Farms, Meat Plants Brace for Trump Immigration Crackdown
Agriculture companies and laborers fear raids; 42% of crop farmhands aren't legally authorized to work in U.S.
The agriculture industry is working to avert a potential labor crunch following threats from President-elect Donald Trump to launch a mass deportation of migrants after he takes office.
America's food-supply chain relies on a predominantly immigrant workforce for some of its most challenging jobs, such as picking fruit, applying pesticides on crops, operating machinery and slaughtering livestock. About two-thirds of U.S. crop-farm workers are foreign...
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Miss Madeline,” a New Liquid Barge from Perdue Farms, Sets Sail on a More Sustainable Supply Chain
The “Miss Madeline”, an innovative new vessel within the Perdue AgriBusiness (PAB) supply chain, was welcomed to the company’s hometown today after completing its maiden voyage. In addition to being a milestone in Perdue Farms’ 104-year-old commitment to sustainability, the barge is named in honor of Madeline Perdue and her legacy as the beloved matriarch of the Perdue family.
The “Miss Madeline” reflects PAB’s ongoing efforts to improve supply chain efficiencies and revolutionize freight transportation by reducing greenhouse...
Mar-Jac Poultry to Establish $25 Million Transload Facility in Perry County, Mississippi
Mar-Jac Poultry, a leading poultry producer in the Southeast, is announcing the construction of a new transload facility in Perry County, Mississippi. This $25 million investment will create 21 new jobs with competitive salaries, further solidifying the company's commitment to supporting local communities.
Strategically located at the Perry County Industrial Park in New Augusta, the facility will leverage the county's existing rail infrastructure to transport essential feed ingredients such as grain, corn, and soybean meal. This efficient transportation...
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...
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 616 dairy operations across 15 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 situation...
Delays Expected at Brazilian Ports Due to Indefinite Strike Starting November 26
Federal Revenue auditors in Brazil voted to maintain slowdowns at customs and begin an indefinite strike starting November 26. This decision was made during the National Assembly of the Brazilian National Union of Federal Revenue Auditors on 21 November, following the Ministry of Management and Innovation's (MGI) refusal to negotiate adjustments to salaries.
The strike intensifies movements that began in July, with auditors demanding salary adjustments and urging the government to open negotiations.
Recent talks with the MGI's Labour Relations Secretariat...
USDA's FSIS Shuffles Leadership
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has announced leadership changes aimed at advancing its public health mission. Dr. Denise Eblen, previously FSIS’ Assistant Administrator for the Office of Public Health Science, has been named FSIS Administrator. With 25 years of experience at USDA, Dr. Eblen will continue to lead the agency in using science-based decision-making to modernize inspection strategies and improve public health.
Paul Kiecker, with over 30 years of experience at FSIS, will become Assistant Administrator of...
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...
ANALYSIS: Thanksgiving Bird Choices - Trends, Prices, and Consumer Preferences for Whole Chicken
Chicken isn’t what most people think of when they consider a Thanksgiving dinner. Nevertheless, there are consumers who will swap out a whole chicken for a whole turkey. A bird is a bird, after all. Some potential reasons include taste (some people prefer chicken), ease of handling, and serving size. Since chickens are smaller birds, they take less time to cook. It’s also much easier to find a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken than it is to find a pre-cooked whole turkey...
Publix Names Vice President of Finance
Today, Publix Super Markets CEO Kevin Murphy announced the promotion of Doug Stalbaum to vice president of finance, effective Jan. 1, 2025.
Stalbaum, 45, joined the company in 2019 as director of business analysis and reporting, and was promoted to his current role, vice president and controller, in 2022. Prior to joining Publix, he was a senior audit manager at an accounting firm for eight years, senior director and controller at a restaurant chain for six years and director of finance at a furniture retailer for three years. He currently...
Wolverine Packing Co. Recalls Ground Beef Products Due to Possible E. Coli O157:H7 Contamination
Wolverine Packing Co., a Detroit, Mich. establishment, is recalling approximately 167,277 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
The fresh products have a “use by” date of 11/14/2024 and the frozen products are labeled with production date 10 22 24. View full product list. View labels.
The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 2574B” inside the USDA mark of inspection....
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...
ANALYSIS: Demand Outpaces Supply for Brazilian Beef
The Brazilian ”Boi Gordo” cattle price index reached BRL 344.20/15 Kg as of November 18 close, marking a year on year increase of 46%. According to Expanas Brazilian Beef Analyst, Augusto Eto, the increase is due to high demand from both domestic and export markets, a reduction in the supply of animals ready for slaughter and a favorable exchange rate with the Brazilian Real weakening approximately 18% against the U.S. Dollar since the beginning of the year.
Data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE)...
ANALYSIS: Mexican Beef Cutout Dynamics
In 2024, the Mexican beef market experienced significant shifts, driven by fluctuating domestic and export opportunities. By mid-November, the total carcass value reached MXN 107.91/kg, marking steady price increases across most primal categories. These increases have been the result of consistent interest across all segments of the market, fueled by higher domestic consumption and increased exports. This dynamic has led to a generalized rise in primal values, ultimately pushing the overall cutout to...
Ribs have emerged as the top-performing category, closing at MXN 134.49/kg, driven by...
ANALYSIS: China’s Oct 2024 Beef Imports Rebound to 7-Month High at 237,264 mt
China's October 2024 beef imports rose to a 7-month high to 237,264 metric tonnes (mt), according to the latest data from the General Administration of Customs People's Republic of China.
Increasing by 8.7% month-on-month (m-o-m), October 2024’s imports rose by 19,066 mt from September 2024’s 5-month low. This rebound was primarily fuelled by stronger shipments from Brazil, its largest supplier, along with notable contributions from Uruguay and New Zealand.
Year-on-year (y-o-y), imports...
PODCAST: Agri-Food for Thought Ep 17 - Thanksgiving Turkey Prices Cheaper in 2024
Jamie chats with Turkey market analyst, Matt Busardo, on the 2024 Thanksgiving cost profile.
New Tyson® Dallas Cowboys Nuggets Are a Touchdown for Tastebuds
Dallas Cowboys fans can catch America’s football team on their TV screen and make them part of holiday celebrations this Thanksgiving with the introduction of new Tyson® Dallas Cowboys Nuggets. The star-shaped nuggets combine America’s team with America’s classic chicken nugget that will have fans exclaim, “How 'Bout Them Cowboys!” Tyson Foods will inspire even more team pride through a $1 donation to The Salvation Army for every purchase of the Tyson® Dallas Cowboys Nuggets throughout...
PERDUE® Unveils the Chiclucken, the Ultimate Thanksgiving Feast for Chicken Lovers
Step aside turkeys. This Thanksgiving, chicken is the poultry of choice for those looking for something more memorable. PERDUE®, the number-one fresh chicken brand in the U.S., is introducing a new Thanksgiving recipe – the Chiclucken – that tests the limits of how many types of chicken can be enjoyed within a single holiday dish.
The Chiclucken features five layers of tender, juicy PERDUE chicken and pushes the limits of culinary arts. You may not remember the last holiday dish you had...
Chipotle Reaches 1,000th Chipotlane Milestone
Chipotle Mexican Grill announced today the opening of its 1,000th Chipotlane restaurant on Thursday, November 21. Located in the Kansas City metro area, the milestone restaurant will feature the company's signature digital order drive thru pick-up lane. Of the company's more than 3,600 restaurants in its real estate portfolio, nearly 30% feature a Chipotlane.
"Chipotlanes are a critical piece of our long-term growth goal of reaching 7,000 restaurants in North America," said Chris Brandt, Chief Brand Officer. "This restaurant format
is the fastest way for fans to...
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...
USDA Announces More than $2 Billion to Strengthen Specialty Crops Sector, Expand Crop Storage
Today, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the creation of new programs that will help farmers who grow fruits, vegetables, and nuts overcome market barriers for their products, and help producers access necessary pre-market storage for their crops following severe weather events, including recent hurricanes. Specifically, the new Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops initiative will provide $2 billion to assist specialty crop growers in maintaining a strong domestic supply and expanding market opportunities for their crops...
ANALYSIS: U.S Beef Tenderloin Holiday Trends
With Thanksgiving in view, it seemed to be a good time to give an update on beef tenderloins as the next slated holiday will be Christmas and New Years. Tenderloins have had a rough year when comparing prices year-over-year. On average, prices have tracked about 10% below year-ago levels for choice tenderloins. Speaking to the cost-conscious environment, the beef industry has found itself in this year. Fast-forward to today’s price, choice tenderloins currently sit at $15.75/lb. which is about 6% below year-ago levels for the same...
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...
Cook brings with him more than 20 years of relevant experience. In his previous role, he served as Chief Financial Officer for the U.S. Domestic segment at United Parcel Service (UPS) and also held leadership roles in Investor Relations and Treasury.
Cook will report to the President and Chief Financial Officer, Kirk Tanner and will serve on the company's Senior Leadership Team. His experience will help shape a...
Shareholders Overwhelmingly Approve the Change in Company Name to The Campbell's Company
Today, shareholders approved the change of the company’s official name from Campbell Soup Company to The Campbell’s Company (NASDAQ:CPB) (Campbell’s). The change reflects the company’s broad portfolio of leadership brands, from Campbell’s soup to Goldfish crackers and Rao’s pasta sauce. The new name will be effective following the filing of an amendment to the company’s certificate of incorporation with the state of New Jersey.
“This subtle yet important change allows us to retain the iconic name recognition, reputation and equity we have...
Wahlburgers Debuts Limited-Time Triple Threat Slider Flight
Wahlburgers invites fans on a flavorful journey with its new Triple Threat Flight — a trio of sliders with a bold mix of tastes that will keep guests on their toes beginning Tuesday, Nov. 19, and through the Big Game.
Priced at $12.95*, the thrilling lineup includes the following sliders prepared for takeoff:
FrieslandCampina to Restructure Dutch Operations, Cut 186 Jobs
Leading European dairy producer FrieslandCampina plans to optimize production activities at its site in Leeuwarden, in the north of the Netherlands, it announced on Tuesday.
The company intends to concentrate activities at the southern part of the site and “eventually” close the northern part to avoid further investment in its upgrading, it said.
“Shifts in demand have made it necessary to optimize our operations,” the firm told Expana.
FrieslandCampina aims to stop production of sweetened condensed milk by 1 June 2026, which it will outsource to Hochwald in...
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...
ANALYSIS: Korea's Oct 2024 Beef Imports Climb to 9-Month High, In-Month Volumes Highest Since 1994
Korea’s October 2024 beef imports rose to the highest levels since January 2024, reaching 46,697 mt, according to the latest Korea Customs Service data.
Volumes surged by 21.0% (8,117 mt) month-on-month (m-o-m), fuelled by higher imports from its key suppliers, Australia and the United States (US).
In-month October 2024's figures were the highest on record since 1994, driven by subdued imports earlier in the year and a rush...
New FMI 2024 Reports Examine Grocery Shopping Trends for The Holidays and Retail Foodservice
Despite ongoing concerns about food prices, shoppers feel more confident in managing their grocery budgets ahead of the holidays, according to FMI —The Food Industry Association’s annual U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends: Holiday Season report. These findings are further supported by FMI’s newly released ninth-annual Power of Foodservice at Retail report, which found that retail foodservice purchases continue to play a key role in shoppers’ meal preparation.
Consumers report a strong sense of excitement and enthusiasm for the holiday season despite...
Whetstone Distribution Acquires Chicago-Based Anmar Foods
Whetstone Distribution has acquired Anmar Foods, a Chicago-based meat producer specializing in beef, turkey, chicken, and other animal proteins, including pork, lamb, sausages, and smoked products.
The acquisition is part of Whetstone’s strategy to expand its regional customer base. The company recently bought several other Chicago-based businesses, including Fulton Market and Pritzlaff Wholesale Meats, as well as Moesle Meats and Queen Foods...
Kroger Reveals Customer Thanksgiving Favorites and Grocery Shopping Habits in Time for The Holidays
In preparation for Thanksgiving, The Kroger Co. surveyed customers to see how they plan to shop and what they plan to eat during the holidays this year.
"Thanksgiving is such a special time of year and we take pride in knowing exactly what is important to our customers during this holiday season," said Tom Duncan, Vice President, Head of Marketing at Kroger. "No matter how they choose to celebrate, we're happy to provide our customers with value on the items they need...
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...
Panera Brands Announces New Independent Board Appointments
Panera Brands Inc., which includes the iconic fast-casual concept Panera Bread as well as the Caribou Coffee and Einstein Bros. brands, today announced appointments to its Board of Directors to bolster its restaurant industry experience as the company prepares for its next phase of growth. Patrick Grismer, previously Chief Financial Officer of Starbucks and Lead Independent Director of Panera, has been named Board Chair. Additionally, industry veteran David Deno has joined the Board and will assume the role of Audit Committee Chair, effective immediately...
Meatable Welcomes Strategic Investment From Betagro, a Leading Meat Industry Company
Meatable, the pioneering cultivated meat technology company dedicated to creating sustainable, real meat without harming animals, is excited to announce a strategic investment from Betagro Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of one of Asia’s most prominent food companies based in Thailand. This partnership is a landmark achievement as Betagro becomes the first meat company in Asia to invest in Meatable, highlighting its commitment to innovative, sustainable food solutions. It reinforces Meatable’s mission to reshape the future of protein production as global...
As Temperatures Drop Wendy's Spices Up Holiday Meal Planning with $3.99 Spicy Chicken Sandwich
WHAT:The Queen of Spice just dropped a HOT deal. Now through December 29, Wendy's® fans can bring the heat to their tastebuds and not the family gathering with a $3.99 Spicy Chicken Sandwich deal, available every day with the offer exclusively in the Wendy's app.* Wendy's is home to the OG Spicy Chicken Sandwich – launched in 1995 – featuring juicy chicken breast marinated and breaded in a unique, fiery blend of peppers and spices to deliver...
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...
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