Kroger Relaunches Freshgiving Meal Bundle Ahead of the Holiday Season

With the holidays just around the corner, Kroger is relaunching its Freshgiving Meal Bundle — an assortment of mostly Kroger-brand Thanksgiving staples.

"At Kroger, we believe families deserve a Thanksgiving meal that is affordable and delicious," said Mary Ellen Adcock, Executive Vice President and Chief Merchant and Marketing Officer. "Especially this year, we are giving our customers the quality they expect and the value they love, ensuring everyone has a memorable holiday."

Kroger has done the hard part by compiling a list of key...

Tanzania Cashew Auction Postponed Again to Saturday, Nov. 8, Due to Internet Problems

The Cashew Board of Tanzania opened auctions on Friday, Nov. 7, but connection issues made trading impossible. The auctions were postponed again to Saturday, Nov. 8, the Cashew Board of Tanzania announced Friday evening.

“The postponement is due to TMX network connection problem. Network administrators are working hard to resolve the matter,” the Cashew Board of Tanzania said.

The board issued a new schedule for the following week, but noted that “the auction schedule will revert to normal from Friday on 14th November 2025 onwards...

Wendy's Sees Strong International Growth Amid US Market Challenges in Q3

Hot off the grill, Wendy's released financial results from its third quarter of its fiscal year, showcasing a strong international performance despite challenges in the US market.

Interim CEO Ken Cook highlighted an 8.6% growth in systemwide sales internationally, bolstered by the addition of 54 new restaurants globally and improved adjusted EBITDA.

"Third quarter results were in line with our expectations, reflecting continued strength in our international business," Cook stated. In the U.S., operational initiatives led to a 4% outperformance in comparable sales at Company-operated...

ANALYSIS: Uruguay’s October Beef Exports Fall 3.2% MOM to 30,506 MT, Up 8.1% YOY

The latest data released by Uruguay’s National Customs Directorate indicates that fresh beef (chilled and frozen) exports fell for the third consecutive month, down another 3.2% month-over-month (MOM) to 30,506 metric tons (MT) in October 2025. This represents an 8.1% increase from the same period last year.
China remained the main destination, but its share of total shipments shrank MOM from 45.6% last month to 42.2%, now totaling 12,887 mt. This figure is 10.3% lower in comparison to September but still reflects a 15.5% growth year-over-year (YOY)...

ANALYSIS: HPAI and Trade Volatility Fuel Price Spread Between Export and Domestic Chicken Drumsticks

Based on the 5-year average difference in quotations, frozen chicken drumsticks going to export generally trade approximately one cent above fresh domestic drumsticks packed as 4/10s during the months of January, February, November, and December. This isn’t surprising as these are the months when domestic buyers are least likely to purchase drums which are commonly used for grilling. Meanwhile, purchasing in the export sector generally remains fairly robust, at least through October and November, for shipment into international countries for the holidays. 

ANALYSIS: From Decline to Stabilization; US Pork Cutout and Primal Trends Through Late October

Between September 8, 2025 and October 20, 2025 the Expana US pork carcass cutout fell 11.9% and has flatlined since, moving only around 0.1% over the last several weeks, with very small week‑to‑week swings. 

The belly primal led the earlier weakness, plunging roughly 26.6% into Oct 20 before staging a modest recovery of about 7.8% through the most recent close. Bellies remain 14.3% below the comparable week in 2024 but about 7.2% above the three‑year...

NRF Expects Holiday Sales to Surpass $1 Trillion for the First Time in 2025

The National Retail Federation today released its annual holiday forecast, predicting retail sales in November and December will grow between 3.7% and 4.2% over 2024. That translates to total spending between $1.01 trillion and $1.02 trillion. By comparison, last year’s holiday sales rose 4.3% over 2023 to reach $976.1 billion.

“American consumers may be cautious in sentiment, yet remain fundamentally strong and continue to drive U.S. economic activity,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “We remain bullish about the holiday shopping season and expect that consumers will continue...

US Foods Serves Up Strong Financial Results; Sales Soar, Profits Rise

US Foods released its financial results for the third quarter, showcasing continued growth and strong business momentum.

During the quarter, total case volume increased 1.1% year over year (YOY), contributing to a 4.8% rise in net sales to $10.2 billion. This growth underscores the company’s solid market presence and steady demand for its products and services.

Gross profit rose 5.2% to $1.8 billion, representing 17.2% of net sales. Net income increased 3.4% to $153 million, while adjusted...

Ranchers Support Steve Pearce's Nomination to Lead BLM

Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and Public Lands Council (PLC) announced support for President Trump’s nomination of former Congressman Steve Pearce to serve as Director of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

“Having represented New Mexico in Congress and the State House for decades, former Rep. Steve Pearce understands the important role that public lands play across the West. Pearce’s experience makes him thoroughly qualified to lead the BLM and tackle the issues federal lands ranchers are facing,” said NCBA Executive Director of Natural Resources and PLC Executive Director Kaitlynn Glover...

ANALYSIS: Australia’s Oct 2025 Beef Exports Flat MOM as Korea Pulls Back

Australia’s beef exports in October 2025 held largely steady month-on-month (MOM) to 139,0285 metric tons (MT), data from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) showed.

Edging up just 0.2% or 274 mt from September, monthly growth was curbed mainly by lower outbound shipments to Korea as the impact of its safeguard activation took hold. Shipments to the United States (US), China, and Southeast Asia also eased, while Japan logged a solid monthly rebound underpinned by replenishment demand.

On a yearly basis, exports were ...

Hormel Foods Announces Corporate Restructuring to Support Strategic Priorities and Long-Term Growth

Hormel Foods Corporation, a Fortune 500 global branded food company, today announced a corporate restructuring designed to thoughtfully align resources with the organization's strategic priorities, support future growth and strengthen the overall business.

To ensure the company remains efficient and well-positioned for long-term success, Hormel Foods has implemented a voluntary early retirement program for a portion of its non-plant workforce, is closing many open roles and will reduce certain positions across its office-based workforce. These actions are expected to...

The Retail Rundown: Turkey Promotions Climb as Holiday Demand Takes Hold

Turkey ads now make up nearly 4% of protein features this week and are on pace to capture a larger share next week as seasonal demand gathers momentum. Beef holds 23.8% of ad space, pork accounts for 22.8%, and chicken eased to 19%—down one point from last week. Eggs have 3% of this week’s buying opportunities, up one point compared to the week prior.

Within the turkey category, ads for frozen whole birds and fresh or frozen parts are evenly split, each accounting for 28% of turkey features...

USMEF Statement on Progress in Trade Negotiations with China

The White House provided more details Nov. 1 on the measures agreed to in last week’s meeting between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, including progress on agricultural trade barriers imposed by China and suspension of port service fees that raise costs for U.S. exporters. 

U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom issued the following statement: 

USMEF is encouraged by the progress being made in trade negotiations with China, and we appreciate the Trump administration’s emphasis on restoring market access for U.S. agricultural exports. If China follows through on its commitment to...

Starbucks Divests Majority of China Operations to Boyu Capital

On November 3, Starbucks sold up to 60% of the company’s retail operations in China to investment firm Boyu Capital, according to a financial release from the global coffee chain which values their Chinese business to exceed $13 billion. 

“Under the agreement, Boyu and Starbucks will operate a joint venture with Boyu holding a up to 60% interest in Starbucks retail operations in China,” read the release...

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...

PODCAST: Agri-Food for Thought Ep. 35 - Discussing Evolution of Procurement, Feat. Janet Standing

Expana presents Agri-Food for Thought, the podcast series for agriculture and food professionals.

Today we discuss the role of procurement, and how procurement decisions turn market insight into business advantage.

This is a complex issue, a lot more than one may think. Procurement professionals operate in a high-pressure environment characterized by aggressive goals, tight deadlines, and complex supply chains. But there are ways to stay ahead of the game. 

On today's episode, we welcome Janet Lung Standing.

ANALYSIS: From the Grill to Checkout, US Tenderloin Market Performance & Retail Dynamics 2025

Tenderloin demand has remained resilient in 2025, with promotional activity keeping movement elevated. Seasonal buying patterns are intact, with peak promotional lift observed in late May and August as consumers transitioned into core grilling holidays. Price elasticity remains evident, as a roughly 40-cent spread between discounted and full-price offerings continues to incentivize retail movement.

According to Circana retail data, year-to-date (YTD) national discounted tenderloin prices have averaged just under $3.90 per pound, compared with roughly $4.30 per pound for non-promotional...

ANALYSIS: Cage-Free Wholesale Values Surge Amid Retail Strength and Bird Flu Caution

Cage-free wholesale values surged again this week as both retail strength and precautionary buying surrounding bird flu ahead of the peak baking demand period help to sustain momentum. Buyer activity along the West Coast intensified noticeably, giving the market its most active tone in months.

Demand along the West Coast has held firm as competitive shelf prices and consistent promotional activity continue to support consumer engagement. Several large-scale chains in the Golden State have maintained prices near $1.50/dozen for cage-free eggs...

ANALYSIS: Mexican Ribeye Export Prices Firm on Year-End Demand

The Mexican export market for boneless ribeye continued to show firm upward momentum through late October, with current prices averaging around USD 7.15/lb, up roughly 1.5 USD/lb from year-ago levels. Demand has strengthened notably in recent weeks as buyers seek to secure product for November and December holiday programs. In addition, the weaker US dollar against the Mexican peso has exerted upward pressure on export quotations, supporting firmer tones across the segment as participants reported increased activity to cover end-of-year...

Hormel Shakes Up Leadership In Recent Announcements

Set to coincide with the anniversary of his 30th year of service, PJ Conner, VP of Retail Sales at Hormel Foods, will retire this spring.

"PJ has been a tremendous asset to the organization throughout his three-decade long career,” said John Ghingo, president of Hormel Foods. “He has consistently delivered results, inspired his teams, and helped shape our company’s strategy and culture. We are grateful for his insight, dedication, and focus on supporting our retail partners. His vision and commitment have left a lasting impact on Hormel Foods...

The Jollibee Group Name Industry Vet as Vice President of Franchising

While Jollibee is aiming for significant expansion in the US, the company has appointed Peter Wright, an industry veteran, as its new Vice President of Franchising.

Wright has been welcomed to his new role, where he will lead the company's ambitious plan to develop 500 units across North America by 2030.

"I first learned of Jollibee through networking with a former colleague from Starbucks," Wright said. "Like many Americans, even though I had driven by them, I did not know the...

ANALYSIS: Assessing the Chicken Production Backdrop

As the industry approaches the final two months of 2025, and with market activity currently subdued, participants across the chicken sector are taking stock of what has been a notably strong year for production. Although official USDA data remains delayed due to the ongoing government shutdown, most discussions continue to emphasize sustained gains in hatch numbers and overall production momentum.

One of the clearest indicators of supply strength can be traced to the feed markets. The average October price for Omaha No. 2 Yellow corn inched just...

Expansion and Menu Innovations Lead in Foodservice this Week

This week, Expana gathered a collection of headline-worthy news, showcasing the vibrant and constantly evolving world of foodservice. From strategic expansions to culinary innovations, these stories underscore the dynamic nature of the industry and its unwavering momentum.

International Expansion on the Horizon for TGI Fridays

TGI Fridays is gearing up for significant international growth, announcing two master franchise agreements today. In India, USR Hospitality (USR) will develop 51 new locations, while Mid-City Operadora Sapi de CV (MCO_Mexico) is set to open 50 new outlets in...

ANALYSIS: Elevated Turkey Prices Influence Demand While Supplies Remain Limited

With the exception of hearts and gizzards, turkey items across the board are more expensive this year than they were last year. Current quotations for fresh thigh meat are up 60.8% year-over-year (YOY), which is a modest gain compared to fresh drums (108.5%) and breast meat (264.6%). Budgets are stretched thin and credit limits are tested as buyers try to secure production in a barren market landscape.

ANALYSIS: 2025 US Chicken Wing Dynamics, Value Emergence and Midyear Volatility

Wing markets in 2025 have traced a volatile but telling path, underscoring shifting buyer priorities and the impact of broader protein dynamics. Early in the year, jumbo whole wings hovered near $1.73/lb, with values slipping through March and April as post-Super Bowl demand softened and inventories swelled. By the start of May, the prices for both jumbo party wings and whole wings fell significantly to values of $1.03 and $0.96...