Genetic Sequencing Results for Washington Dairy Herd Detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

On October 8, 2026, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced the first two detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in two dairy herds in Washington. On October 8, the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) completed whole genome sequencing and confirmed that the virus is H5N1 genotype B3.13. Analysis indicates that this detection is consistent with transmission of virus from Idaho to Washington likely through cattle movement.

Key Points

• Most cases in U.S. dairy herds have resulted from live animal movements linked to the...

Congress Has an Opportunity to Deliver for America's Restaurants, National Restaurant Association

As the makeup of the 120th Congress comes into focus, the National Restaurant Association is looking ahead to the opportunities the lawmakers will have to support one of the nation's most important economic drivers. With 15.7 million employees in nearly 1 million locations, restaurants are the nation's second-largest private employer. The Association is ready to work with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to make it easier to open, run and grow a restaurant.

"Restaurants are at the intersection of the nation's affordability...

OpenTable Points to More Dining Occasions in 2027, Releases Annual Top 100 Restaurants in America

Americans are finding more reasons to dine out beyond traditional celebrations, with everyday milestones, entertainment and the appeal of becoming a restaurant regular all helping shape dining habits heading into 2027, according to a new report from OpenTable.

The company’s 2027 Dining Trends Report suggests consumer interest in restaurant dining remains firm. The findings combine OpenTable US reservation data from Jan. 1-Aug. 31, 2026, with a Ripple Research survey of 2,001 US consumers conducted Sept. 15-23,...

ANALYSIS: Australia's Oct 2026 Beef Exports Post Fourth Straight YOY Decline as Output, Demand Soften

Australia's outbound beef exports eased further in October 2026, with total volumes falling to 128,386 metric tons (MT), according to the latest trade data from Australia's Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).

Volumes were down 2.8% (-3,760 MT) month-on-month (MOM) and 7.8% (-10,899 MT) from October 2025, the fourth consecutive year-on-year (YOY) decline.

October exports sat only marginally above August's 128,346 MT, the weakest month of 2026 outside January, and below the YTD monthly average of 133,822 MT.

It was...

Kraft Heinz to Divest North American Coffee Business for $650 Million

As of November 4, leaders at Kraft Heinz agreed to sell the company's North American coffee business to an affiliate of private equity firm One Rock Capital Partners for $650 million, according to a company announcement from the owner of brands like Ore-Ida and Capri Sun.

The deal, expected to close mid-2027, covers the Maxwell House, Gevalia, Nabob, Yuban, Tassimo, Ethical Bean, and Sanka brands. Kraft Heinz will retain a 30% non-controlling stake. The deal also includes coffee manufacturing facilities in Jacksonville, Florida...

The Retail Rundown: Strong Retail Deals, Tighter Turkey Procurement

With Thanksgiving just three weeks out, retailers are ramping up turkey promotions, including heavily discounted and free birds, to draw holiday shoppers. 

Behind the retail activity, however, wholesale buyers face tightening whole-turkey supplies, historically elevated prices, and limited options for last-minute purchases.

Expana’s frozen tom assessments have climbed nearly 12% to record highs since the start of 2026. Despite higher year-to-date ready-to-cook production, more birds have been directed to cut-up and deboning operations, tightening whole-bird supplies ahead of Thanksgiving.

The imbalance emerged in...

Maple Leaf Foods Reports Third Quarter 2026 Financial Results

Maple Leaf Foods Inc. ("Maple Leaf Foods" or "the Company") (TSX: MFI) today reported its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2026.

Third Quarter 2026 Highlights

• Sales were $1,035 million compared to $1,011 million for the same period last year, an increase of 2.4%.
• Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization ("Adjusted EBITDA")⁽ⁱ⁾ grew to $129 million, a 15.4% increase from the same period last year, with Adjusted EBITDA Margin increasing by 140 basis points to 12.5%.
• Earnings before taxes were $36...

Trust & Traceability at Center of Heavy Metal Safety in Plant Protein Ingredients, Says PURIS CEO

The team at PURIS, North America's largest pea protein producer, is leaning into transparency, traceability, and application-specific testing as customers and regulators scrutinize heavy metals in food, beverage, and nutrition products like protein drinks and medical nutrition goods. At the same time, the PURIS crew is releasing new SKUs at a time of record consumer demand for added protein. 

QDOBA Gets Cozy with New Chicken Tinga and Returning Fan-Favorite Tortilla Soup

Temperatures are dropping, but the flavor is heating up at QDOBA. Beginning today, guests can enjoy a lineup of warm, handcrafted flavors inspired by traditional Mexican comfort foods, featuring NEW Chicken Tinga, the return of fan-favorite Tortilla Soup and recently launched Queso Fundido.

At the heart of QDOBA's comfort season is Chicken Tinga, a new limited-time flame-grilled chicken in a savory, smoky sauce made with fire-roasted tomatoes, onions, peppers and spices. The combination of ingredients in Chicken Tinga brings bold...

Wayne-Sanderson Farms President and CEO Kevin McDaniel Installed as Chairman of National Chicken Council

Wayne-Sanderson Farms announced today that President and Chief Executive Officer Kevin McDaniel has been installed as the 2026-2027 Chairman of the National Chicken Council (NCC). The appointment occurred during the NCC’s 71st Annual Conference in Washington, D.C., on October 29, 2026.

McDaniel brings more than 35 years of poultry industry experience to the role, leading Wayne-Sanderson Farms on a strong trajectory of operational excellence and industry leadership.

“It is an honor to serve as Chairman of the National...

Broiler Industry Supports over 1.5 Million Jobs and $533 Billion in Total Economic Impact: New Study

The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY), National Chicken Council, National Turkey Federation and United Egg Producers have released an updated economic impact study that highlights the positive impact the poultry industry has on jobs, wages, and federal and state revenue in the United States.

The study breaks down poultry into three subcategories: broilers, turkey and eggs, and calculates the direct, supplier, induced, and total economic impact of each.

The broiler industry supports 1,555,821 total jobs, generating $118.7 billion...

APHIS Releases Second Report From the Beef Feedlot 2021 Study

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has released Health and Management Practices on U.S. Feedlots, 2021, the second report from its 2021 study of the U.S. feedlot industry.

About the Feedlot 2021 Study

Feedlot 2021 is the fifth national study of U.S. feedlots conducted by APHIS’ National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS). The study included 22 States, with small feedlots participating from 18 States and large feedlots from 17 States. The study collected data on:

• Management practices on U.S. feedlots with 50 or more head 
• Prevalence of important feedlot cattle diseases...

Sysco Names Brandon Sewell Chief Financial Officer; Company Reaffirms Fiscal 2027 

Sysco Corporation today announced that Brandon Sewell, the Company’s Interim Chief Financial Officer since March 2026, has been named Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective November 1, 2026.

“Brandon has distinguished himself as a trusted and highly effective leader throughout his twelve years with the company, and when asked to step in as Interim Chief Financial Officer, he performed at a high level,” said Kevin Hourican, Sysco’s Chair of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. “Brandon commands a deep...

Bonefish Grill is Backing Veterans with Robert Irvine Foundation LTO

Bonefish Grill announced Nov. 2 a partnership with the Robert Irvine Foundation to honor service members, veterans, first responders and their families. As part of the partnership, $1 from every purchase on a limited-time menu curated by Chef Robert Irvine will go to support the foundation’s mission of strengthening the physical and mental wellness of those who have served.

The limited-time menu is available through Dec. 31 and features two entrées.

One option is the 13-ounce Wood-Grilled Sage Ribeye, served...

Vital Farms Reports Third Quarter 2026 Financial Results

Vital Farms (Nasdaq: VITL), a Certified B Corporation that offers a range of ethically produced foods nationwide, today reported financial results for its third quarter ended September 27, 2026.

Financial highlights for the third quarter ended September 27, 2026, compared to the third quarter ended September 28, 2025, where applicable, include:

• Net Revenue of $182.2 million, a decrease of 8.4% year over year and an increase of 9.7% sequentially from the second quarter of fiscal 2026
• Gross Margin of 23.1%, compared to 37.7%
• Net Loss of $6.5 million, compared to Net Income of $16.4 million
• Net Loss per Diluted Share of $0.15, compared...

FMI Joins Over 400 Stakeholders in Calling on Congress to Extend the Work Opportunity Tax Credit

FMI - The Food Industry Association issued the following statement about a large multi-industry effort to urge Congress during its post-election lame duck session to reauthorize an important program utilized by employers to hire Americans. 

"FMI is thrilled to join 473 other organizations and employers, including our members and state association partners, in calling on Congress in a broad industry letter to enact an extension of the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)...

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

Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) confirmed via PCR (polymerase chain reaction) detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 genotype B3.13 in a dairy cattle herd in Indiana. This detection was a result of routine National Milk Testing Strategy testing, not pre-movement surveillance. 

This marks the first reported case of HPAI in cattle in Indiana. While dairy cattle in a total of 21 states have been infected since the start of the outbreak in...

ANALYSIS: November Seasonality—US Domestic Boneless Beef vs. Imported Beef 

Across the ten Novembers from 2016 through 2025, domestic lean stopped falling without recovering while imported lean did the moving. The autumn decline documented in the companion studies was concentrated in September and October; by November domestic 90s were flat and imported Aust/NZ had risen in seven years out of ten.

Columns three to seven are the within-month path (first to last business day of November). Columns eight to twelve are month-over-month (October average against November average). Throughout this report the four series are referred to...

Applebee’s Honors Veterans & Active Duty Military with Free Meals on Veterans Day

This Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11, Applebee’s will continue its longstanding tradition of honoring those who serve and have served our country. All Active Duty Military, Veterans, Reserves, and National Guard members who dine in at participating Applebee’s restaurants will receive a complimentary full-size entrée from an exclusive Veterans Day menu as a heartfelt thank-you for their service.*

This year marks the 19th consecutive year Applebee’s has honored service members and veterans with complimentary meals on Veterans Day. Since the...

Amazon Offers $25 Thanksgiving Meal as Grocery Retailers Compete on Holiday Value

Amazon is offering a $25 Thanksgiving meal bundle through Nov. 26, combining a frozen turkey with ingredients for traditional side dishes and dessert as the company expands its grocery delivery assortment and holiday promotions. The bundle is available in more than 2,300 US cities and towns served by Amazon’s fresh grocery Same-Day Delivery service. Customers can order the meal through Amazon Grocery, with free Same-Day Delivery on orders of $25 or more, while supplies last.

“Customers love the convenience of...

New World Screwworm in the US - What We Know

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

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

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

ALDI Launches Deck-Out, a Holiday Decorating Challenge to win $10K in Groceries

This holiday season, ALDI is giving fans a new challenge: The ALDI Deck-Out, a nationwide decorating contest inviting shoppers to bring their ALDI love to life through creative, over-the-top holiday displays inside or outside their homes.

Beginning Nov. 9, fans can show just how hard they go for ALDI. This isn't the time to be subtle. Imagine extravagant holiday tablescapes, festive mantel makeovers or a staircase decked out from top to bottom in ALDI-inspired flair.

Little Caesars Launches Cheesy Garlic Pepperoni Pizza With George Kittle Campaign

Little Caesars is adding a new pizza to its lineup. Beginning Nov. 2, the Cheesy Garlic Pepperoni pizza will be available for $6.99. It features cheesy garlic white sauce, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni and garlic herb seasoning on a toasted garlic Parmesan and Asiago crust.

"Pepperoni pizza will always be a favorite, but our guests are also looking for new flavors and more variety," said Greg Hamilton, chief marketing officer at Little Caesars. "Cheesy Garlic Pepperoni gives them the...

Tyson Foods Debuts Holiday Nuggets in Festive Seasonal Shapes

Tyson Foods has unveiled its latest innovation just in time for the holiday season. The company's new Holiday Nuggets are hitting grocery freezers with 100% white meat packed in every bite-sized nugget and delivering 12 grams of protein per serving.

“The holidays are about gathering around the table and creating memories with the people you love,” said Angela Klinger, GM, RVAP for Tyson Foods. “With Tyson Holiday Nuggets, we wanted to bring a little extra fun to those moments.” She added that...

USDA is Fueling Healthy Futures with Historic New Child Nutrition Funding

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Administration (FNA) announced two major investments to strengthen the impact of school meals: more than $27 million in additional Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grants and the availability of an additional $50 million in National School Lunch Program (NSLP) Equipment Assistance Grants. Together, these investments will help schools procure more local foods, strengthen partnerships with farmers and producers, connect school children to nutrition and agricultural education, and modernize cafeteria infrastructure.

This announcement builds on USDA’s Harvest to Hallways initiative — the newest phase of the Trump Administration’s common-sense actions to improve school meals by expanding...

Foodservice Operators Balance Menu Innovation, Value and Evolving Consumer Trends in October

October brought a mix of menu innovation, restaurant business developments and shifting consumer trends across the foodservice sector. As operators look to attract customers amid affordability pressures, chains are balancing seasonal launches and core-menu updates with value-oriented offerings. Meanwhile, industry research points to changing expectations around convenience, technology and prepared foods, with emerging trends offering insight into opportunities for foodservice and seafood markets in 2027.

Menu innovation remained a priority, with several chains introducing seasonal offerings and refreshing established favorites. Smashburger...

Secretary Rollins Announces 8 Additional Companies Joining USDA’s Product of USA Label Initiative

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins today announced that 8 additional meat and poultry companies have adopted USDA’s voluntary Product of USA (POTUSA) label, building on 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. With today’s announcement, more than 30 companies have committed to the label since USDA launched its nationwide campaign earlier this year.

As more processors adopt the Product of USA label, American families heading...

ANALYSIS: Japan's Q3 2026 Beef Imports Fall as Storage Glut Curbs Buying

Japan's beef imports fell 3.4% year-on-year (YOY) to 124,093 metric tons (MT) in the third quarter (Q3) of 2026, as elevated cold-storage inventories and weak demand curbed buying, according to Trade Statistics of Japan data. Imports were also down 12.9% quarter-on-quarter (QOQ), marking the lowest Q3 total since 2023.

Australian shipments rose 12.2% YOY to 71,421 MT, lifting its share to 57.6%, the highest third-quarter share since 2011. Shipments from the United States (US) fell 15.8% YOY to 39,043 MT amid tight...

ANALYSIS: Brazil Newcastle Cases Reshape US Chicken Trade

On October 18th, Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture confirmed a case of Newcastle disease at a commercial turkey farm in Nova Itaberaba, Santa Catarina...

ANALYSIS: 2026 Beef Feet Prices Sharply Lower Compared to 2025 With Supply Playing a Strong Role

In 2025, the variety market experienced firmer pricing across several items, but one of the largest standouts was beef feet. Last year, beef feet reached values above $4.00/lb at their peak due to continued demand and limited availability. Looking at cattle slaughter, which has a strong correlation to supply, monthly slaughter in August 2025 was the second lowest of the year, contributing to the steep rise in feet prices heading into September.

This leads to the question of why feet prices are not experiencing similar strength. Currently, they are about...

Expana's Weekly Top 10

From climate risks and shipping disruptions to shifting trade policies and seasonal demand, this week’s top stories highlight the pressures reshaping global food and seafood markets. Chile’s salmon sector faces another challenging stretch, US seafood policy is taking a new direction, and tighter protein supplies are keeping prices in focus as retailers prepare for the holiday season.

Find archived recaps here. 

Seafood Industry, Production and Trade

10. Chilean Salmon Faces El Niño on Top of ISA, Tariffs and Feed Costs as Harvest Growth Slows by Ryan Doyle...

Middle East Market Intelligence Brief: Week Ending October 30, 2026

US President Donald Trump said on Friday that he expects the war with Iran to end soon, although he offered no details on how the hostilities would be brought to a close.

Trump has previously said the United States would not launch strikes against Iran before the midterm elections.

Meanwhile, a Panama-flagged tanker was hit by two limpet mines in the Strait of Hormuz, the first successful attack of its kind since the US-Iran war began. Trump reportedly sent Iran a letter seeking to revive peace talks, but Tehran has yet to respond. 

Below is Expana’s weekly summary of...

PODCAST: Episode 48 - Fueling Food Production: The Volatility of Energy Costs in 2026

Harvest season is well underway and it is the most energy-intensive period of the agricultural year. Meanwhile, the energy cost outlook for the food and agriculture sector remains complex and uncertain. In this episode of Agri-Food for Thought, join Jamie and guest, Senior Forecast Analyst Amanda Rastovic, as they break down the latest in energy market volatility and its impact on the sector. 

Listen now. 

New US Pork Loin Products Launched in South Korea’s Institutional Sector

USMEF partners with institutional meal service provider on product development and promotional launch for six branded U.S. pork loin products.

Pork industry efforts to develop opportunities for the loin are moving forward in Korea’s institutional sector, which provides meals to an estimated 25% of Koreans each day. USMEF partnered with Korea’s largest foodservice and catering company, Samsung Welstory, to develop and launch six U.S. pork loin products for institutional buyers under “Welclassic,” its new private brand for donkatsu products. This marks the first launch of U.S. pork products under...

USDA Rural Development Announces Loan Guarantee for New Beef Processing Facility in Dimmitt, Texas

Today [October 29, 2026], Vice President J.D. Vance announced an investment through the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program (B&I Program) to support construction of a locally owned, USDA‑inspected beef processing facility in Dimmitt, Texas. The facility, backed by a $24.6 million commercial loan, will process approximately 400 head of cattle per day and is expected to create 220 new jobs.

“President Trump and Vice President Vance have been steadfast in their support of ranchers and small businesses who are working to rebuild our Great American Cattle Herd. That’s...

NCC Elects New Officers; Wayne-Sanderson’s Kevin McDaniel Installed as Chairman

The National Chicken Council (NCC) has installed the officers that will guide the organization through 2027. The installation took place today at NCC’s 71st Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. Kevin McDaniel, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne-Sanderson Farms, will serve as 2026-2027 Chairman.

Kevin served as Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Fresh Business Unit, and held the role of Chief Operating Officer for Wayne Farms prior to the acquisition. With over 35 years of industry experience, he brings a wealth of leadership expertise...

P.F. Chang’s Leans on Nostalgia in New Brand Campaign

As nostalgia continues to shape marketing across the foodservice sector, P.F. Chang’s is leaning into multigenerational dining occasions in a new campaign aimed at reconnecting with long-time guests.

The campaign centers on a new brand spot set to Lukas Graham’s “7 Years,” following guests through milestones such as birthdays and family gatherings and celebrations. The creative highlights signature menu items and dining experiences, including Chang’s Lettuce Wraps and the Great Wall of Chocolate dessert, as the brand encourages former guests to return with their...

ANALYSIS: Mexico NWSW Cases Hold Steady as Detections Spread North

October brought another step in the gradual reopening of US ports to Mexican cattle, with Columbus, New Mexico, resuming operations on October 26, following Douglas, Arizona, in August and Santa Teresa, New Mexico, in September. Even so, New World screwworm (NWSW) remained the central issue shaping the cattle trade outlook, as sanitary risk continued to determine the pace and scope of reopening.

Mexico currently reports 1,896 active NWSW cases, down 6.7% month over month, while cumulative detections have reached 49,626. Even so, the geographic spread of the parasite has become...

ANALYSIS: Three Straight Months of Record-Low Placements Point to Tightening Cattle Supplies

USDA's October 1 Cattle on Feed report showed 11.372 million head in feedyards, just 0.40% below a year ago and 1.42% below the five-year average. This was the second lowest total for October 1 in the last 9 years. That is up 204,000 head from September 1. September placements of 1.777 million head were 12.07% below last year and 16.33% below the five-year average, the lowest for September since the series began in 1996. This marks the 3rd month in a row of fresh record...

Secretary Rollins Commends Governors for Taking Action on Emergency Diesel Relief

Today, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins recognized the 31 states that have taken early action to complement President Donald J. Trump’s emergency dyed diesel relief initiative and encouraged remaining governors to take corresponding action to provide relief to American farmers, ranchers, and transportation operators.

On October 5, 2026, President Trump, with the strong support of Vice President J.D. Vance, signed Executive Order 14435, Emergency Tax Relief on Diesel Fuel, directing the U.S. Department of the Treasury and Internal Revenue Service (IRS)...

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detected in a Commercial Turkey Flock in Sac County

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have detected a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1 HPAI) in a commercial turkey flock in Sac County. This case is Iowa’s eighth detection of H5N1 HPAI in 2026.

About H5N1 HPAI in Birds

H5N1 HPAI is a viral disease that affects both wild and domestic bird populations. H5N1 HPAI can travel in wild birds without those birds appearing sick, but is often fatal to domestic bird populations, including chickens and turkeys...

Executive, Sous Chefs Participate in USMEF Culinary Education Program in Indonesia

Training programs for U.S. beef and pork help build a network of culinary advocates among executive and sous chefs from upscale restaurants in Jakarta.

USMEF brought a group of 25 executive and sous chefs together for an educational seminar in Jakarta, Indonesia, with one day devoted to U.S. beef and the second day to U.S. pork. The chefs, from top restaurants in the city, were customers of Indonesian importer PT Indoguna Utama. Also participating were the importer’s executive chef and three culinary influencers.

USMEF began each day’s session with an industry...

USDA Confirms New World Screwworm in Arizona

The Wendy's Company Confirms Receipt of Unsolicited Proposal from Trian Partners

The Wendy's Company (Nasdaq: WEN) ("Wendy's" or the "Company") today [October 28, 2026] confirmed that it received an unsolicited, non-binding proposal from Trian Fund Management, L.P. ("Trian Partners"), Flynn Group LP, BlueFive Capital and Sixth Street Partners (the "Investor Group") to acquire all of the outstanding shares of common stock of Wendy's not currently owned by the Investor Group for $7.35 per share in cash (the "Proposal").

In response to the Schedule 13D/A filed by Trian Partners on February 18, 2026, the Wendy's Board of Directors formed a committee of independent directors not affiliated with the Investor Group to evaluate any proposal from Trian Partners...

US Pork, Beef Exports Both at Record-Setting Pace to Dominican Republic

U.S. pork exports to Dominican Republic from Jan.-Aug. 2026 increased 23% by volume and 22% in value over year-ago, reaching $212.3 million. U.S. beef exports grew 19% by volume and 37% by value from Jan.-Aug., reaching $121.8 million.

As the top tourist destination in the Caribbean and the seventh-largest export market for U.S. red meat, the Dominican Republic (DR) offers untapped growth potential for U.S. beef and pork. What distinguishes the DR, says Lucia Ruano, USMEF’s representative for Central...

The Retail Rundown: Beef Holds Strong as Fall Meat Promotions Shift

The seasonal shift in retail protein advertising is becoming more apparent as cooler weather settles across parts of the country and consumers turn to heartier meals.

While falling temperatures typically reduce grilling occasions, promotions on cuts like chops, ribs, and steaks continue to offer retailers opportunities to attract shoppers looking to extend the outdoor cooking season or stock up ahead of winter.

USDA retail feature data show continued promotional activity across the major protein categories, although advertising patterns and feature rates varied across the meat case.

Beef promotions held...

USDA Opens New Research Facility to Strengthen Water Efficiency and Productivity in the Southwest

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) today [October 27, 2026] announced the opening of the Southwest Watershed Research Center (SWRC) in Tucson, Arizona. This state-of-the-art facility will provide innovative solutions for water, plants, and soil agricultural challenges in the American Southwest.

“America’s farmers and ranchers need practical solutions that help them produce more and make the most of every drop of water,” said Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. “This new facility gives USDA scientists the tools to tackle the challenges facing producers across the Southwest and turn research into results on...

IFF Identifies 10 Consumer Opportunities Tied to GLP-1 Use

IFF has identified 10 emerging consumer occasions that could help food and beverage manufacturers develop products for people using GLP-1 medications, as users rethink their eating habits and nutritional needs.

The company’s new report, GLP-1 Consumer Moments of Opportunity, examines how consumers are adapting food and beverage choices to different needs throughout the day, moving beyond reduced food intake to consider nutrition, convenience, flavor and enjoyment.

“What GLP-1 users need from food and beverage products depends on the moment, and those needs...

ANALYSIS: US Choice Bone-in Ribs Hovering Near Record High Levels with Rising Demand

Choice bone-in heavy ribs are hovering around record-high levels as demand for the upcoming end-of-year holidays picks up. Compared to 2025, the weekly average price for the week of 10/19/2026 was 9.3% higher, and compared to the 3-year average for the same period, 2026 is roughly 25% higher.

Slaughter remains tighter, and production availability is more limited than in previous years. Demand for bone-in ribs remains largely focused in the spot market, with only 10 trades occurring within the 22-90 day range so far in October...

ANALYSIS: US Imports of Mexican Beef Slow as October Volumes Fall Below 2025 Levels

US imports of Mexican beef showed mixed trends in September, with fresh cuts maintaining their year-on-year strength despite a 6.1% decline from August, while trimmings continued to reflect weaker buying conditions...

Walmart Meal Basket Serves 10 for $35 – $3.50 Per Person(1) – Helping Families Celebrate All Season

Some of Americans’ most memorable holiday moments happen around the table, and this year, Walmart is making it easier and more affordable than ever for families to serve a plentiful and delicious holiday meal. Walmart's highly anticipated Holiday Meal Basket is returning with even more food than last year, available to customers through December 24, 2026 - with the convenience of fast delivery to help families spend less time planning and more time celebrating.

Walmart’s 2026 Holiday...

Shoppers Turn to Deals and Store Brands as Grocery Affordability Worsens

Shoppers are increasingly relying on deals, store brands and lower-priced retailers to manage grocery costs, even as wage growth slightly improves their purchasing power, according to the latest Acosta Group Affordability Tracker.

In August, just 53% of shoppers said they felt comfortable affording groceries and household essentials, down from 68% in January. Meanwhile, 26% said they felt uncomfortable with their ability to afford those necessities, up from 17% at the start of the year. The shift comes as consumers continue to contend with elevated...