Expana's Weekly Top 10
Energy markets, supply constraints and shifting trade dynamics are creating new pressures across food and agriculture. This week’s Top Ten brings together key developments affecting global commodities, supply chains and the broader market outlook, along with insights from Expana’s analysts and contributors.
Global Markets & Supply Chains
10. A Chatham House/FSC study warns that higher oil prices are accelerating biofuel mandates and tightening global food supplies, with Expana analysts highlighting record corn use for ethanol and biofuels as a major driver of oilseed acreage growth. While electrification, advanced biofuels and deforestation...
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TAHC Establishes New World Screwworm Requirements for Animals Moving from Affected States
The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) executive director issued entry requirements for all livestock, exotic livestock, fowl, and exotic fowl from New World screwworm (NWS) affected states outside of Texas. These additional movement requirements are placed to prevent potential introduction or spread of NWS to new areas of the state. The executive director order applies to a state where NWS has been detected and a NWS infested zone, quarantine area, or control area remains active.
In addition to all existing and applicable Texas entry...
ANALYSIS: August Pork Cold Storage Stocks Buck Seasonal Trend
US pork in cold storage volumes remains among the lowest in the last 10-years, as the recently released report showed frozen stocks totaling 436.3 million lbs. at the end of August, down 0.8% from July, but 12% above August 2025, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The modest monthly decline masked some differences among individual pork items. Ham inventories increased 3.2% from July and 26.4% year over year (YOY), while loins climbed 12.7% month over month (MOM) and...
ANALYSIS: Weak Demand Pressures Tallow and Grease Markets
The tallow and grease markets continued to exhibit weaker tones through late September, with pressure developing as spot availability increased and demand from both the oleochemical and renewable fuel sectors remained subdued...
Middle East Market Intelligence Brief: Week Ending October 2, 2026
Iran is preparing a stronger response if the United States resumes large-scale attacks, including potentially expanding targets beyond US-linked assets and involving allied groups in the region.
Tehran continues diplomatic efforts, though Iranian officials say an agreement with Washington appears unlikely. The prolonged war and economic pressure are raising concerns about Iran’s economy and possible domestic unrest.
Meanwhile, Brazil’s closely contested election between Lula and Flavio Bolsonaro is drawing attention over fiscal policy and market impacts, alongside upcoming elections in other countries, including the US.
Below is Expana’s...
ANALYSIS: French Poultry Industry Calls for Tighter Controls on Thai Imports
In September 2026, the French poultry industry association has called on the European Union to suspend poultry imports from Thailand and halt the introduction of new preferential tariff quotas until Thai authorities can demonstrate full compliance with EU sanitary requirements.
The call follows the publication of a European Commission audit on September 10, 2026, which identified significant shortcomings in Thailand’s animal health and food safety control systems. Despite the concerns raised by the audit, the French poultry association said that no formal measures to suspend Thai poultry imports had...
Smashburger Gives Its Signature Smash the New York Deli Treatment with New Pastrami Lineup
Bell is partnering with language-learning platform Duolingo to expand National Taco Day into a global celebration on Oct. 6, introducing a limited-edition sauce, promotional offers and brand activations across multiple international markets.
The collaboration includes the launch of Duo Habanero Sauce, available for a limited time at participating Taco Bell restaurants in the US, Canada, Australia, China, India, Spain and the UK. The campaign also features language-learning promotions, branded merchandise and in-store activations designed to...
Taco Bell, Duolingo Take National Taco Day Gwith Limited-Time Sauce
Taco Bell is partnering with language-learning platform Duolingo to expand National Taco Day into a global celebration on Oct. 6, introducing a limited-edition sauce, promotional offers and brand activations across multiple international markets.
The collaboration includes the launch of Duo Habanero Sauce, available for a limited time at participating Taco Bell restaurants in the US, Canada, Australia, China, India, Spain and the UK. The campaign also features language-learning promotions, branded merchandise and in-store activations designed to connect the brands through the word “taco,”...
Marco's Pizza Celebrates National Pizza Month with Chef-Curated Pairings Built for Real Cravings
October is National Pizza Month, and Marco's Pizza, one of the nation's fastest-growing pizza brands, is marking the occasion the way it knows best, by tapping Director of Culinary Innovation Chef Kathleen Kennedy to build five complete, craveable pairings that turn a Marco's order into a full flavor experience - pizza, apps, salads, dip cups, and dessert included.
With more than 40 years of culinary experience in both high-end restaurants and across brands like Kraft, Starbucks, and Walmart...
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue Enters Canada with 5-Unit Franchise Agreement
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, the Hawai'i-based restaurant concept known for its authentic plate lunches with more than 240 locations across the U.S. and Japan, will make its debut in Canada in 2027 through a five-unit franchise agreement with locally based Edmonton Ice District Ltd.
The agreement will bring L&L Hawaiian Barbecue to the province of Alberta, with its first restaurant planned for Edmonton.
"This milestone expansion reflects our confidence in bringing our aloha spirit and made-to-order comfort food of Hawai'i to new...
US Beef, Pork Cuts Introduced to Upscale Restaurants in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula
USMEF’s mobile grill and kitchen provides great flexibility for introducing targeted cuts of U.S. red meat to new regions, new markets and new customers in Mexico. In partnership with importers and distributors, USMEF identifies cuts and variety meat items that have local potential and promotes those items by bringing the mobile kitchen directly to end-user customers, typically in locations that can accommodate large groups such as parking lots or open areas.
One such training and promotional event was held recently in Cancún, where 100 regional customers of Sigma Foodservice learned about alternative cuts of U.S. beef and....
Meat Institute Celebrates 120th Anniversary of Serving the US Meat and Poultry Industry
Milestone marks more than a century of advocacy, food safety leadership and member service
The Meat Institute this month will celebrate its 120th anniversary, marking 12 decades of representing and serving the meat and poultry industry. Several of its members recognized the historic milestone in a celebratory video.
"For 120 years, the Meat Institute has stood alongside the men and women who feed this country and the world,” said Julie Anna Potts, Meat Institute President and CEO. “This anniversary is a celebration of their work...
Farmers Call on President Trump to Provide Diesel Price Relief
As farmers and ranchers face record-high diesel costs, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall today [October 1, 2026] called on the president to take several steps to lower prices at the pump, including a temporary suspension of the federal highway diesel tax.
“Higher diesel expenses are hitting farmers at one of the most fuel-intensive times of the year – harvest,” wrote Mr. Duvall in a letter to President Trump. “Diesel is essential for the American economy and for farmers. Everything on the farm, from running tractors, combines and irrigation equipment to transporting crops...
USMEF Statement on Nomination of Greg Ibach for USDA Under Secretary for Trade
President Trump has nominated Greg Ibach to serve as USDA under secretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs. Ibach is a former director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture and was USDA under secretary for marketing and regulatory programs during the first Trump administration.
U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom issued this statement:
USMEF has been honored to work closely with Greg Ibach for many years, when he was a true champion for agricultural trade at both the state and federal levels. He has seen firsthand the returns...
ANALYSIS: Brazil Clears Key EU Audit, Potentially Paving Way for Poultry and Honey Exports
Consignments from Brazil covered by the new requirements and certified from September 3, 2026, were temporarily halted. The suspension relates to EU rules on antimicrobial use in products of animal origin.
An on-site audit by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE) found that Brazil’s antimicrobial control systems meet EU requirements for broiler poultry meat and apiculture products. The mission took place from August 24 to September 4, 2026. It assessed Brazil’s competent authorities, including the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA). State veterinary agencies...
ANALYSIS: Four Months Below 47%, Female Slaughter Signals a Shift Toward Herd Rebuilding
The percentage of weekly cattle slaughter accounted for by females (cows & heifers) broke below the 47% mark in late May, dipping to 46.3% the week of May 23 after opening the period near 49%. Since briefly testing 47% again in mid-June, female slaughter has stayed under that threshold for essentially the entire summer, drifting through the mid-to-high 44% range with a low of 43.6% the week of August 29. The pattern has held for roughly four consecutive...
ANALYSIS: US Harvest Pace Slows, Winter Wheat Seeding Lags as Storm Remnants Soak the Plains
US farmers hit a speed bump last week after weeks of running ahead of schedule, as the USDA's latest Crop Progress report showed corn and soybean harvest advancing more slowly than the prior pace amid widespread Midwest rainfall. Corn harvest reached 18% complete nationally as of September 27, matching the five-year average, while soybean harvest stood at 17%, also in line with historical norms. Crop conditions told a more cautious story: 57% of corn was rated good to excellent, unchanged from the previous...
ANALYSIS: A Widening Price Gap Between GB and Irish Cattle Prices
Difficult grazing conditions due to heatwave and low rainfall have been adding to the longer-term contraction in Irish cattle supplies. This is reflected in slaughter volumes. In 2026 to date, up to the week ending August 24, prime cattle slaughter in Ireland totalled 802,000 head according to some industry reports. This was 4% below the same period last year and well below the five-year average. Despite low cattle supplies Irish cattle prices have been trending downwards since the start of 2026.
Since December 2025, Irish and GB cattle prices have increasingly diverged. Irish prices have fallen faster than those...
President Trump Eliminates Disease-Carrying Pests and Restores Enjoyment of The Great Outdoors
ELIMINATING INVASIVE TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to eliminate invasive ticks and mosquitoes in the Federal jurisdiction of Washington, D.C. through safe and effective, non-chemical, and technology-enabled methods, and invest in pioneering approaches to eliminate these pests throughout the country.
* The Order directs the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Administrator of General Services, along with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to develop and implement a campaign across Washington, D.C. to reduce...
NestFresh Reaches Major Humanely Hatched™ Milestone, Sparing 1.2 Million Male Chicks
NestFresh, a leading humane egg producer in the U.S., today announced a major milestone in its Humanely Hatched™ program: 1.2 million chicks have now been successfully hatched using in-ovo sexing technology, helping spare 1.2 million male chicks from being euthanized after birth. The company expects that number to reach 1.5 million by the end of 2026.
The milestone marks a significant step forward in NestFresh's effort to bring in-ovo sexing to commercial scale in the U.S. egg industry. While more egg companies are beginning to announce commitments to in-ovo technology, NestFresh has been actively...
California Cold Chain Laws Set to Add Costs for Industry
California Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed two bills into law that the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) says will add financial and regulatory burdens to the state’s food and pharmaceutical cold storage industry. Assembly Bill 817 (AB 817) and Senate Bill 716 (SB 716), signed Sept. 30, take effect Jan. 1, 2027. The measures were introduced following a June 17 industrial fire in Los Angeles that affected the Boyle Heights community and surrounding areas.
GCCA opposed both bills, saying they fall short of strengthening emergency preparedness...
USMEF Partners with Importer to Launch US Pork Boston Butt in Chile
Throughout Latin America, USMEF is enhancing market development efforts for the U.S. pork Boston butt. In Colombia, USMEF markets the Boston butt as an “opportunity cut” to the trade. In Mexico, Boston butt is the “U.S. pork cut of the year.”
The Boston butt’s versatility and flavor are suited to a great variety of menu applications and presents new opportunities to get U.S. pork on menus in the region. A recent target market for the Boston butt is Chile, where USMEF promoted it at a product launch event in Santiago. USMEF partnered with Chilean importer Almakila to introduce the Boston butt to its end-user customers...
Meat Institute Issues Statement on Pork and Beef Trade Opportunities with China
Following the announcement that beef and pork were included in the list of goods qualifying for better trade treatment as a result of ongoing negotiations with China, the Meat Institute released the following statement:
“The Meat Institute is appreciative of Ambassador Greer’s ongoing efforts to secure greater access to Chinese markets for US pork and beef,” said Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts. “It was great to see the inclusion of beef and pork on the list of non-sensitive goods, which will set the foundation...
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.
Expana is closely tracking the situation—see below for related coverage and an updated factsheet with the latest developments...
ANALYSIS: Brazil Fully Exhausts 1.106M MT China Beef Safeguard Quota in 272 Days
On September 29, China's General Administration of Customs, as published via the China International Trade Single Window, has confirmed that Brazil has reached 100% of the quantity stipulated under China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) Announcement No. 87 of 2025, exhausting the full 1.106 million metric ton (MT) annual safeguard allocation.
Under the terms of Announcement No. 87 of 2025, an additional tariff of 55% is imposed on top of the existing...
ANALYSIS: Japan's August 2026 Beef Imports Slide as Inventory Pressure Persists
Japan's beef imports totaled 38,686 MT in August 2026, down 10.9% month-on-month (MOM), or 4,755 MT, and 10.5% year-on-year (YOY), or 4,536 MT, according to Trade Statistics of Japan data.
The August result extended the slowdown in Japan's beef imports, with YOY volumes falling in three of the four months from May through August. The contraction also deepened from July, when imports were down 7.5% YOY.
Year-to-date (YTD) imports through August reached 329,588 MT, up...
ANALYSIS: Grinding Substitution Fades as Peeled Knuckles Trade at a Premium to Fresh 90s Trim
The peeled knuckles market runs close to that of the 90s trim market due to the ability to grind this cut into 90% lean material. During periods when 90s trim is at a premium to peeled knuckles, some market participants opt to shift peeled knuckles into grinding material. So far this year, the weekly average peeled knuckles value has only crossed below the 90s price once, but it remained below for roughly a month. Looking to 2025, peeled knuckles dipped below only twice, once for...
ANALYSIS: Quotas, Bans, and Tariffs - The New Rules Reshaping Global Beef Trade
Global beef trade flows are undergoing significant changes as import policies evolve across the EU, China and the US, according to industry reports.
China, the world’s largest beef importer, has introduced new country-specific beef quotas. Imports outside these quotas will be subject to a 55% tariff, while quota allowances are expected to increase gradually each year. The policy is likely to have a material impact on exporters and could further reshape global beef trade flows as suppliers adjust to changing market access and tariff conditions...
Value, Convenience Drive Restaurant Choice as Consumers Pull Back on Spending
Restaurant operators may be seeing modest improvement in consumer spending, but diners remain highly price-conscious and increasingly selective about where and how they spend. A new report from Popmenu found U.S. consumers are spending an average of $100 per week on restaurants, up from earlier in 2026 but still $15 below June 2025 levels.
The report underscores a key challenge for operators: consumers still want to dine out, but they are actively looking for ways to spend less. According to Popmenu...
Common Cents Act Clears Congress, Giving Restaurants a Federal Cash-Rounding Framework
The penny’s days as a working part of the US cash register are nearing an end, and restaurants are getting a clearer set of rules for dealing with the change.
The Senate passed H.R. 10167, the “Common Cents Act,” on Sept. 28, sending the legislation to President Trump for his signature. The bill would formally end production of pennies for general circulation and establish a federal framework for rounding cash transactions when exact change is unavailable.
For restaurant operators, the legislation provides some...
The Retail Rundown: Pork Finds Its October Opportunity
October is National Pork Month, and this year’s celebration comes at an important time for the pork industry. While the fall buying period provides a marketing hook, tighter hog supplies may be an even more important factor shaping the market.
A smaller hog inventory, steady-to-lower slaughter levels, and attractive prices on select cuts give retailers several reasons to feature pork.
The latest USDA Hogs and Pigs report puts the September 1 US hog and pig inventory at 74.3 million head, about 2% below a year earlier. Market hog inventories were also down about 2%, while the breeding herd was smaller.
The industry enters the fall with a smaller supply base and limited signs of near-term expansion. While pork remains readily...
Expana Exclusive: Supplying 46,000+ Restaurants in Complex Context - McDonald's Supply Chain Leader
Darcy Gilbert, Vice President of Global Food and Beverage Sourcing at McDonald's, leads a global team accountable for overseeing approximately $30 billion in annual spend across 46,000+ restaurants in 100+ markets, and a global network of supplier partners. At its heart, the team’s job is making sure the food customers love shows up in every restaurant, every day. Yet navigating such a vast system in a fast-changing world requires far more than simply leveraging scale.
In an exclusive interview ahead of her appearance...
Hormel Foods Announces Definitive Agreement To Acquire Brakebush, A Value-Added Chicken Company
Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL), a Fortune 500 global branded food company, today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Brakebush Brothers, LLC, a leading value-added chicken company, from the Brakebush family.
The purchase price is approximately $1.055 billion, and the transaction is expected to close during the first quarter of Hormel Foods' fiscal 2027, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approval.
The acquisition advances Hormel Foods' strategy of investing in growing protein categories, will meaningfully expand the company's position in value-added chicken and is expected to strengthen its leading Foodservice platform through...
USDA Increases Investment in Regenerative Pilot Program to Lower Farmer Production Costs
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced increased financial assistance for the Regenerative Pilot Program from $700 million to $1 billion in fiscal year 2027, providing more producers with the opportunity to adopt conservation systems that improve soil health, water quality, and long-term farm resilience. Producers can now apply for assistance with regenerative practices.
Additionally, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is making improvements to the program, including using NRCS’s locally led conservation model to allow State Technical Advisory Committees to add conservation practices that reflect local...
Common Cents Act Clears Congress, Delivering Key Victory for Restaurant Operators
Last night, the Senate passed the Common Cents Act, sending the bill to President Trump for his signature. The vote follows months of advocacy by the National Restaurant Association to address concerns about impact the penny phaseout was having on consumers and business owners.
The Association worked closely with both houses of Congress on the bill that establishes a set of rounding principles for when exact change isn't available in a cash transaction and provides a safe harbor from liability for business owners who follow those principles...
Secretary Rollins Congratulates Luke Lindberg on World Food Programme Appointment
Today, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins congratulated Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg on his appointment as Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and welcomed President Donald J. Trump’s nomination of Greg Ibach to serve as the next Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs.
“Luke Lindberg has been a tremendous friend and partner in our mission to deliver for America’s farmers and ranchers. With his help, the Trump Administration had cut the agricultural trade deficit by 51%, helped deliver...
OpenTable's Inaugural US Restaurant Impact Report Reveals Why Restaurants Matter More Than Ever
For more than 28 years, OpenTable has worked alongside restaurants to help them fill tables, connect with diners, and grow their businesses. Today, the global restaurant tech platform which seats 2 billion diners annually is putting restaurants in the spotlight with the release of its first U.S. Restaurant Impact Report: new research examining the vital role restaurants play in local economies, communities, and everyday life, and the role diners play in supporting the dining ecosystem.
With U.S. dining up 11% year-over-year¹ at OpenTable restaurants, that impact is only growing. Full tables can...
Cargill Invests USD 130 Million To Expand Poultry Operations in Asia
As global protein demand and consumer appetite for high-quality cooked poultry products continues to accelerate, Cargill is investing over USD 130 million over next two years to expand its poultry operations across Asia. The investment encompasses capacity and efficiency enhancements across Cargill’s entire poultry network in Thailand and the Philippines and will help strengthen supply chain resilience, enhance food safety, quality and innovation for its foodservice and retail customers globally.
A key component of the investment is the deployment of advanced technologies to optimize both production processes and...
Four Weeks In: Assessing the Market Response to the Expanded Beef Tariff-Rate Quota
Four weeks after the September 1 launch of the United States’ temporary 300,000 metric ton (MT) beef tariff-rate quota expansion, market data have so far provided limited evidence of a broad consumer-price response associated with the additional tariff-free import volume.
Below, Expana examines the market’s reaction to date and highlights key watchpoints for the weeks ahead.
Wholesale and Producer Prices Move Modestly Lower
The US boxed beef cutout (Choice, 600/900 total carcass value) has traded in a narrow band since the September 1 effective date, moving from $3.70/lb to $3.66/lb as of September 25...
ANALYSIS: October Seasonality—US Domestic Boneless Beef vs. Imported Beef
Over ten years, the pattern is that October prices the domestic lean market below September without exception, while fat trim recovers within the month from a depressed base, and imported lean does very little at all. October is a weaker month than September for domestic 90s on the measure that matters most for cost, and a far more volatile one for fats.
Throughout this report the four series are referred to by name: fresh 90s and fresh 50s for the two US domestic chemical lean items, Aust/NZ blend cow 90% and Brazil 90% for the two imported items. Codes appear...
ANALYSIS: EU Egg Production Shifts at Different Speeds Across Member States
The EU’s egg sector is steadily moving away from caged production, but the pace of the transition varies considerably between major producing countries. For the market, this means that the availability of different egg categories is changing at different rates, while producers face decisions over investment and future production capacity.
France is relatively advanced, SNIPO reports cages accounted for under 25% of laying hens in 2025, down from more than 68% a decade earlier, with 52% now in free-range or organic systems— well above the EU’s 23%...
Utz Enters Protein-Forward Snacking with New Pretzel and Cheese Curl Lines
On September 24, leaders at Utz Brands launched a new protein-forward snack lineup, marking the salty snacks manufacturer's first move into the fast-growing, high-protein category. The Hanover, Pennsylvania-based company unveiled Utz Protein Pretzels and Protein Cheese Curls, each delivering 8-10 grams of protein per serving, according to a company release.
Born From Bold Flavor, Popeyes® Announces their Latest Chicken Sandwich Innovation
As a Real Louisiana Kitchen, Popeyes® doesn't just serve bold flavor, it's the authority on it. Popeyes' culinary team is always looking for new ways to bring bold flavors together, and they saw an opportunity to combine some of the menu's most beloved staples in an entirely new way. It's no surprise fans have long found their own ways to combine the brand's signature chicken and biscuits with honey on social media; but now, Popeyes is putting its culinary expertise behind that...
Firehouse Subs® Brings Back Its Fan-Favorite Thanksgiving Turkey Sub
The wait is over. Firehouse Subs®, the firefighter-founded restaurant brand known for its hot, hearty subs, is bringing back the fan-favorite Thanksgiving Turkey Sub to participating restaurants nationwide. After selling out across the country last year, the Thanksgiving feast-inspired sub returns by popular demand and is available now through the end of December, while supplies last, joined by a new seasonal treat: the Pecan Bar.
The Thanksgiving Turkey Sub is piled high with tender carved turkey breast, warm stuffing...
McLane Company Earns Fourth Consecutive Service Provider of the Year Award from 7-Eleven Franchisees
McLane Company, Inc., one of the largest distributors in America and a leading supply chain partner to retail and restaurant brands, is proud to announce it has been named Service Provider of the Year by the National Coalition of Associations of 7-Eleven Franchisees (NCASEF) for the fourth consecutive year.
Presented at the NCASEF National Trade Show in July, the award recognizes service providers that consistently deliver exceptional support, value and partnership to 7-Eleven franchisees. McLane’s recognition reflects its...
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery Invites Families to Stay and Play with Limited Edition Mahjong Set
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery, the iconic family-dining restaurant known for homestyle meals, all day value, and its iconic bakery, is inviting guests to linger a little longer with the launch of a limited-edition Perkins Mahjong set.
Inspired by the Perkins experience and the traditions that have brought families together around its tables for 60 years, the exclusive set puts a Perkins inspired spin on one of the world’s most beloved tabletop games. Designed for both longtime Mahjong players and those discovering the game...
Demand Signals Report: Unlock CPG, Consumer Behavior Insights
Circana's Demand Signals report provides a comprehensive picture of how shifting consumer behavior impacts the U.S. consumer packaged goods sector. Gain timely, data-backed insights that help support critical business decisions.
Key highlights from this period's report:
Consumer confidence drops on rising energy costs, while higher interest rates may add pressure ahead. Consumer confidence declined again in early September, its second consecutive monthly drop. Although August CPI held steady at 3.4%, gas prices have risen sharply in September and are back near the peaks...
CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor Shows 11th Month of Sales Growth in August
Retail sales rose modestly in August, marking the 11th consecutive month of gains, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor, powered by Affinity Solutions, released today [September 25, 2026] by the National Retail Federation.
"Retail sales climbed steadily once again in August," NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. "Supported by low unemployment and steady wage gains, households remained budget-conscious but took full advantage of back-to-school promotions to stretch their dollars. Retailers stayed committed to affordability, keeping everyday products accessible for American families."
Total retail sales, excluding automobile dealers and gasoline stations, were up 0.22% seasonally...
This week’s Top 10 stories highlight the global forces shaping food, agriculture, and trade markets, from rising tariff tensions and geopolitical risk to supply chain disruptions, fertilizer supply moves, and shifting protein demand. Together, these developments underscore how policy, weather, logistics, and consumer trends continue to influence market conditions across the food and commodity landscape.
Trade & Policy
10. Trade tensions are back in focus ahead of the Sept. 24 Trump-Xi summit, with a possible new Section 301 tariff on China under discussion and the current trade truce extended by two...
Butterball® Togetherness Report™ Reveals 2026 Thanksgiving Outlook
Butterball, LLC, the company known for the most recognized and loved* turkey brand in the U.S., today announced the findings of the 2026 Butterball Togetherness Report, which explores how hosts and guests plan to shop, cook and celebrate this Thanksgiving.
The annual holiday report reveals that 85% of consumers plan to celebrate Thanksgiving this year, with an anticipated celebration size of 10 people. Hosts are holding on to their traditions, with most saying even higher costs won't change their plans. Consumers are looking forward to spending time with family...
Foodservice Heads Into Fall With Expansion, Stronger Earnings and Seasonal Promotions
Foodservice operators are heading into fall with expansion plans, solid financial performance, and a renewed push to convert everyday visits into repeat occasions. This biweekly roundup highlights the latest earnings and growth updates, industry data shaping consumer behavior, and seasonal promotions designed to drive traffic, loyalty participation, and digital engagement.
Market Expansions and Financial Results
Chipotle is expanding its Apprentice program to deepen its management pipeline as it prepares to open 350 to 370 new restaurants in 2026 and works toward a...
Middle East Market Intelligence Brief: Week Ending September 25, 2026
Saudi, Turkish, and Pakistani military chiefs are set to meet in Saudi Arabia as Riyadh faces renewed Houthi attacks and seeks support under the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement. The talks coincide with US–Iran negotiations in New York over a phased deal linking Iran’s reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to US economic relief.
Both sides are reluctant to give up leverage, while Gulf states push for restored freedom of navigation and an end to escalation. The November 3 US midterms add urgency as disruption to Gulf energy and shipping routes continues...
ANALYSIS: Chicken Thigh Meat Challenge Breast Meat’s Longstanding Reign
Demand for thigh meat has been particularly robust this year, which has resulted in relatively high pricing for thigh meat in relation to jumbo boneless breast meat.
Historically, jumbo boneless breast meat has been the most prominent cut of the chicken, so much so that it fueled significant genetic advancements in boneless breast meat size. In 2012, the Cobb 500 performance guidelines outlined a boneless breast carcass yield of 25.11% for a 7 lb. bird, and a whole thigh yield of...
Restaurant Employees See Industry as a Long-Term Career, National Restaurant Association Finds
Restaurant employees increasingly view the industry as a place to build skills and advance their careers, according to the National Restaurant Association’s new Made in Restaurants: Industry Careers in America report.
Based on surveys of current and former restaurant employees and adults who have never worked in the industry, the report finds that 89% of current restaurant employees see opportunities for career advancement, while 96% are satisfied with their industry work experience.
The findings also point to long-term interest in the...
Darden Posts First-Quarter Sales Growth, Reaffirms Fiscal 2027 Outlook
Darden Restaurants opened fiscal 2027 with higher sales and earnings in the first quarter, helped by positive same-restaurant sales across all of its business segments.
For the quarter ended Aug. 30, 2026, total sales increased 5.1% to $3.2 billion. Blended same-restaurant sales rose 3.1% on a fiscal calendar basis and 3.2% on a comparable calendar basis.
Reported diluted net earnings per share from continuing operations were $2.05, up 4.1% from last year’s adjusted diluted net earnings per share from continuing operations. The company...
Avian Flu and African Swine Fever: EU Provides €73 Million to Compensate Italian Farmers
Today, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Christophe Hansen is in Sorrento, Italy, where he will meet Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Sovereignty, Francesco Lollobrigida. While there, he will also deliver a keynote speech at the General Assembly meeting of the Association of Poultry Processors and Poultry Trade in the EU (AVEC), and participate in a panel discussion on 'Building the Future of the EU Poultry Sector Through Innovation'.
This visit comes as Member States agreed on the Commission's proposal to provide €73 million to Italy...
MLA - More Beef From Fewer Cattle: How Productivity Is Reshaping the Herd
Australia's cattle herd is entering a period of gradual contraction, but the production system supporting it looks very different to previous cattle cycles.
MLA's September Cattle Industry Projections estimate the national herd at approximately 30.8 million head in 2026, before easing to just under 30 million by 2028. Despite the decline, cattle turn-off is expected to remain historically high.
The key to understanding this apparent contradiction is productivity. Australian producers are increasingly generating more output from the breeding herd while moving cattle through the production system more efficiently.
Long-term investment in the breeding herd
The productivity gains have not occurred overnight.
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