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ANALYSIS: Cage-Free Market Strengthens Amid Limited Supply and Holiday Demand
The cage-free market continued its upward climb this week, supported by stronger demand throughout the US and tightening spot availability. Buying interest has spiked for egg destined to retail this week. Sellers, meanwhile, are holding product with greater confidence after being approached by multiple buyers, from both cage-free and conventional outlets seeking to down-pack.
Retail conditions remain the primary driver of strength. Large national chains along the West Coast continue to offer highly aggressive shelf pricing...
ANALYSIS: US Hog Weights Edge Higher
Average live hog weights continue to firm seasonally, with the latest packer-sold average at 293.72 lb, up 1.4% month-over-month (MOM) and 1.8% higher year-over-year (YOY). Packer-owned weights averaged 285.63 lb, rising 0.6% MOM but sitting 0.3% lower YOY, reflecting a mostly steady to higher tone relative to last...
Navigating the Trump Tariff Turbulence: A Comprehensive Timeline
US President Donald Trump and his administration have paused reciprocal tariffs on most countries.
“Based on the lack of respect that China has shown... I am hereby raising the [tariff] charged to China by the [USA] to 125%, effective immediately,” wrote Trump on Truth Social at 1:18 pm ET.
It’s not clear if this 125% is in addition to the 20% imposed on Chinese imports to the US. In early March, Trump noted that he would add another 10% tariff on Chinese goods...
FMI Praises President Trump’s Actions to Reduce Tariffs on Food Products
Today, FMI – The Food Industry Association resoundingly applauded President Trump for signing a presidential order that reduces tariffs on food and agricultural products not grown at all or in sufficient quantities in the United States to fully meet consumer demand. FMI President and CEO Leslie G. Sarasin offered the following statement.
“FMI is grateful and extremely pleased at President’s Trump’s actions to cut tariffs on a wide swathe of food and agriculture products. Today’s action should help consumers, whose morning cup of coffee will hopefully become more affordable, as well as U.S. manufacturers, which utilize many of these products in their supply chains and production lines.
USMEF Elects New Officers, Examines Reciprocal Trade Opportunities and USMCA Review
The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) concluded its Strategic Planning Conference Friday with election of its new officers. Chairing USMEF for the 2025-26 term is Jay Theiler, executive vice president of corporate affairs for Agri Beef Company, based in Boise, Idaho.
Theiler recalled his early days with Agri Beef, when the company came to realize that it could not maximize the value of each head of livestock processed by selling product only in the Pacific Northwest, or even in the entire United States.
PODCAST: Agri-Food for Thought Ep 36 - Essential Procurement Skills & Advice, Feat. Malcolm Harrison
Expana presents Agri-Food for Thought, the podcast series for agriculture and food professionals.
On today's episode, we welcome Malcolm Harrison, an international board-level executive with expertise in general management, operations, procurement, and sales. He has worked in diverse business environments across Brazil, China, France, Gulf states, the UK, the US, and West Africa. A veteran and engaging leader, Malcolm has always sought to improve business performance through growth and efficiency. He has a track record of quickly identifying gaps and opportunities for continuous improvement
Economic Impact Report Quantifies Instacart's Role as Grocery Industry Growth Engine and Job Creator
An Economic Impact Report released today by Instacart, the leading grocery technology company in North America, features new internal and third-party data revealing how its platform powers growth, earnings, and food access across the grocery economy in the U.S. and Canada. What began more than a decade ago as a same-day grocery delivery app has grown into a vital ecosystem that fuels economic opportunity, strengthens communities, and makes fresh, affordable food more accessible for...
Walmart Announces Leadership Transition as John Furner Succeeds Doug McMillon
The Board of Directors has elected John Furner to succeed Doug McMillon as President and Chief Executive Officer of Walmart Inc., effective February 1, 2026. He was also elected to the company's Board of Directors, effective immediately.
“John Furner is the right leader to guide Walmart into our next chapter of growth and transformation,” said Greg Penner, Chairman of Walmart Inc.
With more than three decades with the brand, Furner brings a dynamic set of skills and experience to his new role. He began his...
ANALYSIS: Broiler Weight Class Shifts and Market Dynamics
Through the week ending November 8, 2025, cumulative chicken headcount shows notable shifts by weight class compared with 2024. Total head slaughtered increased slightly on a year-over-year (YoY) basis, rising from 7.40 billion in 2024 to 7.56 billion in 2025. This 2.12% uptick is enough to position this metric at a new seasonal high.
Keeping in line with the industry’s ongoing efforts to maximize feed efficiency, the number of small-sized birds (4.25 lbs./down)...
ANALYSIS: Turkey Consumption Falls as Production Drops Even Faster Amid Supply Constraints
According to the USDA, US per capita consumption of turkey meat for 2025 has a projected figure of 13 lbs., down 17.2% from 2020. Yet the projected percentage of turkey meat used in the US compared to ready-to-cook (RTC) production is 94.1%, up 3.5 percentage points from 2020. This suggests that while American consumers are lowering the amount of turkey they consume in line with the extremely limited supplies, these two metrics are not decreasing at the same rate, with turkey production falling more rapidly than per capita consumption...
Q3 Results Drive Foodservice Headlines in First Half of November
Major industry players across the business captured attention in the first half of the month as foodservice providers released new insights from their quarterly reports.
Many restaurants are facing challenges in the third quarter as US consumers cut back on frequent dining. This compilation provides a thorough overview of key players' performance results and the latest in the most notable company news.
QSR's
McDonald's Q3, FY 2025
McDonald's reported a 3.6% increase in global same-store sales for the third quarter, surpassing analysts' expectations...
The Retail Rundown: A Season of Plenty, Except for Turkey
For retailers, this year’s holiday season is shaping up to be one of plenty. The National Retail Federation (NRF) projects November and December sales to surpass $1 trillion for the first time, underscoring consumers’ continued spending power.
“American consumers may be cautious in sentiment, yet remain fundamentally strong and continue to drive U.S. economic activity,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay.
While foodservice outlets are poised to capture consumer traffic on hectic days, retail prepared foods and frozen entrées are well-positioned to compete for at-home dining occasions as shoppers seek convenient, time-saving meal solutions...
Farm Bureau Applauds Progress to End Shutdown
American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall today applauded the Senate vote to end the government shutdown and urged the House to act quickly.
"Farm Bureau commends the Senate for voting to end the government shutdown, ensuring that farmers and ranchers can continue to rely on critical USDA services and disaster relief to keep their farms running and also ensure Americans maintain access to food assistance programs...
Premium Brands Reports Record Q3 Revenue of $2.0 Billion, Raises Full-Year Sales Guidance
Premium Brands, a leading specialty food manufacturer and distributor in the US and Canada, announced its third-quarter fiscal results, highlighting significant achievements.
The company reported a record third-quarter revenue of $2.0 billion, a 19.1% increase from the same period last year, driven by a 10.3% organic volume growth rate.
Strong performance was seen in its core US growth initiatives, with protein, sandwiches, and artisan baked goods posting a combined 24.3% organic volume growth rate. Including...
ANALYSIS: US Pork Ham Relative to Thanksgiving Turkey and Beef
US domestic bone-in ham values were above last year’s levels from late July through late October but have recently moved below 2024 levels in early November as more product became available on the spot market.
Bone-in hams continue to present a clear value story heading into Thanksgiving, with 23/27 lb trimmed selected hams at $0.89/lb running about 50% under 16 lb tom turkeys at $1.79/lb and far below beef items such as the 109E rib...
ANALYSIS: Narrowing Price Spread Fuels Competition for Cage-Free Eggs
After two weeks of rapid gains, the cage-free market slowed as distributor participation faded and retail competition took center stage. Distributor demand—which had been strong through early November—has eased as many buyers front-loaded purchases to get ahead of rising wholesale costs and potential bird flu disruptions ahead of Thanksgiving.
With distributors stepping back, market focus has shifted to retail buyers, particularly on the conventional side. Some of the lowest everyday shelf prices and widespread feature activity have...
ANALYSIS: Navigation Rising Beef Prices and Evolving Blend Trends
When analyzing the majority of October in 2024 and the same period in 2025, the average grinds distribution was lower in 2025 except for 85-89%, 90-94%, and ground sirloin. Despite these few areas of growth, total average distribution fell 11.5% year-over-year. At the same time, non-discounted prices were about 9% higher, and discounted prices were up roughly 8%.
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana’s Weekly Rundown #32
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 #32."
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, the US administration has continued to pressure trading partners like India to curb imports of Russian oil as to sanction the country during its war with Ukraine, cited Expana...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana’s Weekly Rundown #30
Click to read: "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #30."
On October 7, US President Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Carney met in the White House. The possibility a US-Canadian trade deal was a main topic of discussion...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #29
Click to read: "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #29."
On September 29, the US placed 50% tariffs on imports of timber, lumber, and their derivative products, according to the US Presidential Action.
Also starting October 1, the US will be imposing 100%...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #28
Click to read: "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #28."
On Tuesday in New York, US President Trump gave remarks to the United Nations General Assembly, via the White House live stream...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #27
Click to read: "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #27."
US tariff revenue may be used to fund the nation’s farmers, reported Reuters about an interview between Agriculture Secretary Rollins and the Financial Times...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #26
Click to read: "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #26."
Despite 50% tariffs remaining on Brazil and India, the Indian Prime Minister Modi and US President Trump expressed positivity that the respective trade teams would reach a deal, according to their latest social media...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #25
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #25."
In the States, a federal appeals court ruled that US President Trump’s use of global tariffs exceeded presidential authority, but they remain active until at least October 14, 2025...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #24
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #24."
On August 22, Canadian Prime Minister Carney dropped most retaliatory tariffs on US products, beginning September 1, reported Expana in an article that suggested the move may help soothe trade relations...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #23
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #23."
This week, tariff news took a bit of a backseat to US President Trump’s dealings with Russian President Putin in Alaska—along with President Trump’s meeting with many European leaders...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #22
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #22."
The timeline for tariff negotiations between the US and China trade teams has been extended for another 90 days—moving the deadline to November 10, according to a White House fact sheet...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #21
Click to read: "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #21."
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...
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...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #19
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #19."
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...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #16
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #16."
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #14
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #14."
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #13
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #13."
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #12
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #12."
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #11
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #11."
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #10
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #10."
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #9
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #9."
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #8
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #8."
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #7
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #7."
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #6
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #6."
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #5
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #5."
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #4
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #4."
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #3
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #3."
FEATURED STORIES
ANALYSIS: UK Cattle Supply Expected to Tighten by 2026
ANALYSIS: Brazil’s Oct Beef Exports Up 1.9% MOM to 320,558 MT, Setting Second Consecutive Record