HPAI H5N1 Virus in Dairy Cattle – What We Know

In March 2024, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) A (H5N1), commonly referred to as bird flu, was confirmed in domestic U.S. livestock for the first time in a dairy operation in Texas. Since then, the virus has spread to 299 dairy operations across 14 states, raising widespread uncertainty throughout the dairy and livestock markets. Industry participants have raised concerns about the outbreak's potential impact on consumer perception and demand for dairy and meat products, though government agencies reiterate that the national food supply remains safe. Expana is closely monitoring the...

ANALYSIS: U.S. Dressed Steer Weights Continue in Record High Fashion

As of September 16^th, dressed steer weights continue to push all-time high levels for the past two consecutive weeks currently at 948 lbs. Year-over year there has been a percent change of 3.27%. Since July, dressed steer weights have increased by 3.6%. The previous record was set less than a year ago, at the end of 2023, when dressed steers averaged 942 lbs. in December. Over the past three years, weights have consistently exceeded the ten-year average across all months. The current period... 

ANALYSIS: EU Egg Imports and Exports Show Growth in the First Half of 2024

The EU continues to be a net exporter of eggs and egg products, even as imports have risen significantly in recent years. H1 2024 figures indicated that the EU egg imports reached 57,078 tonnes, edging up by 21.81% from January to June 2023. The rise in imports was mostly driven by a strong domestic demand. As consumers grapple with high living expenses, many are trading down to more affordable protein options, making eggs a particularly appealing choice. Despite this import growth...

ANALYSIS: Brazilian Beef Exports Hit a New Record High in September, 8.4% MoM and 17.4% YoY.

The Brazilian fresh beef (frozen and chilled) exports totaled 251,749 MT in September, according to the latest data released by the Brazilian Foreign Trade Secretariat. This sets a new record, surpassing the previous high from just two months ago, when Brazil shipped 237,268 MT of fresh beef overseas. September volume accounts for a monthly 8.4% increase and is 17.4% higher compared to the same period last year. On a year-to-date basis, Brazil has exported 1,845,638 MT of fresh beef...

Meat Institute: USDA Continues to Over-Regulate Beef and Cattle Market

Following the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) requests for more information on possible new rules under the Packers and Stockyards Act on price discovery in cattle markets, Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts today made the following statement:

“Biden’s USDA is once again attempting to assert government control over the free market to the detriment of cattle producers, packers and consumers,” said Potts. “This is not about transparency. This is about the government dictating how cattle may be bought and sold...

Conagra Brands Arrives at 2024 NACS Show with Powerhouse Lineup of Snacks

Conagra Brands, Inc., one of North America's leading branded food companies, is ready for the neon lights of Las Vegas and the 2024 National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) Show. Featuring a $3.2 billion1 snacks portfolio, Conagra's offerings are a sure bet, with industry-leading meat snacks, sunflower seeds and bagged salty snacks. The NACS Show, the nation's largest convenience store expo, takes place October 8-10, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Attendees at the Expo can find Conagra Brands...

Cooking at Home Increases Demand for Refrigerated Transportation

As more consumers pack their grocery carts with fall staples like apples, changing consumer habits around meals and economic pressures are increasing the need for refrigerated shipping. In fact, consumer demand for refrigerated products has continually increased since 2020.

According to the National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) and its data platform Unify/IRI, refrigeration sales have increased by 32% over the past five years, and nearly 64% of adults say they save money or control their budget by eating at home...

Performance Food Group Company Completes the Acquisition of Cheney Bros, Inc.

Performance Food Group Company (PFG) today announced that it has completed the acquisition of Cheney Bros., Inc. (“Cheney Brothers”), a leading independent broadline foodservice distributor based in Riviera Beach, Florida. The acquisition creates a stronger presence in the Southeast region and provides additional distribution capacity. Cheney Brothers generates approximately $3.2 billion in annual revenue. The company has approximately 3,600 employees and operates five distribution centers in Florida and North Carolina. PFG continues to expect to generate approximately $50 million...

BrucePac Recalls Ready-To-Eat Meat and Poultry Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination

BrucePac, a Durant, Okla. establishment, is recalling approximately 9,986,245 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) meat and poultry products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The ready-to-eat meat and poultry items were produced from June 19, 2024, to October 8, 2024. These products were shipped to other establishments and distributors nationwide then distributed to restaurants and institutions. Information regarding product labels and the list...

ANALYSIS: U.S. Dressed Steer Weights Continue in Record High Fashion

As of September 16^th, dressed steer weights continue to push all-time high levels for the past two consecutive weeks currently at 948 lbs. Year-over year there has been a percent change of 3.27%. Since July, dressed steer weights have increased by 3.6%. The previous record was set less than a year ago, at the end of 2023, when dressed steers averaged 942 lbs. in December. Over the past three years, weights have consistently exceeded the ten-year average across all months... 

ANALYSIS: China Activates Australian Beef’s Safeguard Mechanism in Surprise Move

China has announced that Australian beef will now be subjected to a 12.0% Most-Favoured Nation (MFN) tariff, as the Special Agricultural Safeguard (SSG) of 178,418 metric tonnes (mt) has been triggered, according to a statement from the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China.

In a surprising move, the official announcement came on Sunday, October 6th, during China's seven-day "Golden Week" holiday, which began on October 1st. This period, marking the 75th anniversary of the People's Republic, is one of the country's longest public holidays...

PODCAST: Agri-Food for Thought Ep 14 - Crisis at the Ports Cools; Pork Market Deep Dive

US Foods 2024 Diner Dispatch Survey Uncovers Surprising Shifts in Diner Preferences

US Foods Holding Corp– one of America’s leading foodservice distributors – today released the results of its 2024 Diner Dispatch survey, which showcases the state of America’s relationship with dining out. Year-over-year data highlights key takeaways that can help operators make informed business decisions to help meet or exceed diner expectations. These include dine-in vs. take-out preferences, spend thresholds, and other key experiential preferences such as favorite restaurant types, wait times and the use of QR code menus...

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. Announces Expansion Plans for Additional Cage-Free Production Capabilities

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. today announced that on October 4, 2024, its Board of Directors approved $40 million in new capital projects to further expand the Company’s cage-free production capabilities. The Company plans to fund the projects through a combination of available cash on hand, sales of investment securities and operating cash flow.

The projects will include the addition of five new cage-free layer houses across the Company’s locations in Florida, Georgia, Utah and...

Two Publix Vice Presidents Plan Retirement

Today, Publix Super Markets CEO Kevin Murphy announced the retirement of two officers and the promotion of two new officers, effective Jan. 1, 2025.

After 46 years of dedicated service, Vice President of Industrial Maintenance and Industrial Operations Purchasing Randy Barber has announced his decision to retire at the end of this year.

Additionally, after more than a decade of dedicated service, Vice President of Facilities Bob McGarrity has also announced his decision to retire at the end of 2024.

“Randy’s dedication to overseeing our non-retail locations...

Impossible Foods Launches 3 New Family-Friendly Retail Products

Starting this month, Impossible Foods is rolling out a suite of new retail products designed to make it more convenient for families to enjoy delicious, nutrient dense meat from plants: Impossible™ Disney The Lion King Chicken Nuggets, Impossible™ Meal Makers and Impossible™ Corn Dogs.

The new Impossible Disney The Lion King Chicken Nuggets reimagine the brand’s #1 best-selling1 Impossible™ Chicken Nuggets in the shape of beloved, familiar Disney characters in advance of the world premiere of the new film, Disney Mufasa: The Lion King...

Agri-Food Americas: Economist Larry McDonald on Global Stressors in Food and Ag

The 2024 Agri-Food Americas Conference by Expana (formerly Urner Barry's Global Protein Summit), has officially begun!

This two-day event is jam-packed with network opportunities and a robust agenda filled with in-depth analysis and expert insights, making it a can't-miss gathering for professionals across the agri-food supply chain.

Economist Larry McDonald opened the conference with a comprehensive analysis of the global stressors impacting food and agricultural markets. A former Lehman Brothers trader, McDonald shared valuable insights.

European Shell Egg Market Concerned by New Avian Influenza Outbreaks in Italy and France

Italy reported an outbreak of the severe H5N1 avian influenza virus late last week. It was the first outbreak in Italy for several months, according to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).   

The outbreak occurred on a large commercial layer farm in the northeast believed to house up to 1 million birds, a market source told Expana.  

The same market source said that now that H5N1 avian influenza is back in Italy, coupled with the spread of other livestock and poultry...

ANALYSIS: Australia's Sept 2024 Beef Exports Slide 6.4% MoM; China-bound Shipments Climb

Australia beef and veal exports in September 2024 eased further to 114,046 metric tonnes (mt), the latest data from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (DAFF) indicated.

Hitting the 2nd highest in-month figure since our records began in 2010, September’s exports surpassed the drought year’s highs back in 2019, but narrowly missing 2015’s record highs of 118,432 mt by 4,386 mt.

Month-on-month (m-o-m), volumes slipped another 6.4% (-7,751 mt) following July 2024’s all-time highs that was recorded at...

ANALYSIS: EU Shell Eggs Firming up as Consumption Progresses

The EU is experiencing a firm shell egg market, as it is common to see at this period of the year. However, market players on the supply side report that the overall egg production in the region is not following the strong progression of the demand from consumers and from processors.

According to Eurostats, graded shell eggs in the EU increased value by 6.9% between week 34 at 1,936€/MT (in the middle of August) and week 39 at 2,069€/MT (at the end of September)...

WFA Summit: Experts Discuss Strategies for Achieving Truly Inclusive Leadership

Expana's VP of Communications and Events, Elisabeth Mork-Eidem, hosted a conversation with an esteemed panel of leaders from the food and agriculture industry, which included Elzandi Oosthuizen, Senior VP and Head of Bayer’s Enterprise Corn Product Team; Orla McAleer, Chief Culture Officer at Alltech; Husein Kitabwalla, CEO of North America Service Operations and Food Transformation at Sodexo; and Kalica Moura, Senior Director of Produce Sourcing at Walmart.

The discussion centered on ensuring incisive leadership by implementing strategies such as diverse hiring practices, creating a pipeline of female leaders, and supporting women in the workplace through effective mentorship. 

“Inclusive leadership requires empathy. It’s about understanding that everyone’s experience is different...

WFA Summit: Google's Linda Femling on How to Be an Effective Leader in Food and Ag

Global leaders in the food and agriculture sectors are challenged with feeding a growing world population while advancing gender diversity, equity, and inclusion within their organizations. 

WFA, an initiative by Expana, has been championing gender equality and diversity within the agrifood industry for over four years. WFA provides agribusinesses with programs, content, and resources designed to foster innovation and creativity to solve the big challenges in the food and ag space. 

The highly anticipated Women in Food and Agriculture (WFA) Americas Summit, held in Chicago on October 7, 2024, provides a platform for CEOs, aspiring leaders, and industry professionals to convene and discuss some of the most pressing issues confronting the industry today.

The event features a dynamic lineup of keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive workshops, offering participants actionable insights and solutions to address key challenges and further their careers through prime networking opportunities. 

Boar's Head Brand® Appoints Renowned Food Safety Expert Frank Yiannas as Chief Food Safety Advisor

Boar's Head Brand today announced the appointment of Frank Yiannas, MPH, as Chief Food Safety Advisor on an interim basis, effective immediately. In this leadership role, Mr. Yiannas will be responsible for helping to ensure leading standards of food safety and quality across the organization. He will also oversee the nationwide search for a Chief Food Safety Officer to succeed him.

In addition to his responsibilities as Chief Food Safety Advisor, Mr. Yiannas will chair the...

ANALYSIS: Unusual Trend Ignites Price Surge in Chuck Rolls

In January, Chuck Rolls entered the year at $3.85/lb, gaining in price to $4.57/lb by the end of the month, or roughly a 19% change. The price jump can be attributed to winter weather events that caused plant closures and disrupted the supply chain. A bottom of $3.50/lb was seen in the beginning of May as production normalized back in April, putting Chuck Rolls back on track with historical trends. In late August, prices started to increase, whereas in the past, prices...

It's Official: McDonald's Highly Anticipated Chicken Big Mac® Drops at U.S. Restaurants this Month

ICYMI – fans have been clamoring for McDonald's Chicken Big Mac – a twist on the original Big Mac that has been a fan favorite since 1968 – to debut in the U.S. After making appearances on McDonald's menus around the world, U.S. fans are now getting their chance to experience this limited time offer starting Oct. 10, at participating locations while supplies last.

"With the introduction of the Chicken Big Mac, we're excited to pay homage to one of our most iconic menu items...

ANALYSIS: Uruguay Beef Exports Shed 16.9% in September, Still Up by 4.0% YTD

According to the latest data released by the Uruguayan National Customs Directorate, Uruguay’s fresh beef export has reached 25,625 MT in September 2024, marking a 16.9% decline compared to the previous month, and 13.7% drop YoY. On a YTD basis, beef exports totaled 263,910 MT, which is 4% higher than last year’s 253,847 MT.

China continued to be the primary destination for beef exports in September, accounting for 10,076 MT, or 39.3% of the total. This figure represents a reduction of nearly 20% compared...

NCBA Shares Hurricane Helene Disaster Resources

Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) shared updated information about disaster relief programs available to cattle producers impacted by Hurricane Helene and opportunities to support disaster recovery through NCBA state affiliates.

“The cattle industry is a family and together we will recover from the devastation brought by Hurricane Helene,” said NCBA President Mark Eisele. “I encourage you to utilize the relief programs available through USDA and contact NCBA if you encounter any challenges or need assistance.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has extended flexibilities and waivers to disaster...

USMEF Statement on East and Gulf Coast Port Announcement

The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX) have released a joint statement announcing an end – at least temporarily – to the work stoppage that shut down East and Gulf Coast ports earlier this week.

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

On behalf of USMEF’s member companies and organizations, I want to thank all parties involved in the effort to get cargo moving again off the East and Gulf Coasts. This is a tremendous relief to everyone...

Jack in the Box Inc. Announces Departure of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Jack in the Box Inc. announces the resignation of EVP and Chief Financial Officer Brian Scott, who has accepted a new position outside of the restaurant industry. To assist with a smooth transition, his last day with Jack in the Box will be November 20th.

Dawn Hooper, a Jack in the Box veteran of 24 years who has previously served as interim chief financial officer, will assume the role of principal financial officer on November 1st and interim CFO upon Scott’s departure...

ANALYSIS: Cold Storage Showcases Tug-of-War Between Supplies and Demand in Turkey for August

August’s cold storage report really showcases the tug-of-war between short supplies and unseasonal demand patterns within the turkey market. Turkey headcount has gradually been decreasing since at least 2001. This year, turkey slaughter is at the lowest level recorded with a year-to-date (YTD) value of 13.2 million head. This represents an -8.5% reduction from the 5-year average, and about a -17.7% drop from the all-time average. Despite the fairly dramatic reduction in the...

ANALYSIS: Chicken Cold Storage Holdings in August

Despite a slight retreat in demand for several domestic lines during August, frozen inventory remained well below last year’s level, fueled in part by an active call from the export arena. Now, in October, these factors are starting to resurface and play a major role in current market dynamics. Total chicken in frozen inventory was down -9.0% year-over-year (YoY), which positions August’s inventory at the third lowest seasonal level over the past ten years. All individual categories, with the exceptions of drums and paws, were also down on a YoY basis...

Wendy's Celebrates 25 Years of Nickelodeon's "SpongeBob SquarePants" with "Krabby Patty Kollab" 

Fans have eagerly speculated and imagined how this iconic patty might taste, and Wendy's is bringing its Krabby Patty Kollab Burger to land for a limited time, best paired with a first-of-its-kind Pineapple Under the Sea Frosty. The Krabby Patty Kollab Burger is Wendy's take on the most coveted recipe in all of Bikini Bottom, available starting October 8 in restaurants nationwide and on the Wendy's app.

The Wendy's Krabby Patty Kollab includes:

• Pineapple Under the Sea Frosty: Wendy's...

ILA Dockworkers to Return to Work as Port Strike Ends Following Tentative Agreement

Dockworkers from the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) returned to work on Friday after reaching a tentative wage agreement with the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX) Thursday, bringing an end to the three-day strike that halted shipping operations along the East and Gulf Coasts.

"Effective immediately, all current job actions will cease, and all work covered by the Master Contract will resume,” according to a joint statement issued by both parties Thursday. The Master Contract will be extended until January 15, 2025, giving negotiators additional...