Gopuff Expands Private Label Assortment and Introduces First-Ever Seasonal Product Lineup

Gopuff today unveiled new additions to its private label brands, Crave Shoppe and Basically, bringing a fresh lineup of indulgent snacks and treats to customers. For the first time, the assortment includes seasonal, limited-time offerings, giving customers new ways to enjoy the flavors of fall while supplies last.

The expansion is informed by what customers are ordering most on Gopuff. Sales of fall-flavored products rose 19.4% year-over-year last fall, signaling strong demand for seasonal favorites. In response, Gopuff developed...

CrownPoint Partners Closes Two Wendy’s Deals in Jacksonville for $4M

CrownPoint Partners has closed two separate Wendy’s property transactions in Jacksonville, Florida, totaling a $4 million investment.

The first property sold for $2.2 million in late spring and is secured by an absolute net lease with 12 years remaining. The restaurant is operated by Meritage Hospitality Group.

CrownPoint arranged the off-market transaction and represented both sides of the deal, advising a Virginia-based private investor selling the property and a Florida-based developer buying it. Both parties are repeat CrownPoint..

ANALYSIS: Scheduled Douglas Reopening Marks First Step in Mexico Cattle Trade Recovery 

USDA has scheduled imports of Mexican cattle through Douglas, Arizona, to resume on August 24, 2026, representing the latest effort to restore trade following repeated disruptions related to New World screwworm (NWS). 

ANALYSIS: China's July 2026 Meat Imports Recoil as Safeguard Walls Close In

China's total meat imports, including offal, reached 466,182 metric tons (MT) in July 2026, according to data from the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC).

This represents a 12.3% decline month-on-month (MOM) from the 531,834 MT recorded in June, and 12.6% lower year-on-year (YOY).

On a cumulative basis, year-to-date volumes through July reached 3,574,717 MT, 4.3% below the same period in 2025.

Weakness was broad-based across proteins.

Structural overproduction at domestic mega-farms continued to suppress...

ANALYSIS: USDA July 2026 Cattle Inventory Shows More Replacement Heifers, Lower Female Slaughter

The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released its semiannual Cattle report on July 24, 2026. Total cattle and calves on July 1, 2026 were estimated at 94.2 million head, slightly up from the 94.0 million head reported on July 1, 2025. While the overall inventory has stabilized at the national level, the composition of the herd continues to reflect the pressures of a prolonged contraction cycle. Beef cow numbers declined 1...

The Retail Rundown: Promotional Calendar Looking Towards Fall

Mid-August can be a quieter stretch in the grocery calendar, but the latest retail feature data suggest the lull may be short-lived.

Promotional activity is building across beef, chicken, and pork, while eggs and dairy are seeing strong year-over-year gains as retailers prepare for fall-driven demand, including back-to-school shopping and Labor Day celebrations.

Beef posted one of the sharpest week-over-week increases. The USDA national feature rate climbed to 96.0%, from 80.2% a week earlier and 88.8% a year ago. Retailers increased advertising for...

Farm Groups Urge Swift Passage of SAWA as H-2A Costs Squeeze Growers

On August 10, a broad coalition of US agricultural groups urged lawmakers to swiftly pass HR 9535, the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act (or SAWA) which would overhaul the H-2A farm labor program through changes to worker eligibility, wage rules, and administrative requirements. The use of foreign labor is an aspect of farming closely tied to production costs, margins, harvest timing, crop acreage, and marketable supply. 

Trade and Consumer Events in New Zealand Draw Interest in US Pork

Though more than 60% of pork consumed in New Zealand is imported, awareness of U.S. pork is limited among the trade and consumers. U.S. pork exports to New Zealand have averaged $46 million the past two years, with most product utilized in further processed items such as bacon and ham.

Access limitations affect awareness and interest in U.S. pork in the Oceania region. Both Australia and New Zealand maintain strict time and temperature processing requirements for fully cooked pork products, and Australia allows no sales of fresh U.S. pork. New Zealand restricts fresh pork imports (pork imports not bound for further processing) to packaging under three...

Cracker Barrel Leans on Value, Convenience with Fall Chicken Promo

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store is leaning into value and convenience heading into the fall season, rolling out a limited-time lineup of Crispy Homestyle Chicken meals starting at $9.99 as operators continue to compete for traffic across dayparts.

The promotion launched today, and runs through Oct. 18 at participating restaurants nationwide. The menu features new variations on Cracker Barrel’s hand-breaded chicken, along with seasonal breakfast items, desserts and beverages.

"Fall can feel like a sprint for families. Between school, practices, activities and everything else...

Taco Bell Revives 2016 Favorites in Latest Decades Menu Drop

In foodservice, demand often grows strongest for items guests can no longer get. That dynamic has turned nostalgia into a powerful tool for menu innovation, as operators revive former favorites to drive traffic, generate social buzz and reconnect with consumers.

In the latest, Taco Bell is bringing back four fan-favorite items from its 2016 lineup for a limited time starting Aug. 20, extending its Decades Menu platform with another nostalgia-driven promotion aimed at boosting traffic and loyalty engagement...

USDA Acts to Remove Roadless Rule Restrictions That Exacerbate Rising Wildfire Risk

Today, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced the U.S. Forest Service has filed a proposed rule to rescind in its entirety the national 2001 Roadless Area Conversation Rule, a one-size-fits-all restriction that has frustrated land managers and served as a barrier to wildfire risk reduction work across large swaths of America’s national forests.

“Our forests can’t afford another decade of inaction. Across the country, we’ve watched preventable conditions – overgrown stands, insect outbreaks and disease – turn healthy landscapes into tinderboxes,” said Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins...

Chi-Chi's Revives Fan Favorites, Introduces Lunch Menu as Brand Comeback Gains Momentum

Chi-Chi's, the beloved Mexican restaurant brand that made its highly anticipated return last year, is continuing its comeback with the launch of a new lunch menu and the return of three of its most-requested legacy items: the Twice Grilled BBQ Burrito, Seafood Nachos, and Margarita Chicken Tacos using its beloved margarita marinade.

The additions come as the brand looks to continue reintroducing itself to longtime fans and a new generation of diners. Since reopening in Minneapolis last fall, Chi-Chi's has...

A&W Unveils New Prototype as Brand Pushes Modernization, Franchise Growth

A&W Restaurants has introduced a new restaurant prototype that blends cues from the chain’s classic diner roots and original roadside root beer stands with a more modern design, as the brand continues to update its footprint and court new franchise operators.

The new prototype ranges from 2,200 to 2,800 square feet and is designed to seat 40 to 70 guests.

"This new restaurant design represents the future of A&W while staying true to everything our guests have loved about the brand for...

Whataburger® Turns Up the Value: More for $4

Starting Aug. 18, Whataburger is introducing More for $4, a new value platform that offers four legendary menu items for only $4 each, giving fans everyday value at a wallet-friendly price point.

The More for $4 value menu includes:

• Bacon & Cheese Whataburger Jr. - a smoky take on the classic, loaded with bacon and cheese
• Whataburger Patty Melt Jr. - grilled to order with a rich, diner-style twist and lots of sauce
• Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich Jr. - crispy chicken strips drizzled with sweet honey BBQ sauce...

Perdue Farms Names Drew Getty Executive Vice President and General Counsel

Perdue Farms today announced that Drew Getty has been named Executive Vice President and General Counsel, effective immediately. Getty will report directly to Chief Executive Officer Kevin McAdams and serve as a member of the company’s Management Committee.

Getty succeeds Herb Frerichs, Perdue’s first General Counsel, who will retire following a transition period. The leadership change follows a thoughtful succession-planning process that has been underway for the past two years.

“Drew is a trusted leader whose experience, judgment and deep...

USDA Announces $7.5 Million in Grant Funding to Expand Cold Chain Capacity 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today [August 17, 2026] announced $7.5 million in grant funding available through the Cold Chain Grants for Emergency Food Assistance Program (CCG). The Program will fund projects to support cold chain equipment investments that help food assistance entities temporarily store, effectively package, and distribute fresh, frozen, and minimally processed foods.

“The Trump Administration continues to prioritize providing Real Food for Americans. Over the past year and a half, we have worked hard to incentivize healthier options for Americans and today’s announcement is another step in...

C&S Wholesale Grocers Expands Retail Footprint as the Majority Owner of The Winn-Dixie Company

C&S Wholesale Grocers, LLC (C&S) has announced a proposed transaction to be the majority owner of The Winn-Dixie Company (Winn-Dixie). Previously in 2025, C&S, as part of a consortium of private investors, acquired Winn-Dixie from ALDI U.S. The transaction is expected to close in early 2027. Anthony Hucker, chief executive officer of Winn-Dixie, will continue to serve as a special advisor over the coming months. Until transaction close, Raymond Rhee will serve as...

Chipotle Celebrates Back-to-School Season with School Spirit BOGO and Chipotle Sundays Deal

Chipotle Mexican Grill today announced a School Spirit BOGO and three consecutive weeks of a "Chipotle Sundays" dinner offer, bringing more value to fans during the back-to-school season.

Chipotle School Spirit BOGO

As students head back to the classroom, Chipotle is giving fans another reason to rep their pride with a School Spirit BOGO. On Thursday, August 20, guests wearing school apparel or accessories can purchase an entrée at participating Chipotle restaurants in the U.S. from 3...

Yummy Dino Buddies Rolls out PAW Patrol Movie Tie-in Promotion

Yummy Dino Buddies has launched a retail promotion tied to PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie, partnering with Paramount Animation, Nickelodeon Movies and Spin Master Entertainment on specially marked packaging for its Original Dinosaur-Shaped Chicken Breast Nuggets.

The limited-time packs are now available nationwide and feature PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie branding ahead of the film’s Aug. 14 theatrical release. The product remains Yummy’s core dinosaur-shaped nugget line made with white meat chicken raised with no antibiotics ever.

Erika Welk, Director of Marketing...

HORMEL® Chili and OMAHA STEAKS® Unite to Elevate America's Chili Experience

HORMEL® Chili is raising the bar for canned chili with the introduction of its new co-branded chili developed in collaboration with OMAHA STEAKS®. Designed for consumers seeking high-quality chili without sacrificing convenience, the new offering delivers a rich, competition-style experience that is ready to enjoy in minutes.

HORMEL® Chili is raising the bar for canned chili with the introduction of its new co-branded chili developed in collaboration with OMAHA STEAKs...

Tyson Foods Announces Network Restructuring for Beef Business to Strengthen Long-Term Performance

Tyson Foods is making strategic changes to its beef operations to position the company for long-term success. Tyson Foods will anchor its beef business around three strategically located beef facilities in the central United States: Dakota City, Nebraska; Holcomb, Kansas and Amarillo, Texas, to create a more competitive footprint amidst one of the most historic cattle shortages the country has ever experienced. Recent USDA cattle inventory data, which included continued evidence of limited heifer retention, indicates these supply constraints are likely to persist...

Pilgrim's Agrees to Acquisition of Walkers Deli & Sausage Company

Pilgrim's Europe today announced it has agreed to acquire Walkers Deli & Sausage Company from Samworth Brothers, subject to approval by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) and employee consultation in the United Kingdom.

Walkers is one of the UK's most established and respected producers of premium pork products, with a heritage dating back to 1824. The business operates from four production facilities on a single site in Leicester and employs approximately 1,150 team members.

The acquisition represents an important strategic step for Pilgrim's Europe, strengthening its position within the UK food industry and expanding its presence in value-added premium...

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...

NCBA Statement on Tyson Foods’ Joslin Plant Closure & Facility Changes

Today [August 13, 2026], National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Chief Executive Officer Colin Woodall issued the following statement in response to Tyson Foods’ announced closure of its beef processing plant in Joslin, Illinois, and additional restructuring efforts:

“NCBA is troubled by the closure of the Joslin beef processing facility. For many years, the plant has played a vital role in the Midwest beef supply chain, and its closure will significantly impact cattle producers, employees, and rural communities across the region. We encourage Tyson to work closely with its longstanding customers to identify alternative marketing opportunities for their cattle...

Rancher's Premium Smokehouse Launches Two Burnt End Varieties at Kroger Texas

Rancher's Premium Smokehouse is thrilled to build on its partnership with Kroger Texas. Ranchers Premium Smokehouse is expanding beyond its signature smoked sausage lineup with the launch of two new fully cooked barbecue entrées: Brisket Burnt Ends and Pork Burnt Ends. Available beginning August 17 at Kroger stores across Texas, the new products arrive just in time for the back-to-school season, giving families an easy way to enjoy authentic barbecue without spending hours tending a smoker.

While the entrée line is new to grocery shelves...

Hospitality Experts Josh and Jenna Miles of Rochester, NY Share Insights on the Steakhouse Experience

Hospitality Experts Josh and Jenna Miles of SCN Hospitality help break down what makes the steakhouse experience so distinct—from high-quality steaks and wine pairing to service pacing and dining atmosphere. Their expertise contributes to a HelloNation article that highlights how Rochester's steakhouses continue to impress by focusing on detail, timing, and culinary excellence.

According to the article, a classic steakhouse is more than a menu—it's a curated experience. From the moment diners enter, they're met with a rhythm...

Divert and US Cold Convert 2.5M+ Pounds of Unsold Food into Renewable Gas and Fertilizer

Divert, Inc. and United States Cold Storage (US Cold) said a new California partnership has diverted more than 2.5 million pounds of unsold food and beverage products from landfill in its first 15 months, converting the material into renewable natural gas (RNG), fertilizer and recovered water.

After products can’t be sold or donated, US Cold routes them from seven facilities to Divert’s Integrated Diversion & Energy Facility in Turlock, California. There, Divert’s High‑Recovery Depackaging (HRD) and anaerobic digestion process...

Expana's Weekly Top 10

Expana's Weekly Top 10 highlights major developments across the industry as told by Expana journalists. This issue tracks the forces moving agri‑food markets now: the FDA’s proposed GRAS notification rule could reshape feed and seafood ingredient use; the US–Iran tensions around the Strait of Hormuz are lifting oil and shipping risk; Colombia’s earthquake adds uncertainty to already-thin coffee stocks; and tariff disputes plus transshipment enforcement are raising trade pressure. All that and more, below. This list is in no particular order.

Find archived recaps here. 

10. On Aug. 10, the FDA proposed...

Middle East Market Intelligence Brief: Week Ending August 14, 2026

The US said Thursday it could sustain its naval blockade of Iran indefinitely and vowed tougher economic pressure as ceasefire talks stall and tensions around key shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, intensify.

Iran, meanwhile, has tightened pressure on Hormuz, where attacks on vessels and sharply reduced traffic threaten a key global energy artery.

With talks stalled and pressure mounting over fuel prices, Washington appears increasingly focused on economic measures, while the war’s trajectory remains closely linked to Iran’s position on the Strait of Hormuz and its potential impact on global energy markets.

Below is Expana’s weekly summary of the...

Back-to-School Demand Shifts Drive Breakfast, Value and New Menu Moves in Foodservice

With back-to-school season just around the corner, foodservice operators and suppliers are gearing up for a familiar demand shift—more morning traffic, more weeknight convenience, and tighter attention to value. This biweekly roundup highlights the key moves across the sector, from hot breakfast and grab-and-go meal plays to new menu items and notable financial results shaping the weeks ahead.

Promotions and limited time offers

Breakfast all day

7-Eleven is launching limited-time back-to-school breakfast...

PODCAST: Ep. 44 - Iran 'Impasse' & US Feed Additive Supply Challenges, Feat. A. Woods & G. Potter

Join host, Expana Managing Editor - EMEA Simon Duke, on Agri-food for Thought as he explores the forces shaping agricultural markets with two expert guests offering deep market insights.

This week's episode kicks off with a news roundup covering significant regulatory changes, geopolitical tensions, and supply chain disruptions. The FDA has proposed mandatory notification requirements for food additives and feed ingredients as part of efforts to increase food supply transparency. Meanwhile, escalating Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian Black Sea ports

C&S Wholesale Grocers Expands Retail Footprint as the Majority Owner of The Winn-Dixie Company

C&S Wholesale Grocers, LLC (C&S) has announced a proposed transaction to be the majority owner of The Winn-Dixie Company (Winn-Dixie). Previously in 2025, C&S, as part of a consortium of private investors, acquired Winn-Dixie from ALDI U.S. The transaction is expected to close in early 2027. Anthony Hucker, chief executive officer of Winn-Dixie, will continue to serve as a special advisor over the coming months. Until transaction close, Raymond Rhee will serve as Winn-Dixie CEO. Winn-Dixie remains committed to its Jacksonville community and will continue to have an office presence.

Chick-fil-A Brings Chicken & Waffles, S’mores Offerings Nationwide

Chick-fil-A is bringing its Chicken & Waffles Sandwiches to restaurants nationwide beginning Aug. 24, expanding on a limited-time test of the offering in select markets in 2025.

The launch also introduces two seasonal beverages: the S’mores Milkshake and S’mores Frosted Coffee. The three items are part of Chick-fil-A’s yearlong "Newstalgia"-inspired menu strategy, which marks the brand’s 80-year heritage by pairing familiar favorites with new twists.

"In this year of Newstalgia-inspired celebrations, we wanted to bring something unique this fall...

Hormel® Chili and Omaha Steaks® Introduce Co-Branded Beef Chili

Hormel® Chili and Omaha Steaks® have introduced a co-branded 100% Natural Beef Chili with Beans, combining beef, beans and vegetables in a ready-to-serve format. The companies say the recipe was jointly developed with a focus on the beef, texture, seasoning and overall flavor profile, targeting consumers seeking a convenient chili with a more substantial beef component.

“Working with Omaha Steaks allowed us to approach every element of this recipe through a more premium lens, particularly the quality, texture and prominence of the beef,” said Brett Ament, brand manager at Hormel Foods...

Chipotle Expands Middle East Footprint With Saudi Arabia Debut

Chipotle Mexican Grill is set to open its first restaurant in Saudi Arabia later this month at Sidra in Riyadh, marking the company’s entry into the Kingdom.

The location will operate in partnership with Alshaya Group and will offer Chipotle’s menu of burritos, bowls, tacos, quesadillas, and salads, with customizable proteins, rice, beans, salsas, and toppings.

The opening builds on Chipotle’s growing Middle East presence, with 16 restaurants opened across the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Qatar since 2024.

The Riyadh location represents another step in the company’s broader international expansion strategy.

Last month, Chipotle raised its 2026 comparable sales forecast to low single-digit growth after second-quarter same-store sales rose 2.2%, beating expectations...

ANALYSIS: Brazilian Beef Shipments to Mexico Approach 79% of Annual Duty-Free Quota

Brazil's beef exports to Mexico reached 12,364 metric tons in July 2026, up 4.4% from June and consistent with the higher volumes typically observed during the June-July period. However, shipments were 20.6% below July 2025. Cumulative exports from January through July totaled 55,244 metric tons, approximately 17.7% below the same period last year.

The year-over-year difference partly reflects the contrasting trade conditions between the two periods. In 2025, duty-free access allowed purchases to accumulate at a faster pace...

ANALYSIS: Turkey Headcount Rises, Demand Questions Remain

Through the week ending August 1, the turkey production picture continues to show gradual improvement in bird numbers, although overall headcount remains historically low. Year to date slaughter stands at roughly 105.2 million head, 2.7% above the same period in 2025, but still 3.8% below the five year average. The improvement from last year is notable, yet the industry continues to operate with a smaller bird population than was typical earlier in the decade.

Higher weights are helping offset some of that headcount deficit. Average live weight has reached 33.69 pounds, more than 1.5 pounds above the five year average of 32.07 pounds and roughly 5% higher on a percentage basis...

ANALYSIS: No Letup as Broiler Hatchery Activity Holds at Record Levels

US broiler hatchery activity continues to run above already elevated year ago levels, reinforcing the scale of production capacity currently moving through the pipeline. Through early August, both eggs set and chicks placed have remained consistently above 2025 for much of the year. That comparison is particularly notable given that 2025 itself represented a record production year.

Several factors have helped support the continued expansion. Changes in broiler breeds and genetics have contributed to improved livability and growth performance, while vaccination efforts have helped limit some of the animal health challenges that previously restricted production. At the same time, feed costs...

Minerva Foods Reports Record Net Revenue of R$ 57.2 Billion for the Past 12 Months

Minerva S.A. (BM&FBOVESPA: BEEF3 | OTC - Nasdaq International: MRVSY), a South American leader in the export of fresh beef and beef products, with additional operations in the processed foods segment, reports its earnings for the second quarter of 2026. The financial and operational information presented herein is stated in Brazilian Reais (R$) and prepared in accordance with BRGAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

In 2Q26, Minerva Foods' net revenue totaled R$ 14.1 billion, up 1.3% year over year and 5.2% compared with 1Q26...

FMI Statement on July 2026 CPI Food Price Numbers

Today, FMI – The Food Industry Association commented on the July Consumer Price Index (CPI) numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which show a 0.1% decrease in food-at-home prices for July and a 2.7% increase over the last 12 months, which is unchanged from June. 

FMI Vice President of Tax, Trade, Sustainability and Policy Development Andy Harig stated, “July’s food price inflation figures continue the period of cooling we experienced in June, which should be welcome news for grocery shoppers. Notably, key staple categories saw decreases for...

Freddy's Promotes Rick Petralia to Executive Chef and Vice President of Training & Innovation

Fast-casual restaurant concept Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers announced today the promotion of Rick Petralia to Executive Chef and Vice President of Training & Innovation.

In the newly appointed role, Petralia will oversee Freddy's flagship training and media resource teams and continue to advance culinary strategy. His leadership style and commitment to cross-functional teamwork are expected to bring a fresh perspective to the company's training program.

"Rick has relentlessly pursued excellence in defining culinary strategies for core menus and limited time offers...

A&W Restaurants Enters Chicken Sandwich Category With New Crispy Chicken Lineup

A&W Restaurants is entering the chicken sandwich category with the launch of its new Crispy Chicken Sandwich, following seven years of recipe development.

Announced Wednesday, the lineup includes the original Crispy Chicken Sandwich, a Deluxe version with lettuce and tomato, and a limited-time Nashville Hot variation.

To support the launch, A&W is offering a buy-one-get-one (BOGO) promotion from Aug. 17 through Aug. 23 at participating restaurants. The offer is available upon request...

Taco Bell Teams Up With Peso Pluma and Tajín for New Menu Collaboration

Taco Bell is teaming up with corridos tumbados (trap-infused, modern Mexican folk) music sensation Peso Pluma for its latest celebrity partnership, bringing his longtime Taco Bell fandom and lifelong love of Tajín to the menu.

After joining Taco Bell's fan community at Live Más LIVE earlier this year, Peso Pluma got a first taste of the collaboration inside Taco Bell's Test Kitchen, where he gave the lineup his stamp of approval.

Starting Aug. 13, the Tajín Taco, Tajín Cheesy Gordita Crunch and Tajín...

Brinker’s Chili’s Posts 5.6% Comp Sales Growth, Sets Fiscal 2027 Outlook

Brinker International closed fiscal 2026 with another quarter of comparable sales growth at Chili’s, extending the brand’s streak to five consecutive years.

For the fourth quarter ended June 24, company sales increased about 5% year over year (YOY) to $1.52 billion. Company comparable restaurant sales rose 5.0%, led by a 5.6% increase at Chili’s, which benefited from higher traffic and continued outperformance versus competitors.

"Q4 2026 completes five consecutive years of Chili's same-store sales growth, delivering an unprecedented 71% cumulative increase over that time," said...

ANALYSIS: Brazil's Beef Exports Decline to 227,938 MT in July As China’s Quota Near Exhaustion

According to the latest update from Brazil's Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services, total beef exports reached 227,938 metric tons (MT) in July 2026, declining 17.7% year-over-year (YOY) and 18.5% month-over-month (MOM) from June's 279,628 MT — the highest monthly volume recorded in 2026. The result brings the year-to-date (YTD) total through July to 1,722,638 MT, up 10.2% compared with the 1,563,393 MT shipped over the same seven-month period in....

The Retail Rundown: Ample Chicken Supply Keeps Retailers on the Promotional Offensive

There is plenty of chicken available in 2026—and retailers are making sure shoppers notice.

The latest USDA retail feature data shows the national chicken feature rate reached 84.1%, up about five points from a year earlier. At the same time, the activity index was 74,145, essentially unchanged from last year. In other words, chicken is occupying a significant amount of promotional space even though overall ad activity is not dramatically higher.

That tracks with the broader supply picture, with ample production leaving processors with more pounds to...

Taylor Farms Recalls Products Containing Jalapeños Over Salmonella Risk

Taylor Fresh Foods, whose products are sold under the Taylor Farms brand, is recalling a range of prepared foods containing fresh jalapeños supplied by Coast Citrus Distributors, which recalled the peppers over concerns about possible Salmonella contamination.

The Taylor Farms recall affects dips, salsas, prepared sandwiches and salads distributed to retailers including Whole Foods, Walmart, Trader Joe’s, Target, Stop & Shop, Kroger and Hannaford stores across the United States.

Among the 20 recalled products is Trader Joe’s Fiesta Style Salad with Shrimp, sold in 11.11-ounce packages. The affected...

Kroger Names Nate Faust Executive Vice President and Chief eCommerce Officer

The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) today announced that Nate Faust will join the company as Executive Vice President and Chief eCommerce Officer, effective September 1, 2026.

Faust brings more than two decades of experience building and scaling highly impactful eCommerce businesses, most recently at Olive creating a waste-free delivery and returns experience for brands like Rhone, Cynthia Rowley and Rent the Runway. As a founder, operator, investor and advisor, he has consistently been at the forefront of supply chain innovation, digital commerce and customer experience...