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

China’s Hog Prices Fall to Yearly Low as Industry Eyes Capacity Cuts

China’s hog prices have fallen to their lowest level this year despite the usual boost seen during the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays, 21st Century Business Herald, a Chinese state-owned media outlet, reported. 

According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the national average live hog price was down 2.8% from the previous week and 29.5% year-on-year during the first week of October. Prices fell across all 30 monitored provinces. Since mid-July, hog prices have dropped...

ADM Opens Wheat Milling Laboratory in Decatur

ADM has opened a new Central Milling Laboratory at the ADM Specialty Manufacturing Facility in Decatur, Illinois.

The facility mills, analyzes, and bakes wheat to provide insights into how flour will perform in real-world applications, ADM said.

Currently, the lab supports 31 ADM facilities across North America.

Tedd Kruse, President, Milling & Baking Solutions at ADM, said: “This facility strengthens our ability to collaborate with customers to meet evolving market needs, and it will accelerate innovation across our milling network.”

ANALYSIS: Fresh 90s Ranges Drop Into Competition With Imported 90% Items

Friday’s closing report for domestic boneless beef encountered a range of $386-428/cwt, while imported blend cow 90% from Australia and New Zealand ticked upward to $386-390/cwt bringing the two within similar ranges. While the range remained wide for fresh product, the low side signaled a drop that could cause some slight demand shift toward domestic material while both remain in similar ranges.  

In the US, the fall cow run has ramped up as some participants have begun to send more cows...

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...

ANALYSIS: HPAI Turkey Update — Week of October 5, 2025

Outbreak summary

On a year-to-date (YTD) basis, approximately 2.82 million turkeys have been lost to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in 2025. That is up 115% year-over-year (YOY) and down 62% from 2022, when the outbreak began. Of the turkeys impacted this year, 3% have been commercial breeder hens, 1% have been commercial breeder replacement hens, and 96% have been commercial meat birds. Thirteen states have reported unique outbreaks YTD, one fewer than the largest YTD value since the start of the...

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...

Inside QDOBA's Growth Strategy with New CMO Jon Burke

Expana recently had the chance to catch up with Jon Burke, the newly promoted Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of QDOBA.  He offered a behind-the-scenes look at what’s next for the rapidly expanding restaurant chain. With over 825 stores across the United States and Puerto Rico and a pipeline of 600 more, QDOBA is gearing up for its first national marketing campaign. 

In the announcement about this promotion, CEO John Cywinkski said, "Jon is a trusted and respected leader who has earned this opportunity...

Morliny Foods' Acquisition of the Wolf Group

Morliny Foods Holding Limited (UK) today announced the acquisition of Wolf Group, a leading German producer of premium sausages, convenience, and ready meals. This strategic transaction marks a significant step in Morliny Foods' European expansion, strengthening its position in one of the continent's largest consumer markets for packaged meats and convenience products. The acquisition aligned with Morliny Foods' strategy to grow in value-added packaged meat categories across Europe.

The transaction also opens opportunities for enhanced access to German distribution channels for Morliny Foods' portfolio products, serving as a solid foundation for sustainable growth in the German and wider European markets...

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...

Wendy’s Unveils “Project Fresh” to Drive Growth and Elevate Brand Value

Looking to enhance its brand after a disappointing valuation, The Wendy's Company has unveiled Project Fresh. According to the Board of Directors, this strategic plan is designed to accelerate profitability and enhance shareholder value.

"Wendy's Board of Directors and management team are dissatisfied with the current valuation of the Company and have been working to put the Company on the right path to create value for our franchisees, employees and shareholders," said Chairman of the Board, Art Winkleblack. "Execution is underway and we are confident that Project F

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...

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...

TGI Fridays Supports TSA and Air Traffic Control Workers with Complimentary Meals During Shutdown

TGI Fridays is dedicated to providing nutritious meals to TSA and air traffic control workers during the temporary government shutdown.

Eligible employees with, valid ID, can enjoy a complimentary meal per day from October 9 to October 23, while supplies last, or until the shutdown is lifted, from a specially curated menu. 

The menu features favorites like the Cheeseburger with fries, Chicken Fingers with fries, Crispy or Grilled Chicken Sandwich with fries, or Chicken Caesar Salad. This offer is valid at all locations...

ANALYSIS: Turkey Processing Hits New Seasonal Low as Prices Soar to Record Highs

In June and July, the turkey industry had a couple of months of relief from the seasonal all-time low numbers of turkeys being processed since August of last year. However, the headcount processed this August fell 4.1% below last year, once again marking a new seasonal low. This isn’t necessarily surprising considering that four months prior, net poult placements were 3.9% lower year-over-year (YOY). Additionally, just over 55,000 turkeys were lost at the end of August...

ANALYSIS: YTD Retail Ground Chuck Sale Volumes Fall YOY While Dollar Value Ticks Up

So far in 2025, ground chuck sales have reached over $755M with total transactions around 135 M units. Compared to 2024, the sum of total sales is up by $11M (+1.54%). This can in part be explained by rising input costs on the wholesale market. This has pushed retail prices higher now sitting at a record high of $6.63/lb. Year-over-year (YOY) this is an increase of...

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...

Vertical Cold Storage's Strategic Expansion with First Customs Bonded Warehouse

In today's global trade environment, customs bonded warehousing has become increasingly appealing to businesses seeking financial flexibility.

Tariffs can significantly inflate costs, but by deferring duties until products are sold in the US market or re-exported, companies can optimize cash flow and gain strategic operational advantages.

Vertical Cold Storage, a leader in cold storage and logistics for the food and beverage industry, is marking an achievement with the full licensing of its first customs bonded warehouse.

The company strategically chose to expand at its...

ANALYSIS: Uruguay’s Beef Exports Down 9.4% MOM in September to 29,369 mt

According to the latest data released by Uruguay’s National Customs Directorate, fresh beef exports dropped 9.4% MOM to 29,369 metric tons (mt) in September. Compared to the same period last year, this is still 14.1% higher.

China continued to play a significant role as the main destination with 45.4% of total shipments in September, or 13,337 mt. This is 9.0% lower than August but reflects a notable 30.2% growth YOY. On a year-to-year basis, beef exports to the Asian country accounted for 116,187 mt so far this year, a 4.9% growth compared to the same period in 2024...

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...

ANALYSIS: Brazil’s Fresh Beef Exports Set a New Record at 314,690 mt in September 2025

According to the latest data released by Brazil’s Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services, Brazilian beef exports totaled 314,690 mt in September, reflecting a 17.2% monthly growth and a 25% increase year-over-year (YOY). This figure surpassed the previous record of 276,879 mt achieved two months ago...

Arby’s Debuts Steak Nuggets for a Limited-Time

Today, amidst the overwhelming popularity of chicken options in food service, Arby's is betting on its latest innovation.

True to its slogan, "We Have the Meats," the company has launched steak nuggets for a limited time.

“Who doesn’t love tender and savory steak? But, until now, it’s been inconvenient to eat, particularly on the go,” said Jeff Baker, Chief Marketing Officer at Arby’s. “That’s why we created this new innovative product. Two of America’s favorite foods – nuggets and steak – combined to create Arby’s Steak Nuggets. No knife needed, fork...

ANALYSIS: Australia’s Q3 2025 Beef Exports Soar 16.2% YOY on China-Led Surge

Australia’s beef exports in Q3 2025 surged 16.2% year-on-year (YOY) to 425,016 metric tons (mt), data from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (D.A.F.F.) showed.

Exports expanded by 59,176 mt in the third quarter as Australia capitalized on global supply gaps and tariff-driven realignments in key markets.

China led the quarterly growth, with volumes climbing 55.6% or 26,431 mt as buyers turned to Australian beef to replace grain-fed US product following punitive tariffs and delayed import license renewals since April...

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

FSIS Issues Public Health Alert For Ready-To-Eat Meals That May Be Contaminated With Listeria

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for FSIS-inspected ready-to-eat meals produced by FreshRealm containing a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulated ingredient, specifically spinach, that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes (Lm).

FSIS expects additional affected products to be identified and will update this public health alert as more information becomes available. Consumers should check back frequently.

The following products are subject to the...

Seafood Chain Long John Silver's Swaps Iconic Fish for Chicken in New Logo

Long John Silver’s, a long-time seafood chain, has moved chicken to the front and center.

The company revealed a new logo that replaces its signature fish logo with a chicken and features a new “CHICKEN + SEAFOOD" lock-up.

The new redesign will be rolled out across its digital platforms and will be unveiled further on the Long John Silver's Front Row Motorsports car during the South Point 400.

"Guests have been telling us for years that our chicken is a best-kept secret...

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..."

StoneX and Expana to Launch OTC Dairy Derivatives

StoneX Financial Europe GmbH (“SFEG”), a subsidiary of StoneX Group Inc. (“StoneX”; NASDAQ: SNEX), has announced a collaboration with Expana to launch a new suite of OTC dairy derivatives referencing Expana’s IOSCO-assured EU dairy benchmarks. The partnership expands the range of risk management tools available to the global dairy industry and enhances price transparency.

The first contracts will cover fat-filled milk powder and high-protein whey, with plans to broaden coverage to additional dairy products over time. StoneX Plus users will gain direct access to Expana’s benchmarks

Saudi Tanmiah Launches New Poultry Processing Plant and Feed Mill

Saudi Arabia's Tanmiah Food Company has launched a new poultry processing plant in Al Majmaa and a new feed mill in Dahna, the company has announced.

The poultry facility integrates advanced processing lines capable of handling large birds – "a first of its kind in the Kingdom", Tanmiah said, adding that the new site strengthens partnerships with leading global QSR brands, including McDonald’s Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, the Dahna feed mill is currently in a production trial phase. It has a capacity of 40 metric tons per hour

Climax Foods Announces Rebrand to Bettani Farms; $6.5 Mln in New Funding

Climax Foods, a food technology company leading breakthrough innovation in the global cheese market, today announced it has rebranded to Bettani Farms and appointed former CFO of Califia Farms, Sandeep Patel, to serve as CEO and Chairman. Additionally, the company announced a $6.5 million initial closing of its Series A, led by S2G Investments ("S2G"), a multi-stage investment firm focused on scaling solutions across food and agriculture, energy, and oceans, with additional participation from new and existing investors that include

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...

Foster Farms Recalls 3.8 Million Pounds of Corn Dogs

According to an announcement by the US Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), approximately 3,843,040 pounds of chicken and turkey on-a-stick corn dog products are being recalled by Foster Poultry Farms, LLC due to possible contamination of extraneous materials, specifically pieces of wood embedded in the batter.

This action was taken after both the establishment and FSIS received multiple customer complaints, including five that involved injuries.

These items were produced between July 30, 2024, and August 4, 2025...

UPDATE: Albertsons Voluntarily Recalls Deli Items Due to Listeria Concerns

The FDA has announced a voluntary recall from Albertsons Companies concerning select store-made deli items that contain bowtie pasta supplied by Fresh Creative Foods which has been linked to a broader recall due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

The outbreak affects multiple retailers under the Albertsons umbrella across several states, including: Albertsons, Albertsons Market, Amigos, Andronico’s Community Markets, Carrs-Safeway, Eagle, Pak 'N Save, Pavilions, Market Street, Randalls, Safeway, Tom Thumb, and Vons. Impacted states include Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Louisiana, Nebraska...

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...

QSR Firms McDonald’s and Little Caesars Highlight Plans for Resilience – Agri-Food Americas 2025

Supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures are testing the resilience of some of the leading names in the US Quick-Service Restaurant (QSR) sector, even as McDonald’s Corp and Little Caesars Enterprises press ahead with expansion plans and menu tweaks.   

On the sidelines of the recent Agri-Food Americas 2025 conference in Chicago, McDonald’s and Little Caesars executives both informed Expana that the current demand environment is significantly marked by volatility in traffic patterns and shifting consumer preferences. To mitigate risk with such trends

ANALYSIS: Seasonality Resumes in August Following a Turbulent Year for Chicken Cold Storage 

While year-over-year (YOY) fluctuations in cold storage inventories for August varied widely between lines, most categories closely aligned with the average month-over-month (MOM) changes. August was a month which brought a semblance of normalcy with it to a market that, throughout much of the year, had been unseasonably robust.

Pricing for WOGs, especially the middle tiers, fell sharply in July, then continued with a much more gradual decline at the beginning of August before flattening out. This is a...

ANALYSIS: US 2025 Ground Beef Heats Up, Pre-Labor Day Sales Jump 12%

In the week leading up to Labor Day 2025, the retail fresh ground beef market outperformed the same period in 2024 according to Circana data, with total sales climbing 12% year-over-year (YOY). Distribution improved modestly by 3%, reflecting stronger retail penetration, while discounted sales rose only slightly. This signals that the bulk of demand strength was driven by underlying consumer pull rather than promotional activity. 

Course ground blends highlighted this trend. The 70–77% lean...

ANALYSIS: Turkey Cold Storage Edges Higher MOM Amid Supply Constraints

The total volume of turkey in cold storage was still lower year-over-year (YOY) in August, following a trend that has been in place all year. With that said, the figures more closely approached those of last year than they had previously, with a 3.1% month-over-month (MOM) increase in holdings which is quite a bit higher than the 5-year average increase from July to August of 0.7%. However, despite this slight increase, cold storage inventories remained at an all-time low...

FDA Conditionally Approves First Drug for Prevention and Treatment of New World Screwworm 

Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration conditionally approved Dectomax-CA1 (doramectin injection) injectable solution for the prevention and treatment of New World screwworm larval infestations, and prevention of NWS reinfestation for 21 days. Dectomax-CA1 is conditionally approved for use only in cattle. 

“We understand the urgency with which America’s farmers and ranchers are asking for tools to fight New World screwworm,” said FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, M.D., M.P.H. “Today’s conditional approval – the first in the U.S. for NWS – shows our dedication to rapidly advancing important animal medicines when they are needed most. We...

ANALYSIS: USDA Report Highlights Continued Declines in Frozen Pork Inventories

The USDA’s August Cold Storage report, released on Friday, reveals that frozen pork stocks have remained near 10-year lows throughout most of 2025, with several months registering inventories 10–20% below the decade-long average. This persistent shortfall reflects a combination of reduced hog slaughter and production volumes, driven in part by recent disease outbreaks, alongside the lingering impact of the Prop 12 implementation in 2024. Seasonal inventory patterns, characterized by spring and...

ANALYSIS: US Boneless Beef Cold Storage Stocks Hit 52-Week Low in August 2025

Boneless beef stocks hit a 52-week low in the latest USDA Cold Storage report, with just 354.7 million pounds (M lbs) in freezers nationwide. This marks a modest month-over-month decline of 2.3 M lbs (-0.7%).

On a year-over-year basis, 2025 cold storage levels have closely mirrored 2024, with both years consistently falling below the 5-year average. The reduced cattle slaughter has led to tighter supplies and lower volumes of beef entering cold storage. Meanwhile, existing inventory is being...

ANALYSIS: US Flank Steaks Remain at Unprecedented Levels for This Time of Year 

Flank steak prices typically decline as summer winds down and grilling season comes to a close, but 2025 has proven to be an exception. In September, weekly prices reached a historic high, surpassing the previous record set in 2023. Since August, values have reached their highest levels for this period in nearly four decades, surpassing all years back to 1985. 

Historically, flank steak prices begin to soften from mid-to-late July into August. However, that seasonal decline hasn't occurred this...

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: September Pork Cutout at Decade Highs Despite Recent Softening

The weekly Expana Pork Carcass Cutout is navigating at 10‑year highs for September, despite some recent softening in daily readings. The cutout is currently 7.9% above this same point in 2024 and 28.4% higher than the 10‑year average...

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...

ANALYSIS: Chinese Authorities Arrive in Brazil for Audit with a Plan to Resume Chicken Exports

Brazil’s poultry industry is navigating a critical juncture, marked by the resumption of exports to the European Union (EU) (in late-September 2025) and an ongoing Chinese audit that could determine the future of poultry trade with its largest chicken importer. Approximately 11% of Brazilian chicken meat exports were destined to China in 2024.

A technical team from China has arrived in Brazil to assess the country’s sanitary and phytosanitary control systems in the wake of the Avian Influenza (AI)...

ANALYSIS: Hatchery Figures Reflect Robust Broiler Production Alongside Shifting Market Dynamics

The year-over-year (YOY) change in the number of broiler-type pullets hatched has varied widely each month. However, when we take a step back and look at the data as a total, we find that year-to-date broiler pullets hatched are above that of last year, even though August’s data shows a 5.3% decrease. The lower YoY number of broiler-type pullets hatched this August is likely more a function of last year’s high hatch, along with an additional working day...

UPDATE: Public Health Alert for Listeria Contamination in Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs

Editor's Note: The FSIS updated this health alert September 26, 2025 after this article was published. This story was updated to reflect those changes on September 29, 2025.

In addition to the “MARKETSIDE LINGUINE WITH BEEF MEATBALLS & MARINARA SAUCE”, which can be found at Walmart, the FSIS updated its announcement to include “TRADER JOE’S CAJUN STYLE BLACKENED CHICKEN BREAST FETTUCINE ALFREDO” found exclusively at Trader Joe's.

This product comes with "best if used by" dates of September 20, 24 and 27 of 2025 printed on the label, and bears...

ANALYSIS: Hogs and Pigs Report Reflects Smaller Breeding Herd

According to the USDA's Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report, the total United States hog and pig inventory as of September 1, 2025, was 74.5 million head. This figure was down 1% from the same period in 2024 but up 1% from the previous quarter. The breeding herd totaled 5.93 million head, reflecting a 2% decline year-over-year and a slight decrease from June. Market hog inventory came in at 68.5 million head, also 1% below last year but 1% higher than the prior quarter.

The report shows a modest...

ANALYSIS: Japan’s Aug 2025 Beef Imports Pull Back 7.9% MOM as Household Spending Sags

Japan’s beef imports in August 2025 fell 7.9% month-on-month (MoM) at 43,221 metric tons (mt), according to the latest data from Japan’s Trade Statistics.

Inbound shipments dropped 3,720 mt from the prior month, with weaker volumes noted across all key suppliers such as from Australia, the United States (US), Canada and New Zealand.

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...

Exploring Dynamics in Poultry and Turkey Markets - Agri-Food Americas 2025

Commodity experts showcased in-depth analytical presentations from their respective markets on day two of Agri-Food Americas 2025, held in Chicago, Illinois, from September 23rd to 24th.

Taking center stage in the main ballroom, Russ Whitman, Director of Market Reporting at Expana, captivated the audience with a detailed analysis of the poultry market.

Describing chicken as "the protein that can't do any wrong," Whitman emphasized its competitive edge over beef, thanks to a compelling price advantage. Chicken's popularity continues to surge, with August's retail data...

FSIS Issues Recall for 58 Million Pounds of Corn Dogs and Sausages on a Stick Products

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a recall of approximately 58 million pounds of corn dog and sausage-on-a-stick products. This action follows reports of wood pieces being embedded in the product batter.

An investigation was prompted by multiple customer complaints and has, so far, identified five injuries associated with the issue.

Hillshire Brands Company conducted an internal investigation, revealing that fragments from the wooden sticks entered the production...

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...

Standard Meat Company Celebrates 90 Years with New Fort Worth Facility

Proven Leadership, People-First Focus, and an Innovative New Plant Build on Strong Family Foundation for the Future

Standard Meat Company (SMC), a fourth-generation, family-owned innovator in the protein processing and packaging industry, celebrated a major milestone with 90 years in business.

Founded in 1935 (with roots going back even further to a family meat stall in Fort Worth's historic public market) the company has evolved into a global supplier for the food service and retail industries, partnering with some of the most forward-thinking...

ANALYSIS: Veal Slaughter Remains Well Below Year Ago Levels

USDA data shows special-fed veal slaughter in the Northeast and North Central regions remains well below prior years, with year-to-date totals through mid-September 2025 at 50,984 head, down 35% from 2024 and over 40% below 2022. Weekly kills have consistently tracked under the 3-year average. According to some market participants, supplies remain short as calf availability continues to be limited, in part due to market competition and elevated young calf values.

Packers have also been operating on reduced schedules, with several noting difficulty securing consistent head...

ANALYSIS: US Lamb Weights Trending Lighter

US lamb liveweights have been trending below year-ago levels in recent weeks, with USDA Federally Inspected weekly slaughter data showing averages 6 to 9 pounds lighter than the same period in 2024. Early September weights came in around 112 to 114 pounds, down from the 121 to 122 pound range seen during this same time last year. While the year-to-date average is holding near 123 pounds, roughly flat with 2024, it masks a consistent seasonal downtrend that began in late June...

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...

Tariffs Torching US Container Imports: Analyst

Containerized imports through American ports are set to take an historic plunge in September, an analyst predicts, as President Donald Trump’s China tariffs take a toll on the busiest trans-Pacific trade route.

Inbound volumes through the top 10 U.S. ports in August finished 0.1% ahead of the same month in 2024, said analyst John McCown in a monthly report, after July volume that was 3.2% ahead, fueled by importers bringing in shipments earlier than usual to beat an August 7 deadline for a renewal of reciprocal tariffs...

ANALYSIS: Argentina’s Beef Exports Rose 11.2% M-O-M in August to 70,854 mt

Argentina’s beef exports increase for the fifth consecutive month, up 11.2% month-over-month (M-O-M) to 70,854 metric tons (mt) in August, according to the latest data released by the National Institute of Statistics and Census. On a year-over-year (Y-O-Y) basis, this represents a slight 1.1% gain compared to the same period in 2024.

China remained by far the main destination for Argentina’s beef, representing 72.2% of total exports in August, reaching 51,177 mt. This is 12.1% higher than July’s figure and accounts for a marginal 0.7% increase Y-O-Y. On a year-to-date basis, China’s share of Argentina’s beef exports now stands at 69.9%, totaling...

ANALYSIS: Rising Demand for Protein Supports Turkey Sales Even as Prices Remain Elevated

It has been suggested that the increasing beef prices could drive up sales of similar items such as turkey and chicken lunchmeat, as well as ground items. However, there’s also been concern that the all-time high prices of turkey breast meat could squash consumer demand. Interestingly, if we look at a comparison of turkey and beef in terms of fresh packaged lunchmeat and ground, we see that they are performing similarly robustly at the retail counter. While it does not appear that turkey is replacing beef in these sectors, the phrase “a rising tide floats all boats” does seem to apply...

ANALYSIS: New Zealand’s Aug 2025 Beef Exports Retreat to 29,805 mt on Low Output

New Zealand’s beef exports in August 2025 fell for the third straight month, coming in at 29,805 metric tons (mt), according to the latest data from Stats NZ.

Falling to the lowest level since October 2024, outbound shipments were 19.5% lower, or 7,218 mt compared to July 2025 across all key destinations including the United States (US), China, Japan and Korea, while shipments to Canada increased...

NCC Urges Government to Keep the Lights On

The National Chicken Council (NCC) today released the following statement regarding ongoing Congressional budget negotiations:

“Following House passage, NCC today is urging the Senate to follow-suit and pass a Continuing Resolution (CR) that would prevent the government from shutting down,” said NCC spokesperson Tom Super. “Businesses need certainty and the President signing a CR would help provide it...

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...

Industry Leaders on Tackling 2025 Challenges and Preparing for 2026 - Agri-Food Americas 2025

On day two of Agri-Food Americas 2025, a panel discussion moderated by Russ Whitman, Director of Market Reporting for Protein at Expana, gathered industry professionals to address the pressing challenges of 2025 and explore strategies for adapting to regulatory and geopolitical pressures. The panelists also discussed key disruptors to watch as we move into 2026.

The session began with a focus on market challenges anticipated in 2025 and the responses to them. Audrey Brown, VP of Gourmet at Fortune Fish Co, highlighted ongoing...

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...

Salty Snacks Maker, Utz to Remove Artificial Colors By 2027

As of September 23, Utz Brands, Inc. will remove certified Food, Drug and Cosmetic (“FD&C”) colors from its product portfolio by 2027, according to a company press release. 

“Since 1921, Utz Brands, Inc. has been committed to making snacks with quality, transparency, and simple, trusted ingredients. As consumer tastes and government regulatory initiatives evolve, we adapt while staying true to the flavors and traditions people love," read the statement...

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...

ANALYSIS: China’s August 2025 Beef Imports Rise to 7-Month Highs at 256,726 mt

China’s total beef imports climbed for the third consecutive month, up by just 2.6% month-on-month (M-O-M) to 256,726 metric tons (mt) in August, according to the latest data from the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC).

Rising to the highest level since January 2025, in-bound shipments increased by 6,435 mt, driven mainly by gains from key suppliers such as Australia, Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia and Uruguay. Argentina and New Zealand were the exception, partially offsetting the overall increase...

Jason Henshaw Named Vice President and General Manager of Perdue Specialty Meats

Perdue Specialty Meats and Emerging Brands today announced the appointment of Jason Henshaw as Vice President and General Manager of Perdue Specialty Meats, which includes the premium and natural protein brands Niman Ranch and Coleman All Natural Meats, as well as the Perdue Premium Meat Company operations.

Henshaw brings more than two decades of leadership experience in consumer-packaged goods (CPG), agriculture, food, and supply chain management. His career spans entrepreneurial ventures, large-scale transformation programs, and executive management roles, with a proven track record in finance management, new product development, and building resilient, high-performing organizations...

ADM and Alltech to Create North American Animal Feed Joint Venture

ADM and Alltech announced on Wednesday a definitive agreement to form a North American animal feed joint venture. the joint venture brings together 44 feed mills across the US and Canada.

As part of the arrangement, Alltech will contribute its US-based Hubbard Feeds and Canada-based Masterfeeds businesses (18 mills in the US and 15 in Canada) while ADM will add its 11 US feed mills. Alltech will hold a majority stake in the venture, which will be governed by a board...

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...

US Beef, Pork Featured at Culinary Event in Trinidad and Tobago

U.S. beef and pork took center stage during a recent trade promotional event in the Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago. USMEF partnered with the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service and the U.S. Embassy in Port of Spain, the nation’s capital, for a meat cutting demonstration and tasting reception. Local chefs, restaurateurs and influencers enjoyed premium U.S. food and beverage products such as beef and pork, table grapes, wines, bourbons and whiskeys at the reception.

Kaylee Greiner, manager of retail and foodservice engagement for Texas Beef Council, joined USMEF Caribbean Representative Elizabeth Wunderlich and Latin America Representative Homero...

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...

ANALYSIS: China’s Meat Imports Fall to Fresh Lows at 504,608 mt in Aug 2025

China imported 504,608 metric tons (mt) of meat, including variety meats in August 2025, slumping 5.4% (28,634 mt) from a month earlier, according to preliminary data from the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC).

Inbound tonnage dropped to its lowest level since Expana began tracking in January 2020. The decline reflected higher domestic output, persistent inventory pressure, broader macroeconomic headwinds, and ongoing trade tensions.

A wave of meat plant license suspensions linked to disease concerns and renewal lapses amid...

ANALYSIS: The Great Sandwich Debate, Beef or Chicken?

In the ongoing competition between chicken sandwiches and hamburgers at quick-service restaurants (QSRs), wholesale pricing plays a critical role in determining which protein gets the promotional spotlight.

QSR chains typically rely on raw material pricing to decide which item to promote, balancing both cost-efficiency and customer demand. In this analysis, we use the wholesale price of imported frozen 90% lean boneless beef (EBP 3555) from Australia and New Zealand, blended with domestic fresh 50s (EBP 1062) to create a 75% lean burger patty to represent the hamburger. For chicken sandwiches...

ANALYSIS: HPAI Turkey Update - Week of September 14th, 2025

Year-to-date (YTD) losses of turkeys due to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) have reached approximately 2.25 million birds in 2025. This represents a 71% increase year-over-year (Y-O-Y), but remains 65% below the peak loss levels experienced in 2022, when the outbreak first emerged. Of the turkeys impacted this year, commercial meat birds account for the vast majority (96%), with commercial breeder hens and breeder replacement hens comprising 3% and 1% respectively.

Geographically, the outbreak has affected 12 states to date in 2025—one fewer than the record YTD count but nevertheless reflecting a 33% increase YoY and an 8% decline from 2022 levels. The affected...

New USDA Export Plan: Red Meat and Poultry Via Rail to Mexico; Screwworm Case Contained

As of September 18, a new, collaborative plan to export US red meat and poultry to the Mexican market via rail gained support from the USDA FSIS. 

"Through this innovative partnership, inspection personnel from Mexico’s National Service of Agri-Food, Health, Safety and Quality (SENASICA) will be inspecting at participating federally inspected establishments to reinspect and clear for export eligible US meat and poultry shipments at the point of origin. This process will eliminate the need for routine border inspections by Mexican officials..."

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.”