between July 1 and July 29 and were shipped to retail locations in North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia, as well...

Meijer Thanks Midwest Families with Six Weeks of Discounts on More than 1,000 Everyday Favorites

Meijer announced today it is offering discounts on a rotating selection of more than 1,000 popular grocery items through September 8, 2026, as a thank you to Midwest families for consistently choosing to shop with the retailer.

The rotating selection of discounted items features hundreds of product categories, including some of the retailer's most popular ones like meat, produce, snacks, cereal, and household supplies. Some key items will remain discounted the entire six weeks, including...

Target Expands Good & Gather Brand With Debut Cookbook

Target is extending its flagship Good & Gather brand with the debut of its first cookbook, another step in the retailer's strategy to strengthen its position as a food discovery destination.  

"Good & Gather: Discover Delicious Every Day" launches Aug. 4 in stores and online, featuring 100 recipes developed by Target's in-house test kitchen. The cookbook incorporates Good & Gather products throughout, with every ingredient available through Target's assortment.

The cookbook extends a brand that has become a key part of Target's food business since its 2019 launch. Good & Gather...

ANALYSIS: Muted Buying Activity Keeps EU Egg Markets Under Continued Pressure

The EU egg market has remained under clear pressure since Q2, with prices softening to levels not seen in more than a year across much of the complex. The weakness is evident across all major segments, including shell eggs, liquid egg, and dried egg...

Spanish Government Approves €23.1M Investment Package for Canary Islands' Primary Sector

The Spanish Government has approved a €23.1 million investment package designed to strengthen the competitiveness, sustainability and long-term resilience of the Canary Islands' primary sector, with funding targeting agriculture, fisheries, water infrastructure and workforce development.

Approved by the Council of Ministers following a proposal from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the package combines €17.9 million in direct financial support with €5.2 million for strategic investments in irrigation infrastructure and maritime training.

The funding will be distributed through...

New World Screwworm in the US - What We Know So Far

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.

Expana is closely tracking the situation—see below for related coverage and an updated factsheet with the latest developments...

RealCold opens Colton Facility, Expanding Cold-Storage Footprint in California

RealCold has opened a new cold-storage facility in Colton, Calif., expanding its presence in the western US and adding capacity in one of the country’s most important food distribution markets.

The company said the San Bernardino County site is designed to provide an affordable temperature-controlled storage option for food brands in California as part of its broader national growth strategy. Located less than 60 miles from downtown Los Angeles, the facility is positioned to serve customers across the state with warehousing and e-commerce fulfillment services.

Golden Corral Rolls Out $2.50 Kids’ Buffet for Summer Weekends

Golden Corral is targeting family traffic, a reoccurring trend this summer in foodservice, with a limited-time kids’ buffet promotion that pairs an aggressive price point with nutrition-forward cues.

Beginning July 31 and running Fridays-Sundays, now through Aug. 30, the chain will offer an all-you-can-eat dine-in Kids Buffet plus a drink for $2.50 for children ages 4–12. The deal is valid at breakfast, lunch and dinner; kids 3 and under eat free. The offer is capped...

Farm Bureau Encouraged by Senate Farm Bill Markup Schedule

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall today [August 1, 2026] applauded the release of farm bill text and notice of a Senate Ag markup for next week.

“When you look across the spectrum of agriculture, there is one piece of legislation that touches almost every farm in America, and that’s the farm bill, so it’s time for Congress to get it done.

“We’re grateful to Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman for releasing farm bill text and are encouraged that we can achieve a bipartisan bill that can get across the finish line. We appreciate the Administration’s call for Congress to move this process forward and urgently deliver a farm bill to the President’s desk.

Secretary Rollins Announces Growth of USDA’s Product of USA Label with Six Additional Companies

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins today announced six additional meat and poultry companies have adopted USDA’s voluntary Product of USA (POTUSA) label, continuing the strong momentum behind the Trump Administration’s efforts to help consumers easily identify products that are truly born, raised, harvested, and processed in the United States.

As more processors adopt the Product of USA label, American families have greater confidence that when they purchase products bearing the claim, they are directly supporting American farmers, ranchers, processors, and rural communities.

"Product of...

Purdue Researchers Lead USDA Study on Foggers for Avian Influenza

The interior of a commercial poultry house is a high-density place where a single particle of an airborne respiratory virus can replicate quickly, infecting and sickening all the birds within days. Right now, when highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) strikes, farmers have no choice but to depopulate their entire flock, and often those on neighboring farms as well, to halt the spread of the deadly disease. 

Imagine, however, if poultry producers could deploy a device that cleanses the air and surfaces of their facilities with no harm to the...

Tesco Strengthens Sustainable Beef Group With New Long-Term Contracts and Enhanced Farmer Incentives

Tesco has today [July 29 2026] announced details of its enhanced, industry-leading Tesco Sustainable Beef Group (TSBG), introducing a more closely aligned group of around 200 farmers supplying its award-winning Finest Steakhouse beef range.

Farmers in the enhanced TSBG will benefit from a new three-year contract, earning an additional amount per kg by meeting a new set of standards focused on quality, breeding, animal health and welfare, and sustainability. The incentives reflect Tesco's ambition to work in partnership with farmers to support best practice and deliver improvements, while also building resilience across the supply chain.

Tesco will also provide the TSBG with a bonus incentive for new levels of traceability through whole-life assured cattle...

Expana's Weekly Top 10

In this week’s Top 10, the round up highlights a food and commodities landscape being reshaped by investment shifts, trade disruption and supply chain pressure. From Cargill’s push deeper into Indonesian cocoa and continued US dairy expansion to new Section 301 tariffs, Middle East energy risks and structural strain in Alaska seafood, the stories reflect how companies and markets are adapting to volatility while positioning for longer-term growth. This list is in no particular order.

Find archived recaps here.

10. At IICC, Cargill highlighted Indonesia as a key growth...

Late-Summer Promotions, and Staff Changes Lead Foodservice Headlines as Q2 Results Roll In

As the summer season winds down, foodservice operators are leaning on limited-time offers, brand partnerships and menu innovation to sustain consumer engagement and traffic. This week's developments also highlight continued executive leadership changes across the industry, alongside the latest second-quarter earnings reports that provide insight into restaurant performance amid ongoing consumer demand pressures.

Seasonal promotions and partnerships

Wendy's launched a limited-time Kids' Meal promotion celebrating Sonic the Hedgehog's 35th anniversary, featuring seven collectible card cases and 35 trading...

RFK Cooking Show? HHS Launches Cooking Series Centered on “Real Food” Message, and More

On July 30, US Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy (RFK) Jr. launched “The Real Food Show,” according to a press release. The new cooking series will be aimed at helping Americans prepare healthy, affordable meals at home using whole-food ingredients. 

Kennedy announced the initiative at Fort Drum during the opening of the Belvedere Bistro, a military dining facility operated by Compass Group as part of Chef Robert Irvine’s food modernization effort for US bases. 

100% Organic Free-Range Egg Production Could Have Negative Consequences for Climate and Nature

An international team, including researchers at the University of Oxford's Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment, has revealed striking trade-offs between the different ways eggs are produced, with a wholesale shift to free-range and organic systems potentially raising greenhouse gas emissions and land use even as it aligns more closely with concerns about hen welfare.

Using UK data, the study compared several possible scenarios for the egg industry, including shifts to barn, free-range and organic systems, while keeping egg output constant. The authors find that although cage-free systems may align more closely...

Hormel Foods Completes Sale of CERATTI® Business in Brazil

Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL), a Fortune 500 global branded food company, today announced the successful completion of the sale of its Brazilian operations, operated under the CERATTI® brand, to Zanchetta Alimentos LTDA, a Brazilian food company with an established presence in the market.

The transaction follows the definitive agreement announced on June 29, 2026, and reflects Hormel Foods' ongoing efforts to simplify and streamline its portfolio while focusing its international strategy on markets with the strongest long-term growth opportunities.

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed...

Middle East Market Intelligence Brief: Week Ending July 31, 2026

Geopolitical risks remained elevated this week as tensions around key energy corridors persisted. Diplomatic efforts continued alongside security concerns, with Iran and Oman extending discussions over the future management of Hormuz, despite Tehran rejecting Oman’s proposal for joint oversight.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia sought to deepen regional defence cooperation focused on safeguarding maritime routes across the Bab el-Mandeb, Red Sea, and Gulf of Aden.

Energy supply risks intensified after a drone strike reportedly set two gas vessels ablaze at Egypt’s Damietta port, reviving concerns over potential disruptions to shipping through...

DSM-Firmenich Cuts 1,000 Jobs While Expanding Bovaer Production 

DSM-Firmenich AG announced a global capacity footprint reduction of 1,000 positions alongside production expansion at Bovaer plant in its second-quarter results. 

The reduction follows the company's decision to become a consumer-focused organization and simplify its organizational structure. 

Capital expenditures for 2026 remain elevated as Bovaer plant plans to commence its operations by year-end, according to the company. 

Bovaer sales timing weighed on first-quarter growth but added approximately 1 percentage point to Taste, Texture & Health growth in the second quarter, according to the management....

US Shell Eggs Return to Singapore for the First Time in Over Two Decades

For the first time in over 20 years, U.S. shell eggs are heading to Singapore. American Egg Board (AEB), with the USA Poultry and Egg Export Council (USAPEEC) and U.S. egg farmers Hillandale Farms, Rose Acre Farms and Mid-States Specialty Eggs, announces the relaunch of U.S. shell egg exports to one of Southeast Asia's most dynamic food markets.

Singapore imports more than 90% of its food, and supply diversification is central to the country's food security strategy. With consumers eating approximately one egg per person...

Retailers See Fraud Schemes Evolve as Shoplifting Declines, NRF Study Finds

Retail store theft levels are stabilizing, but external theft and fraud overall continue to rise, according to a new study released today by the National Retail Federation and the Loss Prevention Research Council and sponsored by Sensormatic Solutions. The Impact of Theft & Violence 2026 report found that retailers experienced a 12.4% decrease in shoplifting incidents and an 8.1% decline in retail merchandise theft in 2025 compared with 2024, while other methods of external theft, fraud and scams increased over the same period. These findings highlight the evolving nature of...

Circle K Adds More Ways to Earn with Inner Circle Rewards Program: Every Visit Counts

Circle K®, the global convenience store chain, is redesigning its Inner Circle rewards program to reward customers simply for showing up. Starting September 2, every Visit counts. Every qualifying fuel-up, coffee run or snack stop earns a Visit, and every Visit moves members closer to their next reward*.

Here’s how it works in practice:

• Earn a Visit on every qualifying fuel-up or in-store purchase, just by entering a phone number at checkout or the...

Yum Brands Reports Q2 Growth as Digital Sales Near $9 Billion

Yum Brands reported solid Q2 results, posting broad-based growth across its global restaurant portfolio as unit expansion and digital sales continued to fuel momentum.

Chris Turner, CEO said, “We delivered another strong quarter with robust same-store sales and restaurant-level margin performance. We also reached separate definitive agreements with two exceptional buyers for the Pizza Hut business, bringing our strategic review process to a close."

For the quarter ended June 30, worldwide system sales increased 5% excluding the impact of foreign...

ANALYSIS: Record Lows and a Partial Recovery - US Frozen Pork Cold Storage Deficit Persists

US frozen pork cold storage entered 2026 on historically precarious footing, with December 2025 ending inventories confirmed as the lowest on record in the series dating back to 1999, approximately 21% below the long-term December average. January 2026 opened at 403.8 million pounds, 22% below the 10-year January average, before inventories continued to erode throughout the first quarter. February extended the deficit to its widest point at 25.9% below the 10-year benchmark, while March bottomed out at 400.9 million...

ANALYSIS: Record-Low Calf Slaughter Shapes the US Veal Market

The most striking development is the collapse in federally inspected calf slaughter. Through the week ending July 6, 2026, slaughter has ranged from about 1,350 to 2,100 head per week, compared with a 33-year average of roughly 14,000 to 16,000 head for the same period. Year-to-date, federally inspected calf slaughter totaled approximately 45,100 head, down 29.5% from the same period in 2025 and more than 60% below 2023 and 2024 levels. The July 6, 2026, total of 1,343 head was the lowest weekly volume in the available...

ANALYSIS: Chicken Cold Storage: Whole Birds Build While Parts Inventories Tighten

The chicken cold storage report for June showed total inventories up just 0.5% year-over-year (YOY), with the overall market adding 1.2% month-over-month (MOM), slightly below the five-year average MOM gain of 1.7%...

Sargento Announces Agreement to Acquire La Terra Fina® A US Category Leader in Dairy-based Dips

Episode 43: What's the Catch? Tariff Impact on Global Seafood 

The global seafood trade is a complex web of species, product forms, production regions, and seasonality. Highly susceptible to geopolitical shifts among global trade partners, action in the seafood market impacts producers, importers, exporters, retailers, foodservice and, ultimately, consumers.

In this episode, Jamie and special guest, Ryan Doyle, dive into the deep waters of trade policy and the latest round of tariff news--and what it all could mean.  

Listen now.

Secretary Rollins Announces $25 Million Commitment for New Arizona Sterile Fly Dispersal Facility

Today [July 29, 2026], U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins visited the livestock inspection facilities at the Douglas, Arizona, Port of Entry, joined by Rep. Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), Rep. Andy Biggs (AZ-05), Rep. Eli Crane (AZ-02), and Arizona Director of Agriculture Paul Brierley, highlighting the Department’s extensive preparedness measures ahead of the planned reopening of the port to livestock trade on August 24. During her visit, Secretary Rollins also announced USDA’s commitment to invest $25 million toward the opening of a new sterile fly dispersal facility in Arizona to strengthen the nation’s long-term response to New World screwworm (NWS)...

Wingstop Q2 Revenue and Profit Rise Despite Same-Store Sales Decline

Wingstop reported mixed second-quarter results, with revenue and earnings continuing to grow despite weaker comparable sales.

"During the second quarter, we continued making meaningful progress against the strategic priorities that we believe will drive the next phase of growth for Wingstop," said Michael Skipworth, President and Chief Executive Officer.

For the quarter ended June 27, 2026, total revenue rose 6.4% year over year to $185.6 million, while net income increased 16.9% to $31.3 million. Adjusted EBITDA climbed 12.5%...

ANALYSIS: US Beef Imports from Mexico Maintain Stronger Pace Through Mid-2026

US beef imports from Mexico sustained a notably stronger pace through June and into the early weeks of July, with first-half 2026 volumes running approximately 23% above the same period in 2025. June alone recorded a 39% year-over-year increase, the second highest June volume in the five-year series after 2023.

PERDUE Expands Portfolio with POWERED® High-Protein Breaded Chicken Lineup

PERDUE is expanding its portfolio with a new POWERED® lineup designed to meet growing consumer demand for protein. The fully breaded products respond to health and wellness trends and deliver roughly 50% more protein than Perdue’s traditional breaded chicken offerings.

"Innovation has been part of our story since my great-grandfather Arthur began selling our first quality table eggs more than a century ago," said Chris Perdue, SVP of Marketing, Digital and E-Commerce at Perdue.

The lineup provides 20 grams of protein...

US Cattlemen’s Association Responds to Phased Border Reopening Announcement

United States Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) is disappointed in USDA’s decision to move forward with reopening the southern border to Mexican cattle while so many unresolved risks remain for the U.S. herd. USCA underscores that border policy must be driven by science‑based risk assessment and on‑the‑ground capacity.

“Any effort to lower beef prices must not come at the expense of U.S. cattle herd health,” said USCA President Justin Tupper. “We’ve been encouraged to rebuild the domestic herd, that it is of utmost importance, and unnecessary exposure to animal...

The Retail Rundown: Buying Opportunities Emerge Beyond Peak Grilling

As summer enters its final stretch, retailers are shifting their focus from peak grilling season to the next major merchandising window: back-to-school, Labor Day, and early fall meal occasions.

Consumers remain focused on value as grocery budgets face pressure, yet they are still willing to spend on proteins that deliver an affordable "restaurant-at-home" experience. 

At the same time, evolving priorities and the increased adoption of GLP-1 medications are reshaping how households plan meals and shop for groceries, with new consumer research showing that health...

GrubMarket Confidentially Files Draft Registration for Proposed IPO

GrubMarket has confidentially submitted a draft registration statement on Form S-1 to the US Securities and Exchange Commission related to a proposed public offering of its common stock, the company said.

The number of shares to be offered and the price range for the proposed offering have not yet been determined.

The proposed IPO remains subject to completion of the SEC review process, as well as market and other conditions.

In its announcement, GrubMarket said, "This press release is being issued...

Uber Eats Welcomes New Regional Grocery Partners Across the US

Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: UBER) today announced partnerships with several new grocery retailers across the U.S. This expansion brings beloved regional grocery brands to the Uber Eats marketplace, including Busch’s Fresh Food Market, Hays, Lowe’s Market, and Piggly Wiggly—giving consumers another way to shop the local stores they already know and trust for everyday grocery needs.

These partnerships broaden Uber’s nationwide grocery footprint, offering shoppers a convenient way to order everything from weekly grocery stock-ups to last-minute essentials from their favorite neighborhood staples. Consumers can shop from participating stores through the Uber Eats, Uber, and Postmates apps...

USDA Makes $486M Electric Loan to Strengthen Electric Reliability Across Georgia

Today [July 28, 2026, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced the agency is investing $486.7 million through the Electric Infrastructure Loan Program to strengthen electric reliability and help maintain affordable power for communities throughout Georgia with wide-ranging system improvements.

"President Trump’s energy dominance agenda is powering the Golden Age of America, and we must ensure the resilience and security of America's electric power grid to continue this growth. This includes modernizing this critical infrastructure and working with our electric cooperatives to serve even the most rural communities," said US. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins...