ANALYSIS: China’s Meat Imports Edge Up 0.6% MOM to 533,241 mt in July 2025

China imported 533,241 metric tons (mt) of meat, including variety meats in July 2025, rising just 0.9% (3,241 mt) from a month earlier, according to preliminary data from the General Administration of Customs (GACC).

Despite the low base earlier in the year, the modest July increase also failed to match the usual sharp seasonal gains that follow a softer spring and summer, when importers typically build stocks ahead of winter dishes such as hotpots, soups and stews and other traditional...

JBS Invests $100 Million in New RTE Bacon and Sausage Facility 

JBS USA has announced plans to expand its operations in Ankeny, Iowa, by opening the largest ready-to-eat bacon and sausage facility in its portfolio.

The company has agreed to purchase a 186,000-square-foot production facility formerly owned by Hy-Vee. JBS intends to convert the space into a fully cooked bacon and sausage production plant and is looking to hire former Hy-Vee staff for the new operation.

"Today’s announcement aligns with our long-term strategy of...

Amazon Launches Same-Day Perishable Grocery Delivery in Over 1,000 Cities

Amazon is set to make one of its largest-ever grocery expansions, bringing same-day delivery of fresh and perishable food items to customers in more than 1,000 cities and towns, starting August 13.

Shoppers can now order produce, dairy, meat, seafood and other essentials for rapid delivery, with plans to reach over 2,300 communities by the end of 2025.

“Customers are looking to make their budgets stretch further, and that’s why Amazon is focused on offering a wide selection of national and local brands, including organic and natural options...

China Confirms African Swine Fever Outbreak in Sichuan

China has reported 210 confirmed and 795 susceptible cases of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Napo County, in the Sichuan Province, a World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) report showed.

The Guangxi Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs reported the outbreak on July 25. "Following the outbreak, local authorities immediately implemented emergency response measures in accordance with the contingency plan, including lockdowns of infected and threatened areas, culling of pigs, harmless disposal, and disinfection,” the Department said.

As of time of reporting, inspections found no new cases...

The Retail Rundown: Beef Tops Retail Ads as Grocers Prepare for Labor Day

With Labor Day just under three weeks away, grocers are preparing for summer’s last big grilling rush. Most holiday orders have already been locked in, and meat and prepared food departments are expected to see strong traffic as shoppers savor the last days of summer.

Beef has overtaken seafood as the most advertised protein this week, representing 27.0% of retail buying opportunities. Pork is close behind at 26.6%, while seafood has eased to 23.3%. Chicken remains steady at 18%, and turkey ads inched up to 3%...

Smithfield Foods Reports Strong Q2 Growth and Increased Profitability

Smithfield Foods, an industry leader in packaged meats and fresh pork, has reported another successful quarter, highlighting its continued growth and operational efficiency.

Following a strong first quarter, Smithfield announced in June a strategic initiative to streamline operations and reduce costs. This included relocating over 100 corporate jobs to Hampton Roads and the planned closure of two regional offices in Illinois and Missouri. 

"Our strong second quarter results demonstrate the agility and resilience of our business as we navigate a dynamic macroeconomic environment. Through our iconic and diversified brand portfolio...

Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #21 

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 #21."

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.

...

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...

Maple Leaf Foods Sees Major Turnaround with $58M Profit in Q2 2025

Maple leaf, a Canadian food processing company, have delivered findings from its quarterly results. 

The company reported a strong second quarter, with adjusted EBITDA increasing 28.9% to $182 million compared to the same period last year. Total sales reached $1.36 billion, representing an 8.5% year-over-year increase, driven by consistent growth across all major operating segments.

Prepared Foods saw a 7.5% increase in sales, Poultry rose by 8.5%, and Pork climbed 10.7%, reflecting solid market demand...

The Retail Rundown: Summer’s Last Stretch Drives Seasonal Promotions

August has arrived, bringing a sense of urgency to make the most of summer’s final weeks. With Labor Day fewer than four weeks away and just seven weeks remaining until the season’s official end, retailers are already diving into back-to-school promotions.

Seafood claims the top spot among protein features again this week, making up 30.3% of all retail ads, followed by beef at 26.2%, pork at 20.8%, and chicken at 18.9%. Egg promotions remain minimal, comprising less than 1% of features—consistent with last week’s light showing. The Midwest led in egg advertising, while the Northeast and South Central regions showed more moderate activity...

ANALYSIS: EU Pork Carcass Price Declines During July  

After reaching this year’s price peak at €2.13/kg on July 1st, the index for EU Pig deadweight grade S  EXW EU (BW56) has decreased continuously since then, with the last price assessment being at €2.03/kg on July 29th. However, while the price index decreased throughout the month, the market sentiment of the underlying countries was reported as main divers. While price decreases across the German, Polish and Spanish market drove the EU pork basket lower, the French market held steady during the month, limiting the downward 

Listeria, Metal Contamination, and Allergen Mislabeling Triggers Actions from FSIS

This week, the US Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a pair of public health alerts as well as one recall.

The first announcement was issued Sunday, July 27, for ready-to-eat ham salad products containing FDA-regulated breadcrumbs that have been recalled due to possible Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) contamination. The problem was discovered when Reser's Fine Foods, Inc. determined that the company had used breadcrumbs that had been subject to an FDA recall because that item may have been contaminated with Lm...

Triple Typhoon Impact Disrupts Southeast Asian Agricultural and Aquaculture Supply Chains

A rare convergence of three powerful typhoons in July has battered key agricultural and aquaculture regions across China, Vietnam, Taiwan, and the Philippines. Typhoons Wipha, Danas, and Co-May have collectively caused hundreds of millions in damages.  

Typhoon Wipha Deals Blow to Vietnam’s Rice and Shrimp Exports 

Typhoon Wipha formed on July 18 near the northern Philippines and intensified to Category 1 before making landfall in Guangzhou, China, and later striking northern Vietnam. Wipha lashed southern China with winds up to 75 mph, triggering floods and landslides

Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #20

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 #20."

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.

...

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...

ANALYSIS: Tight Freezer Pork Stocks Highlight Seasonal Strength and Trade Sensitivity

As of June 30, 2025, total pork in cold storage declined to 422.3 million pounds, representing a 6% decrease from May and an 11.1% drop from the same period last year. While this drawdown aligns with typical seasonal patterns, driven by stronger domestic demand and active export movement, especially for high-demand cuts like bellies and ribs, the current inventory level marks a ten-year low. This current position is further compounded by slightly reduced year-to-date slaughter totals, which have limited available product for cold storage...

The Retail Rundown: Retailers Push Protein as July Wraps

As July comes to a close and summer heat intensifies, retailers are pushing protein promotions to attract shoppers and encourage at-home grilling and cooking.

Seafood reclaimed the top spot in protein ad share this week, accounting for nearly 27% of all features. Pork followed at 24%, while beef and chicken trailed close behind at roughly 23% each. Egg promotions dipped slightly to around 1%.

Expana notes that retail egg demand has softened—typical for summer, when hot weather reduces in-home usage. Shelf prices are holding near $3.00 per dozen, well below early-year highs, but lighter consumption has dampened order volumes...

FSIS Issues Public Health Alert For Ready-To-Eat Ham Salad Products

The US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert for ham salad products produced by Reser’s Fine Foods. The alert follows a recall of FDA-regulated breadcrumb ingredients supplied by Newly Weds Foods, which may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes (Lm).

This public health alert is intended to ensure that consumers are aware these products, which bear the USDA mark of inspection, should not be consumed.

The affected products included in this alert are...

UK Meat Producer Cranswick Reports 9.7% Revenue Growth in Q1

UK’s Cranswick has reported a 9.7% increase in revenue for the 13 weeks up to 28 June 2025, or the first quarter in its financial year. Like-for-like revenue rose by 7.9%, driven by volume growth, the company said.

The recently acquired food service sausage manufacturer Blakemans on 16 May 2025, also contributed to growth, the trading report showed. And export revenue and volume increased following the reinstatement of the Norfolk site’s China export licence in December 2024.

The new retail business and strong demand at the cooked...

Dickey's Barbecue Pit Responds to Frivolous, False Lawsuit Claims

Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. has issued a statement in response to a lawsuit filed by a former Houston franchisee, asserting that the allegations are false, without merit and misrepresent the company's franchise model.

"Our franchise model is designed to empower our partners as independent business owners," said Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey's Barbecue Pit. "We provide a proven framework for success, brand standards, and a robust business model with an ongoing support system. During the development and construction process, we provide...

Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #19 

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 #19."

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.

...

US Republicans Continue Push to Override California Animal Welfare Law

U.S. Republicans continued on Wednesday a years-long effort to override a 2018 California law that bans the sale in the state of pork from pigs kept in tightly confined spaces, arguing in a House Agriculture Committee hearing that the law is overly burdensome to farmers.

Proposition 12, which also sets housing standards for veal and eggs sold in the state, was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2023 after a legal challenge by the pork industry.

President Donald Trump's administration sued California...

PODCAST: Agri-Food for Thought Ep. 31 - Competition Heats Up at the Meat Case this Summer

Listen now as Jamie gets the scoop from Market Analyst Pete Iridoy on how pork is benefitting at retail amidst high beef prices this summer...

New Progresso Pitmaster Soups Take on Grilling Season

Fire up your appetite, not your grill. This summer, Progresso® is bringing the unmistakable taste of a backyard cookout to your kitchen with the launch of Progresso Pitmaster, a bold new line of BBQ-inspired soups packed with juicy, delicious meats, roasted vegetables and 14g of protein or more per can.

Progresso Pitmaster soups capture the bold, satisfying flavors of BBQ in a no-fuss, no-flame format. Whether you're craving a savory, rich bite of steak or the indulgent flavors of beer cheese and sausage, Progresso Pitmaster delivers the ultimate taste experience in a bowl that’s ready in just five minutes.

The Retail Rundown: Beef Edges Out Seafood in Weekly Protein Features

Beef narrowly edged out seafood for the top spot in retail protein promotions this week, making up 25.9% of all featured items. Seafood was a close second at 25.3%, while pork and chicken each accounted for about 23%. Eggs represented roughly 2% of ads, and turkey dipped below 1%.

Beef steaks remained a premium grilling choice, averaging $14.21 per pound last week. Seafood also led on price, with fresh salmon reaching as high as $17.24 per pound in some regions...

Trump Signs Landmark US-Japan Trade Deal, Slashes Tariffs to 15%

United States President Donald Trump announced this week that he had signed what he described as “perhaps the largest deal ever made” with Japan, aimed at reshaping trade relations between the two countries. The agreement sets a new 15% tariff rate on all Japanese products imported into the US, a notable decrease from the 25% rate imposed earlier this month, as Expana reported.

According to President Trump, the deal is expected to create hundreds of jobs in the United States and will require Japan to open its markets further...

ANALYSIS: Ham Rally Fueled by Tight Supplies, Strong Exports and Tariff Tensions

From May through mid-July 2025, the bone-in ham market has undergone a sharp and dynamic rally—arguably the most pronounced seasonal move in over a decade. This year’s trajectory not only played a central role in driving the broader 9-week pork cutout rally that began in mid-April, but also set a new seasonal benchmark. Prices kicked off May at $0.85/lb and surged to a high of $1.26/lb by the week of June 23, marking a 47.4% increase in just under... 

ANALYSIS: US Pork Trim Market Holds Firm

In the pork trim market, prices for both 42% and 72% material have moved higher in recent days, reaching 52-week highs. Contributing factors include stronger demand, a roughly 1.9% year-to-date decline in hog slaughter, and a seasonal downtrend in hog weights tied to warmer weather.

As of mid-July 2025, 72% trim was reported at $1.40/lb, while 42% trim reached $1.245/lb. This is a sharp rise compared to late December 2024, when 42% trim was under $0.40/lb and 72%...

Unlocking Pork Quality with Precision: See the Difference Marbling Makes

Two pork loins. Similar color. Different marbling. One leads to a juicy, flavorful eating experience—while the other may disappoint. While subjective, visual assessment can miss the mark, BioQScan® Core empowers meat processors to objectively identify high-quality pork using real-time, non-invasive estimates of intramuscular fat (IMF). This allows processors to identify premium product at the speed of the production line.

Developed for small and mid-sized meat processors, BioQScan® Core provides real-time estimates of intramuscular fat (IMF), backfat thickness, and loin... 

The Retail Rundown: Summer Travel Drives Foodservice Gains as Retailers Compete for Shoppers

Foodservice is in full swing this summer, fueled by warm weather and vacation season as consumers hit the road and dine out. This Fourth of July, AAA estimated a record 72.2 million Americans traveled domestically—a 2.4% increase from last year and 7 million more than in 2019.

“This year, we're seeing strong demand for road trips, flights, and cruises, especially with the holiday falling on a Friday,” said Debbie Haas, Vice President of AAA Travel.

With so much consumer attention on travel and dining out, food...

Why Expana’s New Beef Forecast Deserve Your Attention

In a strategic move to bolster its comprehensive red meat market coverage, Expana is introducing a new price forecast for US 167A 4 Round, Knuckle, Peeled Beef. 

While the company already delivers over 300 red meat price forecasting series, this new addition seals a crucial gap for stakeholders whose contracts and margins hinge on cut-specific pricing. 

“Forecasting is essential for businesses looking to better understand market dynamics and to make better commercial decisions,” explained Bruno Whittaker, Forecast Analyst at Expana.” 

“Our forecasts are built on historical...

Conagra Posts Decline in Sales and Profit for Q4 and FY2025

Conagra Brands has reported financial results for both the fiscal year and fourth quarter.

For the quarter, net sales declined 3.5%, driven by a 2.5% drop in volume and a 1.0% negative price/mix impact. Gross profit fell 12.1% to $707 million, as margins were pressured by inflation and weaker sales. Net income was $256 million ($0.53 per share), while adjusted EPS came in at $0.56. Adjusted EBITDA totaled $544 million.

For fiscal year 2025, net sales declined... 

Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #17

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 #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...

ANALYSIS: Pork Exports Drop in May with Offsetting Gains from Mexico and South America

In May, total US pork exports declined 3.7% year-over-year with the month-over-month total also lower 3.1% versus April.

Mexico, continued to be the top destination, booking 218.4 million pounds, up 6.4% month-over-month and 3.9% year-over-year. Even though volumes cooled slightly from March to April, year-to-date exports remain near the record-breaking levels of 2024.  The United States Meat Export Federation (USMEF) attributes the upswing not to tariff shifts, but to strong Mexican demand and competitive...

The Retail Rundown: Retailers Push Value to Maintain Protein Momentum

Retail meat clearance over the Independence Day holiday was generally strong, with consumers stocking up on grilling staples for the summer’s flagship cookout occasion.

With few major buying events remaining this summer, grocers will likely push aggressive features and highlight value finds to sustain shopper engagement through the dog days of summer.

Post-holiday protein advertisements show seafood maintaining the lead at 33.1% of retail features, followed by beef at 25.1% and pork at 21.5%. Chicken accounted for 16.2%, while turkey fell to just 2%—half of the previous week's...

Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #16

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 #16."

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 Cold Storage Tightens Year-Over-Year Despite Seasonal Shifts

According to the USDA’s May Cold Storage report, total pork in frozen inventory declined to 450.9 million pounds, down 5.2 million pounds (- 1.1%) from April, signaling the lowest volumes recorded in the last 10 years. While month-over-month supplies are slightly lower, year-over-year inventories remain significantly tighter—down more than 31 million pounds (-6.6%) compared to May 2024—pointing to persistent supply-side constraints...

Gaiser's European Style Provisions Inc. Recalls Ready-To-Eat Meat and Poultry Bologna Products

Gaiser's European Style Provisions Inc., a Union, N.J., establishment, is recalling approximately 143,416 pounds of ready-to-eat bologna due to misbranding, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The various bologna products subject to recall contain meat or poultry source materials that are not declared on the product labels.

The ready-to-eat bologna items were produced between March 20 and June 20, 2025. The following products are subject to recall [view labels]...

The Retail Rundown: Independence Day Deals in Focus

As the Fourth of July holiday draws closer, competition for front-page ad space among proteins is heating up. Seafood is currently leading with a 29% share, followed by beef and pork, each capturing 24%. Chicken accounts for 18%, while turkey trails at 2.6%.

Burgers and hot dogs remain backyard barbecue mainstays. Several national grocers were promoting 78–84% lean ground beef under $5 per pound, with eye-catching specials as low as $2.27 on a discounted basis.

Over Father's Day weekend...

Poland, France Push Back Against at Mercosur Deal

Annie Genevard, France’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty and Czesław Siekierski, the Polish Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, met in Paris on Wednesday. After the meeting, both showed a united front against the EU-Mercosur deal.

France and Poland have been two of the most vocal opponents to the deal signed in December, after around two decades of negotiations. They argue that the deal will not be beneficial for EU agriculture, despite its possible positive effects in other sectors.

“To put it plainly: we cannot sacrifice agriculture...

China’s New Hope Outlines Focus on Feed and Hog Farming    

New Hope Liuhe reported profitability in the first quarter of 2025, driven by a renewed focus on its two core businesses: feed and hog farming. This marks the company’s first profitable quarter in three years. The company has undergone significant structural adjustments, with the pig farming division concentrating on improving breeding stock and reducing production costs. The feed division is targeting a return to competitiveness through stable and sustainable growth, the company said. 

“We’ve largely emerged from the downturn, and the company is seeing an overall positive trajectory,”..

QDOBA Accelerates Growth with Opening of 800th Restaurant, Surpasses 500 New Development Commitments

On the heels of a record-breaking year of growth and franchise development, QDOBA, America's rapidly growing #2 restaurant brand in the Mexican fast-casual category, today announced that the company has opened its 800th restaurant in Miami, Florida. The new restaurant, located in North Miami Beach at 14583 Biscayne Blvd, marks a significant milestone for the company, which is on track to expand to 1,600 restaurants by 2032.

"QDOBA is the best-kept secret in the restaurant industry and one of the...

ANALYSIS: Tight Supplies and Seasonal Demand Drive the Pork Cutout Higher

The Expana Pork Cutout has risen 26.3% since mid-April and now sits 20.6% above year-ago levels, averaging $117/cwt so far for the week of June 16. This surpasses 2022 values for the same period and is trending toward the higher levels seen in 2021 and during the 2014 PEDv market in June.

Retail demand remains strong, with bacon, ribs, and chops prominently featured as consumers shift away from higher beef prices. Ribs continue to gain momentum ahead of the July Fourth holiday...

Japan, Brazil Negotiate Brazilian Beef Exports to Japan

Japanese auditors from the country’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) visited Brazil over June 9-13, Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture (MAPA) said. The visit is part of the risk analysis process conducted by the Japanese government, as part of the negotiations for opening the Japanese market to Brazilian beef.

Japanese officials visited the states of Santa Catarina, Rio Grande do Sul, and Paraná. The visit ended with a meeting at the Superintendence of Agriculture and Livestock in Curitiba (SFA-PR) headquarters, where Brazil presented additional information on...

Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #14

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 #14."

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...

The Retail Rundown: Grocers Set Stage for Final Summer Push

With Father’s Day in the rearview, grocers are setting the stage for the final big buying event of the summer: the Fourth of July.

The upcoming holiday marks the last major retail push before Labor Day and serves as a key buying window for proteins like beef ahead of the mid-summer lull. To keep product moving, grocers are expected to lean heavily on promotions and feature aggressive pricing in the coming weeks.

Post-Father’s Day, pork and chicken are poised to capture more...

Refreshed Website Offers New Biosecurity Resources

The Secure Beef Supply (SBS) website, www.securebeef.org, has been redesigned to better serve the growing number of users seeking new, updated and classic biosecurity resources.

“Producers can use these new Secure Beef Supply Plan resources to be proactive and customize their biosecurity strategies and plan before a disease outbreak – when time and resources are limited,” said NCBA’s Beef Cattle Specialist Veterinarian Julia Herman. “It’s a valuable addition to any risk management plan and should be developed in collaboration with veterinarians and other team members...

Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #13

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 #13."

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: April Pork Volumes Reflect Global Tariff Strain

In April 2025, US pork exports fell sharply to 582,920,000 pounds a decline of 9.1% from March and 11.1% compared to last April, US-imposed “Liberation Day” reciprocal tariffs took effect: a baseline 10% duty began April 5, followed by significantly higher country‑specific tariffs on April 9, including a 54% effective rate on Chinese goods. These sweeping measures, and retaliatory levies from both China and Canada in the same period, disrupted established trade flows and significantly squeezed US pork volumes—especially to Canada and China...

Austria And Hungary Join France in Concerns over Mercosur Deal

Representatives from Austria and Hungary met with the French Minister of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty, Annie Genevard. During the meeting, they “reiterated their strong concerns regarding the proposed free trade agreement between the European Union and the Mercosur countries,” the French Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty said.

"Significant quantities of imported products produced under lower standards could lead to the exclusion of European agricultural products,” István Nagy, the Hungarian Minister of Agriculture said. This could, the minister added, weigh on prices and on the profitability of EU...

The Retail Rundown: Seafood Leads Father’s Day Protein Promotions; CPI Shows Mild Increase

For Father’s Day weekend, seafood leads retail protein promotions, accounting for 28% of total ad volume. Beef follows at 24.8%, with pork close behind at 23.6%. Chicken claims 19% of protein ads, while turkey makes up about 3%.

Egg features remain limited for now but are on track to gain ground next week amid improving retail demand. While egg consumption typically slows around this time of year due to reduced baking and fewer hot breakfasts, eggs are emerging as one of the few proteins seeing price relief at retail—standing out amid peak seasonal...