Grocery Pricing Roulette Tested; Report: Instacart Puts On a 'Pricing' Experiment
Instacart is experimenting with pricing, charging some people shopping for groceries at the same time and same store location prices that can vary by as much as 23%, an investigation has found. On average, that could cost a family of four a swing of $1,200 based on Instacart's prices, the study by Consumer Reports, More Perfect Union, and Groundwork Collaborative, a Washington, DC-based think tank, found. That is particularly troubling as American shoppers say they are grappling with higher...
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FSIS Announce a Recall of 62,550 Pounds of Chicken Products
The United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced a recall from Suzanna's Kitchen of approximately 62,550 pounds of fully coolked, bone-in chicken products.
The recalled items included in this announcement come in 18-lb. cases which contain four units of “FULLY COOKED BREADED CHICKEN PORTIONS,”. It has case code “P-1380 126237 B30851 23:11 K04” printed on the side of the packaging along with the USDA mark of inspection and establishment number P-1380.
This item was produced on...
Foodservice Finds Momentum This Holiday Season Amid Shifting Consumer Spending
As the holidays approach and the year winds down, the foodservice industry competes with retail on how consumers stretch their dollars during "the most wonderful time of the year."
CNBC recently reported that, based on restaurant purchasing data, consumers continue to dine out, but many are opting for appetizer items instead of entrée menu options.
Despite the challenges of disease, supply issues, and rising costs, the American foodservice industry remains resilient and continues to find ways to tap into consumer spending this December, even as some consumers scale back.
ANALYSIS: Weakness Across US Cage-Free Market Intensifies Ahead of Christmas
The US cage-free market has turned decidedly weak, as growing availability and limited buying interest have left sellers increasingly negotiable, resulting in spot values falling rapidly. Now two weeks removed from Thanksgiving and with the seasonal Christmas push yet to materialize, retail pulls rated as.....
Suzanna’s Kitchen Recalls Fully Cooked Breaded Chicken Products Due to Misbranding
Suzanna’s Kitchen, a Suwanee, Ga., establishment, is recalling approximately 62,550 pounds of fully cooked, bone-in breaded chicken products due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product contains soy, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.
The 8-piece cut, bone-in breaded chicken portions were produced Oct. 16, 2025. The following product is subject to recall:
ANALYSIS: November Cattle on Feed Down 2% and Placements Down 10% in October from Year Ago Levels
Cattle on feed numbers for November were the lowest experienced for that month over the past 5 years although it did come close to surpassing 2022 levels. When comparing over the last 10 years, current levels are below every year except for 2015-2018, which was a period of cattle retention. On a state-by-state basis, the states that experienced a lower cattle inventory compared to 2024 for November were Arizona, California, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Texas. Of those, Colorado experienced the largest...
Captain D's Moves into NYC Market with Grand Opening in the Bronx
With more than 530 restaurants across 23 states, Captain D’s, a leading casual seafood restaurant brand is bringing its iconic concept to the New York City market for the first time.
On December 8, Shahid Raza, in partnership with FSR Group, celebrated the grand opening of Captain D’s at its 763 E. Gunhill Road location in the Bronx while developing three additional locations in New York City.
Earlier in the year, Expana reported the team planned on opening five other locations in the Baltimore metro...
US Pork Exports Steady in September with Value Record for Mexico; Beef Exports Lowest Since Mid-2020
USDA has released red meat export data for September, which was delayed due to the recent government shutdown. As compiled by USMEF, September data showed a fairly steady performance for U.S. pork exports, matching year-ago value while down slightly in volume. But September beef exports were the lowest in more than five years, with shipments to China effectively halted and exports to other Asian markets also trending lower year-over-year.
“We are encouraged by the robust and resilient global demand for U.S. pork – especially in Mexico, but also in a broad range of international...
USDA Confirms Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in a Dairy Herd in Wisconsin
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) and ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) assay a detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 clade 2.3.4.4b in a dairy cattle herd in Wisconsin. APHIS will complete genetic sequencing and announce final results as soon as they are available. This confirmation was a result of routine National Milk Testing Strategy testing, not pre-movement surveillance.
This marks the first known case of HPAI...
Yum China Announces $460 Million Share Buyback in US and Hong Kong
Yum China Holdings entered into share repurchase agreements in the US and Hong Kong for a total repurchase amount of approximately $460 million for the first half of 2026, commencing on January 12, 2026. The agreement includes approximately US$350 million under Rule 10b5-1 of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in the US and approximately HK$880 million for a similar program in Hong Kong.
The share repurchase program agreements serve as a key element in...
ANALYSIS: US 2025 Vanishing 600K-Head Slaughter Weeks Signal Supply Crunch and Price Spike
In 2025, weekly cattle slaughter has surpassed the 600,000-head mark only four times year-to-date a sharp departure from 2024, when such volumes were reached 32 times by this point in the year, translating to an 88% reduction in 600,000 head or more weeks. This trend mirrors 2015, when the market sat at a similar stage in the cattle cycle and never hit that threshold. Year-to-date slaughter is currently running 6.6% below 2024 levels...
ANALYSIS: US Breaking Stock Prices Slide to Two-Year Lows Amid Soft Demand, Rising Supplies
US breaking stock prices have fallen to their lowest levels in more than two years, reflecting mounting pressure from across both demand and supply channels. Retail, distribution, and export channels have all failed to generate the absorption typically expected this time of year, leaving surplus supplies with few viable outlets. Even with some of the lowest shelf prices seen in years, suppliers mostly characterize retail movement as only fair.
The customary lift in buying that typically marks the early stages of...
Major EU Project to Investigate the Rise of Commercial Cattle Farming
A major project has received significant European Union (EU) funding to investigate how commercial cattle farming first emerged in Europe, setting in motion economic, social and environmental shifts that shaped the continent from the medieval period to the modern era.
Led by University College Cork (UCC) researcher Dr Eugene Costello, the groundbreaking project aims to uncover the pre-industrial roots of commercial cattle farming, an industry that reshaped Europe’s landscapes and evolved into a major force in the global food economy...
ANALYSIS: Turkey Prices Surge YOY on Supply Shortages; Breast Meat Up 295%
This year's turkey market has been exceptionally bullish in nearly all regards. Pricing for nearly all items aside from hearts and gizzards currently sits higher than that of last year. However, we see very different paths throughout the year based on the individual line.
This year, pricing for the frozen 16 lbs. toms was actually lower than the values in 2024 during January and part of February. Midway through February prices began to climb and rise year-over-year (YOY) until they reached today's levels...
ANALYSIS: China’s Nov 2025 Meat Imports Nosedive 20.2% MOM as Customs Scrutiny Intensifies
China’s November 2025 meat imports, variety meats included slumped a hefty 20.2% from a month before at 392,641 metric tons (mt), according to preliminary data from the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC).
Inbound tonnage plunged by nearly 100,000 mt for the second consecutive month as tightened customs inspection checks delayed operations, especially during what is normally the peak season for red meat consumption.
ANALYSIS: Brazil’s Beef Exports to Mexico Ease in November
November data shows that Brazil’s beef exports to Mexico held at higher year-over-year (YOY) levels, even as volumes moved lower for a third consecutive month. Shipments peaked in September and then eased through October and November, reflecting a gradual adjustment from the mid-year highs. Despite this downward trend, the Mexican import market continued to rely on Brazilian product to supplement domestic availability. Participants reported that cattle movements inside Mexico remain limited, particularly for finished cattle moving from southern regions, as New World Screwworm inspections and controls...
ANALYSIS: From Shortage to Surplus: Chicken Market's Dramatic 2025 Turnaround
The year began with an unusually sharp rally across the chicken complex as a perfect storm of supply constraints and aggressive demand converged. Retailers and foodservice operators leaned heavily into chicken due to the historically wide cost spread compared to beef, which made chicken the clear feature protein nationwide. At the same time, production efficiency was severely compromised. Avian metapneumovirus and laryngotracheitis did not drive large mortality events, but they significantly reduced bird performance, cutting live weights, suppressing feed conversion, and lowering...
MEATZY Launches Subscription Service for Premium Meat and Seafood Delivery
MEATZY, an innovative subscription service delivering high-quality meat directly to customers' doors, has officially launched.
Developed by industry veterans with experience in supplying proteins to over 100 luxury resorts and leading chefs, MEATZY promises an exceptional culinary experience with premium beef, chicken, pork, and seafood at consistent prices.
"Protein prices keep climbing, and families are paying more for meat that's often lower quality than they realize," said the co-founder, Jorge Arevalo. "We built MEATZY to give people access to chef-grade protein...
USTR Sets Phased Tariffs on Non-Compliant Imports from Nicaragua; Beef and Seafood Affected?
The office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) will impose phased tariffs on Nicaraguan goods that do not meet the standards for the Dominican Republic–Central America–United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR), following a Section 301 determination that Nicaragua’s acts and policies on labor rights, human rights, and the rule of law are unreasonable and burden or restrict US commerce, according to a press release...
Acosta Group Unveils 2026 Top Consumer Predictions
Acosta Group has unveiled its four consumer predictions for 2026, highlighting the increasing importance of personalization and innovation for achieving success and relevance.
Colin Stewart, EVP of Business Intelligence at Acosta Group, noted, "Technology and evolving consumer lifestyles continue to reshape the shopping experience, as do the expectations, priorities, and values driving purchases. This creates fresh opportunities for brands, retailers, and foodservice operators to predict consumer needs and drive excitement and trust," based on comprehensive research conducted with the company's 40,000-member shopper community.
The predictions include:
Farmers, Producers, and Ag Leaders Praise President Trump’s Farmer Bridge Assistance Program
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins today highlighted the outpouring of support from governors, commodity groups, farm bureaus, and agriculture industry leaders across the country following President Trump’s announcement of $12 billion in Farmer Bridge Assistance Program payments. As producers battle historic market disruptions, rising input costs, and the lingering effects of foreign trade manipulation, agriculture leaders are praising the administration’s swift action to deliver relief and strengthen the farm safety net. Below is a compilation of what they are saying about this critical support for...
Farm Bureau Welcomes USDA Approach to Regenerative Agriculture
American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall today commented on the announcement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) about a new Regenerative Agriculture Initiative that leverages existing programs, the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), to advance regenerative practices.
“We value USDA’s acknowledgement that farmers have long practiced regenerative agriculture on their farms, both through federal conservation programs and on their own. Building on these efforts by leveraging existing voluntary and incentive-based programs to advance additional regenerative goals sounds like smart...
ANALYSIS: Brazilian Fresh Beef Exports Remained Strong in November 2025 at 318,494 MT, Down 0.6% MOM
The latest data from Brazil’s Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services revealed that November’s fresh beef (chilled and frozen) exports reached 318,494 mt, just 0.6% below the October’s record high figure. On a year-over-year (YOY) basis, this marks a 39.6% increase compared to November last year.
China, the main destination by far, fell 5.8% MOM to 187,271 mt, now accounting for 58.4% of total exports. Compared to the same month last year, this still represents a notable...
ANALYSIS: Australia Sets New High for Beef Exports at 1.39M mt in Nov 2025 Despite Tariff Odds
Australia’s beef exports reached an unprecedented 1,398,224 metric tons (mt) in cumulative volume through November 2025, according to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).
Despite global trade pressures, multi‑decade herd lows in the United States (US) worked in Australia's favor, allowing it to increase supplies to the world's largest beef consumer. Reduced United States (US)) supply led Japan and Korea to rely more heavily on Australian beef.
Beyond supply constraints, the US‑Sino trade war cleared the...
ANALYSIS: Texas 2025 Beef Quality Surges as Select Supplies Collapse to Record Lows
Texas has reached record-low Select grading percentages, falling roughly 26% below 2024 levels and settling near 20% of cattle grading Select in Texas. At the same time, the state is posting a 52-week high for Choice grade, with nearly 69% of cattle grading in that category. This shift reflects a notable quality improvement in the cattle being harvested and marks one of the most pronounced grade spreads the region has seen in recent years.
A number of factors are contributing to the...
ANALYSIS: Loads Traded and Consumer Buying Trends for Ribs and 0x1 Strips in November
With bone-in heavy and boneless heavy ribs both at higher price levels this year, buyers were looking for a more economical option for the holidays. Bone-in heavy ribs were roughly 11% higher compared to 2024 and about 17% more than the three-year average. Boneless heavy ribs were 9.39% higher compared to 2024 and about 18% more than the three-year average. Strips were no exception, with them being 20% more than 2024 and 29% higher than the three-year...
ANALYSIS: Uruguayan Beef Exports Rebounded 18.1% MOM to 35,492 mt in November 2025, Up 5.1% YOY
According to the latest data from Uruguay’s National Customs Directorate, fresh beef (chilled and frozen) exports rebounded in November following three consecutive monthly declines, rising 18.1% from October to 35,492 mt. On a year-over-year (YOY) basis, volumes were also higher, marking a 5.1% increase compared to the same period last year...
The Retail Rundown: A Preview of Christmas Favorites
Few protein items embody the year-end holiday spirit quite like the classic Christmas ham and the standing rib roast. These iconic centerpiece proteins often dominate holiday tables, shaping both wholesale market trends and retail advertising strategies.
This year, the wholesale beef rib market kicked off its seasonal rise in late July, climbing 32% between July 28 and Thanksgiving week. Since then, the market has shifted into typical year-end procurement mode with a generally steady undertone, and holiday buying is expected to wrap soon...
Farm Bureau: Farmers Grateful for Help Through Economic Storm
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on USDA’s announcement to provide financial relief and an economic bridge for America’s farmers and ranchers until benefits from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act reach the farm.
“Farmers are grateful to President Trump and Secretary Brooke Rollins for providing resources that, for many, could make the difference between staying in business to plant another crop, or shuttering a family farm.
“America’s farmers have been hit from every direction during this economic storm. They face the same high prices as all of...
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