Smith Packing Recalls Approximately 18,792 Pounds of RTE Sausage and Sliced Meat and Poultry Product

According to an announcement from the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), Smith Packing, LLC is recalling approximately 18,792 pounds of ready-to-eat sausage and sliced meat and poultry products due to excessive sodium nitrite levels.

This  recall follows an investigation prompted by customer complaints about an off-putting taste and/or discoloration of the product.

The affected items were produced between February 19 and April 24, 2025, bear establishment numbers “EST. 4578”...

HPAI H5N1 Virus in Dairy Cattle – What We Know

In March 2024, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) A (H5N1), commonly referred to as bird flu, was confirmed in domestic U.S. livestock for the first time in a dairy operation in Texas. Since then, the virus has spread to 1,047 dairy operations across 17 states, raising widespread uncertainty throughout the dairy and livestock markets. Industry participants have raised concerns about the outbreak's potential impact on consumer perception and demand for dairy and meat products, though government agencies reiterate that the national food supply remains safe. Expana is closely monitoring the situation...

ANALYSIS: US Red Meat Cold Storage Stocks Decline on Coasts MoM

According to the latest USDA cold storage report, boneless beef stocks declined in March compared to February, with the Middle Atlantic region down 6% and the Pacific region down 5%. Both areas serve as key entry points for imported beef, with cold storage typically the first stop after arrival at a port.

Despite the implementation of new tariffs, imported frozen beef remains competitively priced relative to domestic fresh product. This price advantage has influenced cold storage dynamics, as buyers draw down inventories for immediate...

Expana Establishes Advisory Board to Accelerate Growth and Global Impact in the Agrifood Sector

Expana, the world’s leading agrifood-focused Price Reporting Agency and global information provider, today announced the launch of its Advisory Board — a major step in advancing its commercial momentum, industry influence, and global reach.

The newly appointed Advisory Board brings together 12 senior executives from across the agrifood value chain with experience from a wide range of businesses including Tyson, Mars, PepsiCo, Nestle, Bunge, Compass Group, Goldman Sachs, General Mills and many more. This move reinforces Expana’s commitment to empowering businesses...

The Retail Rundown: Grocers Turn Up the Heat 

Grocers are turning up the heat in this week’s circulars, leaning into classic summer grilling staples—ribs, burgers, and barbecue fixings—signaling early excitement for the season even with Memorial Day still a few weeks away.

Seafood tops this week’s retail protein promotions, claiming roughly 28% of total ad space. Beef follows with 24.7%, trailed by pork at 23.1% and chicken at 20.2%. Turkey ads were slashed by half compared to last week, now accounting for just 3% of circular space.

Retailers are also highlighting festive favorites ahead of Cinco de Mayo. Ground beef in the 78–84% lean range averaged $4.89 per...

Dollar Tree Names New Chief Supply Chain Officer

Dollar Tree, Inc. has announced the retirement of Chief Supply Chain Officer Mike Kindy, who joined the company in May 2023.

“From overseeing complex distribution networks to modernizing our supply chain strategy, his contributions have been instrumental in positioning our company for long-term success. We are grateful for Mike’s service and wish him all the best in his upcoming retirement,” said Mike Creedon, the company's Chief Executive Officer.

Kindy will be succeeded immediately by Roxanne Weng.

Weng brings over 30 years of experience in the retail industry...

ACC Central Kitchen LLC Recalls 64,008 Pounds of Pork Product

According to an announcement from the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), ACC Central Kitchen LLC is recalling approximately 64,008 pounds of pork bun products due to it containing an undeclared, known allergen, sesame. 

The issue was identified during a routine FSIS inspection, when personnel observed that sesame, an ingredient used in the pork buns, was not declared on the product label.

The affected products are frozen and not ready-to-eat. They are packaged in 8.45-oz. sleeve tray packages labeled... 

Hammersmith Protein Meal and Grains Report - 26 April 2025

While possible/planned tariffs are still important to the grain/oilseed business the 90 day extension on major tariffs has calmed the grain markets a little and we are now back looking at the weather. 

US corn futures prices were down by about USD 2 m/t this week while soybeans moved higher by about USD 3 m/t and soymeal drifted lower by USD 5 m/t. USA spring wheat futures moved lower by about USD 5 m/t with winter wheat slipping lower by about USD 6 m/t. 

ANALYSIS: Cage-Free Price Dynamics Hint at Transition, but Market Remains Soft

The cage-free egg market continues to experience modest downward pressure this week, although a shift in negotiated values is beginning to take shape.

Since late February, cage-free quotations have been on the decline, falling by more than 50% from a record high of $9.86/dozen to $4.92/dozen as of Thursday. This decline has been predominantly driven by a significant reduction in consumer demand, influenced by price sensitivity among shoppers.

At the market’s peak, Circana scanner data reported the average...

ANALYSIS: New Zealand’s Q1 2025 Beef Exports Rises 1.3% YoY to 134,240 mt

New Zealand’s beef exports in the first quarter of 2025 rose 1.3% year-on-year (YoY) to 134,240 metric tons, according to the latest data from Stats NZ.

Stronger volumes to key markets including the United States, Canada, Korea, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom supported the quarterly gain. Exports to China and Japan pulled back, but total shipments still edged up by 1,781 mt.

In the first quarter of 2025, the US cemented its position as New Zealand’s top beef market, taking...

Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #6

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 #6."

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...

McDonald’s Adds McCrispy Strips and Creamy Chili Dip to Permanent Menu

As temperatures rise, quick-service restaurants are adjusting menus to satisfy seasonal cravings. In its effort to expand offerings, McDonald’s turned to its customers—on social media and beyond—to ask what they wanted most. The overwhelming answer: more chicken.

Responding to that demand, McDonald’s is launching its first permanent menu addition since 2021. Starting May 5, the brand will debut its new McCrispy Strips, served with a Creamy Chili Dip.

"Since stepping into my new role as a leader of the U.S. business this year...

ANALYSIS: 2025 YTD Turkey Poult Placements Down 4.0%: Hen Supply Hit Hardest

Year-to-date (YTD) poult placements in 2025 hover an average of 4.0% below the 5-year average. This is a continuation of the ongoing trend of below-average supplies. While HPAI cases are less frequent and the new avian metapneumovirus vaccines are starting to be implemented, the losses sustained by the industry leave a lasting impact that is not quickly overcome. For these reasons, hatcheries only have so many eggs they can set, and growers are also restricted on the number of birds...

ANALYSIS: US Pork Production Trails 2024 Amid Herd Contraction, Disease, and Export Uncertainty

Year-to-date (YTD) total pork production volumes for 2025 are trending 0.4% below 2024, as a shrinking breeding herd and disease outbreaks have contributed to reduced output. The USDA’s latest Hogs and Pigs report revealed a five-year low in both breeding inventory (5.98 million head) and farrowing sows (2.9 million head), directly impacting the number of pigs available for slaughter.

While the market hog inventory stands at 68.5 million head—down just 0.3% year-over-year—this is largely offset by...

ANALYSIS: Broiler Production Outlook Brings Expectation of Gains

As we approach the tail end of April, protein market participants are weighing a number of variables as they attempt to hone their expectations for the road which lies ahead. For stakeholders in the chicken sector, concerns around disease, low hatchability, and live weights remain front and center.

Despite persistent uncertainty, the second-quarter broiler production expectations are projected to post the largest year-over-year (YoY) increase among all of the major protein categories. According to the Livestock, Dairy, & Poultry Outlook, the latest Q2 forecast stands...

NCC Statement on Withdrawal of Salmonella Framework

NCC today released the following statement in response to FSIS withdrawing the proposed Salmonella Framework for Raw Poultry Products:

“We remain committed to further reducing Salmonella and fully support food safety regulations and policies that are based on sound science, robust data, and are demonstrated to meaningfully impact public health,” said Ashley Peterson, Ph.D., NCC senior vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs.

Peterson said as it was written, though, this Framework:

• Was legally unsound;
• Relied on misinterpretations of the science;
• Would have had no meaningful impact...

Mother’s Day Wishes Revealed According to OpenTable Research

Mother’s Day is meant to be a time of pampering and appreciation, but for many moms, the planning still lands on their to-do list.

According to research from OpenTable, 44% of moms say having others make plans to celebrate them is what makes Mother’s Day truly special. Yet, despite this, 39% of moms end up making their own reservations.

It's no wonder nearly 30%, nearly a third, say what they’re most looking forward to is some well-deserved “me time” and a chance...

Chipotle Reports Q1 2025 Revenue Growth Despite Avocado Cost Pressures 

California-based chain Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. reported its first-quarter results for the period ended March 31, 2025.

First quarter highlights, year over year:

• Total revenue increased 6.4% to $2.9 billion
• Comparable restaurant sales decreased 0.4%
• Operating margin was 16.7%, an increase from 16.3%
• Restaurant level operating margin was 26.2%, a decrease from 27.5%
• Diluted earnings per share was $0.28, a 7.7% increase from $0.26
• Adjusted diluted earnings per share was $0.29, a 7.4% increase from $0.27

Perdue AgriBusiness and Eion Ink First-Of-Its-Kind Carbon Removal Deal

Eion, a company turning the proven science of enhanced rock weathering (ERW) into a scalable climate solution, today announced a carbon insetting agreement with Perdue AgriBusiness, a subsidiary of Perdue Farms.

Through this deal, Perdue grain farmers will remove approximately 3,500 tons of CO2 by applying olivine—a naturally abundant mineral it has optimized to weather quickly on farmland across the Mid-Atlantic. Notably, this is the first instance in which a company is deploying an enhanced rock weathering solution within its own supply...

The Retail Rundown: Post-Easter Pause Sets Stage for Protein Push

With Easter now in the rearview, retailers will largely tread water, positioning themselves for a seasonal surge in demand ahead of the start of summer.

Grilling demand is beginning to build toward a Memorial Day crescendo, prompting grocers to build inventory and plan aggressive promotions to jumpstart the season. 

But first up is Cinco de Mayo. While it's a smaller holiday, it can still drive foot traffic. Proteins like pork, steak, and chicken are expected to see solid movement as shoppers make tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and other festive fare...

ANALYSIS: China’s Q1 2025 Beef Imports Falls 11.6% YoY to 681,607 mt

China's total beef imports for the first quarter of the 2025 calendar year plunged to 681,607 metric tons (mt), according to the latest data from the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC).

Inbound shipments fell by 11.6% year-on-year (YoY), the 89,662 mt decline was led by reduced volumes from Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Uruguay and New Zealand. However, strong volumes from the United States (US) and Australia helped cushion the overall decline.

Supply from South America Slides

Volumes from China’s...

Farm Bureau Calls for Clarity in WOTUS

The American Farm Bureau Federation today asked for changes to the “Waters of the United States” rule to bring it in line with the Sackett v. EPA Supreme Court ruling, which called for more clarity in water regulations. AFBF submitted comments in response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s request for recommendations.

“Considering drains, ditches, stock ponds, impoundments, irrigation ditches, and low spots in farm fields and pastures as jurisdictional ‘waters’ opens the door to regulation of ordinary farming activities that move dirt or apply products to...

America’s Egg Farmers Recognized for Their Vital Role in the Iconic National Celebration

America’s egg farmers took center stage at the 2025 White House Easter Egg Roll, where their nearly 50-year legacy of supporting this beloved national tradition was celebrated like never before. Representing egg farmers nationwide, the American Egg Board (AEB) helped bring this year’s celebration to life, continuing a longstanding partnership that highlights the essential role of eggs in Easter festivities and the hardworking farmers who produce them.

In addition to donating real eggs used throughout the event and presenting the First Lady’s...

Young American Food Brands Acquires Best Provision Co., Expanding Premium Meat Offerings

Young American Food Brands has announced its fourth acquisition since 2022 with the purchase of Best Provision Co., an 87-year-old pioneer in premium smoked and cooked meats.

Since 2022, Young American has steadily expanded its portfolio with the acquisitions of Hofmann Sausage, Brooklyn Burger, and Devault Foods. The addition of Best Provision further strengthens the company’s position in the premium meat category, particularly in the fully cooked and smoked segment.

A respected industry leader with deep roots in the community...

Baldor Specialty Foods Acquires Golden Packing, Launches Golden Meat Co.

Baldor Specialty Foods announced today the acquisition of Golden Packing, a premium meat company based in the Hunts Point Cooperative Market. As part of the acquisition, the business will operate under a new name: Golden Meat Co.

This strategic move aims to vertically integrate Baldor’s meat processing operations by combining its high-end sourcing capabilities with Golden’s expert butchering—all while preserving the brand’s established reputation for quality.

With this acquisition, Baldor expands its portfolio of premium, portioned meats, offering chef customers enhanced labor savings and...

FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Pork Carnitas Products 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert on behalf of Cargill Meat Solutions.

The alert follows a routine inspection that revealed equipment damage, raising concerns that pork carnitas products may be contaminated with metal fragments.

The potentially affected items were produced between April 1 and April 2, 2025, bear establishment number “EST. 46049” within the USDA mark of inspection, and were distributed to Aldi supermarkets nationwide.

These products are sold in 16-ounce...

Exclusive International Trade Centre Interview: Implications of Trump’s Tariff Regime

Julia Spies is the Chief of Trade and Market Intelligence for the International Trade Centre (ITC) in Switzerland. Spies and team analyze trade information and publish findings about market-specific trade intelligence on multiple online platforms, like Tradebriefs.intracen.org.

Recent shifts in the world of trade, including the latest round of United States tariffs and trade measures by other countries, has kept Spies and company busy, to say the least.

However, ITC members have watched trade measures, and in particular their impact on developing countries, long before these recent changes...

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...

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...