Statement on Recent Lumpy Skin Disease Outbreaks in Europe

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) acknowledges the rapid official notifications of two outbreaks of Lumpy skin disease (LSD) in Italy and France, as well as the details provided through their follow up reports. This marks the first-ever occurrence of the disease in these countries, highlighting the urgent need for heightened surveillance and coordinated response. Both countries have reported that they are already implementing measures to contain the disease in line with international standards...

From 2016 to 2024, WOAH with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the European Union, supported the coordination of a standing group of expert for LSD...

367,812 Pounds of Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon Recalled Nationwide Over Listeria Concerns

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), the Kraft Heinz Food Company is recalling approximately 367,812 pounds of fully cooked turkey bacon products due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, identified through laboratory testing.

The affected products were produced between April 24, 2025, and June 11, 2025. They were distributed to retail locations nationwide and exported to the British Virgin Islands and Hong Kong.

The recalled products include:

• 12-oz. vacuum-packed packages of Oscar Mayer Turkey...

ANALYSIS: Summer Squeeze, Limited Turkey Supplies and Consumer Choices

May’s cold storage report tells a story of limited turkey supplies and the search of the American people for value. All turkey categories were down year-over-year (YoY), anywhere from 3.1% for whole toms to 49.7% for MST. This May’s cold storage holdings were below the 5-year average for most categories as well, with the exception of breasts. Along with this theme, the month-over-month (MoM) change in inventories was below average for whole birds and legs.

All of this points to very limited production...

Expana Publication Schedule for The Fourth of July Holiday

Expana will be observing the Fourth of July holiday on Friday, July 4, which will impact the publication of some Expana Benchmark Prices.

The following weekly reports will be impacted:

• US Peanut assessment will be published on Thursday, July 3
• Asia-Pacific Beef Report will be published on Thursday, July 3
• EU Egg Products assessment will be published on Thursday, July 3
• UK Beef Market Complex assessment will be published on Thursday, July 3

The regular publishing schedule will resume on...

Trump Announces US Trade Deal With Vietnam, Including 20% Import Tariff

President Trump announced that the United States has agreed to a new trade deal with Vietnam on July 2.

Trump stated that Vietnam will pay the US a 20% tariff on all goods exported to the U.S. and a 40% tariff on transshipped goods. The higher 40% tariff targets products that are not originally made in Vietnam but are routed through the country to bypass higher tariffs. This move is significant, as many countries have used Vietnam as a transit point to avoid stricter trade penalties aimed at Chinese...

Joey Chestnut Returns to Gobbling Beef Dogs Post Plant-Based Debacle as Prices Rise

Some people have heroes like Michael Jordan and Bo Jackson, for participants in the global food industry and for competitive eating fans, the master is none other than Joey “Jaws” Chestnut. Yet last year, the king of hot dog eating did not compete in the annual Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island, NY on Independence Day due to a sponsorship conflict with Impossible Foods. 

Impossible Foods does have their hot dog made from soy protein isolate, wheat gluten, sunflower oil, coconut oil, among other ingredients...

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...

US Secures Market Access for Poultry Exports to Namibia

The USDA has announced expanded access for US poultry exports to Namibia, a nation located on the southwestern coast of Africa. Effective July 1, Namibia will allow imports of fresh, frozen, and chilled poultry products from the United States, opening a market valued at approximately $15 million.

Additionally, the USDA successfully negotiated the removal of restrictive export and transit permit requirements for processed poultry products—reopening a previously closed trade channel.

This development underscores the Administration’s continued efforts to eliminate non-tariff trade...

USA: Fresh Del Monte Foods Files for Bankruptcy and Plans Asset Selloff  

US canned fruit and vegetable company Del Monte Foods has announced it has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the District of New Jersey. The company plans to sell all or most of its assets through a court-supervised restructuring process. 

The filing casts uncertainty over supply chains for core processed produce items such as peaches, pears, pineapple, sweetcorn, green beans, and tomatoes. While Del Monte Foods says it will maintain operations, any disruption or sale could affect grower contracts, procurement strategies, or pricing in the US processed produce sector. 

ANALYSIS: Latest UK Customs Figures Reveal Large Sheep Trade Growth In April

The latest customs report from HMRC shows that both imports and exports of Sheep meat in the UK saw significant y-o-y growth in April 2025. Sheep meat exports and imports were at 7,690 mt and 6,422 mt respectively, accounting for a 39.9% and 28.3% y-o-y growth. Market participants attributed this to the Easter Holiday that was celebrated later than the prior year, on April 20, 2025...

Expana Expands Poultry Coverage with New Thigh and Jumbo Tender Forecasts

Expana has announced the launch of two new forecast products on its platform: US Chicken Thigh Meat and Chicken Jumbo Breast Tenders. These additions respond directly to growing client demand and further broaden Expana’s extensive coverage of the chicken market, featuring over 50 forecast price series for poultry including wings, breasts, and trim meat. 

“These two new commodities within the poultry segment are of significant importance,” said Kevin Bull, Senior Forecast Analyst at Expana.  

“Their introduction offers greater coverage of the market..."

PODCAST: Agri-Food for Thought Ep. 30 - M&A in the Global Agri-Food Industry, June 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 June 2025 as part of the monthly M&A focus series.

June 2025 M&A activity picked up marginally compared to previous months. The ongoing tariffs situation, looming deadlines, other trade disputes, and market uncertainty, have a role to play here. 

ANALYSIS: Irish Beef Market Under Supply Pressure

In June 2025, Ireland’s cumulative beef processing volumes are approximately 15,000 head above the same period last year. However, tightening supply across other European countries is placing significant upward pressure on beef prices. Processors are competing aggressively to secure sufficient cattle to meet both domestic and export demand.

As of mid-2025, Ireland’s live cattle exports are 20% higher than at this point in 2024, further contributing to the supply squeeze within the country. Meanwhile, key EU beef-producing nations such as Germany, France, and the Netherlands are experiencing herd reductions...

ANALYSIS: Japan’s May 2025 Beef Imports Recede from 12-Month High

Japan’s beef imports in May 2025 eased from April’s 12-month high, slipping to 48,428 metric tons (mt), according to the latest data from Japan’s Trade Statistics. 

In line with traditional trends, volumes by the world’s second largest beef importer scaled back 8.8% month-on-month (MoM) or 4,696 mt amid the short working month during the Golden Week holiday period.

Japan imported beef from two main suppliers: Australia ranked first with 25,216 mt, followed by the United States (US) at 16,591 mt...

ANALYSIS: US Pork Cold Storage Tightens Year-Over-Year Despite Seasonal Shifts

According to the USDA’s May Cold Storage report, total pork in frozen inventory declined to 450.9 million pounds, down 5.2 million pounds (- 1.1%) from April, signaling the lowest volumes recorded in the last 10 years. While month-over-month supplies are slightly lower, year-over-year inventories remain significantly tighter—down more than 31 million pounds (-6.6%) compared to May 2024—pointing to persistent supply-side constraints...

ANALYSIS: Reviewing the Downward Trend in Mexican Shoulder Clod Prices

The Mexican domestic market for bone-in and boneless shoulder clod has experienced a downward price trend since mid-June 2025, primarily driven by a notable decline in demand. Bone-in shoulder clod has depreciated by approximately 4.6% from its levels at the beginning of June, while boneless shoulder clod has dropped by about 2.8%, following record-high prices in May fueled by reduced slaughter volumes. These elevated prices, which peaked earlier in the season, began to strain buyers, prompting consumers and intermediaries to shift toward alternative...

European Investment Bank, CaixaBank Set €180 Mln in Agricultural Loans in Spain

The European Investment Bank (EIB), the long-term lending institution of the European Union, and the Spanish bank CaixaBank have announced a new line of funding for small businesses and mid-caps in the agricultural sector of €180 million.

The funding will go to projects for the modernisation of the sector and rural development. The EIB believes the “operation will help to boost the competitiveness of small businesses and mid-caps" in the agricultural and bioeconomy sectors...

White Castle Debuts New Chicken Slider

There's a new Slider in town — and it's bringing a whole new flavor to America's favorite fast-food menu. White Castle, the family-owned fast-food pioneer that's been serving up steamy, craveable Sliders since 1921, is proud to debut its newest permanent menu item: the Crispy Chicken Slider. Bigger. Crispier. Cravier. And absolutely worthy of its own crown.

Made with tender, juicy all-white meat chicken, coated in a crispy buttermilk breading and drizzled with White Castle's flavorful new honeycomb mustard sauce, the Crispy Chicken Slider is sandwiched between the brand's signature...

Trump, Carney Agree to Resume US-Canada Trade Negotiations

Trade discussions between the United States and Canada resumed late Sunday after Canada announced it would withdraw its proposed digital services tax targeting major US technology firms.

On June 27, President Trump stated that due to Canada’s intention to impose a tax on US tech firms, the US would halt all trade discussions with its northern neighbor “effective immediately.”

The tax was to take effect on Monday, June 30. According to the New York Times, the 3% digital services tax on major US tech firms like Meta, Amazon and...

Gaiser's European Style Provisions Inc. Recalls Ready-To-Eat Meat and Poultry Bologna Products

Gaiser's European Style Provisions Inc., a Union, N.J., establishment, is recalling approximately 143,416 pounds of ready-to-eat bologna due to misbranding, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The various bologna products subject to recall contain meat or poultry source materials that are not declared on the product labels.

The ready-to-eat bologna items were produced between March 20 and June 20, 2025. The following products are subject to recall [view labels]...

ANALYSIS Comparing US Boxed Beef Cutout Values to COVID Highs Amid Current Surge

The current weekly average cutout value is $3.84/lb for Choice and $3.64/lb for Select. During the COVID-19 period, the record high for the Select cutout was a weekly average of $4.20/lb in May 2020, but prices sharply declined afterward, dropping to levels well below the five-year average. At this time in 2020, the Select cutout’s weekly average was approximately $2.10/lb, which...

ANALYSIS: Cage-Free Values Diverge from Conventional as Regional Demand Builds

After months of narrowing, the spread between cage-free and conventional quotations widened this week as the two markets moved in opposite directions—an uncommon divergence. Historically, both categories move in tandem, shaped by similar demand and usage dynamics...

ANALYSIS: Supply Uncertainty Looms Over the UK Beef Market

UK beef production totaled 300,000 tons between January and May 2025, marking a 10,000 tons (3%) decline compared to the same period in 2024, according to the latest data. Monthly output has consistently lagged 2024 levels, underscoring a persistent downward trend and increasing concerns over supply constraints in the second half of 2025.

Despite lower production volumes, slaughter rates remained strong in the first half of 2025. In May, prime cattle slaughter rose by 3% month-on-month to 178,000 head. Market participants suggest this uptick may reflect producers capitalizing on recent strong prices...

Airgas Workers Strike Over Labor Dispute, Extend Picket Lines Across Northeast

Unionized tankhaul drivers at Airgas have gone on strike, citing alleged unfair labor practices and the company’s refusal to negotiate contracts that meet industry standards.

the workers have expanded picket lines to eight sites across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island. Local 701 members have reportedly been on the picket line since mid-June. 

Airgas is the leading U.S. distributor of industrial, medical, and specialty gases; its products are used in modified atmospheric packaging (MAP), cryogenic freezing, and beverage carbonation and dispensing, among other applications. It is a subsidiary of French industrial gas giant Air Liquide

Walmart Opens First Beef Facility in Kansas

Walmart announced on Friday it had opened its first-ever owned and operated, case-ready beef facility to serve mostly Midwest customers. The 300,000+ square-foot facility is in Olathe, Kansas and will have around 600 employees.

It is connected to a 2022 investment Walmart made in Sustainable Beef LLC to improved supply chain security for Angus beef. The new “facility will package and distribute Angus cuts sourced directly from Sustainable Beef LLC to stores across the Midwest,” Walmart said.

The investment is part of Walmart’s plans to invest $350 billion in U.S.-made products by 2031...

US–China Trade Framework Advances, but Final Terms Still in Flux; Lutnick Hints at More Deals

The United States and China have inked a new trade agreement, President Donald Trump said on June 26.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick mirrored the news during an interview with Bloomberg TV, stating that the deal was signed in recent days. Neither Trump nor Lutnick shared further details.

Expana reported on June 11 that Lutnick said the US and China agreed to a trade framework, and the latest comments from both Lutnick and Trump don’t seem to add much...

Study Finds 61% of US Consumers are Scaling Back on Restaurants, Spending Less on Groceries 

As tariffs and inflation continue to impact consumers, Americans are spending less on food. According to Popmenu, which currently serves over 10,000 restaurants, 67% of consumers are scaling back their budgets.  

The nationwide study tracked the dining and spending habits of 1,000 people 21 and older from June 16 to June 17, 2025. When asked to name the areas where they are cutting back the most, restaurants landed the number one spot, with 61% saying they are eating out less and staying in...

UNFI Restores Core Systems After Major Cyberattack Disruption

United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) announced that it has safely restored the core systems its customers and suppliers use after suffering a significant cyberattack earlier this month.

“With our electronic ordering and invoicing systems back online, we are delivering products to grocery stores across our network at more normalized levels,” the company said in a June 26 statement. “We are grateful to all our customers and suppliers for their patience and partnership as our UNFI associates continue working to support their needs...

Tyson Debuts New Dino Nuggets in Time for Summer

Embark on a colossal, fun-filled adventure with Tyson Foods’ latest creation – Tyson Mega Dino Nuggets! These playful, protein-packed nuggets are your passport to a prehistoric party, perfect for both kids and anyone who’s still a kid at heart.

Inspired by the roaring success of our original dino nuggets, we've taken the fun to a whole new level with these larger, more dino-tastic bites. The new Tyson Mega Dino Nuggets chicken patties are made from the same ingredients you already know and love, now doubled in size...

ANALYSIS: New Zealand’s May 2025 Beef Exports Surge 15.7% MoM to 49,281 mt

New Zealand’s beef exports rebounded in May 2025, posting a solid 15.7% rise from April to 49,281 metric tons (mt), according to the latest data from Stats NZ.

Volumes rose 6,676 mt month-on-month (MoM) driven by stronger shipments to the United States (US), China, and Canada. Modest gains to the United Kingdom (UK), Taiwan, and Japan also contributed to the higher May figures.

On the contrary, annual growth continued to be hindered by lower cattle kills. Yearly figures fell 10.2% or 5,581 mt, led by reduced shipments to China and Japan. Allocations to New Zealand’s...

ANALYSIS: US Boneless Beef Cold Storage Stocks Fall in May 2025 to Lowest Level in 10 Years

The latest USDA cold storage report showed a decline of 13.7 M lbs of boneless beef in cold storage for May month-over-month (MOM) with current levels at 364.6 M lbs, which is the lowest level in the past ten years. Both lean and fat boneless beef continued to be tight throughout the month of May leading to less stored frozen product. As beef demand ramps up during the summer, especially for products like hotdogs and hamburgers, which boneless beef are key ingredients, cold storage dips as material is pulled out to supplement...

ANALYSIS: YTD EU Egg Exports Down Amid Production Challenges and High Prices

EU egg and egg product exports have declined in the first four months of 2025, dropping to 148,161 tons (egg equivalent weight) from 154,704 tons during the same period last year. This marks a 4.2% year-on-year decrease, indicating a challenging period for the European egg industry. While some export markets such as the UK and Israel have shown growth, the overall trend is downward, with notable declines in shipments to Japan and Thailand and only marginal changes in exports to Switzerland.

The primary factor behind this export contraction is the significant reduction in EU egg production, driven largely by the impact of...

Cattle Farmers and Ranchers Join President Trump to Push for Tax Relief

Today, farmers and ranchers affiliated with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) joined President Donald J. Trump at the White House for an event rging Congress to pass the “One Big Beautiful Bill” and deliver tax relief.

Kevin Kester, a fifth-generation California rancher and NCBA Past-President, attended due to his personal experience with the Death Tax.

“It was an incredible honor to stand with President Trump and echo his message that America’s family farmers and ranchers need tax relief now,” said Kester. “When I was hit with the Death Tax 30 years ago, I couldn’t hire new employees, invest in equipment, or make improvements to the ranch. My family and I had to stretch every...

New Study Identifies Additional Links Between Poultry Antibiotic Use and Human Drug Resistance

A new study, published in mSphere, a journal of the American Society for Microbiology, suggests some antibiotics used in conventional poultry farming may contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance in humans. This research, conducted by Dr. Alex Wong, Asalia Ibrahim and Jason Au of Carleton University’s Department of Biology, focuses on ionophores, a class of antibiotics commonly used in conventional poultry farming and previously described as “not important to human medicine.”

“This research underscores the importance of understanding the interconnectedness of animal...

Canada: Gay Lea Foods Sells Grober Nutrition to CG Wellington

Gay Lea Foods, a Canadian dairy cooperative, has reached an agreement to sell its Cambridge, Ontario-based animal nutrition division, Grober Nutrition, to CG Wellington Inc., a Canadian family-owned private investment firm specializing in agriculture.

Under the terms of the agreement, Grober Nutrition will continue to operate from its existing Cambridge, Ontario location. All current employees will remain in their roles. Grober Nutrition specializes in milk replacer products used in dairy nutrition. In 2019, Grober Nutrition sold its US subsidiary to Denkavit.