Foreign-Owned Agricultural Land in the US Increases

From 2022 to 2023, there was a 1.58-million-acre increase in foreign-held agricultural land, according to Farm Bureau. In the US, 45.85 million acres of agricultural land were held by foreign investors in 2023, representing 3.61% of total privately held agricultural land, according to the USDA’s Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act (AFIDA) report which shows an upward trend of land ownership by foreign entities across the nation. 

Since 2010, reports of foreign-held agricultural land have increased. This expansion is 21 million acres, or an area larger than South Carolina...

Capriotti's Sandwich Shop Debuts First Location in New Jersey

Capriotti's Sandwich Shop (Capriotti's), known for its award-winning, hand-crafted cheese steaks, turkey subs and more, has announced its debut in New Jersey with opening of a new location in Princeton. The shop is slated to open in the Princeton Shopping Center, at 301 N Harrison Street Unit 470 on Jan. 21st, 2025. Capriotti's introduces local communities across the U.S. to the brand's 40-year-old tradition of slow-roasting whole, all-natural turkeys in-house, and other one-of-a-kind sandwiches made using the freshest ingredients...

German Meat Imports Bans Continue Despite No New FMD Cases

Germany’s Agriculture minister Cem Oezdemir said the country had not detected any more cases since the initial outbreak on Friday. However, the source of the disease has not yet been found.  

The ministry issued a ban on the transport of all cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and camelids, as well as their bodies and body parts and their manure from or to an animal-keeping operation in the state of Brandenburg, where the outbreak happened. But the ban is due to end on January 15 at 11:59 p.m...

The Retail Rundown: Weekly Protein Recap; CPI Update

Seafood leads protein advertising for a third consecutive week, accounting for nearly 31% of total ad space. Pork follows with nearly 23% and beef makes up 21%. Chicken represents 19% of the advertising share, while eggs capture less than 1%.

The seafood category shows mixed price trends year-over-year (YOY), with fresh cod fillets discounted to $8.37 per pound last week—down 53 cents from the previous year. Prices for catfish and tilapia remained steady YOY, each averaging about $6.60 discounted...

Panera Bread Announces New Leadership Additions to Marketing and Culinary Teams

Panera Bread, a leader and pioneer in the fast casual restaurant industry, today announced two new leadership appointments in marketing and culinary with the addition of Robin Seward as Senior Vice President, Brand and Integrated Marketing, and Scott Uehlein as Vice President, Culinary. Both leaders joined Panera in early January and report to Chief Marketing Officer Mark Shambura.

Robin Seward joins Panera as Senior Vice President, Brand and Integrated Marketing. A seasoned leader and brand strategist, Seward oversees all strategic marketing planning, including consumer insights, product...

Markets Concerned by FMS as UK, Netherlands Limit German Imports

The United Kingdom and the Netherlands have introduced restrictions on German meat products following the Foot and Mouth disease cases in water buffalo near Berlin.  

The UK has banned imports of live animals or meat products from “ungulates (ruminants and porcine animals, including wild game),” milk and dairy products and other animal by-products “unless treated to effectively mitigate the risk of FMD,” the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) stated.  

"Around 200 pigs at a farm near where the outbreak was detected were slaughtered...

Pat Hafner Elevated to President of Outback Steakhouse

Bloomin' Brands has announced the promotion of Pat Hafner to Executive Vice President, President of Outback Steakhouse, the company’s flagship brand. In this new role, Hafner will oversee all operations and drive the continued growth and development of the Outback brand.

Hafner’s journey with Bloomin’ Brands began in the restaurant as a server at Outback Steakhouse. Over the years, he steadily advanced through a series of roles, including Manager, Managing Partner, Joint Venture Partner, and Regional Vice President.

In 2018, Hafner expanded his resume by joining Carrabba’s...

Firehouse Subs® Sets Sights on Brazil with Ambitious Expansion Plans

Today, the Firehouse Subs® brand announces its entry to Brazil building on its international expansion. The brand plans to open more than 500 restaurants in 10 years across the country. The first restaurant is expected to launch in 2025 and will mark Firehouse Subs debut in South America.

Founded in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1994 by two former firefighter brothers, Firehouse Subs is celebrated for its premium sandwiches, made using a unique cooking method unlocking juicier flavors by steaming the meats and cheeses...

USMEF Explores Market Potential in Morocco During USDA Trade Mission

Risk mitigation and an underdeveloped supply-chain are among the market development challenges in this vital distribution hub for western Africa.

USMEF was among the 50 ag companies and organizations that recently visited Morocco during a trade mission hosted by USDA. Foreign Agricultural Service Administrator Daniel Whitley led the delegation, which participated in business-to-business meetings, met with Moroccan government officials, studied transportation logistics and visited retail and foodservice outlets in Casablanca. USMEF Africa Representatives Matt Copeland and Monty Brown, and USMEF Director of Trade Analysis Jessica Spreitzer... 

Einstein Bros. Bagels Celebrates National Bagel Day with Free Egg Sandwich

This National Bagel Day, everyone who's ready to give up a New Year's resolution that has them eating cardboard-tasting breakfast cereal can now embrace their cravings. Beginning January 15, Einstein Bros. Bagels Rewards members can 'give it up for Einstein Bros.' with a Free Egg Sandwich with purchase when ordering ahead in the app or online this month.

"Studies show that nearly half of New Year's resolutions are abandoned by the end of January," said Hector Briones, Chief Marketing Officer at Einstein Bros. Bagels. 

The Retail Rundown: Post-Holiday Slowdown Influences January Spending 

January typically marks a slowdown in consumer spending as households transition from the holiday season to their regular routines.

Early in the month, retailers experience a short-lived boost in sales, driven by replenishment efforts after the holiday food rush. As schools reopen and guests leave, families restock essentials for breakfast, lunch, and weeknight meals.

This restocking coincides with New Year’s resolutions, especially those focused on healthier eating. Consequently, shoppers gravitate toward the perimeter of the stores where fresh items, including produce, proteins, and dairy, are featured. Although retail...

Panera Brands Announces Leadership Change, Appoints Paul Carbone as Interim CEO

Panera Brands, one of the world’s largest fast-casual restaurant platforms and the parent company to Panera Bread and Caribou Coffee, has announced a change in leadership.

José Alberto Dueñas, who served as CEO of Panera Bread for just over a year and a half, is stepping down from his role.

During his tenure, Dueñas earned praise from Board Chair Patrick Grismer for his efforts in revitalizing the company’s menu, improving business margins, and strengthening organizational structure. Grismer noted that Dueñas successfully positioned the...

Vertical Cold Storage Opens 10th Facility in Kansas City

Vertical Cold Storage, in collaboration with Platform Ventures, a real estate investment firm, has officially launched its 10th facility, a state-of-the-art multi-distribution center in Kansas City.

The facility is strategically located at 14820 Cleveland Ave, Kansas City, MO, next to the Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) intermodal terminal and within 30 miles of key BNSF, Union Pacific, and Norfolk Southern rail terminals.

Spanning over 311,000 square feet, the new center is expected to create more than 100 full-time jobs. Equipped with...

ILA and USMX Set to Resume Talks as Port Strike Threat Looms

Talks between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), the union representing over 45,000 dockworkers from Maine to Texas, and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) are set to resume on January 7.   

ILA and the USMX reportedly met in private on January 5 as both sides try to reach an agreement over the primary automation issue that has been raised since talks last stalled in November, according to industry publication FreightWaves.

The contract between the ILA and USMX, which represents ports and ocean carriers, expires on January 15...

Olymel Unveils New Brand Image

Canadian poultry and pork company Olymel announced a major rebranding, marking another milestone in the company's evolution.

Transformation objective

The main objective is to highlight the quality of Olymel products, while making the brand more visible, contemporary and attractive.

"In changing our brand image, we wanted to further highlight the quality of our products, already recognized internationally for their excellence. It was essential that this new corporate image reflects both our commitment to quality and the

new direction we've taken, while respecting the essence of what makes us who we are...

Smithfield Foods Files Registration Statement for Proposed Initial Public Offering

Smithfield Foods, Inc. (the "Company"), an American food company and an industry leader in value-added packaged meats and fresh pork, today announced that it has publicly filed a registration statement on Form S-1 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") to sell shares of its common stock in an underwritten initial public offering. The Company's existing shareholder, identified in the registration statement, is also expected to sell shares of the Company's common stock in the proposed offering. The timing, the number of...

For the Ultimate in Fine Dining on Valentine's Day, Reserve Your Table at White Castle

You can't put a price on love except, perhaps, when it comes to dining out.

This Valentine's Day, White Castle is here to remind people that celebrating romance doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag. Why drop a fortune on a typical dinner when you can enjoy all the flavorful, festive and fun vibes at White Castle — without breaking the bank?
White Castle, home of the iconic Original Slider, is once again hosting...

Chipotle X Strava Partnership Goes Global: Introducing "The City Challenge"

Chipotle Mexican Grill today announced that its partnership with Strava, the app for active people with more than 135 million users in more than 190 countries, is back and bigger than ever in 2025. Chipotle is launching its first-ever international Strava segment challenge for participants to compete to win free Lifestyle Bowls for a year, plus free Chipotle for their city.2 New in 2025, the initiative extends beyond the U.S., connecting and motivating Chipotle's running community across 25... 

USMEF: Training Program Aims to Grow U.S. Beef and Pork’s Presence in Indonesia

The ASEAN American Epicurean Table program delivers customized training and promotional programs for targeted importers and their customers.

A new promotional program is expanding in Indonesia that helps importer partners grow their businesses by training their customers how to be more profitable with U.S. beef and pork. ASEAN American Epicurean Table (AAET) was rolled out recently through eight day-long training sessions in Jakarta, Surabaya and Bali over several weeks. Nearly 250 participants included representatives from three targeted importers and their customers, who represented...

Over 10,000 Pounds of Meat Products Recalled for Misbranding and Lack of Inspection 

The United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) have announced two recalls for meat items since Friday, December 20.

First, Ralph's Packing Company recalled 3,132 pounds of ready to eat pork and beef bologna due to misbranding and undeclared allergens. The establishment notified FSIS that the labels applied to the product did not declare a known allergen it may contain, milk.   

Those items have been produced since September 2022 and may be frozen. The recall includes...

Potential Impact of a Government Shutdown on USDA Reports

With a potential government shutdown looming, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) data on livestock and meat markets, along with numerous other reports and statistics, may become unavailable until further notice.

As Congress races to reach an agreement before the midnight deadline to avoid a shutdown, industry stakeholders are increasingly aware of the importance of maintaining access to unbiased market intelligence to operate effectively. 

In the event of a shutdown, USDA food inspectors and federal animal care workers will remain on duty, but most other federal employees will not be at work...

ANALYSIS: Proposition 12 Effect on Reporting Volumes for Pork

The USDA Pork Specialty Report, issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), focuses on niche and specialty pork products, offering detailed insights into pricing, volume, and market trends for categories not typically covered in broader pork market reports. These categories include specialty programs such as open pen gestation, crate-free, antibiotic-free, no-antibiotics-ever, pre-priced and labeled cuts, color-graded, breed-specific, quality-graded, and organic products.

Notably, the report began incorporating Proposition 12-compliant material in 2023...

The Retail Rundown: Robust Retail Spending This Holiday Season

Retail spending has been robust this year, with recent data released by the U.S. Census Bureau indicating strong retail sales as the holiday season kicked off in November.

According to the Census Bureau, overall retail sales in November rose 0.7 percent month-over-month (MOM) and increased 3.8 percent year-over-year (YOY) In comparison, October saw gains of 0.5 percent MOM and 2.9 percent YOY.

“Job and wage gains, modest inflation and a heathy balance sheet have led to solid holiday spending," said National Retail Federation Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz...

Advancing Pork Through Nutrition Science and Endorsement

Key Highlights from 2024:

• Research Investments: 13 new studies conducted across top academic institutions, exploring topics like pork’s role in childhood nutrition, healthy aging and cognitive health.
• Expanding Reach: Nutrition communications across social and online media had more than 300 million potential views across health professionals and consumers, and participation in 76 high-impact events attended by over 16 thousand individuals.
• Shaping Perceptions: Campaigns and events improved perceptions of pork among healthcare professionals, with attendees of our Today’s Dietitian event reporting a 20-point increase in the likelihood of recommending...

Culinary Training Programs for U.S. Beef and Pork Continue at Caribbean Event

USMEF led a team of 16 culinary school instructors and training “ambassadors” from the Caribbean region to Miami last month to participate in training sessions and attend the Taste of the Caribbean and the Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF). Taste of the Caribbean, the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s (CHTA) annual culinary showcase of top young chefs, provides a forum for food and beverage professionals to gather practical information, develop skills, sample and purchase products, and strengthen supplier relationships while meeting new vendors...

Workers at Spanish Pork Slaughterhouse Litera Meat on Strike

Employees at Litera Meat, one of Europe’s largest slaughterhouses, have continued to strike since December 10 after negotiations between the company and employees failed.

Litera Meat started operations in 2019, in Huesca, Spain, and has a maximum daily processing capacity of 32,000 hogs, and around 1,600 employees, the firm said.

It is also the largest processing facility owned by 

the Italian company Pini Group and can process more carcasses than all other Pini facilities across Italy and Hungary combined, according to company data.   

CNT worker’s union...

ANALYSIS: China’s Nov 2024 Meat Imports Break 15-Month Y-o-Y Decline Streak to 580,619 mt

China’s total meat imports, including variety meats rebounded to 580,619 metric tonnes (mt) in November 2024, ending a 15-month year-over-year decline streak, according to the latest preliminary data from the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China. 

Imports were higher by 8.6% or 23,619 mt month-on-month (m-o-m) ahead of the winter peak season.  

Meat consumption typically increases ahead of the cooler season, with a notable rise in demand for...

The Retail Rundown: Seasonal Trends for Ribs vs. Hams

With Christmas just two weeks away, this week’s retail rundown takes a closer look at two traditional holiday centerpieces: rib roasts and hams. These festive favorites have followed differing paths in the wholesale markets this year, potentially influencing their retail performance in the lead-up to the year-end celebrations.

The wholesale rib market began its seasonal ascent in the third quarter, gaining traction in early August. From August 1 through December 10, prices surged by 42 percent, far surpassing the 5-year average increase of 17 percent for the same period...

Zatarain's® Smoked Sausage Introduces New Andouille Flavor

Zatarain's, the brand that has been bringing the vibrant flavors of New Orleans to kitchens across America for more than 130 years, is excited to announce the launch of its reformulated Andouille Smoked Sausage. A bold new twist on a fan-favorite, the new Andouille recipe provides a perfect balance of heat and savory spices, giving families and food lovers even more of the robust and flavorful experience that has made Zatarain's a staple in homes for generations.

"Our customers love the smoky taste of our original sausage...

PODCAST: Agri-Food for Thought Ep 18 - Back from the "World's Leading Livestock Farming Trade Fair"

Simon and special guest Fei Thompson, from the Expana EMEA newsroom, give a recap of industry market sentiment gathered from key agribusiness companies and animal nutrition companies met during the recent EuroTier trade show in Hannover, Germany that took place in mid-November.

The Retail Rundown: Diving into December Deals

With the year-end holidays soon approaching, shoppers are eagerly diving into December deals. Retailers aim to capitalize on the season's spending surge with enticing offers on everything from festive foods to decadent desserts, decor, and other holiday items. 

Consumer spending on winter holidays is projected to hit a record-breaking $902 per person this year, according to a survey by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Prosper Insights & Analytics. This figure marks a $25 increase from 2023 and surpasses the previous record set in 2019 by $16...

FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Ineligible Pork Products Imported From Ecuador

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for frozen ready-to-eat pork mortadella products that may have been illegally imported from Ecuador, a country ineligible to export meat and poultry products to the United States. FSIS is continuing to investigate the origins of this product, and there may be additional products affected.

The following products subject to the public health alert are [view labels]:

• 1-lb. vacuum-sealed packages containing “Mortadela ESPECIAL BOLOGNIA...

ASEAN Customers Study U.S. Pork and Beef in Trend-Setting Korea

To expand the range of U.S. pork and beef cuts in the ASEAN, USMEF led retail and foodservice teams to Korea to study how U.S. red meat is utilized.

Characterized by the growth of single-person households and growing demand for quality and convenience, the Korean food industry has invested heavily in new product development and has become an innovator in its uses of U.S. pork and beef. USMEF recently brought teams of retail and foodservice customers from the ASEAN region to Korea to study new products...

The Retail Rundown: Holiday Features in Full Display

In the final stretch to Thanksgiving, turkey ads dominate protein advertisements this week with 29 percent, up from 11.8 percent the week prior and surpassing pork's 26.4 percent. Seafood ads come in at 20.2 percent, followed by beef at 16.4 percent. Chicken takes 6 percent, while eggs still have less than one percent of retail buying opportunities.

Fresh whole turkeys account for half of all turkey promotions, with frozen turkeys making up 40.5 percent. While turkeys take center stage, the holiday season also lifts demand for cold-weather comfort foods and convenient...

Brazil Opens New Markets in China and Increases Number of Authorised Meatpacking Plants

During Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Brazil on 20 November agreements were signed on the opening of five new markets and certifying of 38 new meatpacking plants.

The Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa) finalized four phytosanitary protocols in collaboration with China's General Administration of Customs (GACC). These agreements enable exports of fresh grapes, sesame, sorghum, and fish-derived products such as fish meal and oil for animal feed to China. Earlier in June, China approved Brazilian pecans for import...

NPPC Celebrates Senate Passage of Beagle Brigade Act, Urges House Passage

The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) celebrated the U.S. Senate’s unanimous passage of S.759, the Beagle Brigade Act, which provides statutory authority and reliable funding to the National Detector Dog Training Center.

“American agriculture relies on the National Detector Dog Training Center to prevent the introduction of foreign animal and plant diseases that would cripple our food supply,” said Lori Stevermer, NPPC president and pork producer from Easton, Minnesota. “For the pork industry, the ‘Beagle Brigade’ is the...

Yu Shang Food, Inc. Recalls RTE Meat and Poultry Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination

Yu Shang Food, Inc., a Spartanburg, SC, establishment, is recalling approximately 72,240 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) meat and poultry products within their shelf life that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). This release is being reissued to expand the scope of the November 9, 2024, recall.

All ready-to-eat products produced prior to October 28, 2024, are subject to recall. View full product list. View labels...

McDonald’s Gets Saucy This Holiday Season to Celebrate the Return of the McRib® Sandwich

The wait is finally over. Starting Dec. 3, for a limited time, your favorite saucy sandwich – the McRib – returns to participating restaurants just in time to satisfy your holiday cravings. After all, ‘tis the season…McRib SZN, that is.

The Sauciest Time of the Year

For the first time ever, we’re giving fans a chance to savor the McRib’s signature flavor. Introducing: A Whole Lotta McRib Sauce, a half-gallon jug of the iconic McRib sauce – perfect for...

Pork Producers Deeply Disappointed in Senate Democrats’ Failure to Address California Prop. 12 

The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) issued the following statement after the unveiling of Senate Democrats’ 2024 Farm Bill text by U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-MI).

“Though America’s pork producers appreciate Chairwoman Stabenow’s efforts to publish Farm Bill text, this is simply not a viable bill, as it fails to provide a solution to California Prop. 12,” said NPPC President Lori Stevermer, a pork producer from Easton, Minn. “Pork producers have...

The Retail Rundown: Turkey Takes the Spotlight

According to Circana data, fresh whole turkeys were featured at an average discounted price of $1.48 per pound last week, up from $1.27 per pound during the same period last year.

The most popular turkey sizes, 10–15 and 16–24 pounds, averaged $1.34 per pound, compared to $1.00–$1.10 per pound last year. These prices reflect pre-promotion rates and do not account for additional discounts or free turkey offers.

Whole turkeys are often used as loss leaders to increase holiday store...

ANALYSIS: Record September for U.S. Pork Exports as Markets Shift

The U.S. pork export market has taken center stage recently, with USDA data for September revealing a record-high export volume of 549 million pounds—the highest for this month in 54 years. This milestone reflects the U.S.'s growing strength in global markets, bolstered in part by declining European pork production, which has diminished their export presence.

Year-to-date, U.S. pork exports are up approximately 5% compared to this same period last year, though they remain slightly below 2021 levels...

The Meat Institute and the American Meat Science Association Announce

The American Meat Science Association (AMSA) and the Meat Institute today announced a partnership to manage the popular Meat Buyer’s Guide (MBG) with editions to publish in 2024 and 2025.

This agreement will ensure the continuity and future development of an essential industry resource. The phased upgrade of the Meat Buyer’s Guide is set to begin with an initial print run in December 2024, followed by a comprehensive update and re-release scheduled for 2025.

The MBG, first published in 1961, summarizes the USDA’s Institutional Meat Purchase...

Kingswood Capital Management Acquires Branding Iron Holdings, a Leading Protein Provider

Kingswood Capital Management, LP (together with its affiliates, “Kingswood”) announced today that it has acquired Branding Iron Holdings (“Branding Iron” or “the Company”), an industry-leading provider of branded and private label protein products, including beef and pork, with a core focus on frozen and refrigerated ground meats. This represents the latest investment for Kingswood in the food and beverage industry.

“It was important to us to identify a long-term partner who will help us grow and support customers across...

The Retail Rundown: This Year's Thanksgiving Dinner May Cost Less 

This week’s protein promotions spotlight seafood, which makes up 33.1 percent of all ads, with pork following at 25.6 percent and beef at 24.3 percent. Chicken features come in at 13 percent, while turkey ads saw a small increase to 3.8 percent, up from 3.3 percent last week but below the 5 percent seen two weeks prior.

Frozen turkeys make up 27 percent of all turkey ads, up 25.7 percent last week, with prices ranging between $2.79 and $5.00 discounted last week.

According to the Expana Thanksgiving Dinner Index 2024...

Philippines Surpasses China in Brazilian Pork Imports as Sector Hits Record Shipment Revenues

The Philippines has emerged as Brazil's largest export market for pork in 2024 with 206,000 tonnes shipped between January and October, a 103% year-on-year increase, displacing China as the top importer who, during the same period purchased 199,900 tonnes, down 41% according to The Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA).

In October 2024, Brazil's pork exports, including fresh and processed products, reached 130,900 tonnes, representing the second-highest monthly total in the industry’s history and a 41% increase from the 93,000 tonnes...

Applebee’s Introduces NEW Really BIG Meal Deal

Enjoy the NEW Big Cluckin’ Chicken Sandwich or BIG Classic Bacon Cheeseburger, served with Classic Fries and a fountain drink for just $9.99; Available for both dine-in and To Go

Applebee’s is going BIG with the debut of its NEW Really BIG Meal Deal featuring the NEW Big Cluckin’ Chicken Sandwich and BIG Classic Bacon Cheeseburger served with Classic Fries and a fountain drink for only $9.99!* Big Taste, Big Flavor and Big Value, the Applebee’s NEW Really BIG Meal Deal is available now for...

ANALYSIS: September USDA Data Shows Strong Growth in U.S. Pork Exports

The latest USDA export data for September paints a positive picture for the U.S. pork industry, with total pork exports reaching their highest levels in a decade. This impressive growth, a 7.2% surge compared to September of last year, is a continuation of a positive trend that began in mid-June.

Emerging markets in Latin America continue to be a significant driver of growth in U.S. pork exports.  Central and South America experienced impressive year-over-year increases of 30.1% and 43.2%, respectively.  Caribbean destinations such as the...

ANALYSIS: China’s Oct 2024 Meat Imports Extend 15-Month YoY Decline Streak, Reaching 534,675 mt

China’s total meat imports, including variety meats in October 2024 were recorded at 534,675 metric tonnes (m)t, based on the latest preliminary data from the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China.

Imports dipped by just 1.1% m-o-m (-5,868 mt), falling for the second month, as firmer winter demand offset any significant declines.  

Volumes were also supported by its major supplier Brazil’s beef exports hitting record highs, but its poultry exports to China have...

USMEF Conference Opens with Election Analysis and Focus on U.S.-Mexico Trade Relations

The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) launched its annual strategic planning conference in Tucson, Ariz., Wednesday with an analysis of the U.S. election’s potential impact on agricultural policy and international trade. USMEF members also received an in-depth look at the new administration in Mexico, as the United States prepares for a critical phase of trade relations with the largest export destination for U.S. red meat.

USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom opened the conference with an overview of U.S. red...

USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Shares Update on H5N1 Detection in Oregon Swine

Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is sharing key updates regarding the detection of HPAI H5N1 in a backyard farm operation in Crook County, Ore., as well as additional information about the agency’s proactive efforts to protect livestock, farms and communities from avian influenza.

On Wed., Oct. 30, USDA APHIS announced that H5N1 avian influenza was detected in one of the pigs at this backyard farm, that two pigs tested negative...

The Retail Rundown: Holiday Countdown Rapidly Winds Down

With Thanksgiving just three weeks away, the holiday rush is fueling retail traffic as shoppers stock up on essentials. This week, turkey promotions account for 3.3 percent of all protein ads, down from 5 percent the previous week. The number of grocery chains featuring turkeys also declined, with 39 chains participating, compared to 49 chains a week earlier.

Despite fewer promotions, fresh whole turkey sales rose week-over-week, reaching $1.3 million last week, up from $909,368 the week prior, according to Circana...

PODCAST: "Agri-Food for Thought" Episode 16 - Brazil's Challenges and Trends in the Feed to Protein

Expana presents Agri-Food for Thought, the podcast series for agriculture and food professionals.

Agri-Food for Thought covers the latest news in food and agricu​lture. Listen now as Simon examines seasonal shifts underway in the food and ag space, with special guest Elliot Holgate, Market Reporter Feed Additives - South America, Expana, giving a deep dive on Brazilian feed, feed additive, and animal protein markets.