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...

Gopuff Eases SNAP Strain with $10 Million Relief Initiative

According to NBC News on October 28, over 40 million people in the United States rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Amid the Government Shutdown, the US Department of Agriculture has indicated that millions face suspension of these payments starting November 1.

In response, Gopuff is stepping in to provide relief to those affected. The company is dedicated to combating food insecurity and improving access to essential food items. Since 2019, Gopuff has partnered with Feeding America, contributing over 1.1 million pounds of...

The Retail Rundown: Holiday Rush Builds Amid Tight Turkey Supplies

As November approaches, the holiday retail rush is underway, and all eyes are on the season’s centerpiece: turkey. Tight supplies and near-record wholesale prices have shaped this year’s turkey market, stirring concerns about Thanksgiving availability.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), or bird flu, has intensified supply pressures, with cold storage inventories at near historic lows. Many processors are reporting major production shortages heading into the holiday season as the number of turkeys harvested year-to-date hovers at an all-time low, according to Expana's market reporters...

Grubhub Partners with Instacart to Expand Grocery Options on Its Platform

Grubhub and Instacart are teaming up to bring a wider selection of grocers, greater convenience, and even better value to Grubhub's customers. Through this new partnership, Grubhub customers can order from Instacart's network of more than a thousand national, regional, and local grocery retailers directly through Grubhub's app and website.

The experience is hosted on Grubhub's platform, and orders are fulfilled and delivered by Instacart shoppers. To start shopping, customers tap the Grocery icon in the Grubhub app, select a nearby store, add...

Hormel Foods Corporation Announces Leadership Appointment and Provides Business Updates

Leadership Appointment

Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL) today announced the appointment of Paul Kuehneman as interim chief financial officer and controller, effective October 27, 2025. He will report to Jeff Ettinger, interim chief executive officer, and is accountable for the Company’s accounting, finance, treasury, and internal controls functions.

With more than 30 years of business and finance experience at Hormel Foods, Kuehneman has held a variety of leadership roles, including director of internal audit, vice president and chief financial officer for the Jennie-O Turkey Store, assistant controller, and most...

The Retail Rundown: Poultry Promotions Pick Up Steam

Retailers are leaning into autumn demand with meat and poultry features this week, as consumers favor home-cooked meals and prepare for the holiday season.

With Thanksgiving a little more than five weeks away, early holiday promotions are starting to surface. Turkey features are gaining momentum, now accounting for 5% of total ad space, up two points from the previous week.

Retail buying opportunities for seafood and beef held steady week-over-week at 27.5% and 22.2%, respectively. Pork promotions dipped to 21.4% as National Pork Month wraps up, while chicken features rose to 19.4%.

ANALYSIS: US Cage-Free Market Begins to Ascend

Since mid-July, the cage-free market has been on a steady decline, interrupted only by brief periods of stability. However, with renewed demand for eggs across the US as we enter Q4—and a healthy level of concern surrounding the growing prevalence of HPAI—market values have begun to push upward. 

Retail demand over the past few weeks has been generally average, but when multiple major chains reduced shelf prices to around the $2.50/dozen level or lower while some chains in other segments launched new promotional activity, consumers responded positively. This improvement coincides with cooler weather spurring baking interest, as well as elevated competing protein prices that continue to make eggs an attractive value...

The Retail Rundown: Retail Promotions Pivot Toward Baking and Comfort Foods

By mid-October, grocery retailers are shifting their marketing focus toward fall comfort meals, baking, and holiday preparation.

Typically, retail egg sales see a seasonal lift as more consumers cook hot breakfasts at home. The onset of baking season further boosts demand, with more eggs being used in breads, pies, pastries, and other seasonal favorites.

In the shell egg market, Expana reports a mixed retail landscape—some retailers are seeing stronger demand as cooler weather sets in, while others note slower movement following lackluster promotional outcomes...

Walmart Partners with OpenAI to Create AI-First Shopping Experiences

Walmart is ushering in the next generation of retail by combining its huge assortment, everyday low prices and delivery speed with the power of AI. Today, the company announced a new partnership with OpenAI that will start with allowing customers and members to soon shop Walmart through ChatGPT using Instant Checkout. Whether planning meals, restocking household essentials, or finding something new, customers can simply chat and buy, and Walmart will handle the rest.

“For many years now, eCommerce shopping experiences have consisted...

The Retail Rundown: Strategic Promotions Boost October Protein Opportunities

October offers a strategic window for retailers to tap into increased consumer demand for protein, thanks to the alignment of seasonal supply, promotional campaigns, and competitive pricing.

National Pork Month, observed this month, coincides with a peak in pork production—averaging about 2.5 billion pounds over the past five years, up nearly 9% from September.

This seasonal surplus enables retailers to run targeted promotions that pair attractive pricing with educational content, driving both consumer engagement and sales...

FSIS Issues Recall for 58 Million Pounds of Corn Dogs and Sausages on a Stick Products

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a recall of approximately 58 million pounds of corn dog and sausage-on-a-stick products. This action follows reports of wood pieces being embedded in the product batter.

An investigation was prompted by multiple customer complaints and has, so far, identified five injuries associated with the issue.

Hillshire Brands Company conducted an internal investigation, revealing that fragments from the wooden sticks entered the production...

ANALYSIS: Rising Demand for Protein Supports Turkey Sales Even as Prices Remain Elevated

It has been suggested that the increasing beef prices could drive up sales of similar items such as turkey and chicken lunchmeat, as well as ground items. However, there’s also been concern that the all-time high prices of turkey breast meat could squash consumer demand. Interestingly, if we look at a comparison of turkey and beef in terms of fresh packaged lunchmeat and ground, we see that they are performing similarly robustly at the retail counter. While it does not appear that turkey is replacing beef in these sectors, the phrase “a rising tide floats all boats” does seem to apply...

Industry Leaders on Tackling 2025 Challenges and Preparing for 2026 - Agri-Food Americas 2025

On day two of Agri-Food Americas 2025, a panel discussion moderated by Russ Whitman, Director of Market Reporting for Protein at Expana, gathered industry professionals to address the pressing challenges of 2025 and explore strategies for adapting to regulatory and geopolitical pressures. The panelists also discussed key disruptors to watch as we move into 2026.

The session began with a focus on market challenges anticipated in 2025 and the responses to them. Audrey Brown, VP of Gourmet at Fortune Fish Co, highlighted ongoing...

The Retail Rundown: Fall Promotions Highlight Beef Roasts, Pork Ahead of October

Fall retail trends have been unfolding for several weeks, with grocers promoting cooler-weather favorites and leaning into the early wave of seasonal excitement—embraced by some shoppers and resisted by those reluctant to let go of summer.

With the season officially underway as of Monday, beef roasts are seeing stronger promotion, now accounting for 28% of total beef ads compared with 24% two weeks ago. Even so, steaks remain the top feature item, followed by ground beef...

Jason Henshaw Named Vice President and General Manager of Perdue Specialty Meats

Perdue Specialty Meats and Emerging Brands today announced the appointment of Jason Henshaw as Vice President and General Manager of Perdue Specialty Meats, which includes the premium and natural protein brands Niman Ranch and Coleman All Natural Meats, as well as the Perdue Premium Meat Company operations.

Henshaw brings more than two decades of leadership experience in consumer-packaged goods (CPG), agriculture, food, and supply chain management. His career spans entrepreneurial ventures, large-scale transformation programs, and executive management roles, with a proven track record in finance management, new product development, and building resilient, high-performing organizations...

C&S Wholesale Grocers Completes Acquisition of SpartanNash

C&S Wholesale Grocers, LLC (“C&S”) today announced the completion of its acquisition of SpartanNash Company (“SpartanNash”). The combined company employs more than 30,000 team members and operates almost 60 complementary distribution centers covering the U.S. and serves close to 10,000 independent retail locations, as well as military commissaries and exchanges, with more than 200 corporate-run grocery stores.

“The combination of these two great companies creates a platform for future success. As ONE, we bring the best team in the industry to provide advanced solutions to ensure...

FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Ready-To-Eat Turkey Wrap Product Due To Possible Listeria

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for a ready-to-eat (RTE) turkey wrap product due to concerns that the product may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. A recall was not requested because the affected product is no longer available for purchase.

The RTE turkey wrap product was produced on September 10, 2025. The following product is subject to the public health alert [view sample labels]:

• 10-oz. clear plastic clamshell packages containing “TRADER...

The Retail Rundown: Chicken Promotions Fall Short in “National Month”

Beef and seafood ads were nearly even this week, each accounting for about 25% of featured buying opportunities. Pork and turkey held steady, while eggs gained ground, with the South Central region seeing the most feature activity.

Expana notes that the back-to-school lift in retail shell egg demand has largely passed, with September typically a slower period outside of the early-season bump. 

Despite September being “National Chicken Month,” Expana’s weekly survey found chicken ads down from last week and slightly below late August levels...

Godshall's Quality Meats Launches New Chicken Bacon

AAMP Processor Member Godshall's Quality Meats announces the launch of its newest innovation, Chicken Bacon. Crafted from premium whole muscle chicken and authentically smoked in Godshall's own smokehouse, the product offers a leaner option for consumers who want the indulgent flavor of traditional bacon.

Chicken Bacon debuted in August at Lowes Foods in the Carolinas. Distribution is expanding to over 200 Acme and Safeway locations across the Mid-Atlantic in September, and additional stores later this year.

"Godshall's sales team is proud to introduce their latest innovation...

Tyson Foods Expands Custom Nugget Lineup with Three New Football Fan Favorites

Retailers are gearing up with seasonal staples and tailgate essentials, while consumers are buzzing with excitement as the fall and the American football season are ushered in.

One major industry player, Tyson Foods, is aiming to capture consumer dollars through its latest culinary innovation.

The company has announced three new chicken nugget offerings, inspired by iconic football franchises: the Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers, and Philadelphia Eagles. These nuggets are available at stadiums and regional retailers, tapping into the passion of football fans nationwide.

FMI Finds Shoppers Forming New Fall Routines Amid Tariff, Price Concerns

FMI – The Food Industry Association, unveiled its new ‘US Grocery Shopper Trends: New Routines’ report that highlights how shoppers are looking to create new routines this fall, while remaining concerned about food prices and the impact of tariffs.

FMI said that the majority of shoppers “show acceptance” to the current state of grocery prices.

“While shoppers' confidence about managing their food expenses was softer in February than last August, it has recovered somewhat over the past six months (79% feel they have at least some control...

The Retail Rundown: Labor Day Protein Promotions at a Glance

Seafood leads Labor Day protein promotions, accounting for 27.1% of total ad volume. Pork follows at 23.2%, with beef and chicken each capturing about 22%. Retail buying opportunities for turkey held steady at 3.5%, while promotional activity for shell eggs remained limited.

Back-to-school demand has provided fair to fairly good retail support for eggs, according to Expana, with shelf prices holding mainly steady across most areas in the past month. Last week, white large Grade A eggs were advertised at $4.49 per dozen discounted, nearly $1...

BJ’s Wholesale Club Reports Q2 Results with Membership Growth and Strong Digital Sales

BJ's Wholesale Club Holdings has announced its financial results for the second quarter, highlighting both strengths and areas of softness in its performance.

"Our business model continues to perform and build upon momentum, as we grow membership and gain market share even in a dynamic environment. We enter the back half of the year on solid footing and confident in our ability to deliver strong results," said Bob Eddy, Chairman and CEO of BJ’s Wholesale Club. “We are on a powerful trajectory and our...

The Retail Rundown: Retailers See Early Back-to-School Spending Amid Price Concerns

While some students are already back in class, others are squeezing in the last stretch of summer before Labor Day. Either way, grocers are bracing for busy aisles as parents juggle back-to-school supplies and grocery lists. This week’s ads highlight plenty of lunchbox staples, including snacks and deli items. 

The National Retail Federation (NRF) reports that two-thirds of shoppers had already begun back-to-school purchases by early July, with more than half starting earlier than last year. Concerns about higher prices linked to tariffs...

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%...

Armanino Foods Posts Record Sales and Profits in Q2

Armanino Foods announced record-breaking results for the second quarter of its fiscal year.

The company manufactures and markets frozen Italian specialty food items including pesto, sauces, and filled pastas for foodservice and retail markets.

In quarter two, the company accomplished record net sales of $19.9 million, an increase of more than 14% compared to the same period in 2024.

"We are proud to report another quarter of record-breaking sales and profits — a milestone that reflects both the strength of our operating model and our disciplined execution...

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...

UNFI Appoints David Best to President and CEO of Retail

United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) announced the appointment of David Best to President and Chief Executive Officer of Retail effective August 17.

“I’m excited to join UNFI and accelerate the retail business during such a pivotal time for the Company,” Best said. “As a former UNFI customer and a Minnesota native, I have a great respect for the differentiated value UNFI is creating within our industry and for everything the Cub brand means to the community I call home. I’m energized by the opportunity to work with the...

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...

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...