Cargill to Invest $90 Million in Fort Morgan Beef Plant in Colorado

Cargill will invest nearly $90 million in automation and advanced technologies at its Fort Morgan beef processing facility in Colorado. The investments comes as part of its Factory of the Future initiative.

This effort aims to improve operational efficiency, increase yield, and enhance safety and inclusivity for employees. Since 2021, Cargill has already invested nearly $24 million in technology upgrades at the Fort Morgan site.

A key innovation being introduced is CarVe, Cargill’s proprietary, patent-pending computer vision...

ANALYSIS: The Butts Are Back, Grilling Season Sparks Price Spike in May

May was marked by a robust rally in pork butt values, propelled by seasonal pulled pork demand, strong export pull, and tightening supply fundamentals. With grilling season well underway and the Fourth of July approaching, sentiments among some market participants remain bullish, particularly as processors and retailers continue to feature this item in promotional rotations and value-added offerings.

¼ trim bone-in butt values averaged $1.46/lb in May, reflecting a full steady to firm tone. This cut experienced a...

ANALYSIS: Chicken Hatch Remains on YOY Upswing

In the chicken market, persistent uncertainty around disease risk, pockets of seasonally atypical market movement, and global trade tension continue to complicate forward-looking strategies for buyers and sellers alike. This environment is pushing stakeholders to seek clearer signals amid the noise. In that regard, hatchery performance is one of the few guiding lights in an otherwise volatile market landscape.

According to the latest USDA hatchery figures, both eggs set and chicks placed continue to post steady year-over-year (YOY) gains. Egg sets for the week ending May 31 reached...

ANALYSIS: From Boom to Bottleneck, 10 Years of US-China Beef Trade and What’s Next

After more than a decade of building momentum, US beef exports to China hit a wall in Q2 2025 as tariffs disrupted one of the world’s most dynamic meat trade lanes. The pause in duties since mid-May has since eased tensions, but trade has yet to see signs of reviving. 

Over the years, China became US’s third largest key destination for American grain-fed cuts especially offal cuts, prized for their suitability in local cuisine. 

While the reprieve is welcome...

KFC Relaunches $7 Fill Ups Nationwide, Partners with F1® THE MOVIE for Summer Campaign

KFC is bringing back its popular $7 Fill Ups, offering four complete meal options at a strong value price point. The return aligns with a nationwide marketing partnership with F1® THE MOVIE, positioning KFC as a go-to stop for quick, satisfying meals this summer.

$7 Fill Ups – Available Now Nationwide:
Each Fill Up includes an entrée, mashed potatoes with gravy, a biscuit, two pie poppers, and a medium drink.

• Three-Piece Tenders Fill Up...

Marex Expands into Brazilian Agriculture with Acquisition of Agrinvest Commodities

Financial services platform Marex Group plc has acquired Brazilian agricultural commodities firm Agrinvest Commodities.

The acquisition will enable Marex to deepen its presence in Latin America by adding physical commodity services in Brazil to its already established derivatives operations in the country. Agrinvest specializes in connecting buyers and sellers of agricultural products such as corn and soybeans and offers strategic consulting on hedging and commercial positioning.

Agrinvest has a client base of approximately 1,300 and a team of 100 employees.

The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

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...

Coke Florida Names New Leaders for Distribution and Manufacturing Operations

Coca-Cola Beverages Florida, LLC announced two strategic leadership promotions that further strengthen its operational leadership team.

Yancy Appointed Vice President, Distribution Operations

Yancy, currently serving as Vice President, Manufacturing Operations, has been appointed Vice President, Distribution Operations. In this role, he will lead the execution of Coke Florida’s end-to-end distribution strategy, encompassing traditional and automated warehousing, as well as fleet operations across the company’s statewide footprint.

Yancy brings more than 15 years of experience within the Coca-Cola system and has been with Coke Florida since 2017, driving performance across manufacturing and supply chain functions.

EU Egg Market Sentiment Heading Into Summer

As the EU egg market moves into the summer period, sentiment is becoming increasingly two-sided. Summer is traditionally marked by a seasonal slowdown in trading activity, as consumer habits shift and production schedules ease.

This seasonal dip has already begun to take hold, with buying interest noticeably subdued throughout May. However, the usual expectations of softer summer demand are being weighed against a backdrop of heightened supply-side risk. Concerns over future availability, particularly following avian influenza-related flock reductions in Poland—are beginning to shape market psychology...

ANALYSIS: Supply-Driven Pricing in the Turkey Market

The number of turkeys processed in April was at an all-time low, following a trend that was established in August of last year. HPAI, avian metapneumovirus, and economic limitations all continue to impact the availability of supplies. The record low supplies are influencing an extremely bullish market as 21 of Expana’s quotations reach all-time high levels. Still, participants on both sides of the negotiation table lament the lack of offerings. Many sellers have reportedly taken a cautious approach when it comes to the pricing of certain lines, especially... 

ANALYSIS: Brazil’s Recent FMD-Free Status and Potential Implications for Global Beef Trade

In recent developments, Brazil has been officially recognized as free from foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) without vaccination by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), as announced during the 92^nd General Session held in Paris this week. The new status marks a significant milestone in Brazil’s long-term efforts to strengthen animal health systems and bolster sanitary credibility in international markets.

FMD is a highly contagious viral disease affecting livestock, including cattle, swine, sheep, goats and other cloven-hoofed ruminants...

Cargill Seeks Full Ownership of Australian Beef Producer Teys

Australian Teys Investments and Cargill have announced on Thursday, Cargill, via a subsidiary, has agreed to increase its stake in Teys to 100%. This includes Teys Australia and Teys USA.

Teys is specialized in Australian beef to both the national and international market. Cargill has already held stake on Teys for the past 14 years, Teys said.

“The Teys family is immensely proud to have grown our business into a premier provider of beef to our customers and Australian families. Cargill has been instrumental in our transformation...

ANALYSIS: EU Egg Imports Climb Further in Q1 2025, Led by Ukraine

EU egg imports continued to rise in the first quarter of 2025, reaching 39,067 MT in egg equivalent weight, according to the latest figures from the European Commission. This marks a significant year-over-year (YoY) increase from 26,061 MT in Q1 2024, and extends the steady upward trend observed since 2022. Much of this growth was once again driven by Ukraine, which accounted for 29,459 MT, up 77% from the same period last year.

Fresh shell eggs remain the dominant import category, totalling 25,341 MT in Q1...

ANALYSIS: Japan’s April 2025 Beef Imports Soar to 12-Month Highs

Japan’s beef imports in April 2025 surged to the highest level in twelve months, climbing for the second consecutive month to 53,125 metric tons (mt), according to the latest data from Japan’s Trade Statistics.

 In line with traditional trends, volumes jumped a staggering 71.5% month-on-month (MoM) or 22,156 mt on the back of stocking replenishment ahead of the ahead of the Golden Week holiday season in early May.

Australia led shipments at 24,150 mt, followed by the US at 20,583 mt. Canada supplied 3,696 mt...

US Arrests Chinese Nationals for Allegedly Smuggling Dangerous Fungus in “Agroterrorism” Attempt

The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) arrested two citizens of the People’s Republic of China for allegedly smuggling a fungus called Fusarium graminearum, which is a potential agroterrorism weapon, according to the Department of Justice (DoJ).

Yunqing Jian, 33, and Zunyong Liu, 34, are suspected of alleged conspiracy, smuggling goods into the US, false statements, and visa fraud.

The fungus can cause a disease called “head blight” in wheat, barley, maize, and rice, according to US FBI Director, Kash Patel on X.com...

The Retail Rundown: Pork Deals Deliver Summer Savings

Pork promotions are gaining momentum, with value-priced cuts standing out against higher-priced beef and even some chicken items.

Bacon continues to steal the spotlight in the pork category, fueled by strong seasonal demand as consumers stock up on this summer staple. Over Memorial Day, discounted bacon averaged $6.30 per pound, up nearly 3% from last year. Wholesale belly prices have climbed 13% since early April, supported by tightening hog supplies and historically low cold storage stocks.

As grilling season gains momentum, demand for ribs...

McDonald's Snack Wraps are Officially Coming Back: Here's When

The wait is almost over.

McDonald's confirmed to USA TODAY on Tuesday that the Snack Wrap will officially be coming back to restaurants permanently beginning Thursday, July 10.

The Snack Wrap features one of McDonald's new McCrispy Strips – a juicy chicken strip made with all white meat – topped with crisp shredded lettuce and shredded cheese, all wrapped in a soft flour tortilla, according to the chain.

The item will be available in two flavors:

• Spicy: Bold, zesty and unapologetically fiery – our Spicy Snack Wrap brings the...

Argentina’s Meatpacker Lequio Group Acquires Mattievich

Lequio, a large Argentinian meatpacker, has announced the acquisition of 80% the meatpacker Mattievich Group, which it hopes to finalize by the end of June. Both firms are already working in the merging of operations, Lequio said.

“We bought 80% of shares, not all. The livestock operations were excluded,” Leonardo Lequio told Argentinian media.

After the acquisition is complete, Lequio will have increased its slaughtering capacity to “over 4,000 cattle head per day,” the firm said.

Lequio will acquire at least six of Mattievich Group facilities across Argenitina...

Cal-Maine Foods Closes Acquisition of Echo Lake Foods

Cal-Maine Foods announced today the closing of its acquisition of Echo Lake Foods.

In April, it disclosed it had entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Echo Lake Foods in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $258 million.

At the time, Cal-Maine CEO Sherman Miller said the acquisition would help diversify the company’s product mix, especially in light of ongoing egg shortages related to avian influenza. The deal also strengthens Cal-Maine’s position in the growing market for value-added...

Mastering Market Volatility: 5 Minutes with Little Caesars’ Derek Nelson

In today’s volatile market, where shifts in agrifood commodity prices can significantly impact your bottom line, understanding and managing risk is paramount. Derek Nelson, Director of Commodity Risk & Analytics at Little Caesars, exemplifies this proactive approach in his role leading hedging operations for this global restaurant chain.

Ahead of his participation at Expana’s Agri-Food Americas event in September, Derek spoke with us to share insights into how a global brand navigates the complexities of dairy, grains, protein and energy markets...

Tyson Foods Introduces Wright Brand Premium Smoked Sausage Links

Tyson Foods announced the launch of a new product from its subsidiary, Wright Brand.

Wright Brand, established in 1922, is known for its premium, hand-cut, real wood-smoked bacon. The company became part of Tyson Foods in 2001.

Wright Brand Premium Sausage Links are scheduled to launch nationwide in fall 2025, with select retailers already stocking the product.

The lineup includes three varieties:

• Wright Brand Applewood Premium Sausage Links – Featuring a subtly sweet and smoky flavor
• Wright Brand White Cheddar &...

Dave's Hot Chicken Entering Next Phase of Growth & Innovation with Roark

From a parking lot in 2017, to a global sensation which expects to end the year with more than 400 restaurants across the globe; Dave's Hot Chicken has chosen an investment from Roark, entering its next phase of growth and innovation.

Dave's Hot Chicken has had years of incredible unit and sales growth and leading guest satisfaction metrics. The company remains committed to delivering an exceptional experience for its guests, team members and its franchise partners around the globe...

Volatility Defines 2025 in Food and Agriculture Markets – How do You Navigate It?

2025 has been a year marked by uncertainty in the food and agriculture sector. Volatility is the defining characteristic, with a cascade of global events disrupting pricing, availability and trade dynamics. From geopolitical tensions and severe weather events to animal epidemics and macroeconomic shifts, commodity markets have become increasingly difficult to navigate for buyers and sellers alike.

“The key challenge for businesses at the moment is having to navigate different markets going in different directions,” said Tom Bundgaard, VP of Price Forecasting...

Domino's Launches Weeklong Carryout Special

Domino’s is starting the month with a new promotion: from June 2–8, customers can carry out large two-topping pizzas for just $6.99 each.

This weeklong carryout special applies to any large pizza with two toppings, including specialty crusts like Hand Tossed, Crunchy Thin, and New York Style. For an additional $3, customers can upgrade to Domino’s new Parmesan Stuffed Crust pizza.

The promotion comes as Domino’s ramps up rewards and deals to boost consumer demand.

The company reported a 0.5% decline...

Popeyes Rolls Out All-New Chicken Wraps

Popeyes is heating up the summer with the launch of an all-new menu category. Introducing the Popeyes Chicken Wrap — a bold, grab-and-go option packed with flavor and value, available for a limited time.

Each wrap features a hand-breaded, crispy chicken tender, crisp lettuce, shredded cheese, crunchy pickles, and your choice of Classic, Spicy, or Honey Mustard spread — all wrapped in a soft, warm tortilla inspired by our famous biscuits.

The Chicken Wraps come in three crave-worthy variations, each available for just $3.99...

ANALYSIS: Lamb and Veal Cold Storage Remains Tight Despite Modest April Gains

According to the latest USDA Cold Storage report, total frozen lamb and veal inventories in April 2025 were 19.627 million pounds, up 0.9% from March but still well below typical levels for this time of year. Compared to April last year, supplies were down 18% and nearly 24% below the three-year average, making it one of the lowest April totals in recent years—just slightly above 2006 and 2011 levels.

Lamb stocks rose modestly by 180,000 pound...

ANALYSIS: Cage-Free Prices Continue to Decline, Though Late-Week Buying Slows Pace

Cage-free egg values continued to slide this week, with wholesale prices falling to $3.16/dozen—a 15% drop from the previous week. While this May has followed a “typical” seasonal pattern for the egg market, subtle changes have begun to emerge as the week progresses—developments not uncommon in late Q2 that hint at a possible turn in the recent market trajectory.

May is traditionally one of the weakest months for shell egg demand, and this year has been no exception...

Secretary Rollins Secures Greater Market Access with Costa Rica for US Dairy Industry

Under U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins’ leadership, American dairy producers will have greater market access as Costa Rica has approved the first U.S. dairy facility to be registered under their new streamlined approval process. The Trump Administration continues to break down non-tariff barriers, and this latest action is the first of many wins ahead for American dairy producers.

“Under President Trump’s leadership, USDA is putting Farmers First. Securing greater market access for American dairy farmers is a much-needed win for the U.S. dairy industry and will give our...

PODCAST: Agri-Food for Thought Ep. 29 - M&A in the Global Agri-Food Industry, May 2025 Overview

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

Today, we bring you up to speed with merger & acquisition activity in the global agrifood landscape that occurred in May 2025 as part of the monthly M&A focus series.

May 2025 was generally quieter in terms of M&A compared to previous months. There are many factors influencing this but the ongoing tariffs situation, trade disputes, and market uncertainty, likely playe a role here.

EU Good Food Officially Launches in Korea

European culinary excellence arrives in Korea, embracing modern lifestyles and sustainable values

The “EU Good Food – Good Life” campaign, funded by the European Union, was officially launched in South Korea, marking the start of its public communication activities in the country. This three-year initiative (2024–2027), co-funded by the EU, aims to introduce and promote premium European agricultural and food products to Korean consumers and professionals across the food, hospitality, and retail sectors.

As modern consumers place increasing emphasis on health, food safety, sustainability, and transparent sourcing...

Father’s Day Spending to Reach Record $24 Billion

Father’s Day spending is expected to reach a record $24 billion this year, according to the annual survey released today by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. The figure is up from last year’s $22.4 billion and exceeds the previous record of $22.9 billion in 2023.

“Americans are embracing meaningful traditions and holidays, and this Father’s Day, spending on gifts and other holiday items is expected to reach record levels,” NRF Vice President of Industry and Consumer Insights Katherine...

ALDI Announces Promotion of Atty McGrath to ALDI US CEO

ALDI U.S. is excited to announce that Jason Hart, ALDI U.S. Chief Executive Officer, has been promoted to join the Executive Board of ALDI South as Group Chief Operating Officer. Hart will help oversee the company's global operations in Salzburg, Austria, effective September 1. Atty McGrath, currently Chief Operating Officer, will assume the ALDI U.S. Chief Executive role.

During his decade-long leadership as ALDI U.S. CEO, Hart has led the rapid expansion and development of the...

Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #11

Expana’s global team of specialist reporters has been tracking every twist and turn in the fluid tariff situation.

Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #11."

This report allows the Expana community to see where key commodity markets stand as of this past week... Click the above PDF report, or keep scrolling to read in plain text...

ANALYSIS: April Pork Cold Storage Remains Tight Despite Seasonal Increase in Volume

April’s USDA Cold Storage report showed total pork inventories at 455.8 million pounds, up 11.3% from March but still 8.7% below the same time last year. This marks the third-lowest April total since the series began in 1999, sitting just above April 2001 and 2004, and suggests that while volumes increased month-over-month, they remain historically low.

Hams contributed significantly to the overall build, with bone-in hams rising 26.9% and boneless hams up 53.2% from March. Total ham stocks reached 87.9 million pounds...

Hormel Recalls Over 256,000 Pounds of Canned Beef Stew

Hormel Foods Corporation has recalled approximately 256,185 pounds of its canned beef stew.

According to an announcement from the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), the product may be contaminated with foreign material, specifically wood, following several consumer complaints.

The affected products are 20-ounce metal cans labeled “Dinty Moore BEEF STEW” with a best-by date of FEB 2028.

These items were produced on February 4, 2025, and bear the establishment number “EST. 199G” and lot number...

Signing the EU-Mercosur Agreement by December Is Possible, Says European Council President

The EU and Mercosur countries expect to sign the agreement in a December ceremony. “It is a short timeframe, but we are going to try to make it happen,” Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, said during a visit to Brazil on Thursday.

Costa added that the European Commission is in the process of translating the agreement into the 24 EU official languages and plans to finish it by July.

While farming sectors in some EU countries such as France or Spain have expressed concern...