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...

Expana's Weekly Top 10: Markets Rally After SCOTUS Tariff Ruling, Section 122 Takes Center Stage

Welcome to Expana's Weekly Top 10 Stories, where we highlight the week's most significant events and trends across various sectors.

This edition features a crucial Supreme Court tariff ruling that leads to strategic pivots by the administration, a major sustainability-focused investment in China's industrial sector, and pivotal European Commission proposals affecting the fertilizer market.

We also cover notable shifts in the foodservice industry, dramatic agricultural incidents, and key economic indicators suggesting potential inflationary pressures. Explore these stories for a concise overview of impactful...

Seafood Spotlight, Brand Revamps and Store Closures Signal Shifts in Foodservice

Over the past two weeks, significant developments have shaped the foodservice and grocery industries. In this recap, Expana has curated the stories that resonated most with our customers — from major policy initiatives and Lent promotions to product innovation and high-profile closures. Here are the key headlines from the latter half of the month.

National Restaurant Association Release Federal Policy Priorities

The National Restaurant Association released its federal policy priorities aimed at stabilizing the workforce, supporting employment growth, reducing operator costs...

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...

The Retail Rundown: Retail Focus Turns to Lent Promotions

This week in retail, attention is focused on Lent and the broader economic landscape, with inflation back in the spotlight following the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) release. Although overall inflation showed signs of cooling, food costs continue to edge higher on a monthly basis, keeping value messaging front and center as grocers work to attract price-sensitive consumers.

With the Christian Lenten season now underway, retailers are pivoting quickly. The 40-day period of fasting and reduced meat consumption among Catholics is traditionally a tailwind for seafood, and grocers are leaning into features and promotional pricing to capture traffic...

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: Beef Leads Valentine’s Protein Features as Lobster Prices Ease

Beef tops protein feature volume this week, accounting for 25.1% of ad space. Seafood follows at 23.6%, with pork at 23.1% and chicken at 22.1%. Egg promotions fell to just 2% of total protein ads, down four points from the prior week amid softening retail demand.

Steaks dominate Valentine’s beef promotions, representing 40% of all beef features. Ribeyes, T-bones, and boneless strip filets lead the lineup, and all at sizable premiums compared to last year.

According to Expana’s US Valentine’s Day Index, tenderloin prices have eased month-over-month...

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...