NRF Expects Holiday Sales to Surpass $1 Trillion for the First Time in 2025

The National Retail Federation today released its annual holiday forecast, predicting retail sales in November and December will grow between 3.7% and 4.2% over 2024. That translates to total spending between $1.01 trillion and $1.02 trillion. By comparison, last year’s holiday sales rose 4.3% over 2023 to reach $976.1 billion.

“American consumers may be cautious in sentiment, yet remain fundamentally strong and continue to drive U.S. economic activity,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “We remain bullish about the holiday shopping season and expect that consumers will continue...

US Foods Serves Up Strong Financial Results; Sales Soar, Profits Rise

US Foods released its financial results for the third quarter, showcasing continued growth and strong business momentum.

During the quarter, total case volume increased 1.1% year over year (YOY), contributing to a 4.8% rise in net sales to $10.2 billion. This growth underscores the company’s solid market presence and steady demand for its products and services.

Gross profit rose 5.2% to $1.8 billion, representing 17.2% of net sales. Net income increased 3.4% to $153 million, while adjusted...

Ranchers Support Steve Pearce's Nomination to Lead BLM

Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and Public Lands Council (PLC) announced support for President Trump’s nomination of former Congressman Steve Pearce to serve as Director of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

“Having represented New Mexico in Congress and the State House for decades, former Rep. Steve Pearce understands the important role that public lands play across the West. Pearce’s experience makes him thoroughly qualified to lead the BLM and tackle the issues federal lands ranchers are facing,” said NCBA Executive Director of Natural Resources and PLC Executive Director Kaitlynn Glover...

ANALYSIS: Australia’s Oct 2025 Beef Exports Flat MOM as Korea Pulls Back

Australia’s beef exports in October 2025 held largely steady month-on-month (MOM) to 139,0285 metric tons (MT), data from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) showed.

Edging up just 0.2% or 274 mt from September, monthly growth was curbed mainly by lower outbound shipments to Korea as the impact of its safeguard activation took hold. Shipments to the United States (US), China, and Southeast Asia also eased, while Japan logged a solid monthly rebound underpinned by replenishment demand.

On a yearly basis, exports were ...

Hormel Foods Announces Corporate Restructuring to Support Strategic Priorities and Long-Term Growth

Hormel Foods Corporation, a Fortune 500 global branded food company, today announced a corporate restructuring designed to thoughtfully align resources with the organization's strategic priorities, support future growth and strengthen the overall business.

To ensure the company remains efficient and well-positioned for long-term success, Hormel Foods has implemented a voluntary early retirement program for a portion of its non-plant workforce, is closing many open roles and will reduce certain positions across its office-based workforce. These actions are expected to...

QDOBA Honors Franchisee Excellence at Annual Brand Conference

QDOBA, America's rapidly growing #2 restaurant brand in the Mexican fast-casual category, presented awards in 50 categories and recognized three standout franchise partners at its annual Brand Conference:

• Winters Group — Franchise Partner of the Year
• Carmen Reyes-Ibarra, General Manager of Roaring Fork — General Manager of the Year
• Froccaro Group — Operator of the Year

With more than 825 restaurants across the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico, and nearly 600 new restaurants in development, these awards underscore how the brand's tremendous growth is underpinned by a franchise-first...

The Retail Rundown: Turkey Promotions Climb as Holiday Demand Takes Hold

Turkey ads now make up nearly 4% of protein features this week and are on pace to capture a larger share next week as seasonal demand gathers momentum. Beef holds 23.8% of ad space, pork accounts for 22.8%, and chicken eased to 19%—down one point from last week. Eggs have 3% of this week’s buying opportunities, up one point compared to the week prior.

Within the turkey category, ads for frozen whole birds and fresh or frozen parts are evenly split, each accounting for 28% of turkey features...

USMEF Statement on Progress in Trade Negotiations with China

The White House provided more details Nov. 1 on the measures agreed to in last week’s meeting between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, including progress on agricultural trade barriers imposed by China and suspension of port service fees that raise costs for U.S. exporters. 

U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom issued the following statement: 

USMEF is encouraged by the progress being made in trade negotiations with China, and we appreciate the Trump administration’s emphasis on restoring market access for U.S. agricultural exports. If China follows through on its commitment to...

ANALYSIS: Argentina’s September 2025 Beef Exports Pulled Back 1.7% MOM to 71,328 mt

Argentina’s fresh beef exports (chilled and frozen) slowed down after increasing for five consecutive months, down 1.7% month-over-month (M-O-M) to 71,328 metric tons (mt) in September, according to the latest data released by the National Institute of Statistics and Census. This marks a 1.9% year-over-year (Y-O-Y) decline when compared to September 2024.

On a quarterly basis, Q3 shipments were 4.08% higher than the same period last year, now totaling 207,572 mt...

Starbucks Divests Majority of China Operations to Boyu Capital

On November 3, Starbucks sold up to 60% of the company’s retail operations in China to investment firm Boyu Capital, according to a financial release from the global coffee chain which values their Chinese business to exceed $13 billion. 

“Under the agreement, Boyu and Starbucks will operate a joint venture with Boyu holding a up to 60% interest in Starbucks retail operations in China,” read the release...

Senegal Plans New Pig Feed Factory in Ziguinchor

Senegal plans to launch a new feed factory in Ziguinchor, a main pig farming region in the country, near the Guinea-Bissau border.

The project will be implemented through the National Integrated Livestock Development Program (PNDIES), Senegal's Agriculture Ministry said, according to Senegalese Press Agency (APS).

Program coordinator Dr. Dame Sow said the new facility aims to improve feed access for farmers and will help boost local pig production.

“This modern infrastructure will support a sector that sustains hundreds of families in the region,” Sow said. 

Navigating the Trump Tariff Turbulence: A Comprehensive Timeline

US President Donald Trump and his administration have paused reciprocal tariffs on most countries.

“Based on the lack of respect that China has shown... I am hereby raising the [tariff] charged to China by the [USA] to 125%, effective immediately,” wrote Trump on Truth Social at 1:18 pm ET. 

It’s not clear if this 125% is in addition to the 20% imposed on Chinese imports to the US. In early March, Trump noted that he would add another 10% tariff on Chinese goods...

PODCAST: Agri-Food for Thought Ep. 35 - Discussing Evolution of Procurement, Feat. Janet Standing

Expana presents Agri-Food for Thought, the podcast series for agriculture and food professionals.

Today we discuss the role of procurement, and how procurement decisions turn market insight into business advantage.

This is a complex issue, a lot more than one may think. Procurement professionals operate in a high-pressure environment characterized by aggressive goals, tight deadlines, and complex supply chains. But there are ways to stay ahead of the game. 

On today's episode, we welcome Janet Lung Standing.

ANALYSIS: From the Grill to Checkout, US Tenderloin Market Performance & Retail Dynamics 2025

Tenderloin demand has remained resilient in 2025, with promotional activity keeping movement elevated. Seasonal buying patterns are intact, with peak promotional lift observed in late May and August as consumers transitioned into core grilling holidays. Price elasticity remains evident, as a roughly 40-cent spread between discounted and full-price offerings continues to incentivize retail movement.

According to Circana retail data, year-to-date (YTD) national discounted tenderloin prices have averaged just under $3.90 per pound, compared with roughly $4.30 per pound for non-promotional...

ANALYSIS: Cage-Free Wholesale Values Surge Amid Retail Strength and Bird Flu Caution

Cage-free wholesale values surged again this week as both retail strength and precautionary buying surrounding bird flu ahead of the peak baking demand period help to sustain momentum. Buyer activity along the West Coast intensified noticeably, giving the market its most active tone in months.

Demand along the West Coast has held firm as competitive shelf prices and consistent promotional activity continue to support consumer engagement. Several large-scale chains in the Golden State have maintained prices near $1.50/dozen for cage-free eggs...

ANALYSIS: Mexican Ribeye Export Prices Firm on Year-End Demand

The Mexican export market for boneless ribeye continued to show firm upward momentum through late October, with current prices averaging around USD 7.15/lb, up roughly 1.5 USD/lb from year-ago levels. Demand has strengthened notably in recent weeks as buyers seek to secure product for November and December holiday programs. In addition, the weaker US dollar against the Mexican peso has exerted upward pressure on export quotations, supporting firmer tones across the segment as participants reported increased activity to cover end-of-year...

Hormel Shakes Up Leadership In Recent Announcements

Set to coincide with the anniversary of his 30th year of service, PJ Conner, VP of Retail Sales at Hormel Foods, will retire this spring.

"PJ has been a tremendous asset to the organization throughout his three-decade long career,” said John Ghingo, president of Hormel Foods. “He has consistently delivered results, inspired his teams, and helped shape our company’s strategy and culture. We are grateful for his insight, dedication, and focus on supporting our retail partners. His vision and commitment have left a lasting impact on Hormel Foods...

The Jollibee Group Name Industry Vet as Vice President of Franchising

While Jollibee is aiming for significant expansion in the US, the company has appointed Peter Wright, an industry veteran, as its new Vice President of Franchising.

Wright has been welcomed to his new role, where he will lead the company's ambitious plan to develop 500 units across North America by 2030.

"I first learned of Jollibee through networking with a former colleague from Starbucks," Wright said. "Like many Americans, even though I had driven by them, I did not know the...

ANALYSIS: Assessing the Chicken Production Backdrop

As the industry approaches the final two months of 2025, and with market activity currently subdued, participants across the chicken sector are taking stock of what has been a notably strong year for production. Although official USDA data remains delayed due to the ongoing government shutdown, most discussions continue to emphasize sustained gains in hatch numbers and overall production momentum.

One of the clearest indicators of supply strength can be traced to the feed markets. The average October price for Omaha No. 2 Yellow corn inched just...

ANALYSIS: EU Pork Market Faces Bearish Trends and Price Declines in October

Eu pork prices continued to decrease throughout October, marking the fourth consecutive price decrease in a row. For reference, the Expana Bench Market Price for EU Pig deadweight grade S EXW EU (BW56) was last assessed at €1.72 /kg on October 28. This reflects prices decrease from 7.5% compared to the previous month and a decrease of 19.2% (€0.41/kg) compared to this year’s price peak of €2.13/kg report on July 1st.

Domestic demand across the EU has...

Expansion and Menu Innovations Lead in Foodservice this Week

This week, Expana gathered a collection of headline-worthy news, showcasing the vibrant and constantly evolving world of foodservice. From strategic expansions to culinary innovations, these stories underscore the dynamic nature of the industry and its unwavering momentum.

International Expansion on the Horizon for TGI Fridays

TGI Fridays is gearing up for significant international growth, announcing two master franchise agreements today. In India, USR Hospitality (USR) will develop 51 new locations, while Mid-City Operadora Sapi de CV (MCO_Mexico) is set to open 50 new outlets in...

Tanzania Cashew Auctions At Risk Owing to Post-Election Protests

Tanzania, the largest cashew producer in East Africa, was set to start the cashew auctions on October 31 in the Tandahimba district, according to the Cashew Board of Tanzania. 

The country went into lockdown after violent protests during national elections on Wednesday, and authorities began a communications blackout on Thursday. The U.S. Embassy in Tanzania confirmed reports of “country-wide demonstrations resulting in outbreaks of violence and roadblocks. There is a widespread internet blackout, making all communication difficult.”

Similar reports were issued by the United Kingdom's Foreign, Commonwealth and...

ANALYSIS: Elevated Turkey Prices Influence Demand While Supplies Remain Limited

With the exception of hearts and gizzards, turkey items across the board are more expensive this year than they were last year. Current quotations for fresh thigh meat are up 60.8% year-over-year (YOY), which is a modest gain compared to fresh drums (108.5%) and breast meat (264.6%). Budgets are stretched thin and credit limits are tested as buyers try to secure production in a barren market landscape.

ANALYSIS: 2025 US Chicken Wing Dynamics, Value Emergence and Midyear Volatility

Wing markets in 2025 have traced a volatile but telling path, underscoring shifting buyer priorities and the impact of broader protein dynamics. Early in the year, jumbo whole wings hovered near $1.73/lb, with values slipping through March and April as post-Super Bowl demand softened and inventories swelled. By the start of May, the prices for both jumbo party wings and whole wings fell significantly to values of $1.03 and $0.96...

Australian Beef Industry Sets Global Benchmark in Sustainability Performance

The Australian beef industry has released its 2025 Annual Update under the Australian Beef Sustainability Framework (ABSF), showcasing record-breaking environmental achievements, strengthened market access, and a clear roadmap for future sustainability leadership.
 
Since 2005, the industry has reduced net CO₂-e emissions by 70.1%, largely driven by carbon sequestration in the landscape on grazing land. 
 
Beef production reached an all-time high of 2.75 million tonnes, achieved with improved efficiency and reduced waste.
 
Solid waste to landfill in the processing sector fell by 71.6% between...

Gopuff Eases SNAP Strain with $10 Million Relief Initiative

According to NBC News on October 28, over 40 million people in the United States rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Amid the Government Shutdown, the US Department of Agriculture has indicated that millions face suspension of these payments starting November 1.

In response, Gopuff is stepping in to provide relief to those affected. The company is dedicated to combating food insecurity and improving access to essential food items. Since 2019, Gopuff has partnered with Feeding America, contributing over 1.1 million pounds of...