The Retail Rundown: Spring Demand Builds as Easter and Grilling Season Approach

Following an extended winter in some areas and disruptive weather in others, sentiment across the food industry is beginning to shift in a more optimistic direction.

As spring approaches, many retailers are counting on a release of pent-up demand, with consumers eager to refresh their routines. The seasonal reset could translate into more frequent dining occasions, while retailers are positioned to benefit from the return of backyard cooking and holiday gatherings.

With Easter now under three weeks away, the calendar itself is acting as a demand catalyst, pulling forward promotional activity and shaping merchandising strategies...

Friendly’s Brings Joy to the Table With Fiesta Flavors, Dirty Sodas and 10 Under $10 Value Menu

Friendly’s is turning mealtime into a fiesta this spring with the launch of its Fiesta Flavors menu, a trio of new Dirty Sodas and an all-new 10 Under $10 Value Menu, all available starting March 11. The limited-time offerings blend comfort and creativity, giving families new reasons to gather while keeping value front and center.

Headlining the launch is the Fiesta Flavors lineup, featuring four limited-time entrées (each starting at $15.99):

Southwest Taco Burger...

The Retail Rundown: 21st Annual Power of Meat Report Sees Sales Soar to Fresh Record

Meat sales climbed to a new record of $112 billion in 2025, up 2% from the prior year, according to the 21st annual Power of Meat report released at the Annual Meat Conference by the Meat Institute and FMI—The Food Industry Association.

The report found meat remains a near-universal staple, with 98% of US households purchasing meat. For retailers, this underscores the importance of keeping meat and poultry front and center to capture consumer spending, especially as health and wellness trends continue to drive demand for protein...

The Retail Rundown: Winter’s Grip Lingers as Lent Lifts Seafood Features

As the last week of February winds down, retailers are eager to move beyond the month’s typical slowdown and pivot toward spring. Still, harsh winter weather, including a recent blizzard in the Northeast, has kept many shoppers in stock-up mode, with warmer days feeling distant for some.

Feature activity remains solid across the protein complex. Seafood commands 33% of total ad space, followed by pork at 22%. Beef accounts for about 20%, while chicken represents just over 15%. Egg promotions rose to 6%, up 2 points week-over-week...

Seasonal Menu Trends and Promotions Shaping Valentine’s and Lent in Foodservice

The ever-changing landscape of marketable events has shifted from the holidays, and the foodservice industry is now focusing on winter and spring specials.

With Valentine’s Day approaching and Lent on the horizon, restaurants are preparing seasonal menus that balance indulgent treats with meat- and seafood-focused options, keeping consumers engaged from mid-February through spring.

Expana's experts have collaborated to provide a price index for customers in both the United States and Europe. Expana's US Valentine's Meal Index, which includes beef tenderloin, lobster tail...

The Retail Rundown: Retail Posts Late-Year Gains, but Food Inflation Heats Up

Early 2026 opens with a mixed picture for the food and broader retail sectors.

Retail sales closed out 2025 with solid momentum, as CNBC/NRF data showed holiday sales from Nov. 1 through Dec. 31 rising 4.1% from the year prior. Food and beverage stores also ended the year strong, posting a 0.33% month-over-month gain on a seasonally adjusted basis and a 2.85% increase from a year earlier.

That strength now faces challenges as the industry moves into its usual post-holiday slowdown, amplified by...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...