Hormel Foods Releases 2024 Global Impact Report

Hormel Foods Corporation, a Fortune 500 global branded food company, today shared its 19th annual Global Impact Report. The report, available online, provides fiscal year 2024 progress through the lens of Good Feeds Us All, the company’s next-generation global impact framework.

“Good Feeds Us All evolved naturally and purposefully from our earlier 20 By 30 Challenge,” said Katie Clark, senior vice president and chief communications officer at Hormel Foods. “The 20 By 30 Challenge cast a wide net, which was reflective of where we were in our global...

ANALYSIS: Turkey Industry Braces for Q4 Supply Crunch Due to Egg Set Decline and Disease Losses

Earlier this summer, both buyers and sellers were optimistic that the turkey industry might offer slightly more product in Q4 of this year compared to last year...

ANALYSIS: Australia Drives Korea’s August 2025 Beef Imports to Seven-Month Peak

Korea’s August 2025 beef imports rose for the second consecutive month, reaching 47,475 metric tons (mt), the highest level since January 2025, data from Korea Customs Service showed.

Rising 8.8% month-on-month (MoM), imports increased by 3,841 mt, led by higher volumes from the United States (US) and Australia. Fimer volumes from Canada contributed to the increase, while shipments from New Zealand were broadly stable compared with the prior month, tempering overall growth...

FDA to Repeal Frankfurter Color Additive Orange B Listing, Cites No Use Since 1978

The US Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday proposed removing a long-standing regulation that allows the use of the color additive Orange B on frankfurter and sausage casings, saying the additive appears to be no longer used in US food production.

FDA records show Orange B was last batch-certified in 1978 and the agency has received no certification requests since, leading it to tentatively conclude the authorized use has been abandoned and the listing is outdated.

Renewable Fuel Proposal Would Benefit Drivers and Farmers

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on an EPA proposal to reallocate renewable fuel production that will be lost to small refinery exemptions.

“Renewable fuels are an important tool in meeting America’s domestic energy needs. EPA’s proposal takes a positive step toward strengthening the Renewable Fuel Standard and reinforcing the role farmers play in growing crops for biofuels. By addressing small refinery exemptions through reallocation, the agency is pursuing policies that promote energy independence through American-grown fuels.

“Farm Bureau urges EPA to adopt a full...

HPAI H5N1 Virus in Dairy Cattle – What We Know

In March 2024, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) A (H5N1), commonly referred to as bird flu, was confirmed in domestic US livestock for the first time in a dairy operation in Texas. Since then, the virus has spread to 1,080 dairy operations across 18 states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Kansas, Idaho, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming.

Since the initial outbreak, cases in dairy cattle have declined significantly, though USDA confirmed two new cases in September 2025. Government agencies continue to emphasize that the national food supply is safe...

European Investment Bank Backs French Dairy Cooperative Sodiaal’s €70 Mln Investment

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has approved a €70 million loan to Sodiaal, France’s largest dairy cooperative. The loan, guaranteed by the InvestEU programme, will go to research and development, the EIB said.

“The French and European agri-food industry is facing strong international competition – an issue that can be addressed by accelerating research and innovation,” EIB vice-president Ambroise Fayolle said.

Sodiaal represents around 14,500 member farmers, and owns the Yoplait, Candia and Entremont brands.

“The agricultural industry and the dairy...

McDonald's USA Launches its Largest Investment in Regenerative Agriculture

McDonald’s announced its largest investment in regenerative agriculture on Tuesday. This move aims to demonstrate the company's commitment to responsible sourcing and the stewardship of natural resources.

The company has launched the Grassland Resilience and Conservation Initiative in partnership with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), the US Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and key McDonald’s US suppliers.

With an investment of $200 million over the next seven years, the initiative aims to improve grazing practices, restore habitats, and support water and wildlife...

The Retail Rundown: Chicken Promotions Fall Short in “National Month”

Beef and seafood ads were nearly even this week, each accounting for about 25% of featured buying opportunities. Pork and turkey held steady, while eggs gained ground, with the South Central region seeing the most feature activity.

Expana notes that the back-to-school lift in retail shell egg demand has largely passed, with September typically a slower period outside of the early-season bump. 

Despite September being “National Chicken Month,” Expana’s weekly survey found chicken ads down from last week and slightly below late August levels...

ANALYSIS: US Beef Cold Storage Values Dip Below Threshold for Third year in a Row

Beef cold storage, although higher than last year by .98%, is currently still extremely low compared to previous years. Stretching all the way out for ten years 2024 is the only year below the current levels for total frozen beef. Next month historically we see an increase in volumes and continue to do so heading into the winter months, which usually is the time of year that experiences some of the higher cold storage volumes...

EC Opens Call for Evidence to Streamline Food and Feed Safety Rules

The European Commission (EC) has launched a call for evidence to gather input on plans to simplify, clarify and modernise key areas of EU food and feed safety legislation. The initiative aims to reduce administrative burdens, boost legal clarity and speed regulatory procedures while preserving high food safety standards and EU competitiveness.

The forthcoming food safety package will outline measures to streamline rules across plant protection products, biocidal products, feed additives, hygiene requirements and official controls at EU borders, the EC said.

C-Stores Narrow the Gap with Restaurants for Key Metrics in Third-Party Delivery Study

Intouch Insight has released the second edition of its Third-Party Delivery Study, showing that food delivery continues to evolve. For the first time, first-party apps were measured alongside third-party platforms, and they're already firmly in the mix. Meanwhile, convenience stores are closing the gap with restaurants on key measures of customer satisfaction.

"Earning loyalty in delivery comes down to the details," said Sarah Beckett, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Intouch Insight. "Our findings show that accuracy, speed...

Perdue Farms Strengthens Leadership Team with Three Senior Vice President Appointments

Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned U.S. food and agricultural products company, today announced the appointments of three accomplished executives to its senior leadership team: Kim Poe as Senior Vice President, Strategy & Corporate Development; Sal Gala as Senior Vice President, Procurement; and Brice Westring as Senior Vice President, Research & Development (R&D).

The appointments underscore Perdue Farms’ commitment to bringing in diverse talent and leadership experience that will guide the company into its second century and advance its vision to be the most...

Coffee, Cocoa, Tea, and More Added to List of Potential Tariff Adjustments for Aligned Partners

As of September 5, products like coffee, cocoa, and tea (along with hundreds more) may be exempt from US reciprocal tariffs if a country’s leaders make a deal with the US trade team, according to a White House fact sheet that specifies exemptions for trading partners that make substantial, reciprocal commitments to mitigate the national emergency-inducing trade-deficit.

To date, market participants watched as deals with the European Union and Indonesia provided a vague mention towards exemptions for “natural resources” like EU cork...

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...

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. Names Humera Kassem Chief People Officer

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, a full-service restaurant chain serving an innovative selection of high-quality gourmet burgers, bottomless sides and more, in a family-friendly atmosphere, announced today the appointment of Humera Kassem as Chief People Officer, effective September 15.

In this role, Kassem will be responsible for overseeing Red Robin's organizational strategy and vision centered on the continued strengthening of Red Robin's culture and the advancement of its recently announced First Choice Plan.

"I have had the pleasure of witnessing Humera's impactful...

KFC US Names Melissa Cash as Chief Marketing Officer

Bolstering Powerhouse Leadership Team Poised to Accelerate Brand's Comeback

KFC U.S. today announced Melissa Cash has been named Chief Marketing Officer, effective Sept. 16. Cash will report to Catherine Tan-Gillespie, President of KFC U.S., who previously held the CMO position before her promotion in April 2025.

In her role as CMO of KFC U.S., Cash will be the driving force for the brand's modern marketing strategy, leading brand strategy, calendar, food innovation, integrated marketing, media and communications, consumer insights and analytics and...

ANALYSIS: US 2025 Beef Wholesale Costs Take Bigger Bite Out of Retails’ Dollar

When comparing the Expana Beef Index to the USDA All Fresh Retail Price, the data underscores the growing pressure on retailers as wholesale costs consume a larger share of the consumer dollar. In July, the USDA All Fresh Retail Price was quoted at $8.90/lb, while the Expana Beef Index averaged $3.64/lb. That means wholesale accounted for roughly 41% of the retail price.  

For perspective, during the early stages of the last cattle retention phase in 2014 and similarly in 2005...

ANALYSIS: Cage-Free Market Holds Steady, Parity Underscores Oversupply

The cage-free market has shown little movement in recent weeks, holding relatively steady since mid-August with only a 3ct decline over that period. This week, cage-free quotations settled at $2.76/dozen on the West Coast and $2.66/dozen for the rest of the market, with the latter sitting in exact alignment with the conventional Midwest large for a week now.

Ordinarily, the West Coast — as the largest mandated cage-free region — trades at a clear premium to the rest of the country...

Major Restaurant Chains Ramp Up Market Expansion

This week, big players in the foodservice industry, including Chipotle, TGI Fridays, and Qdoba, have unveiled ambitious expansion plans.

By stretching accessibility and strengthening their global presence, these companies are ramping up efforts to reach international markets.

First, Qdoba announced its largest development deal in its brand's history.

The company partnered with Barry Dubin of B Wild Investments in an agreement to develop 50 new QDOBA restaurants across the states of Alaska, Utah, Nevada, Colorado and New Mexico.

It also announced that B Wild Investments has signed...

E-Commerce Drives Growth and Strategy for Private Brands in Food Retail

The Food Industry Association (FMI) released findings from its new report entitled, "The Power of Private Brands 2025: Industry Strategies to Sustain Momentum."

This report highlights the impact of e-commerce on the growth of private brands at food retailers and the tools businesses are using to boost sales and shopper loyalty.

According to the report, food retailers are increasingly recognizing the value of e-commerce and anticipate it may eventually outpace in-store purchases. It stated that sales of private brand...

ANALYSIS: How Brazil’s Beef Trade Adjusts to US Tariffs So Far

Contrary to expectations that US tariffs on Brazilian goods implemented in early August would sharply curb trade, Brazil’s beef exports posted only a modest contraction last month. According to data from the Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services, fresh beef shipments totaled 268,563 mt in August, down 2.8% from the record 276,879 mt in July but still 23.5% higher YOY.

As anticipated, exports to the United States halved MOM to 6,500 mt, representing an even steeper YOY decline of 57.4%. Despite the sharp...

ANALYSIS: July Broiler Exports, Seasonal Surge Outpaces the Norm

US broiler exports totaled 556.6 million pounds in July 2025, marking a 7.6% month-over-month (MOM) increase and a 3.2% year-over-year (YOY) gain. The expansion was well above the five-year average for July, which typically reflects a 1% decline from June. While overall volumes tracked stronger than expected, trade flows revealed sharp contrasts between key markets.

Mexico remained the leading destination by volume, bringing in 134 million pounds of US chicken in July. This represented a 1.5% MOM gain, which...

ANALYSIS: Mexican Export Suspension of Cattle Creates Challenges and Opportunities for Stakeholders

Mexican feeder cattle exports to the US have faced interruptions at various points since late 2024, primarily due to sanitary suspensions imposed by US authorities following the detection of screwworm outbreaks in cattle.

Although there was a partial reactivation at certain border crossings early in 2025, trade was again suspended in May. An attempt to resume in July lasted only a few days before a new suspension. From January to August 2025, just over 200,000 head were exported, compared to nearly 940,000 during...

Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #26

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 #26."

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.

...

Despite 50% tariffs remaining on Brazil and India, the Indian Prime Minister Modi and US President Trump expressed positivity that the respective trade teams would reach a deal, according to their latest social media...

FMI Statement on August CPI Food Price Numbers

Today, FMI – The Food Industry Association issued the following statement in response to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which shows a 0.6% monthly increase in food-at-home prices for August and a 2.7% rise on a year-over-year basis.

FMI Vice President of Tax, Trade, Sustainability and Policy Development Andy Harig stated, “The rise in grocery prices after remaining flat in July is likely a result of significant production cost increases in July flowing through the supply chain...

Godshall's Quality Meats Launches New Chicken Bacon

AAMP Processor Member Godshall's Quality Meats announces the launch of its newest innovation, Chicken Bacon. Crafted from premium whole muscle chicken and authentically smoked in Godshall's own smokehouse, the product offers a leaner option for consumers who want the indulgent flavor of traditional bacon.

Chicken Bacon debuted in August at Lowes Foods in the Carolinas. Distribution is expanding to over 200 Acme and Safeway locations across the Mid-Atlantic in September, and additional stores later this year.

"Godshall's sales team is proud to introduce their latest innovation...

ANALYSIS: Avian Influenza and Aging Infrastructure Tightens UK Chicken Supply

The UK poultry industry continues to face significant challenges stemming from both disease outbreaks and structural issues within the sector.

Avian Influenza remains a major concern, with multiple cases reported across the country in 2025. Following an outbreak in Somerset earlier in August, a Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 strain was confirmed at a poultry facility in Devon on August 31, 2025. Government authorities mandated the humane culling of all birds on the affected premises. These recurring outbreaks, which historically intensify during the autumn months, have been disrupting market...

ANALYSIS: US Turkey Exports See Modest July Uptick Amid Global HPAI Disruptions and Trade Shifts

The total volume of turkey exported from the US during the month of July remained well below last year. However, signs of increased trade were noted as month-over-month (MOM) activity rose 12.8% in comparison to a 5-year average increase of 8.7%. The most likely driver of this uptick in movement was a decline in Brazilian participation on the global turkey market.

On May 15th, Brazil confirmed their first commercial case of HPAI. While this case was detected in chickens...

Pulling Back the Curtain on the Market for Packaging Recovery Notes

In the United Kingdom, Packaging Recovery Notes are meant to ensure that the companies creating packaging waste are helping to financially support the cost of recycling it. The prices of PRNs are affected by external factors, such as the demand for recyclate, shipping costs, and rumors about import restrictions or recycling closures. A lack of timely data hobbles companies trying to implement informed buying strategies, as market players often submit late responses or correct their data later, and a structural time lag creates a supply/demand disconnect.