Starbucks Divests Majority of China Operations to Boyu Capital

On November 3, Starbucks sold up to 60% of the company’s retail operations in China to investment firm Boyu Capital, according to a financial release from the global coffee chain which values their Chinese business to exceed $13 billion. 

“Under the agreement, Boyu and Starbucks will operate a joint venture with Boyu holding a up to 60% interest in Starbucks retail operations in China,” read the release...

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...

PODCAST: Agri-Food for Thought Ep. 35 - Discussing Evolution of Procurement, Feat. Janet Standing

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

Today we discuss the role of procurement, and how procurement decisions turn market insight into business advantage.

This is a complex issue, a lot more than one may think. Procurement professionals operate in a high-pressure environment characterized by aggressive goals, tight deadlines, and complex supply chains. But there are ways to stay ahead of the game. 

On today's episode, we welcome Janet Lung Standing.

ANALYSIS: Cage-Free Wholesale Values Surge Amid Retail Strength and Bird Flu Caution

Cage-free wholesale values surged again this week as both retail strength and precautionary buying surrounding bird flu ahead of the peak baking demand period help to sustain momentum. Buyer activity along the West Coast intensified noticeably, giving the market its most active tone in months.

Demand along the West Coast has held firm as competitive shelf prices and consistent promotional activity continue to support consumer engagement. Several large-scale chains in the Golden State have maintained prices near $1.50/dozen for cage-free eggs...

Hormel Shakes Up Leadership In Recent Announcements

Set to coincide with the anniversary of his 30th year of service, PJ Conner, VP of Retail Sales at Hormel Foods, will retire this spring.

"PJ has been a tremendous asset to the organization throughout his three-decade long career,” said John Ghingo, president of Hormel Foods. “He has consistently delivered results, inspired his teams, and helped shape our company’s strategy and culture. We are grateful for his insight, dedication, and focus on supporting our retail partners. His vision and commitment have left a lasting impact on Hormel Foods...

Expansion and Menu Innovations Lead in Foodservice this Week

This week, Expana gathered a collection of headline-worthy news, showcasing the vibrant and constantly evolving world of foodservice. From strategic expansions to culinary innovations, these stories underscore the dynamic nature of the industry and its unwavering momentum.

International Expansion on the Horizon for TGI Fridays

TGI Fridays is gearing up for significant international growth, announcing two master franchise agreements today. In India, USR Hospitality (USR) will develop 51 new locations, while Mid-City Operadora Sapi de CV (MCO_Mexico) is set to open 50 new outlets in...

Gopuff Eases SNAP Strain with $10 Million Relief Initiative

According to NBC News on October 28, over 40 million people in the United States rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Amid the Government Shutdown, the US Department of Agriculture has indicated that millions face suspension of these payments starting November 1.

In response, Gopuff is stepping in to provide relief to those affected. The company is dedicated to combating food insecurity and improving access to essential food items. Since 2019, Gopuff has partnered with Feeding America, contributing over 1.1 million pounds of...

The Retail Rundown: Holiday Rush Builds Amid Tight Turkey Supplies

As November approaches, the holiday retail rush is underway, and all eyes are on the season’s centerpiece: turkey. Tight supplies and near-record wholesale prices have shaped this year’s turkey market, stirring concerns about Thanksgiving availability.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), or bird flu, has intensified supply pressures, with cold storage inventories at near historic lows. Many processors are reporting major production shortages heading into the holiday season as the number of turkeys harvested year-to-date hovers at an all-time low, according to Expana's market reporters...

ANALYSIS: US Shell Egg Market Strengthens on Improved Demand, Ongoing Disease Concerns

The US shell egg market has shifted upward following several months of steady-to-lower pricing, supported by renewed strength in both retail and distribution channels. Lower shelf pricing has reignited consumer interest, with many retail tags now under $2.00/dozen—a level not widely seen in recent history... 

Grubhub Partners with Instacart to Expand Grocery Options on Its Platform

Grubhub and Instacart are teaming up to bring a wider selection of grocers, greater convenience, and even better value to Grubhub's customers. Through this new partnership, Grubhub customers can order from Instacart's network of more than a thousand national, regional, and local grocery retailers directly through Grubhub's app and website.

The experience is hosted on Grubhub's platform, and orders are fulfilled and delivered by Instacart shoppers. To start shopping, customers tap the Grocery icon in the Grubhub app, select a nearby store, add...

Sysco Posts Mixed Q1 Results, Reiterates Full-Year Guidance

Today, Sysco Corp. posted mixed results in the first quarter of fiscal 2026. Its report showed an increase in sales while several GAAP profitability measures slipped and adjusted results improved.

For the 13 weeks ended Sept. 27, 2025, sales increased 3.2% to $21.1 billion. Gross profit rose 3.9% to $3.9 billion and gross margin widened 13 basis points to 18.5%. Sysco said product cost inflation was about 3.4%, driven largely by meat and seafood.

GAAP operating income fell 1.0% to $800 million, while adjusted operating...

ANALYSIS: Cage-Free Market Momentum Builds into Q4 Amid Renewed Demand and HPAI Concerns

The Expana Cage-Free EBP continued its upward climb this week, rising 17cts to $1.86/dozen as market strength is evident. Ongoing concerns surrounding HPAI have allowed suppliers to hold heavier inventories with more confidence, though a new driver has been a clear improvement in retail demand.

NCC Elects New Officers; Simmons Foods’ David Jackson Installed as Chairman

The National Chicken Council (NCC) has installed the four officers that will guide the organization through 2026. The installation took place yesterday at NCC’s 70th Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. David Jackson, Chief Operating Officer of Simmons Foods, will serve as 2025-2026 Chairman.

David is responsible for running operations across the Simmons brands, including Simmons Foods, Simmons Prepared Foods, Simmons Pet Food, and Simmons Animal Nutrition. David joined Simmons in 1991 and has over three decades of poultry and pet food leadership. He has held important roles throughout the company, including President and Chief Operating Officer for Simmons’ poultry operations and Simmons Pet Food, as well as...

Teamsters Secure Major Contract Victory for US Foods Drivers Across the South

Following the threat of a strike, more than 200 US Foods drivers across Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia have overwhelmingly ratified a new four-year collective bargaining agreement.

"We showed US Foods that we would not settle for less," said Glenn Tyler, a driver at US Foods and member of Local 71. "It feels great heading into work knowing we are protected and rewarded under such a strong Teamsters contract."

The workers, represented by Teamsters Locals 61, 71, and 391, won significant gains including wage increases...

Tariff Talks 2025: Expana’s Weekly Rundown #32

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 #32."

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.

...

This week, the US administration has continued to pressure trading partners like India to curb imports of Russian oil as to sanction the country during its war with Ukraine, cited Expana...

The Retail Rundown: Poultry Promotions Pick Up Steam

Retailers are leaning into autumn demand with meat and poultry features this week, as consumers favor home-cooked meals and prepare for the holiday season.

With Thanksgiving a little more than five weeks away, early holiday promotions are starting to surface. Turkey features are gaining momentum, now accounting for 5% of total ad space, up two points from the previous week.

Retail buying opportunities for seafood and beef held steady week-over-week at 27.5% and 22.2%, respectively. Pork promotions dipped to 21.4% as National Pork Month wraps up, while chicken features rose to 19.4%.

China's Meat Output Rises Nearly 4% Through Third Quarter 2025 as Imports Fall

China’s meat sector rose 3.8% through the first three quarters of 2025, driven by strong domestic poultry output, while import volumes slumped, according to recently released data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). 

The broader economic picture shows that the world’s second-largest economy grew 4.8% during Q3, its slowest pace in a year, as weak domestic demand left China increasingly dependent on strong export activity. 

Although the growth rate keeps China on track for its roughly 5% annual target, economists question whether the momentum is sustainable, given the country's reliance on external demand amid trade tensions with the United States...

ANALYSIS: EU Egg Product Market Faces Historic Highs Amid Tight Supply and Bird Flu Fears

As of mid-October 2025, the EU egg product market is under severe strain, with prices for dried whole egg, liquid, and dried yolk hitting record highs. A year of elevated shell egg costs, limited supply, and minimal inventory buildup has left the market exposed just as demand surges for the peak consumption season.

Unlike in previous years, the usual summer lull failed to ease prices, so September’s demand rebound only intensified pressure. Processors now face shrinking availability and soaring costs, particularly for...

ANALYSIS: US Cage-Free Market Begins to Ascend

Since mid-July, the cage-free market has been on a steady decline, interrupted only by brief periods of stability. However, with renewed demand for eggs across the US as we enter Q4—and a healthy level of concern surrounding the growing prevalence of HPAI—market values have begun to push upward. 

Retail demand over the past few weeks has been generally average, but when multiple major chains reduced shelf prices to around the $2.50/dozen level or lower while some chains in other segments launched new promotional activity, consumers responded positively. This improvement coincides with cooler weather spurring baking interest, as well as elevated competing protein prices that continue to make eggs an attractive value...

M.C.I. Foods, Inc. Recalls Ready-To-Eat Breakfast Burrito and Wrap Products Due to Possible Listeria

M.C.I. Foods Inc., a Santa Fe Springs, Calif., establishment, is recalling approximately 91,585 pounds of specific lots of ready-to-eat (RTE) breakfast burrito and wrap products containing egg that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes (Lm), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The individually packaged and bulk packed frozen breakfast burritos and wraps were produced between September 17, 2025, and October 14, 2025. A list of the products subject to recall can be found here...

The Retail Rundown: Retail Promotions Pivot Toward Baking and Comfort Foods

By mid-October, grocery retailers are shifting their marketing focus toward fall comfort meals, baking, and holiday preparation.

Typically, retail egg sales see a seasonal lift as more consumers cook hot breakfasts at home. The onset of baking season further boosts demand, with more eggs being used in breads, pies, pastries, and other seasonal favorites.

In the shell egg market, Expana reports a mixed retail landscape—some retailers are seeing stronger demand as cooler weather sets in, while others note slower movement following lackluster promotional outcomes...

ANALYSIS: EU Egg Market Tightens Amid Widespread Bird Flu Outbreaks

The EU egg market remains under pressure, with overall availability described as limited, as recent bird flu outbreaks continue to unsettle sentiment and constrain supply. In Spain, concerns have intensified following the detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) at a layer hen farm housing 727,000 birds. The facility was already under surveillance after a previous case was reported in the same area last month...

Women in Food and Agriculture Summit 2026 to Unite Industry Leaders

Expana, the world’s largest agrifood market intelligence provider, is proud to announce the return of the Women in Food and Agriculture (WFA) Summit, taking place on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at the Okura Hotel in Amsterdam. 

Since 2019 this highly anticipated global event has brought together leaders, innovators and up and coming executives from across agrifood value chains for a day of inspiration, empowerment and real-world learning. With a dynamic program of keynotes, workshops and networking, the WFA Summit is designed to deliver actionable content

Walmart Partners with OpenAI to Create AI-First Shopping Experiences

Walmart is ushering in the next generation of retail by combining its huge assortment, everyday low prices and delivery speed with the power of AI. Today, the company announced a new partnership with OpenAI that will start with allowing customers and members to soon shop Walmart through ChatGPT using Instant Checkout. Whether planning meals, restocking household essentials, or finding something new, customers can simply chat and buy, and Walmart will handle the rest.

“For many years now, eCommerce shopping experiences have consisted...

Expana will be observing the Indigenous Peoples’ Day holiday on Monday, October 13

Expana is observing Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Monday, October 13, and US offices will be closed.

This will impact the publication of some Expana Benchmark Prices and daily reports (red meat, poultry, eggs) will not be published. Our weekly report, Mexican Beef, Export and Domestic Markets, was published today- Friday, October 10.

Our regular publishing schedule will resume on October 14, 2025. See the full details of the Expana publishing schedule here.

ANALYSIS: Cage-Free Market Steadies as Retail and Bird Flu Spur Renewed Buying

The cage-free market has held steady this week, though underlying momentum has begun to build following improved retail demand and renewed bird-flu detections that prompted a return of buyer engagement...

Tariff Talks 2025: Expana’s Weekly Rundown #30

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 #30."

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.

...

On October 7, US President Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Carney met in the White House. The possibility a US-Canadian trade deal was a main topic of discussion...

Four September Storms Batter Farms, Fields Across Philippines, Vietnam, and South China

Four storms — Typhoons Ragasa (Nando) and Bualoi (Opong) and Tropical Storm Mitag (Mirasol) in the Philippine Sea, and Typhoon Tapah (Lannie) in the South China Sea — swept through the region in September, damaging rice, corn, coconut, and strawberry crops, as well as fish and livestock farms, while disrupting supply chains and transport routes, said Demelza Knight, Weather and Crop Researcher at Expana.   

Knight highlighted that Typhoon Ragasa, the strongest of the storms, formed in the Philippine Sea on September 18

The Retail Rundown: Strategic Promotions Boost October Protein Opportunities

October offers a strategic window for retailers to tap into increased consumer demand for protein, thanks to the alignment of seasonal supply, promotional campaigns, and competitive pricing.

National Pork Month, observed this month, coincides with a peak in pork production—averaging about 2.5 billion pounds over the past five years, up nearly 9% from September.

This seasonal surplus enables retailers to run targeted promotions that pair attractive pricing with educational content, driving both consumer engagement and sales...

New Report From FMI Reveals a Significant Shift in Consumer Dining Habits

A new report from The Food Industry Association (FMI) uncovers a significant shift in dining habits.

The study shows that consumers are increasingly choosing deli-prepared foods in place of restaurant meals.

The Power of Foodservice at Retail 2025 examines the factors influencing consumer motivation for choosing deli-prepared options, offering insights from the consumer's perspective on foodservice at retail.

Data from the report revealed that 53% of Americans now take a hybrid approach to creating meals; combining deli-prepared options with other items...

2025 Industry Insights on Consumer Resilience and Holiday Shopping Trends From ICSC

In 2025, the world continues to navigate challenges like the fluctuating job market, food inflation, politics and tariffs.

Amid these uncertainties, the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) is dedicated to supporting and enhancing marketplaces where people shop, dine, work, play, and gather, viewing them as vital to both communities and economies.

The company has released its 2025 Holiday Shopping Intentions survey, highlighting consumer resilience in seeking value and experiences despite individual financial obstacles.

The survey indicates an anticipated 3.5-4% growth in retail...

Campbell's Names Todd Cunfer as New Executive VP and CFO

Campbell's has appointed a new Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer following the resignation of Carrie Anderson.

The company welcomed Todd Cunfer to his new position in an announcement Tuesday, effective October 20, 2025.

Cunfer will oversee Campbell’s finance functions, including controllership, corporate financial planning and analysis, corporate strategy and development, tax, treasury, internal audit, investor relations, transactional services, and financial systems.

He is a seasoned industry executive with more than 25 years of experience in the consumer packaged goods industry...

Expana Announces Agri-Food Europe 2026: The Industry Event for Market and Procurement Strategy

Expana, the world’s largest food and agriculture price reporting agency (PRA) and market intelligence provider, announces the return of Agri-Food Europe, taking place February, 25-26, 2026, at the Hotel Okura in Amsterdam.   

Building on a successful 2025 edition that united over 300 senior executives across buying, selling, finance, sourcing, and supply chain roles, Agri-Food Europe 2026 stands as the strategic industry event for global leaders in the food and agriculture commodity markets. 

The event delivers two days of critical market insight

Trump Teases Lula Meeting; Implications for Global Beef, Coffee Markets

On October 6, US President Trump teased an upcoming meeting with the Brazilian President via Truth Social. The current tariff expense for doing trade between the two countries has reorganized the flow of beef and stifled coffee trade, for example. Individuals involved in these markets and beyond are waiting to see if US tariffs on Brazil will be revised.

“This morning, I had a very good telephone call with President Lula, of Brazil. We discussed many things, but it was mostly focused on the Economy, and Trade, between..."

ANALYSIS: Cage-Free Declines Ease, Seasonal Pressures Persist

The rest-of-market Expana Benchmark Price Cage-Free Quote remains under pressure, currently sitting at a daily all-time low of $1.64/dozen. However, following a 23ct decline over the previous week, values are now more closely aligning with open-market trade levels, resulting in more measured drops...

Port of LA Seeks Proposals for New Pier 500 Container Terminal

The Port of Los Angeles has announced its search for proposals from parties interested in the pre-development of Pier 500, a project designed to boost cargo efficiency and accommodate larger, next-generation cargo ships. This development comes after decades of efforts to increase capacity amid rising demand at one of the United States' busiest ports.

The proposed site for Pier 500 spans 200 acres and will feature two berths and approximately 3,000 linear feet of new wharf. Situated at the southern tip of...

Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #29

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 #29."

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.

...

On September 29, the US placed 50% tariffs on imports of timber, lumber, and their derivative products, according to the US Presidential Action. 

Also starting October 1, the US will be imposing 100%...

DoorDash Announces New Innovations With Delivery Robots and App Enhancements

DoorDash has recently made headlines with innovative strategies connecting customers to local retail, food, and beverages.

Its mission, as stated on its website, is "to empower and grow local economies by opening doors that connect us to each other. When you order something you need, local merchants get business, and Dashers get paid."

The company continues to look for ways on pressing the dial in service, while elevating its features. It recently announced the launch of the DoorDash Dot- a fully electric, autonomous delivery robot...

Trump Claims He Will Meet With Lula; No Date Yet

On Tuesday in New York, US President Trump gave remarks to the United Nations General Assembly, via the White House live stream. At the end of his remarks, Trump began speaking about tariffs--disclosing that he'd be meeting with Brazilian President Lula in the coming week(s).

"Brazil now faces major tariffs in response to its unprecedented efforts to interfere in the rights and freedoms of our American citizens and others," started Trump who alluded to the conviction of former Brazilian President Bolsonaro and about unfair trade between the US and Brazil...

Expana Unveils New Unified Platform Transforming Global Food Market Data Into Strategic Intelligence

Expana, the world’s largest agri-food-focused Price Reporting Agency (PRA), launches a modern integrated platform that combines trusted pricing data with AI-enhanced cost models and personalized insights.

Built on the legacy of Urner Barry, Mintec, Feedinfo, Tropical Research Services (TRS) and Stratégie Grains, Expana unites 200+ years of expertise into a modern hub. The platform delivers a comprehensive food commodity database and actionable intelligence for volatile markets.

Expana is supported by IOSCO-assured pricing, predictive analytics, cost modeling and expert analysis.

US Baking and Milling Industry Execs Discuss Countering Inflationary Pressures - Agri-Food Americas

As inflationary pressures persist through 2025, leaders in the North American bakery and milling industries are grappling with supply chain complexities that continue to reshape procurement strategies and product portfolios.

On the sidelines of the recent Agri-Food Americas 2025 conference in Chicago, executives from Sara Lee Frozen Bakery and Bay State Milling outlined to Expana how ingredient costs, tariffs, and operational uncertainties are driving adjustments across their businesses.   

Jason McDonald, Senior Manager of Procurement at Sara Lee Frozen Bakery

United Natural Foods Announces Fourth Quarter Financial Results

United Natural Foods has released details of its financial results for the final quarter of its fiscal year.

Net sales reached $7.7 billion in the quarter, marking a 1.6% increase year-over-year (YOY). The gross profit for this period was $1.03 billion.

The report highlighted operating expenses of $1.046 billion, or 13.6% of net sales, compared to $1.075 billion, or 13.2% of net sales in 2024.

The company reported a net loss of $87 million in the fourth quarter...

Potential Tariff Adjustments for Aligned Partners: Coffee, Cocoa Among Exempt Commodities

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...

ANALYSIS: US Egg Market Sinks to 16-Month Lows Despite Fresh Bird Flu Outbreak

The US egg market remains under intense pressure this week, with conventional large slipping below $2.00/dozen for the first time since May 2024. Soft demand at retail, coupled with rising production ahead of the fall holiday stretch, has tipped the balance firmly against sellers...

Kroger and DoorDash to Bring Fast, Convenient Grocery Delivery to Millions Nationwide

DoorDash, a global leader in local commerce, and The Kroger Co., America's grocer, announced an expansion of their relationship to bring Kroger's full grocery assortment, including fresh food, exclusive Our Brands products, and affordable everyday essentials to customers. Through the expanded relationship, Kroger will make shopping easier for customers, leverage the company's growing store network in new ways, and attract new households and incremental shopping occasions.

Customers want the convenience of on-demand delivery paired with value and savings from their...

HPAI Impacts and Dynamics within the Egg Market - Agri-Foods Americas 2025

In a presentation that cracked open the complexities of this year's egg market, Ryan Hojnowski- Market Reporter, shared his expert insights at Expana's Agri-Food Americas 2025 conference. He called the audience's attention with a deeply informative analysis highlighting the current egg market's challenges and dynamics.

The industry has faced significant disruptions, with the loss of 60 million egg layers between October 2024 and June 2025 due to the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreak. This loss coincided with...

Secretary Rollins Speaks on State of Farm Economy; Announces Suite of Actions to Support Farmers

Today, in Kansas City at the Agriculture Outlook Forum, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins spoke on the current state of the farm economy in the United States and addressed the ways President Trump is supporting American agriculture. U.S. farm production inputs are significantly more costly than four years ago, putting pressure on farmers’ bottom line. Between 2020 and now, seed expenses have increased 18%, fuel and oil expenses increased 32%, fertilizer expenses increased 37%, and interest expenses increased by a whopping...

ANALYSIS: YTD EU Egg Imports Surge as Market Adjusts to Structural Supply Constraints

The EU egg market has entered 2025 with import volumes continuing their steep upward trajectory, marking a sharp acceleration from 2024. As shown in the latest European Commission data, imports in July reached 20,773 tonnes, more than double the volume recorded during the same period in 2024. The trend has been consistently bullish throughout H1, with year-on-year increases in every month from January to July. The uptick reflects not only immediate supply chain stressors but also a more entrenched shift in the...

Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #28

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 #28."

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.

...

On Tuesday in New York, US President Trump gave remarks to the United Nations General Assembly, via the White House live stream...

US Commodity Markets Brace for More Extreme Weather and Hurricane Activity – Agri-Food Americas 2025

Presenting at Agri‑Food Americas 2025 in Chicago, James Tyler, Weather and Crop Researcher at Expana, and Francina Dominguez, assistant professor at the Department of Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign, said extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and severe across the US.   

Dominguez showed that global surface temperatures in the last 10 years were the warmest on record since the dawn of agriculture. Dry areas are projected to become drier, places that are wet are projected to be...

AI, Data, Agile Partnerships to Be Strategic Focuses in Next Decade, Says Agri-Food Americas Panel

Industry executives gathered at Agri-Food Americas 2025 in Chicago today to discuss disruptors and opportunities shaping the global food sector over the next decade. Participants included Dave McMurray, former Chief Procurement Officer at Kellanova; Jonathan Ostroff, Founder of Fusion Foods; and Thomas Isaf, President of Interra International.    

McMurray cautioned about political uncertainty, saying, “political climate is always volatile, difficult to predict.” He emphasized the importance of mastering AI and using the right data, noting that being an early adopter of AI tools...

Supply and Demand Trends for Amino Acids, Vitamins, and Feed Phosphates - Agri-Food Americas 2025 

Elliot Holgate, Expana’s market reporter for Feed Additives - Latin America, and Kevin Bull, Expana’s senior forecast analyst, teamed up at Agri-Food Americas 2025 today to outline the regional and global drivers behind key feed additives. Holgate provided a snapshot of some industry amino acid and vitamin market dynamics, while Bull gave a glimpse of the price forecasting capacity Exapana now provides for methionine and vitamin E.   

Holgate demonstrated the highly concentrated nature of lysine production, noting that three producers account for more than one-third of global capacity and 76% of lysine capacity is located in China. “Capacity has grown 74% between 2019 and 2024, but consumption has declined by 2%. Chinese lysine production and capacity increases far outweigh global consumption growth and this has resulted in anti-dumping investigations in the EU, Brazil and US," he said, adding that since anti-dumping duties were implemented earlier this year in Europe, Chinese FOB prices in Europe dropped.

Feed and Bakery Procurement Execs in Chicago Promote Strategic Partnerships to Navigate Volatility

A panel of procurement leaders from the food and agriculture sector discussed the significant market challenges of 2025 and strategic responses to ongoing volatility during Expana’s Agri-Food Americas conference in Chicago today.   

Panelists included Jason McDonald, Senior Manager of Procurement at Sara Lee Frozen Bakery; Ed Fish, Senior Vice President at Bay State Milling; Jerry W. Rogers, Senior Director of Procurement for Feed Ingredients at Wayne Sanderson.   

Rogers pointed to the difficulty of managing risk amid historically low commodity prices.

Trade, Debt and Demographics Shape Next Era of Agricultural Policy – Agri-Food Americas 2025

Dr. David Kohl, Professor Emeritus in the Department of Agriculture and Applied Economics at Virginia Tech, offered a broad forecast for the agricultural and food sectors, describing a “bifurcated” global economy and outlining megatrends expected to shape farming, trade, and policy through 2035. The remarks were delivered at Expana’s Agri-Food Americas 2025 conference in Chicago today.   

Dr. Kohl framed the global economy as divided, with the US performing relatively well, while much of the rest of the world grapples with slower activity.

USDA Refines SNAP Requirements

As of today, the US Department of Agriculture plans to refine the requirements around government subsidized food stamps or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), according to a USDA press release which cited the Trump administration's goal to "turn the tide" on chronic disease in America.

"Currently, SNAP retailers are required to stock three varieties of food in each of four staple food categories – dairy, protein, grain, and fruits and vegetables – 12 foods total," read the release which proposes doubling the number of food choices, closing loopholes allowing snack foods, and simplifying the standards for retailers...

The Retail Rundown: Fall Promotions Highlight Beef Roasts, Pork Ahead of October

Fall retail trends have been unfolding for several weeks, with grocers promoting cooler-weather favorites and leaning into the early wave of seasonal excitement—embraced by some shoppers and resisted by those reluctant to let go of summer.

With the season officially underway as of Monday, beef roasts are seeing stronger promotion, now accounting for 28% of total beef ads compared with 24% two weeks ago. Even so, steaks remain the top feature item, followed by ground beef...

Moving Beyond Tariff Headlines and Managing Supply Chain Complexities - Agri-Food Americas

Marcel Goldenberg, Chief Market Reporting Officer for Food, Feed & Industrial at Expana, outlined key trends and challenges shaping commodity input markets, urging agri-food companies to adopt data-driven strategies to manage rising costs and supply chain complexities.   

Speaking at Agri-Food Americas 2025 in Chicago today, Goldenberg highlighted that the Producer Price Index (PPI) rose 2.7% year-on-year from August 2024 to August 2025. “Energy was up 5.2%, electricity up 6.3%, piped gas up by 7.1%, but some have dropped, like gasoline, fuel oil,” he said

Is a Recession on the Horizon? - Agri-Food Americas 2025 

Since commodities follow the macroeconomy, analyzing the broader economy, especially the Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) – a timelier index than GDP, can help gauge the path ahead for commodity prices, Tom Bundgaard, Vice President, Forecasting , Expana, said at Agri-Food Americas in Chicago today.  

There is not only a correlation between PMI and commodity prices but there is also a lead lag between the two. The highs and lows in PMI come with a bit of a lead lag before we see similar peaks for commodity categories.  

Geopolitics, Tariffs, and Trade Policies Under the Lens at Agri-Food Americas 2025

Speaking at Agri-Food Americas 2025 in Chicago today, a panel of agricultural economists and policy advocates examined how geopolitical uncertainty, tariffs and trade policies are shaping the food and agriculture sector, focusing on events of the past six months and strategies for navigating ongoing volatility.   

The panel featured Darrell E. Fletcher, Managing Director of Commodities at Bannockburn Capital Markets; Fred Gale, economist for China agricultural markets and former USDA economist; Greyson Mann, Senior Manager of Government Affairs for the US-China Business Council; and Shawn Arita

Kellanova’s Dr. Deepali Palta Inspires at Women in Food & Agriculture Summit

On September 22 in Chicago, Kellanova’s Global R&D VP, Dr. Deepali Palta took the stage at the Women in Food and Agriculture Conference and delivered a keynote that felt less like a speech and more like a shared journey. With warmth, clarity, and authenticity, she invited the audience into her world — one shaped by curiosity, courage and connection.

From childhood breakfasts in India, where she learned to ask questions and listen closely, to earning a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering at Georgia Tech

Dino Nuggets On the Go? Tyson Drops New Chicken Cups

On September 22, Tyson Foods dropped chicken nuggets in a brand-new form: Chicken Cups, as detailed in a company press release. These new nugs are available in grocery freezers throughout the USA.

"Tyson Foods’ Innovation team developed this new cup format after recognizing the consumer need for more convenient ways to eat chicken. Ideal for busy lifestyles, the cups are stored frozen and can be enjoyed straight from the microwave in 90 seconds to 2 minutes," read the release...

C&S Wholesale Grocers Completes Acquisition of SpartanNash

C&S Wholesale Grocers, LLC (“C&S”) today announced the completion of its acquisition of SpartanNash Company (“SpartanNash”). The combined company employs more than 30,000 team members and operates almost 60 complementary distribution centers covering the U.S. and serves close to 10,000 independent retail locations, as well as military commissaries and exchanges, with more than 200 corporate-run grocery stores.

“The combination of these two great companies creates a platform for future success. As ONE, we bring the best team in the industry to provide advanced solutions to ensure...

Diversity Culture Yields Better Outcomes, Stronger Teams - Women in Food & Agriculture

A panel featuring Brian Choi, CEO of The Food Institute; Brian Carlson, CIO of Sodexo North America; and Tosin Jack, Director of Market Reporting at Expana, discussed the strategic value of gender diversity and inclusive leadership in corporate performance at Expana's Women in Food & Agriculture in Chicago today.   

Choi said having women in the team is a strategic advantage. Carlson stressed the need for inclusive leadership, saying, “if you’re the leader of a group, make sure everyone is heard, balanced view, creating an equal forum.”   

Leaders Urge Skill-Building and Responsible Deployment of AI - Women in Food & Agriculture

A panel featuring Luana Clapis, Chief Data Officer of Expana; Natalie McCaffery, AI-LEAF Institute Youth Education Project Lead at AIVO Institute; and Mary Snapp, Vice President for Strategic Initiatives at Microsoft, held during Expana's Women in Food & Agriculture in Chicago today discussed how artificial intelligence is reshaping the food and agriculture sectors and what leaders must do to navigate the transition.   

Clapis said uncertainty will persist, but AI’s potential remains to “connect the dots, it will reshape the industry." 

Horizon Organic's Patricia Stroup Says Influence, Branding Key to Leadership - WFA

Patricia Stroup, Chief Operating Officer of Horizon Organic and former Chief Procurement Officer at Nestlé SA, said at Expana's Women in Food and Agriculture (WFA) conference in Chicago today that effective leadership hinges on influence, personal branding and stakeholder diplomacy, not rank or authority alone. Stroup outlined a framework that can help advance through a mix of practical tactics and relationship-building within the workplace.   

Stroup told attendees she begins with a straightforward question to her teams: “What do you want?” She said the

Inclusive Culture and Building Teams that Endure - Women in Food & Agriculture

Expana’s Women in Food & Agriculture event in Chicago brought together industry leaders to discuss diversity, inclusion, and culture within the sector. Today (September 22) the event's delegates attended a panel on belonging by design explored building teams and cultures that endure.   

Panelists included moderator Denitresse Ferrell, Founder & CEO of Culture Refinery; Christopher Bylone van Sandwyk, Global Belonging Strategist at Innovation Unbiased and former Global Head of Belonging, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, & Accessibility at Krispy Kreme; Annie Ryu, CEO of The Jackfruit Company and Jack & Annie's; Rosalind Fox   

ANALYSIS: Cage-Free Values Continue to Decline Amid Weak Demand

The cage-free market remained under pressure this week as demand along the West Coast—the region that pulls the highest volume of cage-free product—continued to sit at a standstill.

ANALYSIS: US Shell Egg Market Under Pressure as Supplies Outpace Demand

After nearly a month of relative stability, the US shell egg market has come back under pressure, weighed down by moderate demand and mounting inventories. Retail demand is widely described as seasonally average, but “average” at this point on the calendar leaves little to energize the market. Back-to-school business has largely wound down, and lingering summer weather across much of the country is doing little to drive interest in hot breakfast fare. Promotional activity has been minimal, and the few features that...

Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #27

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 #27."

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.

...

US tariff revenue may be used to fund the nation’s farmers, reported Reuters about an interview between Agriculture Secretary Rollins and the Financial Times...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Egg Farm Fire Under Investigation in Wharton County

An egg farm in Wharton County was reportedly ablaze this morning.

News has circulated that multiple fire units were dispatched to Maxim Egg Farm, a Cal-Maine Foods company, on FM 442 in Lane City, Texas.

Cal-Maine Foods announced the acquisition of Maxim Eggs back in November of 2012. The deal included two production facilities with a capacity for about 3.5 million laying hens.

The extent of the damage is still unclear.

While the investigation is ongoing, no cause of the...

FMI Proposes Amendments and Extended Deadline for FDA Food Traceability Rule

Today, the Food Industry Association (FMI) submitted comments on the proposed changes to the Food Traceability Rule by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Among the suggestions, the FMI requested extending the compliance deadline to July 2028, believing that its amendments would facilitate a more efficient implementation of the rule

“FMI is grateful for FDA’s recognition of the need to reduce the regulatory burden on the food industry by extending the compliance date for the Food Traceability Rule. We also strongly...

PODCAST: Agri-Food for Thought Ep. 34 - AI Adoption in Agri-Food, Feat. Beth Pollack

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

Today we explore something different. A trend that is definitely here to stay and one that we are all integrating into our workflows. This transformative trend, however, is only in the infancy stages of its huge potential, and many of us, it is fair to say, are struggling to realize how to use it, and some of us even fear it… We're talking about AI, of course.

Restaurant Growth Continues in 2025 Despite Forecasting and Visibility Challenges

Crunchtime Information Systems, an operations management solutions provider for the restaurant industry, shared results of a study conducted in partnership with Technomic. The research was based on a nationwide survey of 300+ multi-unit restaurant operators.

The 2025 Restaurant Growth Insights Report finds that restaurant brands are continuing to grow despite economic headwinds, focusing on scaling more sustainably while identifying critical areas for improvement...

Operators plan to increase new location openings by 20% over the next two years, even as 73%...

Canada Unveils CAD 5 Billion Rescue Plan to Help Agriculture, Other Sectors Weather US Tariffs

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Sept. 5 unveiled a CAD 5 billion ($3.6 billion) support package and a suite of trade and industrial measures, including a "Buy Canadian" procurement policy, CAD 1 billion in expanded SME lending and CAD 75 million for AgriMarketing, aimed at shielding farmers, fishers and other sectors hit by new US tariffs while reskilling 50,000 workers for a more resilient domestic economy.

The agricultural and seafood industries landed in the spotlight. The federal government announced...

TGI Fridays® Doubles Down on Global Expansion

Sugarloaf TGIF Management, LLC ("Sugarloaf"), a privately held company and manager of the global TGI Fridays® brand, announced today the extension of franchise development and master franchise agreements with long-standing franchise partners Franquicias Alimentarias S.A. and Watami Co., Ltd., to expand TGI Fridays® presence throughout Peru and Japan. With agreements in place to develop over 50 new restaurants, these partnerships underscore Sugarloaf's commitment to TGI Fridays' global growth and confidence in the strength of the brand's international business.

Building on a legacy of over 60 years...

ANALYSIS: Cage-Free Converges with Conventional Amid Quiet Demand

Cage-free trade was quiet once again this week, with limited engagement across most regions and continued reliance on conventional outlets to absorb excess supply. The cage-free market softened, with both the rest-of-market and California quotations slipping 3cts. This adjustment brought the rest-of-market quote into exact parity for the second time in a month with the conventional Midwest large at $2.66/dozen, underscoring the lack of cage-free demand and the pace at which product continues to move into...

US Implements Japanese Trade Deal; 15% Tariffs, Billions in Investments, Ag Purchases

Later on September 4, the US implemented a previously announced trade deal with Japan–setting a 15% baseline tariff on almost all Japanese goods imported to the US, according to a White House statement about a presidential order. This comes almost a week after tariffs were again disputed in the US judicial system.

The now-implemented deal also created sector-specific carve-outs and outlined commitments on both sides that will affect demand for US agricultural commodities and beyond (namely, for US rice).

Plus, the order carves...

Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #25

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 #25."

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.

...

In the States, a federal appeals court ruled that US President Trump’s use of global tariffs exceeded presidential authority, but they remain active until at least October 14, 2025...

Circana Reports Value Menus Drive Restaurant Traffic Growth

This year, many industry players have responded to consumers' demand for affordable value amid turbulent and unpredictable economic times.

The surge in value meals has sparked a competitive wave of advertising and marketing, emphasizing to customers that quality foodservice can be enjoyed without breaking the bank.

Restaurants Embrace the Autumn Shift

The chill is in the air, and as we welcome a new, crisp month, the industry is gearing up for consumers to embrace autumn flavors and seasonal recipes. With the arrival of the new season, people are swapping their cookout favorites and salads for bonfires, comfort food, and Sunday wings.

Retailers are ahead of the curve, rolling out smoky and savory specials to capitalize on the shift, while some focus on attracting budget-conscious customers amidst rising food and labor costs.

More McValue

Starting September 8, McDonald’s will expand its...