Yum China Announces $460 Million Share Buyback in US and Hong Kong

Yum China Holdings entered into share repurchase agreements in the US and Hong Kong for a total repurchase amount of approximately $460 million for the first half of 2026, commencing on January 12, 2026. The agreement includes approximately US$350 million under Rule 10b5-1 of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in the US and approximately HK$880 million for a similar program in Hong Kong.

The share repurchase program agreements serve as a key element in...

ANALYSIS: US 2025 Vanishing 600K-Head Slaughter Weeks Signal Supply Crunch and Price Spike

In 2025, weekly cattle slaughter has surpassed the 600,000-head mark only four times year-to-date a sharp departure from 2024, when such volumes were reached 32 times by this point in the year, translating to an 88% reduction in 600,000 head or more weeks. This trend mirrors 2015, when the market sat at a similar stage in the cattle cycle and never hit that threshold. Year-to-date slaughter is currently running 6.6% below 2024 levels... 

ANALYSIS: US Breaking Stock Prices Slide to Two-Year Lows Amid Soft Demand, Rising Supplies

US breaking stock prices have fallen to their lowest levels in more than two years, reflecting mounting pressure from across both demand and supply channels. Retail, distribution, and export channels have all failed to generate the absorption typically expected this time of year, leaving surplus supplies with few viable outlets. Even with some of the lowest shelf prices seen in years, suppliers mostly characterize retail movement as only fair.

The customary lift in buying that typically marks the early stages of...

Major EU Project to Investigate the Rise of Commercial Cattle Farming

A major project has received significant European Union (EU) funding to investigate how commercial cattle farming first emerged in Europe, setting in motion economic, social and environmental shifts that shaped the continent from the medieval period to the modern era.

Led by University College Cork (UCC) researcher Dr Eugene Costello, the groundbreaking project aims to uncover the pre-industrial roots of commercial cattle farming, an industry that reshaped Europe’s landscapes and evolved into a major force in the global food economy...

ANALYSIS: Turkey Prices Surge YOY on Supply Shortages; Breast Meat Up 295%

This year's turkey market has been exceptionally bullish in nearly all regards. Pricing for nearly all items aside from hearts and gizzards currently sits higher than that of last year. However, we see very different paths throughout the year based on the individual line.

This year, pricing for the frozen 16 lbs. toms was actually lower than the values in 2024 during January and part of February. Midway through February prices began to climb and rise year-over-year (YOY) until they reached today's levels...

ANALYSIS: China’s Nov 2025 Meat Imports Nosedive 20.2% MOM as Customs Scrutiny Intensifies

China’s November 2025 meat imports, variety meats included slumped a hefty 20.2% from a month before at 392,641 metric tons (mt), according to preliminary data from the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC).

Inbound tonnage plunged by nearly 100,000 mt for the second consecutive month as tightened customs inspection checks delayed operations, especially during what is normally the peak season for red meat consumption.

ANALYSIS: Brazil’s Beef Exports to Mexico Ease in November

November data shows that Brazil’s beef exports to Mexico held at higher year-over-year (YOY) levels, even as volumes moved lower for a third consecutive month. Shipments peaked in September and then eased through October and November, reflecting a gradual adjustment from the mid-year highs. Despite this downward trend, the Mexican import market continued to rely on Brazilian product to supplement domestic availability. Participants reported that cattle movements inside Mexico remain limited, particularly for finished cattle moving from southern regions, as New World Screwworm inspections and controls...

ANALYSIS: From Shortage to Surplus: Chicken Market's Dramatic 2025 Turnaround

The year began with an unusually sharp rally across the chicken complex as a perfect storm of supply constraints and aggressive demand converged. Retailers and foodservice operators leaned heavily into chicken due to the historically wide cost spread compared to beef, which made chicken the clear feature protein nationwide. At the same time, production efficiency was severely compromised. Avian metapneumovirus and laryngotracheitis did not drive large mortality events, but they significantly reduced bird performance, cutting live weights, suppressing feed conversion, and lowering...

MEATZY Launches Subscription Service for Premium Meat and Seafood Delivery

MEATZY, an innovative subscription service delivering high-quality meat directly to customers' doors, has officially launched.

Developed by industry veterans with experience in supplying proteins to over 100 luxury resorts and leading chefs, MEATZY promises an exceptional culinary experience with premium beef, chicken, pork, and seafood at consistent prices.

"Protein prices keep climbing, and families are paying more for meat that's often lower quality than they realize," said the co-founder, Jorge Arevalo. "We built MEATZY to give people access to chef-grade protein...

USTR Sets Phased Tariffs on Non-Compliant Imports from Nicaragua; Beef and Seafood Affected?

The office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) will impose phased tariffs on Nicaraguan goods that do not meet the standards for the Dominican Republic–Central America–United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR), following a Section 301 determination that Nicaragua’s acts and policies on labor rights, human rights, and the rule of law are unreasonable and burden or restrict US commerce, according to a press release...

Acosta Group Unveils 2026 Top Consumer Predictions  

Acosta Group has unveiled its four consumer predictions for 2026, highlighting the increasing importance of personalization and innovation for achieving success and relevance.

Colin Stewart, EVP of Business Intelligence at Acosta Group, noted, "Technology and evolving consumer lifestyles continue to reshape the shopping experience, as do the expectations, priorities, and values driving purchases. This creates fresh opportunities for brands, retailers, and foodservice operators to predict consumer needs and drive excitement and trust," based on comprehensive research conducted with the company's 40,000-member shopper community.

The predictions include:

• Shoppers turning to...

Farmers, Producers, and Ag Leaders Praise President Trump’s Farmer Bridge Assistance Program

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins today highlighted the outpouring of support from governors, commodity groups, farm bureaus, and agriculture industry leaders across the country following President Trump’s announcement of $12 billion in Farmer Bridge Assistance Program payments. As producers battle historic market disruptions, rising input costs, and the lingering effects of foreign trade manipulation, agriculture leaders are praising the administration’s swift action to deliver relief and strengthen the farm safety net. Below is a compilation of what they are saying about this critical support for...

Farm Bureau Welcomes USDA Approach to Regenerative Agriculture

American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall today commented on the announcement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) about a new Regenerative Agriculture Initiative that leverages existing programs, the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), to advance regenerative practices.

“We value USDA’s acknowledgement that farmers have long practiced regenerative agriculture on their farms, both through federal conservation programs and on their own. Building on these efforts by leveraging existing voluntary and incentive-based programs to advance additional regenerative goals sounds like smart...

ANALYSIS: Brazilian Fresh Beef Exports Remained Strong in November 2025 at 318,494 MT, Down 0.6% MOM

The latest data from Brazil’s Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services revealed that November’s fresh beef (chilled and frozen) exports reached 318,494 mt, just 0.6% below the October’s record high figure. On a year-over-year (YOY) basis, this marks a 39.6% increase compared to November last year.

China, the main destination by far, fell 5.8% MOM to 187,271 mt, now accounting for 58.4% of total exports. Compared to the same month last year, this still represents a notable...

ANALYSIS: Australia Sets New High for Beef Exports at 1.39M mt in Nov 2025 Despite Tariff Odds

Australia’s beef exports reached an unprecedented 1,398,224 metric tons (mt) in cumulative volume through November 2025, according to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).

Despite global trade pressures, multi‑decade herd lows in the United States (US) worked in Australia's favor, allowing it to increase supplies to the world's largest beef consumer. Reduced United States (US)) supply led Japan and Korea to rely more heavily on Australian beef.

Beyond supply constraints, the US‑Sino trade war cleared the...

ANALYSIS: Texas 2025 Beef Quality Surges as Select Supplies Collapse to Record Lows

Texas has reached record-low Select grading percentages, falling roughly 26% below 2024 levels and settling near 20% of cattle grading Select in Texas. At the same time, the state is posting a 52-week high for Choice grade, with nearly 69% of cattle grading in that category. This shift reflects a notable quality improvement in the cattle being harvested and marks one of the most pronounced grade spreads the region has seen in recent years. 

A number of factors are contributing to the...

ANALYSIS: Loads Traded and Consumer Buying Trends for Ribs and 0x1 Strips in November

With bone-in heavy and boneless heavy ribs both at higher price levels this year, buyers were looking for a more economical option for the holidays. Bone-in heavy ribs were roughly 11% higher compared to 2024 and about 17% more than the three-year average. Boneless heavy ribs were 9.39% higher compared to 2024 and about 18% more than the three-year average. Strips were no exception, with them being 20% more than 2024 and 29% higher than the three-year...

ANALYSIS: Uruguayan Beef Exports Rebounded 18.1% MOM to 35,492 mt in November 2025, Up 5.1% YOY

According to the latest data from Uruguay’s National Customs Directorate, fresh beef (chilled and frozen) exports rebounded in November following three consecutive monthly declines, rising 18.1% from October to 35,492 mt. On a year-over-year (YOY) basis, volumes were also higher, marking a 5.1% increase compared to the same period last year...

The Retail Rundown: A Preview of Christmas Favorites

Few protein items embody the year-end holiday spirit quite like the classic Christmas ham and the standing rib roast. These iconic centerpiece proteins often dominate holiday tables, shaping both wholesale market trends and retail advertising strategies.

This year, the wholesale beef rib market kicked off its seasonal rise in late July, climbing 32% between July 28 and Thanksgiving week. Since then, the market has shifted into typical year-end procurement mode with a generally steady undertone, and holiday buying is expected to wrap soon...

Farm Bureau: Farmers Grateful for Help Through Economic Storm

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on USDA’s announcement to provide financial relief and an economic bridge for America’s farmers and ranchers until benefits from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act reach the farm.

“Farmers are grateful to President Trump and Secretary Brooke Rollins for providing resources that, for many, could make the difference between staying in business to plant another crop, or shuttering a family farm.

“America’s farmers have been hit from every direction during this economic storm. They face the same high prices as all of...

Campbell’s Acquisition of La Regina Announced Alongside Earnings

On December 9, The Campbell’s Company officials announced plans to acquire a majority stake in an Italian tomato processor called La Regina Di San Marzano, according to the company’s latest earnings report. By the second half of 2026, the acquisition will be complete after two payments toward the total $286 million valuation, according to Campbell's leaders. 

The company entered into definitive agreements to acquire a 49% interest in La Regina, the producer of Rao’s tomato-based pasta sauces...

ANALYSIS: Growing Cage-Free Supply Outpaces Demand

The cage-free market has come under renewed pressure this week as post-holiday demand has eased and expanding production continued to add volume to the supply chain. Retailers are focused primarily on replenishment, and while those needs remain moderately elevated by seasonal standards, they have not been strong enough to absorb the level of product now entering coolers.

Much of the week’s pressure stems from the supply side. With more birds back in production and conventional demand tapering, far fewer cage-free eggs are being down-packed—removing an...

Trump Admin Roundtable Discussion: Bridge Payments to Farmers, Soybean Purchases, Fair Trade, EUDR

On December 8, US President Trump held a roundtable meeting with members of the US farming community, Agriculture Secretary Rollins, Treasury Secretary Bessent, and others at the White House to announce monetary support to farmers impacted by the US trade policy. 

The administration announced plans to provide $12 billion in tariff income-fueled support for farmers, to address the high costs of farm equipment, and to examine anti-competitive behavior in the food supply chain...

Instacart App Launches in OpenAI ChatGPT 

Instacart (NASDAQ: CART), the leading grocery technology company in North America, today announced that it is the first grocery partner to launch an app on ChatGPT and the first to offer an embedded, end-to-end shopping and Instant Checkout -- all within the context of a ChatGPT conversation. This new integration makes it easier than ever for people to go from meal inspiration to doorstep delivery, using Instacart's real-time grocery network and fulfillment capabilities with the help of OpenAI frontier model capabilities.

"Instacart and ChatGPT are redefining what's possible in AI-powered shopping," said Anirban...

FDA’s 30-Month Traceability Rule Extension Draws Spotlight as January Deadline Nears

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first proposed in August 2025 to extend the compliance deadline for its Food Traceability Rule (FTR) by 30 months—a move that, if finalized, would push the date from January 20, 2026, to July 20, 2028.

As of now, companies are still required to comply by January 2026, which is just over a month away. This looming deadline, coupled with the proposal’s uncertainty, has sharply heightened industry anxiety, with some warning of possible operational shutdowns or severe disruptions for those unable...

Secretary Rollins Announces Major Investment for Rural Communities Across Georgia

Today in Georgia, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced $501 million in investments for 59 rural development projects and an additional $405 million in affordable housing in communities across the state of Georgia. These unprecedented investments, coordinated by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development (RD), will help boost Georgia’s economy, develop rural infrastructure, and encourage private investment in America’s heartland.

“President Trump understands how important it is to have a safe, secure, and resilient farm economy. These USDA investments are a direct result of the promise President Trump made to make rural....