NCBA Statement on President Trump’s Truth Social Post

Today, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Chief Executive Officer Colin Woodall issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s post regarding beef imports:

“NCBA is disappointed by the President’s statement. While America’s cattle producers share the goal of keeping groceries affordable for consumers, flooding the market with government-subsidized, below-market beef is not the way to rebuild the American cattle herd. Cattle markets have already turned sharply lower this morning, to the detriment of farmers and ranchers. This is a critical time of year for cattle producers, as we approach...

ANALYSIS: China's July 2026 Beef Imports Fall 12.4% MOM as Australia Sits Out and Brazil Counts Down

The front-loading surge that defined China's record first half is fading.

China's beef imports totaled 215,254 metric tons (MT) in July 2026, down 12.4% month-on-month (MOM) and 14.0% year-on-year (YOY), according to the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), as the safeguard framework progressively narrowed the field of commercially viable suppliers.

Year-to-date (YTD) arrivals of 1,745,815 MT remain 12.5% above the same period in 2025, a gap that will narrow sharply as H2 unfolds...

New Opportunities for Pork Producers: Advancing U.S. Pork Sustainability and Market Value Grant

The Advancing U.S. Pork Sustainability and Market Value Grant is a conservation program funded by USDA’s Advancing Markets for Producers program and administered by the National Pork Board. It helps producers implement eligible sustainability practices through financial incentives and technical support. Producers can receive funding for approved conservation practices while measuring and documenting their environmental progress through the Pork Cares Farm Impact Report. Together, these resources help producers improve the sustainability, efficiency, and long-term resilience of their operations.

Yum! Brands Appoints Former HanesBrands CEO Steve Bratspies to Board of Directors

Yum! Brands, Inc. today announced the appointment of Stephen ("Steve") B. Bratspies, former chief executive officer of HanesBrands, Inc., to its board of directors, effective August 26, 2026.

"Steve is a respected business leader with extensive experience leading global consumer brands and driving operational excellence at scale," said Brian Cornell, non-executive chairman of the Yum! Brands board of directors. "His deep expertise across retail, brand management and consumer products, combined with his public company leadership experience, will bring valuable perspective to our board...

Shaquille O'Neal's Big Chicken Celebrates Grand Opening in Beverly, Massachusetts on August 22

Big Chicken is making another BIG move in Massachusetts. The award-winning concept founded by basketball Hall of Famer, Shaquille O'Neal, has officially landed in Beverly, bringing its bold flavors and larger-than-life personality to Boston's North Shore as the Brand continues to grow its Massachusetts footprint.

"Beverly has all the ingredients we look for in a Big Chicken community."

Located at 55 Dodge Street, Big Chicken Beverly will celebrate its grand opening on Saturday, August 22, 2026. The first 36 guests...

Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken Named an Official Partner of the Cincinnati Bengals

Beginning this football season, Bengals fans can enjoy famous hand-breaded chicken strips from Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken at branded concession stands located in both the north and south end zones of Paycor Stadium. The multiyear partnership will also come to life at participating Lee's locations across Ohio and Kentucky, where guests will see Bengals-themed branding and promotions throughout the season.

As an Official Chicken Partner of the Cincinnati Bengals, Lee's will serve its famous hand-breaded chicken strips and potato wedges throughout the season, bringing one of Ohio's favorite chicken brands to the game day experience at Paycor Stadium.

Expana's Weekly Top 10

This week’s Top 10 spotlights how supply constraints and regulatory decisions, not so much demand, are steering markets. Tyson is overhauling its beef footprint as cattle supplies tighten, ICCAT-driven rule changes have pushed up Atlantic bluefin quotas, and sugar and dairy moves are being driven more by policy, logistics and weather risk than by volume. Expect price action to stay volatile as capacity and trade rules set the tone. Read more about this hot topics this week and more, below. This list is in no part...

Middle East Market Intelligence Brief: Week Ending August 21, 2026

Iran has warned that any new US threats will trigger a "devastating” response, while Washington prepares what Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent calls the toughest sanctions in history in an effort to pressure Iran’s leadership.

Bessent said details will be announced on Monday and suggested the measures are intended to avoid a renewed large-scale military escalation.

Meanwhile, oil prices have risen amid concerns over disruptions to Gulf energy exports, with the US blockade reportedly reducing Iranian oil shipments to China, Tehran’s largest buyer. China has opposed further sanctions and...

ANALYSIS: Growing Halal Demand Reshapes US Lamb Supply

The most important change in the US lamb market is that approximately 50% of commercially processed lambs are entering the Halal market, according to market participants. These animals are generally slaughtered at 65–90 lbs live, compared with 130–145 lbs for conventionally finished lambs. Halal rules do not require lighter animals, but many customers prefer smaller, leaner lambs for traditional meals, whole-animal purchases, and religious celebrations.

Halal buyers are willing to pay a premium for lighter lambs, often purchasing them before they reach a sale barn or...

ANALYSIS: August USDA Outlook Reshapes the Q3 Protein Picture

The August USDA Livestock, Dairy & Poultry Outlook presents a materially different picture than last month across major protein categories. Unlike previous reports, which projected year-over-year (YOY) production gains across all four proteins in Q3, the latest data shows beef contracting on a YOY basis while broilers and turkey have been revised higher. Pork retains a positive trajectory but at a more modest pace than previously forecast.

Turkey has experienced the most significant upward...

ANALYSIS: Korea's July 2026 Beef Imports Fall as Safeguard Cycle Draws to a Close

Korea's beef imports totalled 41,446 metric tons (MT) in July 2026, down 5.0% year-on-year (YOY) from 43,634 MT in July 2025, according to Korea Customs Service data. 

The result marks the first monthly YOY decline since October 2025 and was also marginally softer month-on-month (MOM), down 0.2% from June's 41,539 MT, reflecting a structural rotation in buying patterns as the Korea-Australia Free Trade Agreement (KAFTA) safeguard front-loading cycle that defined H1 2026 came to a close. 

Imports from Australia reached 20,383...

ANALYSIS: June Turkey Trade Shows Growing Export Demand Amid Increased US Supply

Year-over-year (YOY) exports of US turkey meat were up a total of 0.2% during June, pointing to a greater availability of production compared to last year. While this trend wasn’t noted across all destinations, most countries took note of the relative affordability of turkey meat and purchased in substantial ...

Perdue Farms Receives National Safety Recognition from Poultry Industry

Perdue Farms’ commitment to workplace safety and continuous improvement has earned national recognition, with 37 facilities across the U.S. receiving 2026 Industry Safety and Health Awards from the Joint Poultry Industry Safety and Health Council.

Award recipients are selected through a rigorous review process that considers safety performance and workplace safety programs over multiple years. An independent panel also scores each facility based on written explanations of safety programs and processes. This year, 20 Perdue facilities were recognized with the highest honor, the Award of Distinction...

Denny’s Launches $9.99 Triple Play Combos, Adds New Burger Lineup

Denny’s is rolling out a new value-focused menu strategy nationwide with the launch of its Triple Play Combo Meals, offering customers a drink, starter and entrée starting at $9.99. The customizable three-part meals are designed to give diners more choice while allowing them to trade up to higher-priced entrées.

The lineup includes several new beef offerings, including the Diner QP, a 100% all-beef patty with 50% more beef than a quarter-pound patty, American cheese, diced onions, pickles, mustard...

Ocado Confirms Nemlig as Its Latest European Partner

Ocado Group ("Ocado") has today confirmed nemlig as the European national retailer announced as its latest partner on 21 July 2026. The partnership will support the continued development and growth of nemlig.com in Denmark.

Nemlig is the largest pure-play online supermarket in Denmark with sales of 3.3bn DKK (c.£380m) in 2025/26 (2.8bn DKK (c.£320m) in 2024/25). Nemlig has established itself as one of the most price-competitive grocers in the Danish market, currently fulfilling thousands of orders for shoppers across Denmark using manual fulfilment.

Under the agreement, Nemlig and Ocado will build a state-of-the-art Customer Fulfilment Centre (CFC) near Copenhagen...

ASPCA Launches Direct Support Grant to Assist with New World Screwworm Outbreak

In response to the outbreak of New World Screwworm (NWS) in the U.S., the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) has announced up to $500,000 in emergency funding that will be available through its New World Screwworm Direct Support Grant to provide support for prevention and treatment efforts in dogs, cats, and equines in states with infestations. Funding will be distributed on a rolling basis. The application is open now through October 31, 2026, or until funds are expended, whichever comes first.

Screwworm was considered eradicated in the U.S. However, the parasite has been moving north through...

Tyson Foods Reshapes Beef Footprint Amid Tight US Cattle Supplies

Late last week, major industry player Tyson Foods announced a restructuring of its beef network, a move aimed at offsetting the challenges posed by declining US cattle production and strengthening the business for the long term.

Tyson said it plans to anchor its beef operations around three strategically located plants. As part of the restructuring, the company will close its beef facility in Joslin, Illinois, and its case-ready facility in Eagle Mountain, Utah. Tyson is also...

Rounds Introduces RANCH Act to Help Rebuild America’s Cattle Herd

U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), ranking member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today introduced the Rebuilding America’s National Cow Herd (RANCH) Act. This legislation would create a new voluntary grazing land restoration program that would open up to 20 million new acres for grazing. At full enrollment of 20 million acres, the program established by the RANCH Act would provide sufficient grazing land to support an estimated two to four million additional beef cows.

“Anyone who has spent time around cattle understands one simple truth: no grass means no cattle,” said Rounds...

Perdue Farms Named 2026 PDMA Outstanding Corporate Innovator

Perdue Farms has won the Product Development and Management Association’s (PDMA) 2026 Outstanding Corporate Innovator Award, recognizing the company's ability to create lasting value through innovation for more than a century.

Now in its 39th year, the PDMA OCI Award recognizes industry-leading processes and practices, with organizations selected from a pool of entrants from around the world. Winners are evaluated through a rigorous, highly competitive process—and Perdue is proud to be recognized in this year’s contest.

Innovation is in Perdue’s DNA. For 106 years, the company has...

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' Letter Urges Farm Labor Reform 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