The Retail Rundown: Grocers Take on Foodservice for a Slice of Mother’s Day Spending

Grocers are gearing up to win a slice of Mother’s Day sales, which are traditionally dominated by restaurants and dining out. While foodservice still captures the lion’s share of spending, supermarkets are making strategic plays to compete for consumers' dollars.

According to the National Retail Federation, Mother’s Day spending is projected to hit $34.1 billion this year—up from $33.5 billion in 2024 and just shy of the 2023 record of $35.7 billion. About 84% of US adults are expected to celebrate, spending an average of $259.04 on gifts and festivities...

ANALYSIS: Belly Primal Drives Resurgent Pork Carcass Value in April

According to the Urner Barry by Expana Pork Carcass Cutout Value Report, recent increases in carcass values have mitigated losses incurred since the beginning of April. Currently, weekly carcass values are holding steady at approximately year-over-year levels, exceeding the three-year average by 2.2%. April itself witnessed a modest rebound in overall values following a 3.1% decline during the first two weeks. While this initial drop was significant, it represented a continuation of a gradual downward trend that began in...

Retail Program Engages Consumers, Differentiates US Pork Quality in Colombia

As competition intensifies in the region, USMEF ramps up a retail tasting program designed to differentiate U.S. pork and increase consumer trial.

A USMEF program for U.S. pork is generating growing interest among Colombian retailers, having expanded to 18 retail outlets of two supermarket chains in five major markets ‒ Medellin, Bogota, Cartagena, Cali and Barranquilla.

USMEF’s tasting program is an integrated initiative that helps retailers improve inventory management and merchandising techniques while providing critical information to consumers about handling and defrosting frozen U.S. pork. Overall, the tasting program drives home...

Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #7

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 #7."

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...

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”...

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...

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... 

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...

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...

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...

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...

ANALYSIS: Trade Tensions Reshape Pork Feet Market Dynamics

The current tariff structure between the US and China continues to weigh heavily on US pork exports—particularly variety meats like front and hind feet, which have traditionally found supportive demand from China due to active interest and limited US domestic buying. However, retaliatory measures have made access more restrictive. As of April 2025, China maintains retaliatory tariffs on US pork totaling around 84%, following US tariff increases on Chinese goods to 145%. These duties sharply reduce US pork’s competitiveness in the Chinese market...

ANALYSIS: US Pork Exports Face Global Headwinds According to Latest USDA Report 

Total US pork exports in February were down 2% from January and 4.8% year-over-year (YoY), totaling 565.2 million pounds. While strong demand in Mexico and Central America persisted, this was countered by weaker volumes to Japan and South Korea. Exports to China, while 17.4% higher than February 2024, were down 10.9% from January 2025.  This decline is partly attributed to seasonal factors, ongoing political challenges, and uncertainty surrounding plant eligibility for export, which hadn't been resolved until mid-March...

The Retail Rundown: Protein Adds to Holiday Price Gains

Easter week has arrived and grocers are tapping into the holiday's spending momentum. But for consumers, Easter dinner is shaping up to be pricier than last year, with many holiday staples seeing year-over-year price increases.

According to Expana’s latest US Easter Index—which tracks price changes in key holiday-related commodities—overall prices rose 11.8% year-over-year, driven largely by higher costs in the protein and bakery categories.

Expana’s Easter Protein Index, which covers lamb, beef, pork, salmon, cod, and eggs...

ANALYSIS: China’s Q1 2025 Meat Imports Slip 2.0% to 1.64M mt on Soft Demand, Trade Rift

China imported a total of 1.64 million metric tons (mt) of meat, including variety meats, in the first quarter of 2025, down 2.0% year-on-year (y-o-y), according to preliminary figures from China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC). The decline reflected deepening trade friction with the United States (US) and ongoing economic headwinds that continue to weigh on import demand.

Industry players also pointed to softer-than-expected consumer demand after the Lunar New Year festivities and increased.

Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #4

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 #4."

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...

Red Robin Launches Bottomless Burger Pass to Drive Traffic

In recognition of National Burger Month, Red Robin Gourmet Burgers is introducing a new consumer engagement initiative designed to boost traffic and brand visibility: the Bottomless Burger Pass.

Set to launch April 17 at 9 a.m. MT, the limited-time offering allows guests to purchase a pass online at RedRobin.com/National-Burger-Month, granting them access to one gourmet burger and bottomless side per day throughout May 1–31, for just $20.

A limited number of black-and-gold...

Vietnamese Livestock, Shrimp and Pepper Associations Seeks Trade Solutions with US

On April 10, Vietnam and the US agreed to start negotiations on a reciprocal trade agreement, hours after Washington delayed imposing a 46% tariff on Vietnamese exports.

However, agri-food business associations in Vietnam remain concerned about the future of imported US goods. US exports to Vietnam were valued at $13.1 billion in 2024, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade.

The US is a key supplier of soybeans, corn, DDGS, and pig breeds to Vietnam. Vietnamese farms import roughly 250 grandparent pigs annually

Pork Shipments Grow 26.6% in March

Surveys by the Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA), based on data from the Foreign Trade Secretariat (Secex), show that Brazilian pork exports (considering all products, both fresh and processed) totaled 116.3 thousand tons in March, a volume 26.6% higher than that shipped in the same month of 2024, with 91.9 thousand tons.

Foreign exchange revenue was even more significant, reaching US$ 278 million, 44.2% higher than the US$ 192.8 million recorded in the same month of the previous year.

In the first quarter of 2025, international...

The Retail Rundown: Easter Momentum Builds

In the final full week of Lent, seafood accounts for 35% of all protein retail promotions, gaining ground on pork, which holds 23% of ad space. Beef promotions slipped to 20%, while chicken has 15%. Lamb and veal promotions, though still minimal, doubled from the previous week, rising to 2% ahead of Easter.

Notably, Easter falls late this year—on April 20—affecting year-over-year (YOY) comparisons. Ham promotions last week were offered at premium price points compared to 2024. Discounted boneless smoked hams averaged...

Johnsonville Recalls 22,672 Pounds of Cheddar Bratwursts

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has announced that Johnsonville, LLC is recalling approximately 22,672 pounds of cheddar bratwursts due to potential contamination with hard plastic, following customer complaints.

The affected products were produced on February 5, 2025, and carry establishment number "Est.1647" on the label. These items were shipped to retail locations across Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

The recalled bratwursts are packaged in 19-ounce sealed firm trays, containing...

ANALYSIS:Tariff Concerns Plagued Bone-in Ham Values Throughout the Month of March

Bone-in hams faced ongoing obstacles during the month of March due to the persistent uncertainty surrounding the implementation of tariffs proposed by the Trump administration.  This uncertainty stemmed from the potential of retaliatory tariffs imposed by Mexico in response to the proposed tariffs from the United States.

While values for bone-in hams saw an increase of 11.7% during the first two weeks of the month, following an extension of the initially proposed March 4 deadline to April 2, the underlying threat of tariffs remained...

Hearthside Food Recalls 489,887 Pounds of Misbranded Sausage and Bacon Breakfast Sandwiches 

Hearthside Food Solutions is recalling approximately 489,887 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) sausage and bacon breakfast sandwiches. According to the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), these products are being recalled due to misbranding. The sandwiches contain sesame, a known allergen, which was not listed on the product labels.

Details of the recalled products:

*8.35-oz. individually film wrapped sandwiches of “LETTIERI’S FOOD TO GO Sausage, Egg & Cheese FRENCH TOAST BREAKFAST SANDWICH” with lot codes beginning with the numbers 23, 24 and 25 up to 2508451...

New, Value-added US Red Meat Products Launched in Peru

USMEF partners with Peruvian importer to develop and launch affordable, nutrient-rich products made with U.S. beef liver and U.S. ham

USMEF partnered with USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service and a Peruvian importer to introduce two U.S. red meat products to media outlets and 70 retailers, processors, caterers and institutional representatives in Lima. A liver burger and liver meatballs were developed with U.S. beef liver and U.S. ham to be affordable, easy-to-prepare meal options rich in iron and protein.

The idea for creating value-added products evolved...

The Retail Rundown: Spring Sizzle Fuels Protein Demand

Spring promotions are in full bloom at retail, with holiday-themed ads ramping up. Circulars showcase produce and snacking items alongside grilling staples, aiming to entice shoppers with vibrant displays and seasonal appeal. Beyond holiday preparations, schools and universities are approaching spring break season, likely driving an uptick in foodservice in the coming weeks. 

In some regions, grocers are leveraging hams as loss leaders ahead of Easter. Last week, discounted bone-in ham averaged $2.56 per pound, while spiral-sliced varieties stood at $2.61 per pound—steady to lower than last year’s levels...

ANALYSIS: Lowest February Pork Cold Storage on Record

In February 2025, total pork stocks in cold storage reached 423.1 million pounds, rising 15.9 million pounds (3.9%) from January but still down 35.5 million pounds (-7.75%) from February 2024, marking the lowest February figure with data going back to 1999. This reflects a moderate seasonal rebuild yet continued tightness compared to historical levels.

Total hams increased 4.2 million pounds (5.3%) from January and 13.1 million pounds (18.63%) from last year. Belly stocks rose 6.9 million pounds (16.5%) month-over-month but remain 15.2 million pounds (-23.8%) below...

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...

ANALYSIS: US Pork Exports Decrease in Some Key Markets

Coming off a record-breaking year for US pork exports in 2024, total US export volume for January 2025 saw a slight decrease year-over-year (YoY) in volume of 1.9% to 576,821 K-Lbs. While shipments to Mexico and Central American destinations were higher YoY, January totals for those two regions were lower than that of December 2024 by a margin of 3.5% and 37.1% respectively.

Interestingly, declines were noted for key markets such as Japan (-9.2% MoM and -22.7% YoY) South Korea (-10.3% MoM and...

Game-Time Promotions Aim to Boost Sales in Foodservice

As the national college basketball championship games sound off, foodservice providers are capitalizing on the excitement with deals designed to drive sales and customer engagement.

Domino’s – The world’s largest pizza chain is offering a 50% discount on all menu-priced pizzas when ordered online. This promotion, valid from March 17 to March 23, includes every pizza on the menu, whether it’s specialty, any size, or any style of crust.

Wendy’s is checking into the tournament season with double dollar deals. Running through Sunday, April 13, customers...

The Retail Rundown: Fresh Buying Opportunities in Bloom

Tomorrow marks the official start of spring, and retailers are seizing fresh opportunities to capture increased spending with occassions like Easter and peak grilling season soon approaching.

However, for some residents, spring still feels distant as a late-season storm sweeps through the Central US today and tomorrow, potentially impacting purchasing and consumption patterns in affected regions. 

With roughly a month remaining in Lent, seafood remains a focal point in retail promotions, accounting for 33% of protein advertisements, primarily driven by fresh/frozen fillets as well...

Domino's Takes 50% Off For Customers Who Order Pizza Online in Latest Promo

News of the latest retail promotion from the world's largest pizza company have circulated. From March 17-23, Domino's is offering customers who order online, 50% of all menu-prices pizzas.

"It's a big week, full of celebrations – the start of college basketball tournaments, St. Patrick's Day and even the first day of spring," said Frank Garrido, Domino's executive vice president – chief restaurant officer. "To top it off, Domino's is offering customers a deal they can't resist. They can choose from any...

What Trump Tariffs Mean for Food and Agriculture Trade

US President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico and an additional 10% tariff on imports from China.

Tariffs for Canada and China are in effect as of February 4, while the tariffs on Mexico have been delayed for one month following negotiations with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who agreed to send 10,000 members of her country’s national guard to the border to address drug trafficking... 

Brazil’s Pork, Chicken and Egg Exports Increase in February

Brazilian exports of eggs, pork, and chicken meat recorded significant growth in February, according to data from the Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA).

Egg Exports Rise 57.5%

Brazilian egg exports, including fresh and processed products, totaled 2,527 metric tons in February, a 57.5% increase compared to 1,604 metric tons in the same period last year. Export revenue rose 63.2%, reaching $4.94 million from $3.02 million.

For the first two months of the year, exports reached 4,884 metric tons, marking a 38.2% increase from the 3,535...

The Retail Rundown: Grocers Leverage Seasonal Trends; Inflation Update

As temperatures rise across much of the US, grocers are highlighting seasonal offerings for springtime occasions and grilling essentials.

Retailers are refining their marketing strategies to align with shifting demand, appealing to sports fans to boost traffic in the meat department. However, securing lower year-over-year protein prices remains a challenge, as factors like animal disease continue to affect availability across key categories.

The wholesale chicken market is gaining traction with baseball season on the horizon, driving demand for boneless items. Expana reports that buyers are scrambling to secure supply...

Brands Are Adapting to Consumer Shifts with Bold Flavors, Bigger Appeal

As consumers tighten their budgets and shift toward more meals at home, industry leaders are finding innovative ways to attract spenders. Some brands have focused on expanding their ToGo options, while others have embraced the rising popularity of spicy combinations.

Applebee’s® Enhances ToGo Offerings

Applebee’s is stepping up its ToGo game with a limited-time offer: 50-cent Boneless Wings, available when ordered between March 18–21 via the Applebee’s mobile app or online at Applebees.com.

Voted America’s favorite in a nationwide double-blind taste test...

ANALYSIS: March Pet Food Market Insight Report Released

The animal protein and by-product markets experienced various trends in February, with some sectors showing price stability and others facing fluctuations. Factors such as supply constraints, disease concerns, and shifting demand, particularly within the pet food industry, impacted beef, pork, poultry, and plant-based proteins. Additionally, tariffs and global production dynamics continued to disrupt the availability and pricing of essential feed additives like vitamins, minerals, and amino acids...

Impact of Pork and Beef Exports on Corn and Soybean Industries a Bright Spot for Producers

In the wake of a challenging year for U.S. corn and soybean producers, an updated study shows how exports of pork and beef provide support to their bottom lines. In 2024, U.S. pork and beef exports of $19.1 billion – an increase of $1 billion over 2023 and down just 2% from the 2022 record – had a significant impact on the corn and soybean industries, according to an independent study conducted by the Juday Group and released by...