Hormel Shakes Up Leadership In Recent Announcements

Set to coincide with the anniversary of his 30th year of service, PJ Conner, VP of Retail Sales at Hormel Foods, will retire this spring.

"PJ has been a tremendous asset to the organization throughout his three-decade long career,” said John Ghingo, president of Hormel Foods. “He has consistently delivered results, inspired his teams, and helped shape our company’s strategy and culture. We are grateful for his insight, dedication, and focus on supporting our retail partners. His vision and commitment have left a lasting impact on Hormel Foods...

The Jollibee Group Name Industry Vet as Vice President of Franchising

While Jollibee is aiming for significant expansion in the US, the company has appointed Peter Wright, an industry veteran, as its new Vice President of Franchising.

Wright has been welcomed to his new role, where he will lead the company's ambitious plan to develop 500 units across North America by 2030.

"I first learned of Jollibee through networking with a former colleague from Starbucks," Wright said. "Like many Americans, even though I had driven by them, I did not know the...

ANALYSIS: Assessing the Chicken Production Backdrop

As the industry approaches the final two months of 2025, and with market activity currently subdued, participants across the chicken sector are taking stock of what has been a notably strong year for production. Although official USDA data remains delayed due to the ongoing government shutdown, most discussions continue to emphasize sustained gains in hatch numbers and overall production momentum.

One of the clearest indicators of supply strength can be traced to the feed markets. The average October price for Omaha No. 2 Yellow corn inched just...

ANALYSIS: EU Pork Market Faces Bearish Trends and Price Declines in October

Eu pork prices continued to decrease throughout October, marking the fourth consecutive price decrease in a row. For reference, the Expana Bench Market Price for EU Pig deadweight grade S EXW EU (BW56) was last assessed at €1.72 /kg on October 28. This reflects prices decrease from 7.5% compared to the previous month and a decrease of 19.2% (€0.41/kg) compared to this year’s price peak of €2.13/kg report on July 1st.

Domestic demand across the EU has...

Expansion and Menu Innovations Lead in Foodservice this Week

This week, Expana gathered a collection of headline-worthy news, showcasing the vibrant and constantly evolving world of foodservice. From strategic expansions to culinary innovations, these stories underscore the dynamic nature of the industry and its unwavering momentum.

International Expansion on the Horizon for TGI Fridays

TGI Fridays is gearing up for significant international growth, announcing two master franchise agreements today. In India, USR Hospitality (USR) will develop 51 new locations, while Mid-City Operadora Sapi de CV (MCO_Mexico) is set to open 50 new outlets in...

Tanzania Cashew Auctions At Risk Owing to Post-Election Protests

Tanzania, the largest cashew producer in East Africa, was set to start the cashew auctions on October 31 in the Tandahimba district, according to the Cashew Board of Tanzania. 

The country went into lockdown after violent protests during national elections on Wednesday, and authorities began a communications blackout on Thursday. The U.S. Embassy in Tanzania confirmed reports of “country-wide demonstrations resulting in outbreaks of violence and roadblocks. There is a widespread internet blackout, making all communication difficult.”

Similar reports were issued by the United Kingdom's Foreign, Commonwealth and...

ANALYSIS: Elevated Turkey Prices Influence Demand While Supplies Remain Limited

With the exception of hearts and gizzards, turkey items across the board are more expensive this year than they were last year. Current quotations for fresh thigh meat are up 60.8% year-over-year (YOY), which is a modest gain compared to fresh drums (108.5%) and breast meat (264.6%). Budgets are stretched thin and credit limits are tested as buyers try to secure production in a barren market landscape.

ANALYSIS: 2025 US Chicken Wing Dynamics, Value Emergence and Midyear Volatility

Wing markets in 2025 have traced a volatile but telling path, underscoring shifting buyer priorities and the impact of broader protein dynamics. Early in the year, jumbo whole wings hovered near $1.73/lb, with values slipping through March and April as post-Super Bowl demand softened and inventories swelled. By the start of May, the prices for both jumbo party wings and whole wings fell significantly to values of $1.03 and $0.96...

Australian Beef Industry Sets Global Benchmark in Sustainability Performance

The Australian beef industry has released its 2025 Annual Update under the Australian Beef Sustainability Framework (ABSF), showcasing record-breaking environmental achievements, strengthened market access, and a clear roadmap for future sustainability leadership.
 
Since 2005, the industry has reduced net CO₂-e emissions by 70.1%, largely driven by carbon sequestration in the landscape on grazing land. 
 
Beef production reached an all-time high of 2.75 million tonnes, achieved with improved efficiency and reduced waste.
 
Solid waste to landfill in the processing sector fell by 71.6% between...

Gopuff Eases SNAP Strain with $10 Million Relief Initiative

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

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

The Retail Rundown: Holiday Rush Builds Amid Tight Turkey Supplies

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

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

ANALYSIS: US Cattle Grading Prime at Unprecedented Levels

Cattle grading Prime this year has been at high levels compared to historical data dating back to 1996 and currently are at record levels for this time of year. While genetics play a role in this improvement, another factor driving higher grading percentages is that producers are holding onto their cattle longer. With market prices at favorable levels, producers are incentivized to add more weight to their animals before marketing them...

ANALYSIS: US Shell Egg Market Strengthens on Improved Demand, Ongoing Disease Concerns

The US shell egg market has shifted upward following several months of steady-to-lower pricing, supported by renewed strength in both retail and distribution channels. Lower shelf pricing has reignited consumer interest, with many retail tags now under $2.00/dozen—a level not widely seen in recent history... 

Grubhub Partners with Instacart to Expand Grocery Options on Its Platform

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

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

ANALYSIS: Colombia Emerges as a Fast-Growing Market for US Pork

Colombia has emerged as one of the fastest-growing Latin American markets for US pork. In 2024, total exports to Colombia reached nearly 275.6 million pounds, a 26% increase from 2023. Based on the latest USDA data through July 2025, year-to-date (YTD) pork export volumes to Colombia are up 16% versus the same period in 2024, extending a consistent growth trend over the past three years.

This momentum has been supported by stronger demand in Colombia, where the peso has appreciated roughly...

Hormel Foods Corporation Announces Leadership Appointment and Provides Business Updates

Leadership Appointment

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

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

Cuba Mobilizes Agriculture Sector as Hurricane Melissa Hits

Cuba’s Ministry of Agriculture ordered emergency measures on Tuesday for farms in the Guantánamo to Camagüey regions to protect food supplies, livestock and infrastructure as Hurricane Melissa makes landfall today (October 29).

The ministry said emergency measures include moving animals from low-lying areas, safeguarding feed, fertilizers and pesticides, harvesting at-risk crops, and protecting tobacco production, and beehives. Authorities will prioritize water, food, and primary health care access, and maintain milk collection and distribution. Drones will be used for reconnaissance in low-visibility or hard-to-reach areas.

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...

USPOULTRY Foundation Provides $331,292 in Grants to Support Student Recruitment

The USPOULTRY Foundation awarded student recruiting grants totaling $331,292 to six U.S. universities with Poultry Science departments and 21 other institutions with industry-related programs. The Foundation provides annual recruiting and retention funds to colleges and universities to attract or connect students to their poultry programs or the industry. The grants were made possible in part by gifts to the USPOULTRY Foundation from companies, individuals and families, in addition to funds earned over the years from the International Poultry Expo, part of the International Production & Processing Expo.

The six poultry science departments receiving the grants are...

NCC Comments on Definition of “Ultra-Processed Foods”

In response to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) request for information to assist in developing a uniform definition of “ultra-processed foods,” NCC yesterday submitted detailed comments expressing recommendations and concerns.

NCC expressed general concerns about a classification system and contends that FDA and USDA should bolster existing frameworks and consumer education as science evolves instead of pursuing a classification system at all. However, should the Agencies choose to move forward with a classification system, NCC urges the use of a uniform, science-based approach...

Navigating the Trump Tariff Turbulence: A Comprehensive Timeline

US President Donald Trump and his administration have paused reciprocal tariffs on most countries.

“Based on the lack of respect that China has shown... I am hereby raising the [tariff] charged to China by the [USA] to 125%, effective immediately,” wrote Trump on Truth Social at 1:18 pm ET. 

It’s not clear if this 125% is in addition to the 20% imposed on Chinese imports to the US. In early March, Trump noted that he would add another 10% tariff on Chinese goods...

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...

ANALYSIS: Imported Argentine Beef to the US Figures Up YOY Ahead of Increased Quota Announcement

According to the latest Food Safety and Inspection Service Meat Passed for Entry Report, 30,300 metric tons (mt) of Argentine beef have entered the US so far in 2025. This figure represents a 13,105 mt (76.2%) increase from the same period last year.

30,300 mt is also well above the allotted 20,000 duty free quota that Argentine beef receives in the US. While this is the case, Argentina has yet to fill their quota for the year, indicating that some product...

ANALYSIS: Cage-Free Market Momentum Builds into Q4 Amid Renewed Demand and HPAI Concerns

The Expana Cage-Free EBP continued its upward climb this week, rising 17cts to $1.86/dozen as market strength is evident. Ongoing concerns surrounding HPAI have allowed suppliers to hold heavier inventories with more confidence, though a new driver has been a clear improvement in retail demand.

FSIS Recalls About 7.15 Million Pounds of Ready-to-Eat Chicken and Pork Over Metal Contamination

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced two major recalls of ready-to-eat products contaminated with metal.

Hormel Foods Corp. is recalling about 4,874,815 pounds of foodservice frozen ready-to-eat (RTE) chicken products. The company received multiple complaints from foodservice customers who found pieces of metal in frozen chicken breast and thighs.

After an investigation, the company determined the metal came from a conveyor belt used in production...

CME Feeder Cattle Plunge Further, Hit Expanded Daily Limits

The cattle complex on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange is deepening its steep losses in early Monday trading, extending Friday’s sharp sell-off that saw all but the nearby live cattle contract end at limit-down.

As of 9:50 a.m. ET, live cattle futures are sliding between $4.00 and $7.70, while most feeder contracts are hitting the expanded daily limit.

Both live ($10.75) and feeder cattle ($13.75) futures will trade under expanded limits today.

The recent downturn likely reflects long liquidation across both live and feeder futures markets as traders digest a range of developments, including the Trump administration’s plan to increase imports...

NCC Elects New Officers; Simmons Foods’ David Jackson Installed as Chairman

The National Chicken Council (NCC) has installed the four officers that will guide the organization through 2026. The installation took place yesterday at NCC’s 70th Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. David Jackson, Chief Operating Officer of Simmons Foods, will serve as 2025-2026 Chairman.

David is responsible for running operations across the Simmons brands, including Simmons Foods, Simmons Prepared Foods, Simmons Pet Food, and Simmons Animal Nutrition. David joined Simmons in 1991 and has over three decades of poultry and pet food leadership. He has held important roles throughout the company, including President and Chief Operating Officer for Simmons’ poultry operations and Simmons Pet Food, as well as...

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...