Sysco Posts Mixed Q1 Results, Reiterates Full-Year Guidance

Today, Sysco Corp. posted mixed results in the first quarter of fiscal 2026. Its report showed an increase in sales while several GAAP profitability measures slipped and adjusted results improved.

For the 13 weeks ended Sept. 27, 2025, sales increased 3.2% to $21.1 billion. Gross profit rose 3.9% to $3.9 billion and gross margin widened 13 basis points to 18.5%. Sysco said product cost inflation was about 3.4%, driven largely by meat and seafood.

GAAP operating income fell 1.0% to $800 million, while adjusted operating...

ANALYSIS: Mexican Beef Exports Surge Amid Higher Brazilian Supply

Mexico’s beef sector has entered October with export volumes to the US reaching their highest levels in nearly three years. Fresh beef shipments rose sharply during the first weeks of the month, marking a significant shift in trade behavior compared with the more moderate pace observed earlier in the year. This increase has coincided with a broader effort to manage inventories and balance the domestic supply chain amid stronger Brazilian imports to the Mexican domestic market, which have increased overall availability...

USMEF Statement on USTR's Announcement of Trade Deals with Southeast Asian Countries

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced agreements on reciprocal trade with Malaysia and Cambodia and frameworks for agreements on reciprocal trade with Thailand and Vietnam.

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

USMEF greatly appreciates USTR’s tireless efforts to address both tariff and non-tariff barriers that have kept the U.S. as a minor supplier of red meat to the ASEAN region. With the U.S. beef industry currently lacking access to China, improved access to Southeast Asia is desperately needed to provide...

ANALYSIS: New Zealand Q3 2025 Beef Exports Tumble 4.5% YOY, Hit 11-Month Lows in Sept 2025

New Zealand’s beef exports in Sept 2025 retreated to the lowest level since October 2024, coming in at 27,811 metric tons (mt), according to the latest data from Stats NZ.

Falling by 6.0% month-on-month (M-O-M), outbound shipments were 1,788 mt lower, compared to August 2025, hampered by lower tonnage to the United States (US) and China, while exports to Japan, Korea, Canada...

ANALYSIS: Record Beef Prices and Reduced Cattle Supply in 2025 Are Reshaping the US Market

The 2025 US cattle slaughter pace continues to lag well below historical norms, marking one of the lowest levels for this period in over a decade. Weekly federally inspected slaughter rate is running roughly 7% under 2024, tracking near levels last seen in 2014–2015, when the US market faced a similar phase of herd contraction in...

Tariff Talks 2025: Expana’s Weekly Rundown #32

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 #32."

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, the US administration has continued to pressure trading partners like India to curb imports of Russian oil as to sanction the country during its war with Ukraine, cited Expana...

Secretary Rollins Announces Plan for American Ranchers and Consumers

Today, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler announced a suite of actions to strengthen the American beef industry, reinforcing and prioritizing the American rancher’s critical role in the national security of the United States. Since 2017, the United States has lost over 17% of family farms, more than 100,000 operations over the last decade. The national herd is at a 75-year low while consumer...

AFBF Cautions Against Disrupting Fragile US Beef Supply

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the future of America’s beef supply.

“Farm families are no different from other American families. We feel the impact of higher grocery costs, but don’t get to set the prices. Meanwhile, farmers are suffering through an economic storm – expenses remain high, and cattle farms have been decimated by years of low prices, drought and the threat of the New World screwworm. They are just beginning to experience a fragile recovery...

President Trump Undercuts America’s Cattle Producers

In a misguided effort to lower the price of beef in grocery stores, President Trump said he plans to increase the volume of beef being imported from Argentina. Efforts to manipulate markets only risk damaging the livelihoods of American cattlemen and women, while doing little to impact the price consumers are paying at the grocery store.

“The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and its members cannot stand behind the President while he undercuts the future of family farmers and ranchers by importing Argentinian beef in an attempt to influence prices,” said NCBA CEO Colin Woodall...

ANALYSIS: China’s Q3 2025 Meat Imports Tumble 3.9% YOY at 1.58M mt Amid Subdued Uptake

China imported 1,581,869 metric tons (mt) of meat, including variety meats in the third quarter of 2025, slumping 3.9% (63,689 mt) from a year ago, according to preliminary data from the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC).

The slowdown in China’s meat imports continued through Q3 as domestic production gains, heavy inventories, and a sluggish economy dampened buying appetite. Persistent trade frictions and the lingering impact of meat plant license suspensions linked to disease concerns and permit lapses also disrupted inflows, particularly...

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%.

Senate Agriculture Committee Advances Key Wildfire Bill

Today, the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee advanced the bipartisan and bicameral Fix Our Forests Act (FOFA) out of committee. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and Public Lands Council (PLC) support full Senate passage of this legislation that directs federal agencies to expand the use of livestock grazing to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire across the West.

“The established science is clear: grazing can reduce wildfire risk by up to 80 percent. Given the widespread risk of catastrophic wildfire, the federal government must better utilize grazing to combat the...

ANALYSIS: Record US Calf Weights Reflect Smaller Herds

Federally inspected live calf weights have reached record highs in 2025, averaging above 350 pounds through much of the spring and summer period, well above the three-year seasonal average near 290 pounds. The increase reflects producers feeding calves to heavier weights in response to tighter calf supplies and smaller national inventories. Throughout 2025, live weights have consistently tracked above previous years, with the sharpest divergence noted from March through August. This year’s weights have remained elevated even as temperatures moderate, suggesting continued efforts to maximize carcass yield and offset reduced slaughter...

China's Meat Output Rises Nearly 4% Through Third Quarter 2025 as Imports Fall

China’s meat sector rose 3.8% through the first three quarters of 2025, driven by strong domestic poultry output, while import volumes slumped, according to recently released data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). 

The broader economic picture shows that the world’s second-largest economy grew 4.8% during Q3, its slowest pace in a year, as weak domestic demand left China increasingly dependent on strong export activity. 

Although the growth rate keeps China on track for its roughly 5% annual target, economists question whether the momentum is sustainable, given the country's reliance on external demand amid trade tensions with the United States...

USDA Shares New World Screwworm Response Playbook

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is announcing the availability of the New World Screwworm (NWS) Response Playbook. The playbook outlines key approaches, resources, and tools to implement animal health response activities in the event of a U.S. detection of NWS. 

“USDA continues to execute our five-pronged plan to keep NWS out of the United States,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. “While we continue to aggressively protect the U.S. border and are working with Mexico to stop the pest from continuing to spread further north, we also have to ensure our domestic response plans are ready to activate if needed...

ANALYSIS: Low US Slaughter Drives New Seasonal Pattern in Chuck Rolls

The Choice Chuck Roll market experienced an unusually early and aggressive rally in 2025, with prices climbing sharply from late July through early September, well ahead of the typical seasonal upturn seen in late August or early October. This year’s rally peaked more than 60% above early-summer lows, driven by strong forward buying and limited spot market availability as packers operated under reduced slaughter schedules.

Weekly federally inspected slaughter has consistently run below year-ago levels, most recently totaling 547,000 head, the lowest for this...

ANALYSIS: A 2021 Pattern Emerges for the US Choice Cutout in 2025

Since June, Expana's Choice cutout has shown decreases of 8–10% and gains of 9–13%. The last time values fluctuated this much during the same time frame was in 2021, when they declined by roughly 16% and increased by 25%. While the swings in 2021 were more volatile, the overall pattern remains similar, even when comparing data going back to January. In 2021, there was about a 55% uptick from January to June, whereas in 2025, the same period saw a 24% rise. Again, although the degree of volatility differs, the pattern is comparable.

Current sentiment around the cutout points to steadiness with slightly...

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...

Inside QDOBA's Growth Strategy with New CMO Jon Burke

Expana recently had the chance to catch up with Jon Burke, the newly promoted Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of QDOBA.  He offered a behind-the-scenes look at what’s next for the rapidly expanding restaurant chain. With over 825 stores across the United States and Puerto Rico and a pipeline of 600 more, QDOBA is gearing up for its first national marketing campaign. 

In the announcement about this promotion, CEO John Cywinkski said, "Jon is a trusted and respected leader who has earned this opportunity...

Morliny Foods' Acquisition of the Wolf Group

Morliny Foods Holding Limited (UK) today announced the acquisition of Wolf Group, a leading German producer of premium sausages, convenience, and ready meals. This strategic transaction marks a significant step in Morliny Foods' European expansion, strengthening its position in one of the continent's largest consumer markets for packaged meats and convenience products. The acquisition aligned with Morliny Foods' strategy to grow in value-added packaged meat categories across Europe.

The transaction also opens opportunities for enhanced access to German distribution channels for Morliny Foods' portfolio products, serving as a solid foundation for sustainable growth in the German and wider European markets...

Wendy’s Unveils “Project Fresh” to Drive Growth and Elevate Brand Value

Looking to enhance its brand after a disappointing valuation, The Wendy's Company has unveiled Project Fresh. According to the Board of Directors, this strategic plan is designed to accelerate profitability and enhance shareholder value.

"Wendy's Board of Directors and management team are dissatisfied with the current valuation of the Company and have been working to put the Company on the right path to create value for our franchisees, employees and shareholders," said Chairman of the Board, Art Winkleblack. "Execution is underway and we are confident that Project F

Tariff Talks 2025: Expana’s Weekly Rundown #30

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 #30."

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 October 7, US President Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Carney met in the White House. The possibility a US-Canadian trade deal was a main topic of discussion...

TGI Fridays Supports TSA and Air Traffic Control Workers with Complimentary Meals During Shutdown

TGI Fridays is dedicated to providing nutritious meals to TSA and air traffic control workers during the temporary government shutdown.

Eligible employees with, valid ID, can enjoy a complimentary meal per day from October 9 to October 23, while supplies last, or until the shutdown is lifted, from a specially curated menu. 

The menu features favorites like the Cheeseburger with fries, Chicken Fingers with fries, Crispy or Grilled Chicken Sandwich with fries, or Chicken Caesar Salad. This offer is valid at all locations...

ANALYSIS: YTD Retail Ground Chuck Sale Volumes Fall YOY While Dollar Value Ticks Up

So far in 2025, ground chuck sales have reached over $755M with total transactions around 135 M units. Compared to 2024, the sum of total sales is up by $11M (+1.54%). This can in part be explained by rising input costs on the wholesale market. This has pushed retail prices higher now sitting at a record high of $6.63/lb. Year-over-year (YOY) this is an increase of...

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...

Vertical Cold Storage's Strategic Expansion with First Customs Bonded Warehouse

In today's global trade environment, customs bonded warehousing has become increasingly appealing to businesses seeking financial flexibility.

Tariffs can significantly inflate costs, but by deferring duties until products are sold in the US market or re-exported, companies can optimize cash flow and gain strategic operational advantages.

Vertical Cold Storage, a leader in cold storage and logistics for the food and beverage industry, is marking an achievement with the full licensing of its first customs bonded warehouse.

The company strategically chose to expand at its...

ANALYSIS: Uruguay’s Beef Exports Down 9.4% MOM in September to 29,369 mt

According to the latest data released by Uruguay’s National Customs Directorate, fresh beef exports dropped 9.4% MOM to 29,369 metric tons (mt) in September. Compared to the same period last year, this is still 14.1% higher.

China continued to play a significant role as the main destination with 45.4% of total shipments in September, or 13,337 mt. This is 9.0% lower than August but reflects a notable 30.2% growth YOY. On a year-to-year basis, beef exports to the Asian country accounted for 116,187 mt so far this year, a 4.9% growth compared to the same period in 2024...

New Report From FMI Reveals a Significant Shift in Consumer Dining Habits

A new report from The Food Industry Association (FMI) uncovers a significant shift in dining habits.

The study shows that consumers are increasingly choosing deli-prepared foods in place of restaurant meals.

The Power of Foodservice at Retail 2025 examines the factors influencing consumer motivation for choosing deli-prepared options, offering insights from the consumer's perspective on foodservice at retail.

Data from the report revealed that 53% of Americans now take a hybrid approach to creating meals; combining deli-prepared options with other items...

ANALYSIS: Brazil’s Fresh Beef Exports Set a New Record at 314,690 mt in September 2025

According to the latest data released by Brazil’s Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services, Brazilian beef exports totaled 314,690 mt in September, reflecting a 17.2% monthly growth and a 25% increase year-over-year (YOY). This figure surpassed the previous record of 276,879 mt achieved two months ago...

Arby’s Debuts Steak Nuggets for a Limited-Time

Today, amidst the overwhelming popularity of chicken options in food service, Arby's is betting on its latest innovation.

True to its slogan, "We Have the Meats," the company has launched steak nuggets for a limited time.

“Who doesn’t love tender and savory steak? But, until now, it’s been inconvenient to eat, particularly on the go,” said Jeff Baker, Chief Marketing Officer at Arby’s. “That’s why we created this new innovative product. Two of America’s favorite foods – nuggets and steak – combined to create Arby’s Steak Nuggets. No knife needed, fork...

ANALYSIS: Australia’s Q3 2025 Beef Exports Soar 16.2% YOY on China-Led Surge

Australia’s beef exports in Q3 2025 surged 16.2% year-on-year (YOY) to 425,016 metric tons (mt), data from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (D.A.F.F.) showed.

Exports expanded by 59,176 mt in the third quarter as Australia capitalized on global supply gaps and tariff-driven realignments in key markets.

China led the quarterly growth, with volumes climbing 55.6% or 26,431 mt as buyers turned to Australian beef to replace grain-fed US product following punitive tariffs and delayed import license renewals since April...

Trump Teases Lula Meeting; Implications for Global Beef, Coffee Markets

On October 6, US President Trump teased an upcoming meeting with the Brazilian President via Truth Social. The current tariff expense for doing trade between the two countries has reorganized the flow of beef and stifled coffee trade, for example. Individuals involved in these markets and beyond are waiting to see if US tariffs on Brazil will be revised.

“This morning, I had a very good telephone call with President Lula, of Brazil. We discussed many things, but it was mostly focused on the Economy, and Trade, between..."

Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #29

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 #29."

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 September 29, the US placed 50% tariffs on imports of timber, lumber, and their derivative products, according to the US Presidential Action. 

Also starting October 1, the US will be imposing 100%...

UPDATE: Public Health Alert for Listeria Contamination in Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs

Editor's Note: The FSIS updated this health alert September 26, 2025 after this article was published. This story was updated to reflect those changes on September 29, 2025.

In addition to the “MARKETSIDE LINGUINE WITH BEEF MEATBALLS & MARINARA SAUCE”, which can be found at Walmart, the FSIS updated its announcement to include “TRADER JOE’S CAJUN STYLE BLACKENED CHICKEN BREAST FETTUCINE ALFREDO” found exclusively at Trader Joe's.

This product comes with "best if used by" dates of September 20, 24 and 27 of 2025 printed on the label, and bears...

ANALYSIS: Japan’s Aug 2025 Beef Imports Pull Back 7.9% MOM as Household Spending Sags

Japan’s beef imports in August 2025 fell 7.9% month-on-month (MoM) at 43,221 metric tons (mt), according to the latest data from Japan’s Trade Statistics.

Inbound shipments dropped 3,720 mt from the prior month, with weaker volumes noted across all key suppliers such as from Australia, the United States (US), Canada and New Zealand.

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...

Standard Meat Company Celebrates 90 Years with New Fort Worth Facility

Proven Leadership, People-First Focus, and an Innovative New Plant Build on Strong Family Foundation for the Future

Standard Meat Company (SMC), a fourth-generation, family-owned innovator in the protein processing and packaging industry, celebrated a major milestone with 90 years in business.

Founded in 1935 (with roots going back even further to a family meat stall in Fort Worth's historic public market) the company has evolved into a global supplier for the food service and retail industries, partnering with some of the most forward-thinking...

Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #28

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 #28."

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 Tuesday in New York, US President Trump gave remarks to the United Nations General Assembly, via the White House live stream...

ANALYSIS: Argentina’s Beef Exports Rose 11.2% M-O-M in August to 70,854 mt

Argentina’s beef exports increase for the fifth consecutive month, up 11.2% month-over-month (M-O-M) to 70,854 metric tons (mt) in August, according to the latest data released by the National Institute of Statistics and Census. On a year-over-year (Y-O-Y) basis, this represents a slight 1.1% gain compared to the same period in 2024.

China remained by far the main destination for Argentina’s beef, representing 72.2% of total exports in August, reaching 51,177 mt. This is 12.1% higher than July’s figure and accounts for a marginal 0.7% increase Y-O-Y. On a year-to-date basis, China’s share of Argentina’s beef exports now stands at 69.9%, totaling...

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...

ANALYSIS: New Zealand’s Aug 2025 Beef Exports Retreat to 29,805 mt on Low Output

New Zealand’s beef exports in August 2025 fell for the third straight month, coming in at 29,805 metric tons (mt), according to the latest data from Stats NZ.

Falling to the lowest level since October 2024, outbound shipments were 19.5% lower, or 7,218 mt compared to July 2025 across all key destinations including the United States (US), China, Japan and Korea, while shipments to Canada increased...

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...

ANALYSIS: China’s August 2025 Beef Imports Rise to 7-Month Highs at 256,726 mt

China’s total beef imports climbed for the third consecutive month, up by just 2.6% month-on-month (M-O-M) to 256,726 metric tons (mt) in August, according to the latest data from the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC).

Rising to the highest level since January 2025, in-bound shipments increased by 6,435 mt, driven mainly by gains from key suppliers such as Australia, Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia and Uruguay. Argentina and New Zealand were the exception, partially offsetting the overall increase...

US Beef, Pork Featured at Culinary Event in Trinidad and Tobago

U.S. beef and pork took center stage during a recent trade promotional event in the Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago. USMEF partnered with the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service and the U.S. Embassy in Port of Spain, the nation’s capital, for a meat cutting demonstration and tasting reception. Local chefs, restaurateurs and influencers enjoyed premium U.S. food and beverage products such as beef and pork, table grapes, wines, bourbons and whiskeys at the reception.

Kaylee Greiner, manager of retail and foodservice engagement for Texas Beef Council, joined USMEF Caribbean Representative Elizabeth Wunderlich and Latin America Representative Homero...

ANALYSIS: China’s Meat Imports Fall to Fresh Lows at 504,608 mt in Aug 2025

China imported 504,608 metric tons (mt) of meat, including variety meats in August 2025, slumping 5.4% (28,634 mt) from a month earlier, according to preliminary data from the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC).

Inbound tonnage dropped to its lowest level since Expana began tracking in January 2020. The decline reflected higher domestic output, persistent inventory pressure, broader macroeconomic headwinds, and ongoing trade tensions.

A wave of meat plant license suspensions linked to disease concerns and renewal lapses amid...

Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #27

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 #27."

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 tariff revenue may be used to fund the nation’s farmers, reported Reuters about an interview between Agriculture Secretary Rollins and the Financial Times...