US Foods Delivers Strong Q2 Results, Raises 2025 Outlook

In its quarterly results, US Foods' strong performance showed steady progress across key areas of the business.

“Our second quarter performance underscores the strength of our team's continued focus on execution and delivering value to our customers. This momentum has fueled further market share gains with independent restaurant, healthcare and hospitality customers, resulting in record Adjusted EBITDA of $548 million and a 40 basis point increase in Adjusted EBITDA margin to a record 5.4%,” said Dave Flitman, CEO. “Looking ahead, we have a long runway...

Maple Leaf Foods Sees Major Turnaround with $58M Profit in Q2 2025

Maple leaf, a Canadian food processing company, have delivered findings from its quarterly results. 

The company reported a strong second quarter, with adjusted EBITDA increasing 28.9% to $182 million compared to the same period last year. Total sales reached $1.36 billion, representing an 8.5% year-over-year increase, driven by consistent growth across all major operating segments.

Prepared Foods saw a 7.5% increase in sales, Poultry rose by 8.5%, and Pork climbed 10.7%, reflecting solid market demand...

Farmer Sentiment Weakens, But Farmers Believe US Policy Headed in Right Direction

Farmer sentiment continues to weaken, as the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer declined again in July. The barometer fell 11 points to 135 from June, a reading that resulted from U.S. farmers' weaker perceptions of both current conditions and future expectations. The July Current Conditions Index dropped 17 points to 127 from last month, while the Future Expectations Index posted a smaller decline of 7 points to 139. Driving the weaker income prospects for 2025 were farmers' assessment of current conditions...

UNFI Appoints David Best to President and CEO of Retail

United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) announced the appointment of David Best to President and Chief Executive Officer of Retail effective August 17.

“I’m excited to join UNFI and accelerate the retail business during such a pivotal time for the Company,” Best said. “As a former UNFI customer and a Minnesota native, I have a great respect for the differentiated value UNFI is creating within our industry and for everything the Cub brand means to the community I call home. I’m energized by the opportunity to work with the...

DoorDash Reports Record Results for Q2 FY2025

DoorDash delivered record performance in the second quarter of its fiscal year, achieving new highs in total orders, Marketplace GOV, and revenue. Total orders climbed 20% year-over-year (YOY), while Marketplace GOV increased 23% to $24.2 billion. Revenue surged 25% YoY to $3.3 billion.

Net revenue margin improved compared to both last year and last quarter, driven by more efficient logistics, higher advertising revenue, and fewer credits and refunds issued.

Adjusted EBITDA reached $655 million in Q2 2025, a...

ANALYSIS: June Chicken Cold Storage Edges Higher Amid Shifting Cut-Specific Trends

Chicken cold storage inventories in June climbed 2.5 % year-over-year (YOY) and 1.5 % month-over-month (MOM), keeping closely in line with the five-year average gain of 1.6 % for the month.

Overall, volumes reflect a modest seasonal build, though category-specific shifts suggest evolving demand patterns and production scenarios are taking place. Whole chicken inventories dropped 10.3 % MOM and remain down a steep 33.9 % YOY, marking the nineteenth consecutive month of YOY reductions.

Monthly holdings also trailed below the...

ANALYSIS: Turkey Cold Storage Hits Record Lows Amid Active Demand and Production Challenges

The total volume of turkey in cold storage continues to set new seasonal lows on a month-by-month basis. The overall frozen inventory was 15.8% below year-ago levels, speaking to the combination of robust demand and limited production that the market currently faces. Yet, even with the lower year-over-year (YOY) values, the change from May to June was almost identical to the 5-year average month-over-month (MOM) change. This was largely driven...

The Retail Rundown: Summer’s Last Stretch Drives Seasonal Promotions

August has arrived, bringing a sense of urgency to make the most of summer’s final weeks. With Labor Day fewer than four weeks away and just seven weeks remaining until the season’s official end, retailers are already diving into back-to-school promotions.

Seafood claims the top spot among protein features again this week, making up 30.3% of all retail ads, followed by beef at 26.2%, pork at 20.8%, and chicken at 18.9%. Egg promotions remain minimal, comprising less than 1% of features—consistent with last week’s light showing. The Midwest led in egg advertising, while the Northeast and South Central regions showed more moderate activity...

UK Retailers React to Tariff Uncertainty With 76% of Exporters Diversifying Beyond the US Market

New research from ESW and Retail Economics reveals that 76% of UK exporters are now actively diversifying beyond the US, historically the UK’s largest non-EU retail market. Larger UK retailers are radically re-drawing their global growth playbooks as protectionist trade policies upend decades-old export patterns. However, 71% of small UK retailers admit they have no formal plan for sudden trade-policy shocks, a stark operational gap that could hit margins overnight.

The report, “Rethinking Reach...

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...

Growth Continues for Publix with Rising Sales, Earnings, and Stock Value

Publix’s sales for the second quarter rose 7.3%, increasing from $14.5 billion to $15.6 billion. Comparable store sales were also up, growing 6% during the quarter. The company estimates that approximately 1% of the year-over-year sales growth in Q2 was due to the timing of the Easter holiday, which fell in the second quarter of 2025 but in the first quarter of 2024.

Net earnings for the quarter increased 41.5% to $1.4 billion, compared to...

Listeria, Metal Contamination, and Allergen Mislabeling Triggers Actions from FSIS

This week, the US Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a pair of public health alerts as well as one recall.

The first announcement was issued Sunday, July 27, for ready-to-eat ham salad products containing FDA-regulated breadcrumbs that have been recalled due to possible Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) contamination. The problem was discovered when Reser's Fine Foods, Inc. determined that the company had used breadcrumbs that had been subject to an FDA recall because that item may have been contaminated with Lm...

UNFI Unveils Top Industry Trends to Help Retailers Plan for the Holiday and Winter Selling Season

During its second Holiday and Winter Selling Show of 2025 in Uncasville, Conn., United Natural Foods, Inc. brought together more than 3,900 attendees, connecting more than 1,400 retailers and over 750 suppliers. Exhibitors showcased thousands of unique products, spanning the natural, organic, fresh, specialty, and conventional grocery categories.

Differentiation that Drives Results

During the show, UNFI experts shared the latest industry insights and emerging growth opportunities to help grocers stand out during the upcoming holiday and winter selling...

PODCAST: Agri-Food for Thought Ep. 32 - M&A in the Global Agri-Food Industry, July 2025 Overview

Expana presents Agri-Food for Thought, the podcast series for agriculture and food professionals.Today, we bring you up to speed with merger & acquisition activity in the global agrifood landscape that occurred in July 2025 as part of the monthly M&A focus series.

July 2025 M&A activity somewhat slowed down compared to previous months. The ongoing tariffs situation, the global focus on trade deals, other trade disputes, and market uncertainty, have a role to play here

Trump Signs Sweeping Executive Order Revamping US Tariff Rates; 15% Floor for Deficit Nations

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on July 31, unveiling a massive overhaul of US tariff policy, introducing a series of new import rates for US trading partners (find the full rate list below).

Under the new plan, countries with which the US has a trade deficit will face a minimum 15% tariff, affecting more than 30 nations. Meanwhile, the administration’s existing 10% “universal” tariff will remain in place for countries where US exports exceed imports...

Triple Typhoon Impact Disrupts Southeast Asian Agricultural and Aquaculture Supply Chains

A rare convergence of three powerful typhoons in July has battered key agricultural and aquaculture regions across China, Vietnam, Taiwan, and the Philippines. Typhoons Wipha, Danas, and Co-May have collectively caused hundreds of millions in damages.  

Typhoon Wipha Deals Blow to Vietnam’s Rice and Shrimp Exports 

Typhoon Wipha formed on July 18 near the northern Philippines and intensified to Category 1 before making landfall in Guangzhou, China, and later striking northern Vietnam. Wipha lashed southern China with winds up to 75 mph, triggering floods and landslides

Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #20

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 #20."

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.

...

As of July 27, the United States and the European Union reached a trade agreement: The US will charge a 15% tariff on all imports across-the-board from the coalition of countries...

Kroger Announces New Leaders in Key Roles

The Kroger Co. today announced leadership changes in several key roles across the company.

Kroger appointed Ed Oldham to Head of Sourcing. Oldham joins Kroger from PetSmart, where he was Senior Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer. He led the company's distribution and transportation strategy across North America, overseeing an international distribution network and 2,500 associates. Oldham brings more than 25 years of experience in retail, CPGs, and consulting, where he led planning, buying, replenishment, operations and sourcing decisions across multi-billion-dollar categories. Before joining PetSmart...

ANALYSIS: June Turkey Harvest Breaks Record Low Streak

The turkey slaughter data for June is noteworthy, as it marks the first time since August of last year that a new record seasonal low has not been set. This June's total number of turkeys harvested was 5% above June 2024. Additionally, there was a month-over-month (MOM) increase of 7.4%, compared to a 5-year average MOM decline of 3.8% for this time frame.

This modest increase in production is a welcome shift for both buyers and sellers. Those on the...

ANALYSIS: Broiler Sector Recalibrates with Steady Growth and Demand

The chicken industry is not contracting; it is recalibrating. Broiler-type pullet chick placements for future hatchery supply totaled 9.38 million in June, down 4 percent from the prior year. While that headline suggests a slowdown, the decline follows an all-time high in 2024. Even with this year’s moderation, the current supply flock remains well above the ten-year average. The industry is not pulling back, it is operating near full stride and approaching physical capacity constraints.

June chick hatchings totaled 856 million...

Pilgrim’s Pride Soars with Strong Q2 Results and $400M Expansion

Pilgrim’s Pride released its financial results for the second quarter of fiscal year 2025, reporting net sales of $4.8 billion and GAAP net income of $356 million, or $1.49 per share. Adjusted EBITDA came in at $686.9 million. The company attributed its strong performance to robust demand, improved operations, and product quality across key segments.

In the US Fresh Chicken segment, both sales and margins improved. Case Ready products outpaced market growth, while the Small Bird business...

White House Unveils 40% Additional Tariffs on Brazilian Imports; Orange Juice, Nuts Spared

On the afternoon of July 30, Brazil was assigned an additional 40% tariff rate, according to a White House statement. US President Trump invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) which will add to the current baseline 10% tariff on foreign good imported to the US. However, Trump teased upping that rate for ~200 countries where a trade deal would not make sense to negotiate. For now, it’s clear that 40% is in addition to any currently applicable US tariff...

Inside the Mind of a Procurement Strategist: Former Kellanova CPO Looks at Key Trends

At Expana’s Agri-Food Americas event on September 23-24 in Chicago, procurement critical thinking and business solution finding will take center stage. Expert insights will be given and many networking opportunities will be enabled for attendees, who are all faced with disruptive trade shits and global agricultural commodity supply chain woes. 

The ambition is for agri-food leaders to unite, discuss, seek expert overviews, and gain some sense of direction and clarity they can ultimately take back home and apply to their procurement strategies.

The Retail Rundown: Retailers Push Protein as July Wraps

As July comes to a close and summer heat intensifies, retailers are pushing protein promotions to attract shoppers and encourage at-home grilling and cooking.

Seafood reclaimed the top spot in protein ad share this week, accounting for nearly 27% of all features. Pork followed at 24%, while beef and chicken trailed close behind at roughly 23% each. Egg promotions dipped slightly to around 1%.

Expana notes that retail egg demand has softened—typical for summer, when hot weather reduces in-home usage. Shelf prices are holding near $3.00 per dozen, well below early-year highs, but lighter consumption has dampened order volumes...

Report Finds Full-Service Restaurants are Winning Back Customers with Menu Updates

Full-service restaurants are hoping to make a comeback in 2025, thanks to menu updates and operational improvements, according to Chatmeter’s latest Full-Service Reputation Ranking Report. 

The report, based on over one million reviews from June 16, 2023 to June 15, 2025, analyzed customer feedback across 10 of America's largest casual dining chains. The findings suggest that restaurants introducing new menu items and enhancing the overall dining experience are seeing a spike in both demand and customer reviews.  

The Cheesecake Factory, which claimed the...

Inside the 2025 Food Manufacturing Landscape: Workforce Challenges and Investment Uptick

Global Location Strategies (GLS), a site selection advisory firm, unveiled its 2025 edition of the Best Places for Food Manufacturing Insights Report, which featured some intriguing takeaways about the impact of tariffs, immigration raids, and regulatory shifts on food manufacturing expansion.

The report features findings from the sector that spans animal food manufacturing, grain and oilseed milling, sugar and confectionery product manufacturing, fruit and vegetable preserving, specialty food manufacturing, dairy product manufacturing, animal slaughtering and processing, seafood product preparation and packaging, bakeries and tortilla manufacturing, and other food...

Sysco Delivers Strong Q4 and Solid FY 2025 Results

Sysco announced its fourth-quarter and full-year results Tuesday morning.

"Sysco's Q4 results exceeded expectations, as improved financial outcomes were driven by Sysco-specific initiatives and improved restaurant industry traffic. Specific to our business, USFS local volumes improved sequentially by 200 bps, including a strong exit rate in June. Importantly, drivers of our progress accelerated during the quarter, with the momentum continuing in July, an encouraging signal as we begin the next fiscal year of profitable growth" said Kevin Hourican, Sysco’s Chair of the Board and Chief Executive Officer...

US-EU Trade Announcement: Markets Open to American Food and Beverage Producers

As of July 27, the United States and the European Union reached a trade agreement: The US will charge a 15% tariff on all imports across-the-board (including sector-specific rates like those on autos) from the coalition of countries, according to a joint announcement between US President Trump and European Commission President von der Leyen. 

The trade deal will contain agreements whereby the EU will purchase $750 billion in energy from the US, invest an additional $600 billion into the US, open markets to...

71% of Consumers Shop for Groceries Online, But Grocers Must Eliminate Friction to Grow Loyalty

As online grocery shopping continues to gain traction, U.S. consumers are sending a clear message to grocers: make it easier, smarter, and more connected. A new national survey from VTEX (NYSE: VTEX), composable commerce platform provider, finds that 71% of consumers have shopped online for groceries, with 50% purchasing groceries online at least once a month, but many shoppers are holding back from deeper digital engagement due to persistent friction in the experience.

The findings reveal powerful insights for grocers...

Wayne-Sanderson Farms Acquires Harrison Poultry

Wayne-Sanderson Farms has acquired Harrison Poultry, a Georgia-based producer of chicken products, which was founded in 1958.

The acquisition, effective immediately, includes the full transfer of Harrison Poultry’s assets, spanning live production, a hatchery, a feed mill, manufacturing operations, transportation, and related facilities in the Bethlehem and Crawfordville regions of Georgia, Wayne-Sanderson Farms said.

Integrated operations between the two companies are expected to begin immediately, with minimal disruption to day-to-day business.

Wayne-Sanderson Farms said it began evaluating the acquisition earlier this year

UFCW Reaches Tentative Agreement with Albertsons Companies

On Sunday, UFCW 8-Golden State, along with UFCW Locals 5 and 648, announced a tentative agreement with Albertsons Companies, the parent company of grocery chains such as Safeway and Vons.

The agreement follows five months of intense negotiations and comes in the wake of a threatened walkout involving nearly 25,000 grocery workers. It includes significant wage increases, a strengthened and secure retirement plan, improved health care benefits, and improved job protection provisions aimed at fostering a safer and more respectful workplace.

UFCW 8-Golden State members working...

UK Meat Producer Cranswick Reports 9.7% Revenue Growth in Q1

UK’s Cranswick has reported a 9.7% increase in revenue for the 13 weeks up to 28 June 2025, or the first quarter in its financial year. Like-for-like revenue rose by 7.9%, driven by volume growth, the company said.

The recently acquired food service sausage manufacturer Blakemans on 16 May 2025, also contributed to growth, the trading report showed. And export revenue and volume increased following the reinstatement of the Norfolk site’s China export licence in December 2024.

The new retail business and strong demand at the cooked...

ANALYSIS: Newcastle Disease in Poland Continues to Restrict Supplies on the Market

Poland’s chief veterinary authorities have confirmed three new outbreaks of Newcastle disease, according to a report submitted to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) on July 9, 2025. In response, approximately 180,000 birds have been culled to contain the spread of the disease. Control measures implemented at all affected sites include culling and safely disposing of infected birds, thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting facilities, and establishing both infected and at-risk zones.

Since the beginning of the year...

Trump Announces August 1 Tariffs — Here's the Complete List

UPDATE July 22, 2025: US President Trump States 19% for the Philippines, Indonesia

After a press conference with the President of the Philippines, Trump confirmed the 19% rates for the Philippines and Indonesia, when he posted to Truth Social.

UPDATE July 14, 2025: EU, Mexico Slapped with 30% Tariffs

President Donald Trump has expanded his administration’s tariff policy, targeting the European Union and Mexico with newly announced 30% tariffs on all products imported into the United States. Read Expana's coverage here.

UPDATE: July 10, 2025

President Trump imposed a 35% tariff...

Pilgrim's Invests in New Food Production Facility 

Pilgrim’s is investing $400 million in a new multi-phase prepared foods facility in LaFayette, Georgia, which is expected to create more than 630 new jobs once it is completed. 

The company currently operates seven food production facilities, along with supporting infrastructure such as feed mills and hatcheries.

The new facility will produce a variety of fully cooked chicken products, further expanding Pilgrim’s prepared foods business.

Construction is set to begin this fall, with hiring anticipated to start in 2027.

“This significant investment will...

Dickey's Barbecue Pit Responds to Frivolous, False Lawsuit Claims

Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. has issued a statement in response to a lawsuit filed by a former Houston franchisee, asserting that the allegations are false, without merit and misrepresent the company's franchise model.

"Our franchise model is designed to empower our partners as independent business owners," said Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey's Barbecue Pit. "We provide a proven framework for success, brand standards, and a robust business model with an ongoing support system. During the development and construction process, we provide...

Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #19 

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 #19."

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.

...

ANALYSIS: Production in Motion as Beef Pulls Back and Chicken Steps Forward

The July 2025 USDA outlook reveals diverging trajectories across the major protein sectors, with beef production continuing to pull back while broilers and pork fill the supply gap.

Beef output is forecast to decline by nearly 3 percent to 26.188 billion pounds, driven by lower slaughter rates and lighter carcass weights in the back half of the year. This contraction signals a tightening supply environment that has ripple effects across the broader protein complex.

Broiler production is moving in the opposite direction...

McLane Unveils HiBird, A Premium Chicken Program for Convenience Stores

McLane Company, Inc. has launched HiBird, a new premium chicken program under its McLane Fresh brand, tailored for convenience stores.

“We’re proud to introduce our latest innovative program, HiBird, designed to help retailers meet growing consumer desire for chicken and demand for high-quality foodservice items,” said Vito Maurici, chief customer experience officer for McLane.

The lineup includes items like chicken sandwiches, strips, wedges, and mac and cheese. Designed for operational efficiency, HiBird offers full support, from training to equipment..

US Republicans Continue Push to Override California Animal Welfare Law

U.S. Republicans continued on Wednesday a years-long effort to override a 2018 California law that bans the sale in the state of pork from pigs kept in tightly confined spaces, arguing in a House Agriculture Committee hearing that the law is overly burdensome to farmers.

Proposition 12, which also sets housing standards for veal and eggs sold in the state, was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2023 after a legal challenge by the pork industry.

President Donald Trump's administration sued California...

Swiss Nestlé’s Sales Down by 1.8% on 1H25; Milk Products’ Growth up by 1.1%

Nestlé's sales fell by 1.8% to CHF 44.2 billion ($50.388 billion) over the first quarter of 2025, the company’s results presented on Thursday showed. Net profit was also down on the year to CHF 5.06 billion from CHF 5.64 billion in the first half of 2024. However, organic growth was up by 2.9%.

“Sales were negatively impacted by foreign exchange movements, especially in Q2, when the Swiss Franc strengthened by 10% against the dollar, and similar amounts against other currencies...

Fortune Fish & Gourmet Showcases Premium Seafood and Meats to NBA Chefs in Las Vegas

Fortune Fish & Gourmet took center stage at the National Basketball Association (NBA) Summer League in Las Vegas last week, presenting their specialty seafood and meat products to chefs from all 30 NBA teams.

Each summer, Las Vegas hosts the NBA’s annual meetings for coaches, trainers, and the Performance Nutrition Association to discuss best practices for supporting their organizations. For the first time, NBA chefs held their own dedicated meeting in 2025, inviting Fortune Fish & Gourmet, current supplier to the Philadelphia 76ers, to present its offerings to...

What's in the EU's Countermeasures to US tariffs?

The European Union could hit the United States with counter-tariffs on 93 billion euros ($109 billion) worth of U.S. goods if the two sides fail to reach a trade deal by Washington's August 1 deadline for imposing import levies.

The European Commission has prepared two sets of possible counter-tariffs, which would be combined into one and submitted for approval to EU members. They would not be imposed until August 7.

Here is a breakdown of the two packages:

EU COUNTERMEASURES TO STEEL, ALUMINIUM TARIFFS...

PODCAST: Agri-Food for Thought Ep. 31 - Competition Heats Up at the Meat Case this Summer

Listen now as Jamie gets the scoop from Market Analyst Pete Iridoy on how pork is benefitting at retail amidst high beef prices this summer...

New Progresso Pitmaster Soups Take on Grilling Season

Fire up your appetite, not your grill. This summer, Progresso® is bringing the unmistakable taste of a backyard cookout to your kitchen with the launch of Progresso Pitmaster, a bold new line of BBQ-inspired soups packed with juicy, delicious meats, roasted vegetables and 14g of protein or more per can.

Progresso Pitmaster soups capture the bold, satisfying flavors of BBQ in a no-fuss, no-flame format. Whether you're craving a savory, rich bite of steak or the indulgent flavors of beer cheese and sausage, Progresso Pitmaster delivers the ultimate taste experience in a bowl that’s ready in just five minutes.

ANALYSIS: Turkey Production Lifts Off with Growing Poult Placements and Health Improvements

This year's turkey hatch figures continue to lag behind the 5-year average but still outpace last year on a year-to-date (YTD) basis. Tom and hen poult placements are up year-over-year (YOY) by 3.5% and 3.4%, respectively, while egg sets are up 2.5% from last year.

These figures demonstrate the active push from many in the industry to supply more turkey meat. While a larger number of breeder-type birds were lost to HPAI this year...

The Retail Rundown: Beef Edges Out Seafood in Weekly Protein Features

Beef narrowly edged out seafood for the top spot in retail protein promotions this week, making up 25.9% of all featured items. Seafood was a close second at 25.3%, while pork and chicken each accounted for about 23%. Eggs represented roughly 2% of ads, and turkey dipped below 1%.

Beef steaks remained a premium grilling choice, averaging $14.21 per pound last week. Seafood also led on price, with fresh salmon reaching as high as $17.24 per pound in some regions...

Trump Announces US-Indonesia Trade Agreement; New Details Emerge

UPDATE: July 22, 2025 4:37 PM ET

This afternoon, US President Trump posted to Truth Social after revealing a similar 19% trade deal with the Philippines, reported Expana.

"It is my Great Honor to announce our Trade Agreement with the Republic of Indonesia, as represented by their Highly Respected President, Prabowo Subianto. It is agreed that Indonesia will be Open Market to American Industrial and Tech Products, and Agricultural Goods, by eliminating 99% of their Tariff Barriers. The United States of America will now sell American Made products to Indonesia..."

Trump Signs Landmark US-Japan Trade Deal, Slashes Tariffs to 15%

United States President Donald Trump announced this week that he had signed what he described as “perhaps the largest deal ever made” with Japan, aimed at reshaping trade relations between the two countries. The agreement sets a new 15% tariff rate on all Japanese products imported into the US, a notable decrease from the 25% rate imposed earlier this month, as Expana reported.

According to President Trump, the deal is expected to create hundreds of jobs in the United States and will require Japan to open its markets further...

OpenTable and KAYAK Unveil Top 100 Hotel Restaurants Amid Growing Trend of Culinary-Driven Travel

According to new insights from OpenTable and KAYAK, travelers are increasingly choosing their destinations based on where they want to eat.

An OpenTable survey reveals that 47% of Americans have planned a trip specifically to visit a restaurant. Similarly, KAYAK reported a 51% year-over-year increase in travelers using the “restaurant” filter when searching for hotels.

In response to this trend, the two companies have partnered to release their first-ever list of the "Top 100 Hotel Restaurants in America...

US-Philippines Trade Relations Televised; 19% Tariff Rate Reached

On July 22, US President Trump participated in a bilateral meeting with Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. 

“... We concluded our Trade Deal, whereby The Philippines is going OPEN MARKET with the United States, and ZERO Tariffs,” wrote President Trump on Truth Social after the meeting. “The Philippines will pay a 19% Tariff. In addition, we will work together Militarily. It was a Great Honor to be with the President. He is Highly Respected in his Country, as he should be. He is also a very good, and tough, negotiator..."

Princes Acquires Historic Liverpool Building as New UK Headquarters

Yesterday, leading UK food and drink company Princes announced its purchase of the historic, Grade-I listed Royal Liver Building (RLB) in Liverpool, England for £60 million (USD $70.33 million).

According to the company, the acquisition is part of Princes’ broader £83 million (USD $97.29 million) real estate plan, which includes the purchase of Symington’s Cross Green facility in Leeds, England, for £23 million (USD $26.96 million). Also, acquiring the Cross Green site will further embed Symington’s business, which Princes already manages and operates, into...

Subway Names Jonathan Fitzpatrick as Chief Executive Officer

Subway, one of the world's largest restaurant brands, today announced that Jonathan Fitzpatrick will join the company as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective July 28, 2025, following a comprehensive search.

With more than two decades of franchising and quick service restaurant experience, Fitzpatrick has a proven track record of elevating sales and operational performance across global networks. Most recently, he served as President and CEO of Driven Brands where he led a best-in-class team to 17 consecutive quarters of same-store sales growth...

USDA Appoints New FSIS Administrator, Announces Five-Point Food Safety Plan

Last week, Dr. Justin Ransom assumed the role of FSIS Administrator, leading the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). Under this role, Dr. Ransom will oversee the FSIS, ensuring the safety, wholesomeness, and proper labeling of U.S. commercial meat, poultry, and processed egg products.

The presidential appointment was first announced by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins on July 3, with Dr. Ransom officially assuming the role on July 14. 

The FSIS is a federal agency under the USDA responsible for ensuring food...

FMI 2025 Report Highlights Food Industry Shifts Amid Consumer, Economic and Supply Chain Pressures

The Food Industry Association (FMI) has released its 76th annual report, “The Food Retailing Industry Speaks 2025,” offering a look into how the industry is advancing as the modern grocery experience continues to evolve.  

The report highlights strategies adopted by food retailers and suppliers, as they adapt to the shifting expectations of consumers, supply chain challenges, and economic pressures.  

Bracing for continued disruptions  

According to the report, about 80% of food retailers and suppliers expect trade policies and tariffs to affect pricing and...

Kayem Foods Recalls Over 25,000 Pounds of Chicken Sausage Due to Contamination

Kayem Foods has announced a recall of approximately 25,173 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken sausage products.

The company notified the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) after receiving three customer complaints about finding white pieces of plastic in the sausage.

The recalled products are 11-ounce vacuum-sealed packages containing four pieces of “All Natural al fresco CHICKEN SAUSAGE SWEET APPLE with Vermont made syrup.”

These items were produced on June 28...

ANALYSIS: May Sets Another Record Low in Turkey Slaughter as Tight Supplies Persist

May's turkey slaughter figures continue to represent the ongoing trend of tight supplies. For the tenth month in a row, a new seasonal record low has been set with May's figures coming in 11% below last year. The extremely limited availability of turkey meat has pushed quotations for 21 of Expana's lines to all-time highs and has resulted in Expana's turkey index reaching the second largest value on record, trailing only behind 2022.

During the month of May, there were still turkeys...

Letters to Brazil: Trump Cites "Witch Hunt" While Charging 50% Tariff

US President Trump has charged 50% tariffs on Brazilian imports to the States, according to a letter to Brazilian President Lula.

This week, reciprocal tariffs were re-announced in the form of letters from the US Trump administration to trading partners who could not reach a deal within the previously granted 90-day pause. And what a fun week it's been for tariffs' "watchers on the wall."

Letters to 22 trading partners were sent with new tariff rates that will be implemented on August 1...

UNFI Posts Solid Quarterly Results and Revises 2025 Outlook Following Cyber Incident

American grocery wholesaler United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) released its quarterly results and updated its full-year outlook for fiscal 2025 on Wednesday, following consistent success across three consecutive quarters.

“With a proven multi-year strategy and consistent execution through the third quarter of fiscal 2025, we are confident in our underlying momentum and our ability to achieve our multi-year financial targets at an accelerated pace compared to the initial targets we communicated in October 2024,” said Sandy Douglas, CEO of UNFI...

The Retail Rundown: Summer Travel Drives Foodservice Gains as Retailers Compete for Shoppers

Foodservice is in full swing this summer, fueled by warm weather and vacation season as consumers hit the road and dine out. This Fourth of July, AAA estimated a record 72.2 million Americans traveled domestically—a 2.4% increase from last year and 7 million more than in 2019.

“This year, we're seeing strong demand for road trips, flights, and cruises, especially with the holiday falling on a Friday,” said Debbie Haas, Vice President of AAA Travel.

With so much consumer attention on travel and dining out, food...

NCC Shares USDA’s Goals to Further Reduce Foodborne Illness

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins today announced a comprehensive plan to bolster the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) efforts to combat foodborne illness while speaking at the opening of USDA’s new, modernized Midwestern Food Safety Laboratory in Normandy, Missouri.

“President Trump is committed to ensuring American consumers have the safest, most abundant, and affordable food supply in the world. When it comes to food safety, USDA is charting a bold new course in giving consumers confidence their meat, poultry, and egg products meet our...

National Restaurant Association Applauds Trump Tax Bill for Boosting Industry Jobs and Growth

President Donald Trump’s One Big, Beautiful Bill features tax policies that will assist the restaurant and foodservice industry, the National Restaurant Association said.

The group stated that the bill will enable restaurant owners and operators nationwide to “create jobs, invest in their business, and provide certainty for their local economies.”

“The restaurant industry is a powerful economic engine – generating over $1.4 trillion in annual economic activity and employing more than 15 million people nationwide,” said Michelle Korsmo, President & CEO of the National Restaurant Association...

Wayne-Sanderson Farms Named the "Official Chicken of the Southeastern Conference"

Wayne-Sanderson Farms, one of the nation's leading poultry producers, today announced a new multi-year sponsorship as the "Official Chicken of the Southeastern Conference (SEC)." This exciting collaboration unites two Southern icons, bringing delicious chicken and unforgettable experiences to college sports fans across the region.

"Wayne-Sanderson Farms is thrilled to team up with the SEC, a conference that shares our commitment to excellence and community," said Kevin McDaniel, President and CEO of Wayne-Sanderson Farms. "With 26,000 employees and...

US Tariffs on Brazilian Imports Spark Cross-Commodity Concerns

On July 9, US President Donald Trump moved to raise tariffs on Brazilian imports to 50% starting August 1—up sharply from the 10% rate imposed in early April—sparking concerns in global markets, with potential ripple effects across commodities like orange juice, beef, coffee, sugar, and seafood.

These trade measures are raising alarms in export-dependent sectors and among US importers, with market participants saying the implications could be wide-ranging.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said the country would respond to the newly announced tariff...

Applebee’s Expands 2 for $25 Menu with New Entrées

Applebee’s is adding new options to its long-running 2 for $25 value menu, continuing a strategy that dates back to its original 2 for $20 deal launched in 2008. The offer aims to deliver accessible pricing amid shifting consumer demand and rising food costs.

The latest limited-time additions include two new entrees and a fan favorite:

• Chicken Parmesan Fettuccine – Breaded chicken breast with marinara and Parmesan over fettuccine in a Parmesan cream sauce, served with a garlic breadstick.
• Big Bangin’ Burger – Beef patty with American...

ANALYSIS: Broiler Production Grows Steadily as Demand Advances

Broiler-type production posted modest growth in May, with 876 million chicks hatched, up 1 percent from the prior year. Eggs in incubators as of June 1 also rose 1 percent to 756 million, indicating stable short-term supply. However, pullet placements for future hatchery flocks declined 0.7 percent year-over-year. While this suggests a cautious outlook by producers, it may also reflect ongoing challenges with hatchability, which has trended historically low in recent months and continues to limit breeder productivity.

Domestic chicken demand remains strong, underpinned

Trump Letters Reveal August 1 Tariff Rates for Key US Trading Partners

The Trump administration was busy after the Fourth of July holiday, as the President sent out a litany of letters to US trading partners revealing what their tariff rate would be starting on August 1.

Over the weekend, President Donald Trump and members of the administration announced that letters would begin rolling out showcasing new tariff rates for countries. The letters came at a rapid pace on Monday afternoon, with messages dispatched to the leaders of Japan, South Korea and South Africa, to name a few...

Conagra Posts Decline in Sales and Profit for Q4 and FY2025

Conagra Brands has reported financial results for both the fiscal year and fourth quarter.

For the quarter, net sales declined 3.5%, driven by a 2.5% drop in volume and a 1.0% negative price/mix impact. Gross profit fell 12.1% to $707 million, as margins were pressured by inflation and weaker sales. Net income was $256 million ($0.53 per share), while adjusted EPS came in at $0.56. Adjusted EBITDA totaled $544 million.

For fiscal year 2025, net sales declined... 

Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #17

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 #17."

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, reciprocal tariffs were re-announced in the form of letters from the US Trump administration to trading partners who could not reach a trade deal within the previously granted 90-day pause...

ANALYSIS: US Broiler Exports Slide in May as Seasonal Trends Reverse

US broiler exports totaled 509.9 million pounds in May 2025, reflecting a 7.1% decline year-over-year (YOY) and a 7.4% drop month-over-month (MOM). Notably, this monthly contraction stands in contrast to the five-year average MOM increase of 2.4% for May, indicating that this year's performance underdelivered compared to historical seasonal trends.

Mexico led all destinations, with the region absorbing 130.8 million pounds of US chicken in May. MOM movement rose 9.5% which is a stronger-than-typical increase compared...

ANALYSIS: Volatile Market Conditions Shape US Turkey Exports in May

May’s export report showcases a volatile turkey export market. The total values follow a very similar trend as in past months, with a lower year-over-year (YOY) volume and a below-average month-over-month (MOM) change. This is primarily driven by the Mexican market, while the others show quite a bit more variability.

Based on the 5-year average, Mexico generally accounts for 69.2% of the total volume of turkey exported from the US during the month of May. This past May, they accounted...

Trump Tariff Letters Continue to Roll Out; Philippines Faces 20% Tariff

President Trump has sent a new batch of letters to several countries, including the Philippines, notifying them of new US tariff rates set to take effect on August 1, giving them a short window to renegotiate trade terms before the deadline.

On July 8, Trump stated that a minimum of seven countries would be released, with an additional group to be released in the afternoon.

Despite multiple tariff implementation delays already, Trump was steadfast and set August 1 as a hard deadline in a social media...

Former USDA Economist Looks at How Trade Disputes and Geopolitics Are Reshaping Agri-Food

As global supply chains face intensifying pressure from geopolitical tensions, climate variability and shifting consumer demands, agri-food leaders are constantly rethinking their procurement strategies.

At Expana’s Agri-Food Americas event on September 23-24 in Chicago, these themes take center stage in the panel discussion “How Geopolitical Uncertainty, Tariffs, and Trade are Impacting Food & Ag”.

Conflict and policy shifts can destabilize your supply chain and disrupt sourcing. This panel will offer expert insights into international affairs so you can adapt quickly...

The Retail Rundown: Retailers Push Value to Maintain Protein Momentum

Retail meat clearance over the Independence Day holiday was generally strong, with consumers stocking up on grilling staples for the summer’s flagship cookout occasion.

With few major buying events remaining this summer, grocers will likely push aggressive features and highlight value finds to sustain shopper engagement through the dog days of summer.

Post-holiday protein advertisements show seafood maintaining the lead at 33.1% of retail features, followed by beef at 25.1% and pork at 21.5%. Chicken accounted for 16.2%, while turkey fell to just 2%—half of the previous week's...

Wendy’s Names Interim CEO Amid Leadership Changes

Wendy’s announced the appointment of its Interim CEO Tuesday, following reports of its current President and CEO, Kirk Tanner's resignation. Tanner will depart for The Hershey Company effective July 18.

In response, the Wendy’s Board of Directors has launched a comprehensive search process to identify a permanent CEO.

Meanwhile, Chief Financial Officer Ken Cook has been appointed by the Board to serve as Interim CEO until Tanner’s successor is in place.

"It has been a privilege to lead Wendy's, an iconic brand, and I leave with a sense of gratitude...

US to Impose 25% Tariff on Japanese and Korean Imports Starting August 1

President Donald Trump's tariff letters are being rolled out, with Korea and Japan at the forefront. In identical letters released on July 7, the administration announced that both countries will face a 25% tariff on all goods imported into the United States, effective August 1.

In identical letters sent to the leaders of both countries, Trump declared that the US would impose the tariffs “on any and all Korean (Japanese) products sent into the US,” including goods transshipped through third countries in an attempt to bypass the...

ANALYSIS: Chicken Hatchery Figures Continue Steady Expansion

In a market shaped by choppy global demand, disease-related caution, and mounting trade tension, hatchery performance remains one of the few reliable signals in an otherwise murky landscape. Despite these external pressures, the chicken industry continues to expand, driven by steady domestic demand and a growing cost advantage over higher-priced beef and turkey.

According to the latest USDA data, egg sets for the week ending June 28 reached 252 million, a 2% year-over-year increase. This marks the 74th consecutive week of YoY gains and aligns with...

US Pushes Tariff Deadline to August, Trump Administration Expects Surge in Deals

President Donald Trump said on July 6 that the US is nearing several new trade deals and that letters will be sent to trading partners by July 9, warning of increased tariffs set to take effect on August 1.

The move effectively extends the administration’s trade deadline from July 9 to August 1, giving Trump more time to finalize agreements. So far, the U.S. has signed just two deals—one with the United Kingdom and another with Vietnam, as Expana reported last week...

Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #16

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 #16."

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...

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

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

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

The recalled products include:

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

ANALYSIS: Summer Squeeze, Limited Turkey Supplies and Consumer Choices

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

All of this points to very limited production...

US Secures Market Access for Poultry Exports to Namibia

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

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

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

Expana Expands Poultry Coverage with New Thigh and Jumbo Tender Forecasts

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

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

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

PODCAST: Agri-Food for Thought Ep. 30 - M&A in the Global Agri-Food Industry, June 2025 Overview

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

Today, we bring you up to speed with merger & acquisition activity in the global agrifood landscape that occurred in June 2025 as part of the monthly M&A focus series.

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

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

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

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

White Castle Debuts New Chicken Slider

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

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

Trump, Carney Agree to Resume US-Canada Trade Negotiations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

UNFI Restores Core Systems After Major Cyberattack Disruption

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

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

Tyson Debuts New Dino Nuggets in Time for Summer

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

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

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

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

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

ANALYSIS: By-Products Market Surges on Soybean Oil Price Trends

The US by-products market, particularly fats and tallows, has encountered price increases driven by rising soybean oil trends, following the US Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed Renewable Volume Obligations (RVO). The RVO is a plan requiring fuel companies to blend more renewable sources, such as soybean oil, into biofuels. It proposes biomass-based diesel volumes of 5.61 billion gallons for 2026 and 5.86 billion for 2027. This increased demand for soybean oil has reduced available supply, elevating prices.

The fats and tallows market initially adopted...

ANALYSIS: Retail Turkey Distribution Climbs Amid Price Hikes and Inventory Woes

So far, retail distribution of turkey is up 39.6% in June while year-to-date (YTD) it is down 1.9%. The relatively robust June distribution comes at a time when turkey prices continue to skyrocket, as evidenced by the growing gap in this year's Expana Turkey Index compared to the 5-year average.

Despite this June’s Expana Turkey Index outpacing the 5-year average by 40.7%, the average price at retail has only been up 9.7% compared to the 5-year average. This means...

ANALYSIS: May Chicken Cold Storage Maintains Seasonal Trajectory, With Some Exceptions

Chicken cold storage inventories in May rose 1% year-over-year (YOY) and held nearly flat month-over-month (MOM), posting a modest 0.1% gain. This contrasts with the five-year average May decline of 1.9% , signaling a more balanced supply environment, even as individual category trends diverge.

Breasts and breast meat stocks, the largest component of chicken cold storage outside of the “other” category, were essentially unchanged from April, down just 0.1 % versus an average 2.1% seasonal decline...

The Retail Rundown: Independence Day Deals in Focus

As the Fourth of July holiday draws closer, competition for front-page ad space among proteins is heating up. Seafood is currently leading with a 29% share, followed by beef and pork, each capturing 24%. Chicken accounts for 18%, while turkey trails at 2.6%.

Burgers and hot dogs remain backyard barbecue mainstays. Several national grocers were promoting 78–84% lean ground beef under $5 per pound, with eye-catching specials as low as $2.27 on a discounted basis.

Over Father's Day weekend...

Poland, France Push Back Against at Mercosur Deal

Annie Genevard, France’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty and Czesław Siekierski, the Polish Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, met in Paris on Wednesday. After the meeting, both showed a united front against the EU-Mercosur deal.

France and Poland have been two of the most vocal opponents to the deal signed in December, after around two decades of negotiations. They argue that the deal will not be beneficial for EU agriculture, despite its possible positive effects in other sectors.

“To put it plainly: we cannot sacrifice agriculture...

General Mills Backs Organic Push in Fresh Pet Food, But M&A Still on Table

As General Mills continues to expand its pet food footprint, the company is leaning heavily on organic growth, particularly in the fast-growing fresh pet food category, while still keeping mergers and acquisitions (M&A) as an option.

During an earnings call on June 25, Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Harmening emphasized that General Mills’ approach to category expansion is a deliberate balance between building from within and acquiring where necessary.

Harmening argued that General Mills believes it has the right investment profile

Gartner Says Supply Chain Leaders Must Address Three Priorities Amid Impacts of Israel-Iran Conflict

To help organizations navigate the ongoing impacts posed by the Israel-Iran conflict, Gartner Inc. has identified three critical priorities for chief supply chain officers (CSCOs) to implement now to secure their operations.

In response to the ongoing impacts from the conflict, CSCOs should:

1. Assess and mitigate their exposure to new global transportation bottlenecks
2. Prepare CFOs for continued supply chain cost volatility
3. Review supply chain resilience strategies

“As the conflict between Israel and Iran oscillates, CSCOs must leverage...