The Retail Rundown: Retailers See Early Back-to-School Spending Amid Price Concerns
While some students are already back in class, others are squeezing in the last stretch of summer before Labor Day. Either way, grocers are bracing for busy aisles as parents juggle back-to-school supplies and grocery lists. This week’s ads highlight plenty of lunchbox staples, including snacks and deli items.
The National Retail Federation (NRF) reports that two-thirds of shoppers had already begun back-to-school purchases by early July, with more than half starting earlier than last year. Concerns about higher prices linked to tariffs...
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Tea, Plant-Based Milk and Real-Food Snack Suppliers Join 29 Others Preparing for Food Traceability
ReposiTrak, the world’s largest food traceability and regulatory compliance network, leveraging its established inventory management and out-of-stock reduction SaaS platform, is proud to add 32 tea, plant-based milk and snack suppliers to the queue of companies joining the ReposiTrak Traceability Network® (RTN). These companies will efficiently exchange intricate, FDA-required Key Data Elements (KDEs) for each Critical Tracking Event (CTE) in their supply chains, with the goal of meeting the growing traceability demands...
Perdue Premium Meat Co Opens Its New Production Facility in Iowa
Perdue Premium Meat Company announced the official opening of its new production facility, a $60 million investment, on Tuesday. The new, state-of-the-art facility in Sioux City, Iowa will specialize in case-ready pork production.
“This is more than a renovated facility – it’s a long-term investment in the people, economy and future of Sioux City,” said Gary Malenke, Senior Vice President of Operations, PPMC. “Our new operations in Sioux City will allow us to better serve our customers across the country with high-quality products while creating more than 100 new jobs right here in Iowa.”
Global Dairy Trade Index Clears at $4,291 on August 19
The Global Dairy Trade (GDT) index edged down by 0.3% on August 19, clearing at $4,291/MT.
The total volume sold fell to around 36,553 metric tons (MT) from 37,040 MT sold on August 5, with around 160 participating bidders.
Lactose was again not offered at the event, and butter milk powder was not assessed. In the previous event, butter milk powder had fallen by 2.0% to $3,050/MT.
Price changes were mixed across the products. Mozzarella led losses, falling by 2.7% to...
Moldovan Poultry Producer Axedum to Invest €9 Mln in Expansion
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and Moldovan bank Maib have approved €9 million in financing for the poultry producer Axedum, both banks announced.
The funds “will finance the construction of a modern feed mill and enable Axedum to expand into a new business line of egg production,” the EBRD said.
Axedum is seeking to export its products into the European Union. Moldova holds EU accession candidate status...
ANALYSIS: US Loin Primal Values and Cattle Prices Over the Last Ten Years
Although the loin primal has been experiencing a little more weakness compared to the others for the Choice cutout, values are still at highs that we have never seen before at this time of year ever. The loin primal, which normally experiences a dip in value through the summer has not.
Over the last 3 years, the weekly average price was $3.85/lb and for the week of 08/11/2025 the weekly average was $4.79/lb. For comparison...
Hendrix Genetics Invests in New Poultry Pedigree Facility in the Netherlands
Dutch-based Hendrix Genetics is investing in a pedigree facility in the Netherlands as part of a new poultry breeding program, the company said. Hendrix Genetics specializes in the breeding of turkeys, poultry, swine, salmon, trout and shrimp.
“The facility will support the growth of Hendrix Genetics’ Layers and Traditional Poultry Breeding Program,” the company said.
Hendrix Genetics expects to start operations this month and reach full capacity within six to eight months.
The facility has a modern hatchery as well as rearing and production houses...
HHS Allows FDA Emergency Use of Animal Drugs to Combat New World Screwworm
The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued a declaration allowing the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to grant Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) for drugs used to treat or prevent infestations caused by New World Screwworm in animals.
"Today we are taking decisive action to safeguard the nation’s food supply from this emerging threat,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “This authorization equips FDA to act quickly, limit the spread of New World Screwworm, and protect America’s...
UNFI Warehouse Workers Win Big with New Teamsters Contract
More than 300 warehouse workers at United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) have ratified a new five-year contract.
The new agreement was overwhelmingly supported by workers and includes wage increases of up to $8 per hour, along with Teamsters health care coverage and participation in the Teamsters Western Conference Pension Plan.
"This contract is exactly why we joined the Teamsters," said Charles Dowling, a warehouse worker and member of Local 79. "We fought hard for the pay, benefits, and protections we...
European Processor Dawn Meats to Acquire New Zealand Sheep Meat Exporter Alliance
Ireland-based processor Dawn Meats, specialized in red meat, has agreed to acquire 65% of Alliance Group for $250 million.
Alliance is one of the largest exporters of New Zealand sheep meat, but it also exports beef, venison, and others to around 65 countries, DC Advisory, the company advising the acquisition, said. Currently, Dawn Meats exports to around 50 countries, with a turnover of €3 billion, the company said.
The acquisition fits within the company’s growth plans. “A key part of Dawn’s strategic growth plan...
Popeyes Re-introduces its Wings Lineup
Officially in restaurants nationwide today, Popeyes® is re-introducing their wings lineup, now with a new mild marinated base on their bone- mild or spicy!
Popeyes new wings lineup spotlights their three bestselling sauce flavors: Signature Hot, Sweet 'N Spicy and Honey BBQ, as well as four all-new dry rubs: Ghost Pepper, Lemon Pepper, Garlic Parm, and Buffalo all featured on a mild marinated based wing.
ANALYSIS: Cage-Free Market Tests as Prices Converge with Conventional
After several weeks of sharp declines, the cage-free market found its footing this week, holding steady for multiple days and marking a sharp reversal in pace. The rest-of-market cage-free quotation sits at $2.69/dozen and, for the first time since its introduction in 2024, has fully converged with the conventional Midwest large quote. The narrowing spread between the two markets has become a defining factor for both cage-free availability and subsequent trade values.
With the spread gone, cage-free suppliers are increasingly diverting product...
ANALYSIS:US Pork Exports Show Resilience Amid Mixed Global Demand in June
US pork exports totaled 527,555 K lbs in June 2025, up 7.0% year-over-year (YOY) but down 2.3% month-over-month (MOM) from May’s 564,626 K lbs, according to USDA data. Through the first half of 2025, exports reached 3.22 billion lbs, 4% below the same period in 2024.
Mexico remained as the leading growth contributor, importing 226,552 K lbs in June, up 22.4 % YOY and 5.2 % MOM. Ongoing active demand domestically for pork items in Mexico, along with free trade agreement...
Trump Says Immigration Plan Will Balance Farm Labor Needs and Border Security
US President Donald Trump said he is crafting an immigration plan aimed at bridging the gap between American farmers who rely on immigrant labor and advocates for stricter border policies—a balancing act that has taken center stage amid recent enforcement actions disrupting agricultural operations nationwide.
"The farmers want to have people who can work very hard in the field, and the other people don't want to have anybody from outside of our country. And I am working on a plan that I think is going to make...
ANALYSIS: Tight Supply Drives Lamb Values
The Australian lamb market is in an unsettled phase, with the Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) Heavy Lamb Indicator, a benchmark price for heavy lambs based on national saleyard transactions, reaching a record 1,246 ¢/kg cwt, up 12% over the past month.
Although domestic and export demand is active, the main driver is processor pressure. Barely adequate-to-tight supplies have processors competing to secure lambs, raising prices even into unprofitable territory. Some Australian participants have noted that some plants are running shorter production weeks, and some...
ANALYSIS: US 2025 Cash Cattle Surge, Margins Collapse, and Slaughter Hits Record Lows
August has been a month of records: record-high cash cattle prices, record-low margins, and record-low weekly cattle slaughter. According to the USDA Five Area Direct Cattle Data, Live Steer Price, cash cattle are currently $241.00/cwt, about 25% higher than at this time in 2024. Several factors are driving these historic prices. US cattle inventories are tight, the lowest since 1951 according to the USDA, and outside pressures, such as tariffs on imported beef and a...
Red Robin Reports Results for the Second Quarter
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc., a full-service restaurant chain serving an innovative selection of high-quality gourmet burgers in a family-friendly atmosphere, today reported financial results for the fiscal second quarter ended July 13, 2025.
Highlights for the Fiscal Second Quarter of 2025, Compared to the Fiscal Second Quarter of 2024:
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #22
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 #22."
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.
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The timeline for tariff negotiations between the US and China trade teams has been extended for another 90 days—moving the deadline to November 10, according to a White House fact sheet...
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...
ANALYSIS: Mexican Beef Market Weakens as Brazilian Imports Surge
Brazilian beef imports into Mexico have surged significantly in 2025, particularly during June and July, marking a pivotal shift in the market landscape. Year-to-date, Mexico’s purchases from Brazil have increased by more than 300% compared to the same months in 2024, rising from 3,666 metric tons(mt) in June 2024 to 16,170 mt in June 2025, and from 4,907 mt in July 2024 to 15,580 mt in July 2025.
Mexico’s policy of not imposing import tariffs on Brazilian beef has fueled this growth...
ANALYSIS: China’s Meat Imports Edge Up 0.6% MOM to 533,241 mt in July 2025
China imported 533,241 metric tons (mt) of meat, including variety meats in July 2025, rising just 0.9% (3,241 mt) from a month earlier, according to preliminary data from the General Administration of Customs (GACC).
Despite the low base earlier in the year, the modest July increase also failed to match the usual sharp seasonal gains that follow a softer spring and summer, when importers typically build stocks ahead of winter dishes such as hotpots, soups and stews and other traditional...
Brazil Seeks Increasing Agricultural Exports To Central America and The Caribbean
Brazil has started a diplomatic mission to Central America and the Caribbean with the objective of strengthening Brazilian agricultural trade, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa) said on Wednesday.
The meetings across the region will try to increase technical collaboration and expand Brazilian agricultural trade. Mapa also stated these meetings will serve to coordinate with the countries of the region to participate in the 23rd Inter-American Board of Agriculture (IABA), which Brazil will host in Brasília in November...
JBS Invests $100 Million in New RTE Bacon and Sausage Facility
JBS USA has announced plans to expand its operations in Ankeny, Iowa, by opening the largest ready-to-eat bacon and sausage facility in its portfolio.
The company has agreed to purchase a 186,000-square-foot production facility formerly owned by Hy-Vee. JBS intends to convert the space into a fully cooked bacon and sausage production plant and is looking to hire former Hy-Vee staff for the new operation.
"Today’s announcement aligns with our long-term strategy of...
Amazon Launches Same-Day Perishable Grocery Delivery in Over 1,000 Cities
Amazon is set to make one of its largest-ever grocery expansions, bringing same-day delivery of fresh and perishable food items to customers in more than 1,000 cities and towns, starting August 13.
Shoppers can now order produce, dairy, meat, seafood and other essentials for rapid delivery, with plans to reach over 2,300 communities by the end of 2025.
“Customers are looking to make their budgets stretch further, and that’s why Amazon is focused on offering a wide selection of national and local brands, including organic and natural options...
Performance Food Group Reports Strong Sales and Profit Growth Despite Decline in Net Income
One of the largest distributors in foodservice, Performance Food Group, has announced results from its fourth quarter and fiscal year.
Quarterly Highlights
The company saw case volume increase by 11.9%. Independent Foodservice case volume rose 20.4%, while Organic Independent Foodservice case volume increased 5.9%.
Net sales were $16.9 billion, rising 11.5% for the period. Gross profit for the quarter grew 14.6% to $2 billion. This growth in sales and profit can be attributed to recent acquisitions, including that...
China Confirms African Swine Fever Outbreak in Sichuan
China has reported 210 confirmed and 795 susceptible cases of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Napo County, in the Sichuan Province, a World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) report showed.
The Guangxi Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs reported the outbreak on July 25. "Following the outbreak, local authorities immediately implemented emergency response measures in accordance with the contingency plan, including lockdowns of infected and threatened areas, culling of pigs, harmless disposal, and disinfection,” the Department said.
As of time of reporting, inspections found no new cases...
The Retail Rundown: Beef Tops Retail Ads as Grocers Prepare for Labor Day
With Labor Day just under three weeks away, grocers are preparing for summer’s last big grilling rush. Most holiday orders have already been locked in, and meat and prepared food departments are expected to see strong traffic as shoppers savor the last days of summer.
Beef has overtaken seafood as the most advertised protein this week, representing 27.0% of retail buying opportunities. Pork is close behind at 26.6%, while seafood has eased to 23.3%. Chicken remains steady at 18%, and turkey ads inched up to 3%...
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