Smith Packing Recalls Approximately 18,792 Pounds of RTE Sausage and Sliced Meat and Poultry Product

According to an announcement from the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), Smith Packing, LLC is recalling approximately 18,792 pounds of ready-to-eat sausage and sliced meat and poultry products due to excessive sodium nitrite levels.

This  recall follows an investigation prompted by customer complaints about an off-putting taste and/or discoloration of the product.

The affected items were produced between February 19 and April 24, 2025, bear establishment numbers “EST. 4578”...

The Retail Rundown: Grocers Turn Up the Heat 

Grocers are turning up the heat in this week’s circulars, leaning into classic summer grilling staples—ribs, burgers, and barbecue fixings—signaling early excitement for the season even with Memorial Day still a few weeks away.

Seafood tops this week’s retail protein promotions, claiming roughly 28% of total ad space. Beef follows with 24.7%, trailed by pork at 23.1% and chicken at 20.2%. Turkey ads were slashed by half compared to last week, now accounting for just 3% of circular space.

Retailers are also highlighting festive favorites ahead of Cinco de Mayo. Ground beef in the 78–84% lean range averaged $4.89 per...

Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #6

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 #6."

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...

McDonald’s Adds McCrispy Strips and Creamy Chili Dip to Permanent Menu

As temperatures rise, quick-service restaurants are adjusting menus to satisfy seasonal cravings. In its effort to expand offerings, McDonald’s turned to its customers—on social media and beyond—to ask what they wanted most. The overwhelming answer: more chicken.

Responding to that demand, McDonald’s is launching its first permanent menu addition since 2021. Starting May 5, the brand will debut its new McCrispy Strips, served with a Creamy Chili Dip.

"Since stepping into my new role as a leader of the U.S. business this year...

ANALYSIS: Broiler Production Outlook Brings Expectation of Gains

As we approach the tail end of April, protein market participants are weighing a number of variables as they attempt to hone their expectations for the road which lies ahead. For stakeholders in the chicken sector, concerns around disease, low hatchability, and live weights remain front and center.

Despite persistent uncertainty, the second-quarter broiler production expectations are projected to post the largest year-over-year (YoY) increase among all of the major protein categories. According to the Livestock, Dairy, & Poultry Outlook, the latest Q2 forecast stands...

The Retail Rundown: Post-Easter Pause Sets Stage for Protein Push

With Easter now in the rearview, retailers will largely tread water, positioning themselves for a seasonal surge in demand ahead of the start of summer.

Grilling demand is beginning to build toward a Memorial Day crescendo, prompting grocers to build inventory and plan aggressive promotions to jumpstart the season. 

But first up is Cinco de Mayo. While it's a smaller holiday, it can still drive foot traffic. Proteins like pork, steak, and chicken are expected to see solid movement as shoppers make tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and other festive fare...

ANALYSIS: Chicken Hatchery Trends Signal Supply-Side Expansion Amid Market Volatility

Although prevailing Q2 marketing conditions remain broadly bullish across much of the chicken complex, the environment is far from sedate as market participants navigate a constantly evolving set of challenges. Widespread disease concerns, shifts in average live weights, and ongoing global trade tensions continue to cloud visibility for speculative buyers and sellers alike. Amid this uncertainty, industry stakeholders are focusing on one of the more predictable components of the supply chain: Hatchery performance.

The most recent weekly hatchery figures reflect a familiar year-over-year... 

Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #5

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 #5."

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...

The Retail Rundown: Protein Adds to Holiday Price Gains

Easter week has arrived and grocers are tapping into the holiday's spending momentum. But for consumers, Easter dinner is shaping up to be pricier than last year, with many holiday staples seeing year-over-year price increases.

According to Expana’s latest US Easter Index—which tracks price changes in key holiday-related commodities—overall prices rose 11.8% year-over-year, driven largely by higher costs in the protein and bakery categories.

Expana’s Easter Protein Index, which covers lamb, beef, pork, salmon, cod, and eggs...

Joel Yashinsky Appointed Chief Marketing Officer of Burger King US & Canada

Today, Burger King® announced Joel Yashinsky as Chief Marketing Officer for the US & Canada. Yashinsky will build on the brand’s existing Reclaim the Flame plan that was created with the advice and support of Burger King Franchisees.

“We are thrilled to welcome Joel to the Burger King leadership team and the broader BK family,” said Tom Curtis, President of Burger King US & Canada. “Joel joins us at an exciting time for the brand, and brings the ideal mix of strategic marketing...

ANALYSIS: China’s Q1 2025 Meat Imports Slip 2.0% to 1.64M mt on Soft Demand, Trade Rift

China imported a total of 1.64 million metric tons (mt) of meat, including variety meats, in the first quarter of 2025, down 2.0% year-on-year (y-o-y), according to preliminary figures from China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC). The decline reflected deepening trade friction with the United States (US) and ongoing economic headwinds that continue to weigh on import demand.

Industry players also pointed to softer-than-expected consumer demand after the Lunar New Year festivities and increased.

ANALYSIS: HPAI and Tariff Concerns Likely Impact U.S. Broiler Export Patterns

Total U.S. broiler exports were up both year-over-year (YoY) and month-over-month (MoM) in February, despite a 5-year average MoM decrease. Three of the top five export destinations purchased more MoM compared to the average or they didn't decrease their purchasing as much as on average. These countries were Cuba, Taiwan, and the Philippines. There are a couple of different factors that may have been major influences in this shift: The fears about HPAI cases, and the uncertainty...

The Retail Rundown: Easter Momentum Builds

In the final full week of Lent, seafood accounts for 35% of all protein retail promotions, gaining ground on pork, which holds 23% of ad space. Beef promotions slipped to 20%, while chicken has 15%. Lamb and veal promotions, though still minimal, doubled from the previous week, rising to 2% ahead of Easter.

Notably, Easter falls late this year—on April 20—affecting year-over-year (YOY) comparisons. Ham promotions last week were offered at premium price points compared to 2024. Discounted boneless smoked hams averaged...

ANALYSIS: Headwinds and Tailwinds in Chicken Cold Storage

Given the seasonally robust performance of the chicken market recently, industry participants are closely analyzing the latest data to guide their expectations for Q2. The most recent Cold Storage Report offers some insight into the current market conditions while also raising a few additional questions.

As of February, public warehouse stocks reached 793.3 million pounds, marking a departure from an 18-month year-over-year (YoY) decline that has persisted since August 2023. Compared to February 2024, stocks increased by 0.8%. However, a net outflow of production from...

The Retail Rundown: Spring Sizzle Fuels Protein Demand

Spring promotions are in full bloom at retail, with holiday-themed ads ramping up. Circulars showcase produce and snacking items alongside grilling staples, aiming to entice shoppers with vibrant displays and seasonal appeal. Beyond holiday preparations, schools and universities are approaching spring break season, likely driving an uptick in foodservice in the coming weeks. 

In some regions, grocers are leveraging hams as loss leaders ahead of Easter. Last week, discounted bone-in ham averaged $2.56 per pound, while spiral-sliced varieties stood at $2.61 per pound—steady to lower than last year’s levels...

Jack in the Box Appoints Lance Tucker as Permanent CEO

Jack in the Box Inc., one of the nation’s largest hamburger chains, has named Lance Tucker its permanent Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective immediately. Tucker will also join the company’s Board of Directors.

Tucker had been serving as the company's interim CEO following the resignation of Darin Harris in February 2025. Prior to this role, he was Jack in the Box’s Chief Financial Officer.

“Lance brings decades of experience within the restaurant industry as well as a financial mind into the CEO role that is...

ANALYSIS: The Perfect Storm Drives Jumbo Boneless Chicken Breast Prices

Current chicken boneless breast meat prices are well above the 5-year average and are quickly approaching record highs. With year-to-date (YTD) ready-to-cook production at an all-time high, it raises the question: what is driving prices upward? As discussed in several market conversations, there is a perfect storm of factors pushing prices higher—even amid record production.

The first component to consider when analyzing the upward-trending market is current demand. Per capita consumption forecasts from the USDA estimate... 

The Retail Rundown: 20th Power of Meat Report Reveals Record-Breaking Meat Sales

The 2025 Power of Meat Study was unveiled this week at the Annual Meat Conference in Orlando, Florida, where Anne-Marie Roerink, Principal at 210 Analytics, shared key insights into shoppers' evolving meat and poultry purchasing habits. Here are some key takeaways from the study's 20th edition: 

Meat sales reach new heights 

This year’s report, released by the Meat Institute and The Food Industry Association (FMI), revealed that the meat department set a new sales record in 2024, reaching $105 billion in total...

Game-Time Promotions Aim to Boost Sales in Foodservice

As the national college basketball championship games sound off, foodservice providers are capitalizing on the excitement with deals designed to drive sales and customer engagement.

Domino’s – The world’s largest pizza chain is offering a 50% discount on all menu-priced pizzas when ordered online. This promotion, valid from March 17 to March 23, includes every pizza on the menu, whether it’s specialty, any size, or any style of crust.

Wendy’s is checking into the tournament season with double dollar deals. Running through Sunday, April 13, customers...

PODCAST: Agri-Food for Thought Ep 25 - Chicken Demand at Foodservice and Beyond

Just in time for March Madness, Jamie sits down with chicken market analyst, Matt Busardo, to dissect the driving forces behind this consumer-favorite category...

Nestlé Recalls Frozen Meals Over Choking Risk

The FDA has announced that Nestlé USA is recalling certain Lean Cuisine and STOUFFER'S frozen meals following customer complaints about the presence of a wood-like material. One potential choking incident has been reported.

Nestlé is actively investigating the issue, which affects a limited quantity of products from the following lines:

• Lean Cuisine® Butternut Squash Ravioli
  Batch Numbers: 4261595912 (Best By OCT2025), 4283595912 (Best By NOV2025), 4356595912 (Best By JAN2026), 5018595912 (Best By FEB2026), and 5038595912 (Due Date MAR2026)
• Lean Cuisine® Spinach Artichoke Ravioli...

The Retail Rundown: Fresh Buying Opportunities in Bloom

Tomorrow marks the official start of spring, and retailers are seizing fresh opportunities to capture increased spending with occassions like Easter and peak grilling season soon approaching.

However, for some residents, spring still feels distant as a late-season storm sweeps through the Central US today and tomorrow, potentially impacting purchasing and consumption patterns in affected regions. 

With roughly a month remaining in Lent, seafood remains a focal point in retail promotions, accounting for 33% of protein advertisements, primarily driven by fresh/frozen fillets as well...

USDA Announces Plans for New Rulemaking for Chicken Processing Line Speeds

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins today announced new actions to reduce burdens on U.S. chicken processing facilities, allowing for greater efficiency while maintaining food and worker safety standards. The directive instructs the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) to eliminate outdated administrative requirements that have slowed production and added unnecessary costs for American producers.

“I want to thank Secretary Rollins and the Trump administration for adhering to science-based principles and following 25 years of experience, studies and data on increased line speeds...

Domino's Takes 50% Off For Customers Who Order Pizza Online in Latest Promo

News of the latest retail promotion from the world's largest pizza company have circulated. From March 17-23, Domino's is offering customers who order online, 50% of all menu-prices pizzas.

"It's a big week, full of celebrations – the start of college basketball tournaments, St. Patrick's Day and even the first day of spring," said Frank Garrido, Domino's executive vice president – chief restaurant officer. "To top it off, Domino's is offering customers a deal they can't resist. They can choose from any...

Brazil’s Pork, Chicken and Egg Exports Increase in February

Brazilian exports of eggs, pork, and chicken meat recorded significant growth in February, according to data from the Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA).

Egg Exports Rise 57.5%

Brazilian egg exports, including fresh and processed products, totaled 2,527 metric tons in February, a 57.5% increase compared to 1,604 metric tons in the same period last year. Export revenue rose 63.2%, reaching $4.94 million from $3.02 million.

For the first two months of the year, exports reached 4,884 metric tons, marking a 38.2% increase from the 3,535...

The Retail Rundown: Grocers Leverage Seasonal Trends; Inflation Update

As temperatures rise across much of the US, grocers are highlighting seasonal offerings for springtime occasions and grilling essentials.

Retailers are refining their marketing strategies to align with shifting demand, appealing to sports fans to boost traffic in the meat department. However, securing lower year-over-year protein prices remains a challenge, as factors like animal disease continue to affect availability across key categories.

The wholesale chicken market is gaining traction with baseball season on the horizon, driving demand for boneless items. Expana reports that buyers are scrambling to secure supply...

General Mills Enters Growing Ramen Space with Latest Launch

Instant ramen noodles have long been a pantry staple in kitchens across the country. Recently, it has exploded on TikTok, with over 174 million posts showcasing creative recipes and new twists on the classic dish.

The enduring popularity of ramen is no surprise since it's affordable, comforting, and convenient, while still offering plenty of room for culinary creativity.

The internet buzzed in January when news broke that General Mills would be entering the instant ramen market.

Next month, the company will...

Brands Are Adapting to Consumer Shifts with Bold Flavors, Bigger Appeal

As consumers tighten their budgets and shift toward more meals at home, industry leaders are finding innovative ways to attract spenders. Some brands have focused on expanding their ToGo options, while others have embraced the rising popularity of spicy combinations.

Applebee’s® Enhances ToGo Offerings

Applebee’s is stepping up its ToGo game with a limited-time offer: 50-cent Boneless Wings, available when ordered between March 18–21 via the Applebee’s mobile app or online at Applebees.com.

Voted America’s favorite in a nationwide double-blind taste test...

ANALYSIS: March Pet Food Market Insight Report Released

The animal protein and by-product markets experienced various trends in February, with some sectors showing price stability and others facing fluctuations. Factors such as supply constraints, disease concerns, and shifting demand, particularly within the pet food industry, impacted beef, pork, poultry, and plant-based proteins. Additionally, tariffs and global production dynamics continued to disrupt the availability and pricing of essential feed additives like vitamins, minerals, and amino acids...

Armanino Foods Reports Strong Q4 and Fiscal Year Growth

Armanino Foods of Distinction is celebrating its third consecutive quarter of record financial results.

The company is known for making frozen Italian specialty foods like sauces, pestos, and filled pastas that are manufactured for the foodservice, retail, and industrial markets.

For the quarter, net sales increased by 15%, reaching $18.5 million, compared to $16.1 million in the same period of 2023. For the fiscal year 2024, net sales grew by 9%, totaling $69.4 million, up from $63.6 million in 2023...

Subway Brings Back a Tasty Offer: Get Any Footlong For $6.99

Subway® continues to serve up serious value with the return of the $6.99 any footlong promotion, perfect for fans hungry for affordability, quality and convenience. Starting February 28, guests can order any footlong sub on Subway’s menu for just $6.99* by using promo code 699FL on the Subway app or Subway.com.

Budget-conscious consumers can choose from any chef-crafted sandwich or build their own custom creation using Subway’s pantry of high-quality ingredients, including crisp vegetables, freshly sliced meats...

Unleash your Spicy Side: Taco Bell Cranks up the Heat with New Caliente Cantina Chicken Menu

Cantina Chicken has found its spicy alter ego—Caliente! After earning a permanent spot on Taco Bell's menu last year, the fan-favorite slow-roasted chicken is turning up the heat with the all-new Caliente Cantina Chicken Menu. This spicy upgrade debuts nationwide on February 27, and even sooner with exclusive early access starting today for Taco Bell Rewards Members.

With unmatched popularity in 2024, Cantina Chicken found its way into 1 out of every 4 Taco Bell orders as shared...

Tyson Foods Strengthens Executive Team with Key Promotions in Poultry and Prepared Foods

Tyson Foods has announced two key executive promotions.

Devin Cole has been appointed Group President of Poultry, succeeding Wes Morris, who will retire next year.

Additionally, Brady Stewart’s responsibilities have been expanded to include oversight of the company’s Prepared Foods segment, in addition to his current roles as Group President of Beef, Pork, and Chief Supply Chain Officer.

Both executives will report directly to Donnie King, President and CEO of Tyson Foods. King stated that these promotions are designed to further the company’s...

The Retail Rundown: Seafood Rides the Lenten Wave

With March just around the corner, the first signs of spring and warmer days are emerging—welcome news for both consumers and grocers.

Seafood leads this week's protein advertisements, accounting for 26% of total features, closely followed by beef and chicken at 23% each. Pork ads make up 22%, while turkey holds a 3.5% share. Egg promotions remain scarce, extending a two-week trend.

In the seafood complex, fillet promotions are ramping up ahead of the Lenten season, now making up 33.5% of the category’s volume. Ads for both raw and cooked...

Wingstop's New Crispy Tenders Are Changing The Flavor Game, With 1M Free Tenders Up For Grabs

Wingstop is changing the flavor game with new, crispier chicken tenders, now available nationwide. Tender fans can say goodbye to bland, basic chicken tenders and get their hands on Wingstop's crispy tenders, hand sauced-and-tossed in one of Wingstop's 12 bold flavors, paired with the brand's iconic ranch dip for the ultimate flavor experience.

Unlike the plain chicken tenders and strips across the market, Wingstop's new crispy tenders serve as a vehicle for the brand's craft-made sauces...

LPK1 Recalls Ready-to-Eat Chicken Caesar Wrap Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergen

LPK1, a Renton, Wash. establishment, is recalling approximately 303 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken Caesar wrap products due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product’s individually-wrapped Caesar dressing packet contains fish (anchovies), a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.

The ready-to-eat chicken Caesar wrap products were produced on February 15, 2025, February 17, 2025, and February 19, 2025. The following products...

Church's Texas Chicken Names Roland Gonzalez as New CEO

Church's Texas Chicken has announced the promotion of Roland Gonzalez to Chief Executive Officer. Gonzalez, who has served as Chief Operations Officer for the past two years, has played a pivotal role in driving the company’s transformation. He will succeed Joe Guith in the role.

With extensive experience in senior leadership positions at top quick-service restaurant brands, Gonzalez has successfully implemented growth strategies and achieved significant results across a network of more than 20,000 locations.

Before joining Church's Texas Chicken, Gonzalez held...

ANALYSIS: Robust Demand Drives Chicken Cold Storage Inventory Down in December 2024

December’s cold storage report highlights the continued, relatively robust demand for chicken items. Frozen inventories of nearly all categories apart from paws were lower year-over-year (YoY). While domestic retail distribution during the month of December was not at the highest level it has been, it was among the top 25% of monthly values since January 2020. Additionally, market input suggested that domestic food service demand was active throughout much of the year.

The total number of chickens...

Firehouse Subs® Blazing a Trail to Australia

Firehouse Subs®, the iconic American sub sandwich restaurant chain renowned for delivering large, flavorful portions and exceptional customer experience, is coming to Australia this year. Retail Food Group (RFG), Australia's largest multi-brand retail food franchisor, intends for Firehouse Subs to become the #1 sandwich choice in the country, with plans to open 165 restaurants in 10 years, and the first restaurant planned to open in Southeast Queensland in late 2025.

Founded in Florida, U.S., in 1994 by two former firefighter brothers, Firehouse Subs is celebrated for...

The Retail Rundown: Cold Weather Influences Demand

As February winds down, grocers are looking ahead to the arrival of spring and warmer weather, which typically sparks renewed retail demand after a slower start to the year.

For now, wintry weather remains in full blast, with record-breaking cold temperatures and heavy snow impacting the Central and Eastern US this week. These conditions could support continued retail demand for items like eggs, which are seeing strong consumer interest despite rising shelf prices. However, the extreme cold may not be as favorable for meat consumption, especially in southern regions accustomed to year...

Applebee’s Brings the Big Easy to Your Table with NEW Bourbon Street Cajun Pasta Dishes

Applebee’s is adding new “Bourbon Street Favorites” to its lineup with its NEW Big Easy Menu, featuring two NEW Bourbon Street Cajun Pasta dishes, available for a limited time! Packed with bold New Orleans-inspired flavors, guests can enjoy the NEW Bourbon Street Chicken & Andouille Sausage Penne for $11.99* or the NEW Blackened Shrimp & Andouille Sausage Penne for $13.99*, in addition to fan-favorites including Applebee’s Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp Skillet, Bourbon Street Steak, or the Bourbon Street Mushroom Swiss Burger...

Zoetis Receives Conditional License from USDA for Avian Influenza Vaccine

Zoetis today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Center for Veterinary Biologics (CVB) has issued the company a conditional license for its Avian Influenza Vaccine, H5N2 Subtype, Killed Virus. The vaccine is labelled for use in chickens. The conditional license was granted on the demonstration of safety, purity, and reasonable expectation of efficacy based on serology data.

Zoetis is committed to supporting poultry producers with scientific solutions for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). The decision to vaccinate commercial poultry flocks against HPAI rests solely with...

ANALYSIS: Shifting Demand Patterns for Chicken May be Related to the Prices of Competing Proteins

Since the first week of the year, jumbo boneless breast meat quotations have risen by 14.9%, which is just a slight increase compared to the 5-year average. The current quotation, however, is 14.3% above the 5-year average for this time of year. There are several factors that play into this advance, but perhaps one of the most easily quantified ones is the differences in retail prices of fresh ground beef and fresh chicken breast meat.

Since the start of the...

FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Undeclared Allergen in Pasty Oven Products

The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert for misbranding and undeclared allergens related to certain products from The Pasty Oven, Inc. The issue was discovered during a routine label inspection.

The affected products are fully cooked, ready-to-eat meat and poultry pasties that were produced using an egg wash, which is not listed as an ingredient on the label. No recall has been issued, as the items are no longer available for purchase...

The Retail Rundown: Valentine’s Day Brings Foodservice Gains 

The grocery segment received a boost from last weekend’s pro-football championship game, with strong movement at the meat case. According to Circana data, retail chicken wing sales ahead of the game reached about $8.7 million, up from $8.5 million the previous week. Pork ribs brought in nearly $7 million, rising from $6.7 million, while ground beef sales totaled approximately $76 million, compared to $74.7 million the prior week. 

Looking ahead, February is typically a slower month for retail and overall meat demand. However, Valentine’s... 

NCC to HHS: Emphasize Chicken in 2025 Dietary Guidelines

The National Chicken Council (NCC) today urged the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to reject recommendations put forth by the U.S. Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) that emphasize plant-based proteins over lean meats like chicken.

NCC’s comments were submitted in response to the Scientific Report released last December by the DGAC, which makes recommendations to the Departments of Agriculture and HHS as they work to finalize the 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans later this year.

Among the recommendations to which NCC...

7-Eleven, Inc.'s Laredo Taco Company Launches New Flavor-Packed Chicken Fajita Burrito

New crave-worthy menu items and meal deals are here! Today, 7-Eleven, Inc.'s Laredo Taco Company® restaurant launched an all-new Chicken Fajita Burrito that's sure to satisfy every craving. Plus, customers can start their day with Raise the Roost® and Speedy Café® crave-worthy breakfast offerings or enjoy delicious lunch deals at participating 7-Eleven®, Speedway® and Stripes® stores nationwide.

The bold new Chicken Fajita Burrito at Laredo Taco Company features perfectly seasoned chicken...