The Retail Rundown: Fall Meat Trends Take Shape

Fall is officially here, and the meat case is beginning to reflect the seasonal shift from grilling to roasting and slow cooking. USDA’s latest national feature data show retailers adjusting the mix, with beef roasts gaining attention while chicken and pork continue to provide plenty of promotional activity.

On the beef side, the national feature rate slipped to 84.9% for the week ending Sept. 24, down from 89.0% the previous week. Ground beef activity has been easing as grilling season winds down, while roast and round cuts are gaining ground...

Upscale Promotion Elevates US Pork’s Brand Image in Southern Taiwan

Industry efforts to position U.S. pork as a premium product in Taiwan are moving forward through a promotional partnership with importer Pesin and upscale retailer Hei Bonn Gorudohausu. At the retailer’s locations in Kaohsiung, a major city on Taiwan’s southwestern coast, U.S. pork is featured in high-end, Pesin-branded products during an extended promotion through the end of this year. U.S. pork cuts featured and sampled include thin-sliced cuts of loin, collar and belly, shoulder ribs and a picnic steak cut. The high-end branding approach...

The Retail Rundown: Retail Focus Shifts Toward Father’s Day Grilling Demand

Cold and wet weather across several regions of the country dampened Memorial Day grilling plans, likely creating a softer-than-anticipated kickoff to the unofficial start of the summer grilling season.

Attention is now quickly turning toward the next major grilling occasions of the summer—Father’s Day and the Fourth of July holiday period. These seasonal events historically begin to influence demand patterns for grilling staples such as bellies, loins, ribs, and steaks. 

Following Memorial Day, protein promotions have shifted more heavily toward seafood, which now accounts...

The Retail Rundown: Grilling Season in View as May Retail Demand Builds

May is approaching, bringing the unofficial start of grilling season alongside major retail drivers like Mother’s Day, graduations, and Memorial Day.

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: Holiday Demand Builds, Pork Steps Into the Spotlight

With just over a week remaining until Christmas, supermarket circulars are serving as the hub for holiday party planning. Most seasonal food shopping is expected to be concentrated this week, with fresh meat and deli items leading the charge.

Store traffic is poised to increase as retailers vie aggressively for holiday dollars in an increasingly competitive retail environment heading into 2026.

Pork took the top spot in this week’s protein features, fueled by a spike in holiday ham promotions. Pork accounted for 30% of total...