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ANALYSIS: China’s Meat Imports Edge Up 0.6% MOM to 533,241 mt in July 2025
China imported 533,241 metric tons (mt) of meat, including variety meats in July 2025, rising just 0.9% (3,241 mt) from a month earlier, according to preliminary data from the General Administration of Customs (GACC).
Despite the low base earlier in the year, the modest July increase also failed to match the usual sharp seasonal gains that follow a softer spring and summer, when importers typically build stocks ahead of winter dishes such as hotpots, soups and stews and other traditional...
The Retail Rundown: Beef Tops Retail Ads as Grocers Prepare for Labor Day
With Labor Day just under three weeks away, grocers are preparing for summer’s last big grilling rush. Most holiday orders have already been locked in, and meat and prepared food departments are expected to see strong traffic as shoppers savor the last days of summer.
Beef has overtaken seafood as the most advertised protein this week, representing 27.0% of retail buying opportunities. Pork is close behind at 26.6%, while seafood has eased to 23.3%. Chicken remains steady at 18%, and turkey ads inched up to 3%...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #21
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 #21."
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 August 6, US President Trump issued an executive order that imposes a new 25% additional ad valorem tariff on imports from India into the States, effective 21 days after the White House announcement...
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...
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...
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...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #20
Click to read: "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #20."
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...
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...
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...
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...
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
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...
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
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #19."
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...
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.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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:
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
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
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...
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...
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...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #16
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #16."
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..."
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]...
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: 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...
QDOBA Accelerates Growth with Opening of 800th Restaurant, Surpasses 500 New Development Commitments
On the heels of a record-breaking year of growth and franchise development, QDOBA, America's rapidly growing #2 restaurant brand in the Mexican fast-casual category, today announced that the company has opened its 800th restaurant in Miami, Florida. The new restaurant, located in North Miami Beach at 14583 Biscayne Blvd, marks a significant milestone for the company, which is on track to expand to 1,600 restaurants by 2032.
"QDOBA is the best-kept secret in the restaurant industry and one of the...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #14
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #14."
ANALYSIS: Chicken Prices Rise Despite Seasonal Record Output
According to the latest USDA slaughter data, the volume of ready-to-cook young chicken produced in April was at an all-time seasonal high with a value of nearly 4 billion pounds.
During April, some processors struggled with live-side issues such as avian metapneumovirus, resulting in lower than anticipated live weights and increased mortality. However, the number of chicks placed in February and March was at an all-time high, which helped allow more production to enter the market despite some of the concerns on the live side...
FreshRealm Recalls Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Products Shipped to Kroger and Walmart Nationwide
FreshRealm establishments are recalling chicken fettuccine alfredo products that were distributed to Kroger and Walmart locations nationwide.
According to an announcement today from the US Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), the recalled items may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes (Lm).
The recalled items include all products produced before June 17, 2025, and include the following labels:
The Retail Rundown: Grocers Set Stage for Final Summer Push
With Father’s Day in the rearview, grocers are setting the stage for the final big buying event of the summer: the Fourth of July.
The upcoming holiday marks the last major retail push before Labor Day and serves as a key buying window for proteins like beef ahead of the mid-summer lull. To keep product moving, grocers are expected to lean heavily on promotions and feature aggressive pricing in the coming weeks.
Post-Father’s Day, pork and chicken are poised to capture more...
Datassential Lists Chick-fil-A as America's Favorite Chain Restaurant
On June 12, 2025, food and beverage intelligence platform Datassential announced the winners of the first-ever Datassential 500 Awards, showcasing the most dynamic foodservice brands in the United States. Notable winners include Chick-fil-A (favorite chain), Crumbl (most unique restaurant menu), and CAVA (best healthy chain).
Founded in 2001, Datassential has been providing food and beverage brands with intelligence tools and consumer insights for more than two decades, including quintessential companies like Starbucks, General Mills, Land O' Lakes, Pepsi, Burger King, and Target...
Taco Bell Builds on Crispy Chicken Momentum with New Lineup
After the sell-out success of its tortilla-coated Crispy Chicken Nuggets, Taco Bell is expanding into strips, the next phase in what’s shaping up to be a full-fledged crispy chicken platform.
Starting June 17, the brand debuts Crispy Chicken Strips across tacos and burritos. Made with all-white meat chicken, the strips are marinated in zesty jalapeño buttermilk and breaded in a blend of tortilla chips and breadcrumbs for extra crunch. Each build is layered with shredded cheddar, pico de...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #13
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #13."
The Retail Rundown: Seafood Leads Father’s Day Protein Promotions; CPI Shows Mild Increase
For Father’s Day weekend, seafood leads retail protein promotions, accounting for 28% of total ad volume. Beef follows at 24.8%, with pork close behind at 23.6%. Chicken claims 19% of protein ads, while turkey makes up about 3%.
Egg features remain limited for now but are on track to gain ground next week amid improving retail demand. While egg consumption typically slows around this time of year due to reduced baking and fewer hot breakfasts, eggs are emerging as one of the few proteins seeing price relief at retail—standing out amid peak seasonal...
Brazil Confirms New HPAI Outbreak in Backyard Poultry
On Saturday, June 7, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock confirmed the detection of bird flu in a backyard flock from the municipality of Campinápolis, in the state of Mato Grosso in Brazil.
The Official Veterinary Service closed the property and collected samples for laboratory analysis, which confirmed the outbreak. This marks the fourth case of avian influenza detected in backyard poultry in Brazil.
On Sunday, June 8, eradication measures and surveillance actions began within a 10 km radius of the outbreak...
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