Exclusive International Trade Centre Interview: Implications of Trump’s Tariff Regime

Julia Spies is the Chief of Trade and Market Intelligence for the International Trade Centre (ITC) in Switzerland. Spies and team analyze trade information and publish findings about market-specific trade intelligence on multiple online platforms, like Tradebriefs.intracen.org.

Recent shifts in the world of trade, including the latest round of United States tariffs and trade measures by other countries, has kept Spies and company busy, to say the least.

However, ITC members have watched trade measures, and in particular their impact on developing countries, long before these recent changes...

ANALYSIS: Cage-Free Price Dynamics Hint at Transition, but Market Remains Soft

The cage-free egg market continues to experience modest downward pressure this week, although a shift in negotiated values is beginning to take shape.

Since late February, cage-free quotations have been on the decline, falling by more than 50% from a record high of $9.86/dozen to $4.92/dozen as of Thursday. This decline has been predominantly driven by a significant reduction in consumer demand, influenced by price sensitivity among shoppers.

At the market’s peak, Circana scanner data reported the average...

Mother’s Day Wishes Revealed According to OpenTable Research

Mother’s Day is meant to be a time of pampering and appreciation, but for many moms, the planning still lands on their to-do list.

According to research from OpenTable, 44% of moms say having others make plans to celebrate them is what makes Mother’s Day truly special. Yet, despite this, 39% of moms end up making their own reservations.

It's no wonder nearly 30%, nearly a third, say what they’re most looking forward to is some well-deserved “me time” and a chance...

ANALYSIS: EU Egg Product Market Enters Spring with Mixed Signals

As the market returns from the Easter break, a cautious sentiment continues to shape the industrial egg sector. Demand remained subdued in the lead-up to the holidays, with buyers showing strong resistance to elevated asking prices and instead pushing for more favourable terms. Consequently, shell egg prices continued
their downward trend in the week heading into Easter...

Farm Bureau Calls for Clarity in WOTUS

The American Farm Bureau Federation today asked for changes to the “Waters of the United States” rule to bring it in line with the Sackett v. EPA Supreme Court ruling, which called for more clarity in water regulations. AFBF submitted comments in response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s request for recommendations.

“Considering drains, ditches, stock ponds, impoundments, irrigation ditches, and low spots in farm fields and pastures as jurisdictional ‘waters’ opens the door to regulation of ordinary farming activities that move dirt or apply products to...

America’s Egg Farmers Recognized for Their Vital Role in the Iconic National Celebration

America’s egg farmers took center stage at the 2025 White House Easter Egg Roll, where their nearly 50-year legacy of supporting this beloved national tradition was celebrated like never before. Representing egg farmers nationwide, the American Egg Board (AEB) helped bring this year’s celebration to life, continuing a longstanding partnership that highlights the essential role of eggs in Easter festivities and the hardworking farmers who produce them.

In addition to donating real eggs used throughout the event and presenting the First Lady’s...

ANALYSIS: Cage-Free Market Facing Pressure Despite Easter 

Wholesale cage-free egg prices continue to decline, with a 34ct drop recorded over the past seven days. This ongoing slide comes during Easter—typically a key seasonal driver for the category—but this year, elevated pricing and minimal promotional activity have significantly dampened consumer interest.

Demand has softened over the past seven weeks, as shelf prices often hovering at or above $5.00/dozen have prompted more cautious shopping behavior. In response, most retailers have scaled back orders to match slower movement, resulting in a buildup of inventory in...

Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #5

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 #5."

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...

Cal-Maine Foods Announces Pricing of Secondary Offering of Common Stock 

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. announced the pricing of an underwritten public offering of 2,978,740 shares of its common stock by the four daughters of the Company’s late founder, Fred R. Adams, Jr., Dinnette Adams Baker, Luanne Adams, Nancy Adams Briggs and Laurel Adams Krodel, and Adolphus B. Baker, Board Chair, at a public offering price of $92.75 per share. Subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions, the offering is expected to close on April 17, 2025.

In anticipation of the Offering, all outstanding shares...

Walmart Opens New Distribution Center in Florida

Walmart cut the ribbon on its newest distribution center. The facility is located at 1511 Zoo Parkway in Jacksonville, Florida. It will receive and process items for delivery to 18 Sam's Club locations across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and 7 other clubs in Puerto Rico. It was will also store and sort imported goods for delivery to four distribution centers across the Southeast.

“Jacksonville is continuing to build its reputation as a logistics hub and the place to be to reach customers throughout the Southeast...

Campbell’s Announces Key Leadership Changes to Drive Growth in Snack Division

The Campbell’s Company has announced the resignation of Chris Foley, a longtime company veteran and President of the Snacks division.

Effective May 12, 2025, Foley will be succeeded by Elizabeth Duggan, who will lead the continued growth and margin expansion of Campbell’s Snacks business.

Duggan joined Campbell’s in 2019 as Senior Vice President of the Transformation Office. In 2022, she was appointed Senior Vice President and General Manager of Campbell’s Canadian business, where she delivered strong revenue and earnings growth... 

Kroger Appoints Key Retail Leaders

Kroger appointed Joe Kelley, president of the Colorado-based King Soopers & City Markets division, to be senior vice president of Retail Divisions. Kelley is an industry veteran of nearly 40 years. He has held a number of executive leadership roles across a variety of retailers, including Price Chopper, Stop and Shop, Star Market, and Shaws Supermarkets. Kelley joined the Kroger enterprise in 2019.

"Joe is a customer-centric leader who brings broad industry experience, with a strong track record of making stores great places to shop," said Ron Sargent, Chairman and...

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...

Expana’s WFA Opens Applications for 2025 Mentorship Programme to Support Women in Agrifood

Expana’s Women in Food and Agriculture (WFA) initiative has officially opened applications for its annual mentorship programme, designed to support and accelerate the careers of women across the agrifood sector.

Now in its fourth year, the program, supported by global animal nutrition and biotechnology company Alltech, connects women in the industry with experienced mentors of any gender. Since its launch in 2021, WFA has successfully matched more than 1,500 professionals, creating meaningful relationships that foster career growth and leadership development in...

The Retail Rundown: Protein Adds to Holiday Price Gains

Easter week has arrived and grocers are tapping into the holiday's spending momentum. But for consumers, Easter dinner is shaping up to be pricier than last year, with many holiday staples seeing year-over-year price increases.

According to Expana’s latest US Easter Index—which tracks price changes in key holiday-related commodities—overall prices rose 11.8% year-over-year, driven largely by higher costs in the protein and bakery categories.

Expana’s Easter Protein Index, which covers lamb, beef, pork, salmon, cod, and eggs...

Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #4

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 #4."

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...

ANALYSIS: High Prices, Low Demand Deter Easter Momentum as Cage-Free Market Cools

The cage-free market continues to show signs of softening this week, pressured by still uncertain retail demand ahead of Easter. Pricing at the shelf remains comparable to conventional eggs, hovering near $5.00/dozen—or higher in other regions—which is dampening consumer willingness to stock up. Across much of the country, including states with cage-free housing mandates, average shelf prices have nearly doubled compared to this time last year.

Although suppliers remain unsure of the...

Cal-Maine Foods Announce Q3 Earnings

Cal-Maine Foods announced its financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2025, reporting net sales of $1.4 billion and net income of $508.5 million.

The company saw strong demand, setting a record for the highest total number of dozens sold during the quarter. Additionally, Cal-Maine made significant progress in its efforts to address the ongoing challenges posed by tight egg supplies in the U.S., exacerbated by rapid outbreaks of bird flu.

Key highlights from the quarter include:

• 14% increase in the...

The Retail Rundown: Easter Momentum Builds

In the final full week of Lent, seafood accounts for 35% of all protein retail promotions, gaining ground on pork, which holds 23% of ad space. Beef promotions slipped to 20%, while chicken has 15%. Lamb and veal promotions, though still minimal, doubled from the previous week, rising to 2% ahead of Easter.

Notably, Easter falls late this year—on April 20—affecting year-over-year (YOY) comparisons. Ham promotions last week were offered at premium price points compared to 2024. Discounted boneless smoked hams averaged...

Vertical Cold Storage Acquires Arctic Logistics in Detroit Metro Area

Vertical Cold Storage, a developer and operator of temperature-controlled distribution centers sponsored by real estate investment firm Platform Ventures, has purchased Arctic Logistics in Canton, MI. The acquisition is the fifth new Vertical Cold facility in the past year, making it the sixth largest cold storage company in North America. Terms were not disclosed.

“This acquisition strengthens our ability to support customers engaged in cross-border trade and adds a critical location to our growing national footprint,” said Jim Henderson, Chief Commercial Officer at...

Asian Markets Plunge as Trump's Global Tariff Turmoil Deepens

Hong Kong (CNN) — Asian markets plunged on Monday, deepening a global stocks rout triggered by US President Donald Trump's trade war and China's forceful response to unexpectedly high tariffs.

Japan's benchmark Nikkei fell by more than 8% shortly after opening, while the broader Topix index last traded more than 6.5% lower after recovering from its steepest losses.

In mainland China, where markets reopened after a public holiday, the Shanghai Composite Index was last trading 6.7% lower. The blue-chip CSI300 index lost 7.5%. In Hong Kong, the benchmark Hang Seng index...

Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #3

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 #3."

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...

PODCAST: "Agri-Food for Thought" Ep. 27 - VIV Asia, a Mirror of APAC Market Sentiment?

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

On today's episode of Agri-Food for Thought, we discuss market sentiment picked up at VIV Asia 2025, a leading trade show for the feed-to-food industry in Asia. Held from March 12-14 in Bangkok, the event drew top agri-food industry leaders, innovators, and key decision-makers from around the world. It was a showcase for innovation in animal protein production, processing, and...

ANALYSIS: US Cage-Free Egg Prices Under Pressure Amid Weak Retail Demand

After a brief period of stability, the cage-free shell egg market is once again facing downward pressure amid sluggish retail demand. Prices, which had held steady for more than a week, have slipped by 6cts over the past two days as orders remain tepid despite widespread adjustments to shelf prices—often by as much as a dollar.

While the USDA’s Weekly Retail Egg Feature Report shows a 2.6% uptick in promotional activity, no cage-free cartons have been featured, limiting...

AEB Welcomes New Members and Executive Committee

The American Egg Board (AEB) announced new members and alternates, who were sworn in by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service. The AEB, which is made up of 36 egg farmers, has also approved its newly elected Executive Committee.

The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins, reappointed the following Members and Alternates for another two-year term:

Jeff Cutler, Fort Recovery, OH
Mindy Creighton-Truex, Atwood, IN
Sean Delano, Whitewater, WI
Ted Greidanus, Neosho, MO
Jessica Hanslik, Jackson, MS
Thomas Hertzfeld, Grand Rapids, OH
Clint Hickman, Buckeye, AZ...

USDA Agricultural Trade Promotion Programs for 2025

The USDA has announced its plans for agricultural trade promotion programs for 2025 and has begun accepting applications for four key export market development programs.

“Our job at USDA is to open new markets for our farmers, ranchers, and producers. The previous administration left agriculture with a $50 billion trade deficit. President Trump and I will not sit idly by - we are actively working to open new markets and remove existing barriers,” said Secretary Rollins. “We are putting farmers first. These programs are a crucial step in...

The Retail Rundown: Spring Sizzle Fuels Protein Demand

Spring promotions are in full bloom at retail, with holiday-themed ads ramping up. Circulars showcase produce and snacking items alongside grilling staples, aiming to entice shoppers with vibrant displays and seasonal appeal. Beyond holiday preparations, schools and universities are approaching spring break season, likely driving an uptick in foodservice in the coming weeks. 

In some regions, grocers are leveraging hams as loss leaders ahead of Easter. Last week, discounted bone-in ham averaged $2.56 per pound, while spiral-sliced varieties stood at $2.61 per pound—steady to lower than last year’s levels...

PODCAST: Agri-Food for Thought Ep 26 - M&A in the Global Agri-Food Industry, March 2025 Overview

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

M&A in the global agri-food industry is an ongoing and very regular trend. Although many companies are putting the brakes on M&A as they face tariffs and market uncertainty, hundreds of deals continue to take place each month.

On today's episode of Agri-Food for Thought, we showcase selected mergers and acquisitions in the agri-food sector that took place in March 2025.

Cargill Kitchen Solutions Recalls 212,268 Pounds of Liquid Egg Products

Cargill Kitchen Solutions is recalling approximately 212,268 pounds of liquid egg products due to potential contamination with a cleaning solution containing sodium hypochlorite.

The recall was initiated after the company received a tip regarding the contamination. Following a thorough investigation, FSIS scientists determined that the use of the affected products poses negligible risk to health, resulting in a Class III recall.

The products were produced on March 12 and 13, 2025, and bear the establishment number "G1804" on the label. They were shipped...

Yum! Brands CEO Set to Retire in 2026

Yum! Brands has announced that David Gibbs, the company’s current Chief Executive Officer, will retire after nearly four decades of service. Gibbs, who became CEO in January 2020, has informed the Board of Directors of his intention to retire in the first quarter of 2026.

In preparation for this transition, the Board has formed a succession planning committee tasked with identifying and appointing Gibbs’ successor. Gibbs will remain with the company throughout the search process and until his retirement.

Under Gibbs' leadership, Yum! Brands saw remarkable growth...

ANALYSIS: EU Shell Egg Market Stabilises Following Six-Week Price Rally

The European Union's shell egg market has experienced a notable shift last week, marking the end of a six-week price rally. After a sustained period of price increases, the market has now reached a point of stabilisation, driven by a combination of slowing demand and improving supply conditions. Despite this stabilisation, prices remain historically high, with record-high values observed across all housing types.

In the retail sector, buyers are adopting a cautious approach due to the elevated prices. Many retailers...

ANALYSIS: Cage-Free Price Decline Grinds to a Halt

Cage-free egg market movement has stalled following a 41% drop to $5.78/dozen in March. Now that supply volumes are more closely aligned with renewed consumer demand, most activity is occurring near supportive levels – a dramatic change in pace given the market's recent volatility.

Retail demand has started to pick up this week, driven in part by modest declines in shelf prices. Most notably, upcoming April features have led some retailers to pull well above average volumes from suppliers, reducing the amount of product available on the open market...

ANALYSIS: US Egg Market Grapples with Volatility Amid Historic Supply Lows and Demand Swings

The US egg market continues to contend with significant volatility, shaped by historically low production levels and sharp demand fluctuations. The USDA reported on Friday that the national layer flock stands at 285 million head, marking the lowest count for the month of March since 2009. Over the past decade, the average March flock size has been 321 million, highlighting the severity of the current underproduction.

This supply-side constraint is largely due to the ongoing impact of highly pathogenic avian influenza...

Kroger Responds to Albertsons’ Lawsuit, Files Counterclaims

Kroger has announced that it has filed its formal answer and counterclaims in response to Albertsons' lawsuit, which was brought before the Delaware Court of Chancery following the termination of the proposed merger.

On December 11, 2024, Albertsons called off its bid to merge with Kroger after a two-year effort, subsequently filing a suit alleging breach of contract in connection with the collapse of the deal. 

Today, Kroger issued a statement revealing that it had filed its answer and counterclaims. The company asserts that while it was diligently working to secure regulatory...

The Retail Rundown: 20th Power of Meat Report Reveals Record-Breaking Meat Sales

The 2025 Power of Meat Study was unveiled this week at the Annual Meat Conference in Orlando, Florida, where Anne-Marie Roerink, Principal at 210 Analytics, shared key insights into shoppers' evolving meat and poultry purchasing habits. Here are some key takeaways from the study's 20th edition: 

Meat sales reach new heights 

This year’s report, released by the Meat Institute and The Food Industry Association (FMI), revealed that the meat department set a new sales record in 2024, reaching $105 billion in total...

ANALYSIS: Cage-Free Price Slows Descent, First Signs of Consumer Relief Underway

Expana’s cage-free large quotation has continued to decline this week, albeit at a slower pace to last, dropping to $5.83/dozen Thursday. This marks a 41% decrease since the market peaked at $9.86/dozen in late February.

Weak retail demand remains the primary force behind declining wholesale values, as inflation-weary consumers continue to push back against high shelf prices. In response, grocers have scaled back their orders to better align with sluggish sales, leaving suppliers scrambling to offload surplus inventory. As recently as... 

USDA Announces New FPAC Leadership to Better Serve Farmers and Ranchers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced key presidential appointments to the Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC) mission area. These appointees will lead efforts to advance President Trump’s America First agenda and ensure that farmers, ranchers, and producers have the support they need to keep feeding, fueling, and clothing America.

“FPAC is the most farmer-facing mission area at USDA, housing the Farm Service Agency, the Risk Management Agency, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service—agencies producers rely on every day,” said U.S. Secretary...

ANALYSIS: Cage-Free Price Slows Decent, First Signs of Consumer Relief Underway

Expana’s cage-free large quotation has continued to decline this week, albeit at a slower pace to last, dropping to $5.83/dozen Thursday. This marks a 41% decrease since the market peaked at $9.86/dozen in late February.

Weak retail demand remains the primary force behind declining wholesale values, as inflation-weary consumers continue to push back against high shelf prices. In response, grocers have scaled back their orders to better align with sluggish sales, leaving suppliers scrambling to offload surplus inventory. As recently as... 

Bipartisan Bill Introduced to Help with Egg Supply

Congressional Letter Urges FDA to Grant NCC’s Egg Petition

Rep. Josh Riley (D-NY) today introduced “The Lowering Egg Prices Act” with Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Pat Harrigan (R-NC), and Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-MI), that would cut bureaucratic red tape that forces farmers to discard hundreds of millions of eggs each year.

The bill mirrors the National Chicken Council’s (NCC) petition last month to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reverse or modify a 15-year old regulation that forces the broiler industry (chickens raised...

The Retail Rundown: Fresh Buying Opportunities in Bloom

Tomorrow marks the official start of spring, and retailers are seizing fresh opportunities to capture increased spending with occassions like Easter and peak grilling season soon approaching.

However, for some residents, spring still feels distant as a late-season storm sweeps through the Central US today and tomorrow, potentially impacting purchasing and consumption patterns in affected regions. 

With roughly a month remaining in Lent, seafood remains a focal point in retail promotions, accounting for 33% of protein advertisements, primarily driven by fresh/frozen fillets as well...

DoorDash and Dollar General Expand SNAP/EBT Access to 16,000+ Stores

DoorDash and Dollar General announced a new offering to bring SNAP/EBT payment capabilities to more than 16,000 of Dollar General’s stores on the DoorDash Marketplace. With the addition of Dollar General, DoorDash’s network of stores that accept SNAP/EBT online payments on the DoorDash Marketplace nearly doubles to over 35,000 stores.

“Unlocking the ability for SNAP/EBT recipients to shop online and have groceries delivered straight to their door through DoorDash provides even more accessibility and convenience,” said Tony Rogers, SVP and...

ANALYSIS: EU Egg Imports Saw Year-on-Year Growth in 2024

The European Union experienced a notable surge in egg imports in 2024, reaching 121,113 tonnes, a 34.4% increase compared to 90,135 tonnes in 2023. This sharp rise is driven by structural market imbalances and disruptions in local production caused by factors such as avian influenza outbreaks.

Ukraine solidified its position as the EU's leading egg supplier, exporting 74,718 tonnes in 2024, a 36.6% increase from the previous year. This growth was facilitated by a free-trade agreement between Ukraine and the EU, which eased trade restrictions...

ANALYSIS: US Cage-Free Egg Prices Plummet Amid Consumer Pushback

Cage-free egg prices are retreating considerably, closely tracking the steep declines in the conventional market. Expana's cage-free white large soared to a record high of $9.86/dozen in late February before plunging to $6.93 per dozen—and the slide does not appear to be over, as demand is faltering under the weight of historically elevated pricing.

Retail demand for cage-free eggs had surged in recent months, largely driven by contract-based pricing, commonly used in this category. Retailers scrambled to secure...

Brazil’s Pork, Chicken and Egg Exports Increase in February

Brazilian exports of eggs, pork, and chicken meat recorded significant growth in February, according to data from the Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA).

Egg Exports Rise 57.5%

Brazilian egg exports, including fresh and processed products, totaled 2,527 metric tons in February, a 57.5% increase compared to 1,604 metric tons in the same period last year. Export revenue rose 63.2%, reaching $4.94 million from $3.02 million.

For the first two months of the year, exports reached 4,884 metric tons, marking a 38.2% increase from the 3,535...

Unlocking Market Opportunities: Key Takeaways From Agri-Food Europe 2025

Held from February 26th to 27th at the Okura Hotel in Amsterdam, Expana’s Agri-Food Europe 2025 brought together key stakeholders from global agrifood markets for two days of learning, collaboration and forward-thinking discussions...

With a timely agenda addressing critical issues such as commodity pricing, where markets are headed and emerging agrifood disruptors, the event served as a key gathering for businesses looking to gain a competitive edge. Agri-Food Europe also included market-specific breakouts for categories including animal products, tropical softs, grains, oilseeds, packaging and animal...

Dollar General Corporation Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year Financial Results

Dollar General has reported financial results for the fourth quarter and the 2024 fiscal year.

“We were pleased with the underlying performance of the business in the fourth quarter, including improved execution and solid top-line results,” said Todd Vasos, Dollar General’s chief executive officer. “As we reflect on our full fiscal 2024 year, we believe our Back to Basics work is resonating with customers, as demonstrated by higher customer satisfaction scores and healthy market share gains.”

The company reported net sales...

The Retail Rundown: Grocers Leverage Seasonal Trends; Inflation Update

As temperatures rise across much of the US, grocers are highlighting seasonal offerings for springtime occasions and grilling essentials.

Retailers are refining their marketing strategies to align with shifting demand, appealing to sports fans to boost traffic in the meat department. However, securing lower year-over-year protein prices remains a challenge, as factors like animal disease continue to affect availability across key categories.

The wholesale chicken market is gaining traction with baseball season on the horizon, driving demand for boneless items. Expana reports that buyers are scrambling to secure supply...

ANALYSIS: US Egg Prices Tumble as Retail Demand Falters

PODCAST: Agri-Food for Thought Ep 24 - M&A in the Global Agri-Food Industry, Feb 2025 Overview

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

On today's episode of Agri-Food for Thought, we showcase selected mergers and acquisitions in the agri-food sector that took place in February 2025.

M&A in the global agri-food industry is an ongoing and very regular trend. Hundreds of deals take place each month. This episode will give you an idea of some of the main M&A activity that took place last month.

United Natural Foods Delivers Solid Sales Growth in Q2

United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) has released its financial results for the second quarter, which ended on February 1.

The company reported solid sales growth and an improved Adjusted EBITDA for the sixth consecutive quarter. This performance is aligned with its multi-year strategic plan, which focuses on delivering sustainable value for both customers and suppliers while enhancing profitability.

For the quarter, United Natural Foods reported sales of $8.2 billion, marking a 4.9% increase compared to the same period last year. This growth was...

ANALYSIS: EU Shell-Egg Prices Soar to Record Highs

For the fifth consecutive week, EU shell-egg prices have continued to rise, reaching record highs and reflecting a market under intense pressure. Last week, enriched caged egg prices reached up to 2.71 €/kg, with an average price of 2.46 €/kg, an increase of 53.75% compared to the same period last year. However, significant regional price disparities persist, with Southern countries generally reporting lower prices than France and Northern European nations.

The upward trend is largely fuelled by strong pre-Easter demand and a tight...

Joe Guith Appointed CEO of CKE Restaurants Holdings

CKE Restaurants Holdings, the parent company of Carl's Jr.® and Hardee's®, has announced the appointment of Joe Guith as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.

Mr. Guith brings a wealth of experience in franchising, restaurant management, and the growth of consumer brands. He previously served as CEO of Church's Texas Chicken, where he successfully repositioned the brand, driving significant improvements in unit-level profitability, record sales, and customer traffic. His leadership was instrumental in expanding Church's Texas Chicken to over 1,500 locations across 23 countries...

Expana Completes Fifth Successful IOSCO Audit for Proprietary Agrifood Prices

Expana has successfully completed an independent review of its proprietary food ingredient and agricultural commodity price assessment process for a fifth consecutive year.

The International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) is recognized as the global standard for PRAs, ensuring governance and integrity in the price assessment process while providing users with reliable benchmark prices.

To ensure robust adherence to IOSCO principles, Expana engaged an external auditor to review and report on its compliance to its stated methodology criteria and the requirements of the IOSCO PRA Principles...

Trump Pauses Tariffs on USMCA-Compliant Imports from Mexico, Canada Until April 2

President Donald Trump’s social media posts are shaping trade policy in real-time: The president announced that some of the previously enacted 25% tariffs on Mexican goods will be delayed until April 2.

“After speaking with President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico, I have agreed that Mexico will not be required to pay Tariffs on anything that falls under the USMCA Agreement. This Agreement is until April 2nd.”

An hour prior, Trump also posted about Canadian PM, Justin Trudeau on Truth Social...

PODCAST: Agri-Food for Thought Ep 23 - Looking Back at Agri-Food Europe & WFA, feat. Thess Mostoles

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

Last week, Expana hosted its inaugural European content-driven event under the new brand identity, Agri-Food Europe 2025. Held at the Okura Hotel in Amsterdam, the event brought together approximately 300 guests and followed a dedicated day focused on Women in Food & Agriculture.

Feedback from attendees has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the event’s strong organization, high-quality speakers, and comprehensive news coverage.

The Retail Rundown: Key Buying Occasions on the Horizon 

March presents key retail buying opportunities as spring holidays approach and Lent influences shopping and dining habits.

With Lent beginning today, meat sales typically decline as participants shift toward seafood. This week, seafood promotions rose to 28% of total retail features, up from 26% last week. Currently, 31% of seafood ads highlight fresh or frozen fillets, with options like salmon, cod, and catfish averaging $9.30 per pound on discount—nearly 9% higher than a year ago.

Elsewhere in the retail landscape, beef and pork each account for nearly 25% of featured promotions...

Publix Sees Solid Growth in Q4 and FY 2024 Results 

In its latest financial results, Publix has seen robust growth in quarterly and fiscal earnings.

For the fourth quarter of 2024, the company reported sales of $15.5 billion, reflecting a 5.5% increase compared to the same period in 2023.

Net earnings for the quarter totaled $1.1 billion.

For the full year, Publix achieved sales of $59.7 billion, a 4.6% increase over fiscal 2023.

Comparable store sales rose by 2.9% year-over-year.

Net earnings for the year amounted to...

Albertsons Appoints Susan Morris as CEO Successor, Reaffirms Fiscal 2024 Outlook

Albertsons Companies has announced a succession plan following the planned retirement of its CEO, Vivek Sankaran, effective May 1. The company has appointed Susan Morris to succeed Sankaran and join the Board of Directors.

Morris, a 40-year veteran of the company, brings extensive expertise and deep knowledge of the business. She has served as the company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer since January 2018.

“I have worked closely with Vivek and the leadership team on our plans to accelerate growth and...

Armanino Foods Reports Strong Q4 and Fiscal Year Growth

Armanino Foods of Distinction is celebrating its third consecutive quarter of record financial results.

The company is known for making frozen Italian specialty foods like sauces, pestos, and filled pastas that are manufactured for the foodservice, retail, and industrial markets.

For the quarter, net sales increased by 15%, reaching $18.5 million, compared to $16.1 million in the same period of 2023. For the fiscal year 2024, net sales grew by 9%, totaling $69.4 million, up from $63.6 million in 2023...

Teamsters Secure Tentative Agreement for Stop & Shop Workers

A week ago, negotiations broke out between union representatives supporting Stop & Shop workers and company officials.

The workers were pushing for better pay and improved working conditions, threatening to strike at the Freetown distribution center in Massachusetts, which employs over 900 people, if an agreement couldn't be reached.

However, the threat of a strike was averted after the Teamsters secured a six-year agreement with the company.

The new contract ensures the facility will remain open, strengthens worker benefits, and secures higher wages for employees...

Dollar Tree Appoints Three New Board Members

Dollar Tree, Inc. today announced that effective immediately, William (Bill) W. Douglas, III and Timothy (Tim) Johnson have been appointed to the Company’s Board of Directors. In addition, Chief Executive Officer Michael C. Creedon, Jr. has joined the Board.

“Bill and Tim are both esteemed financial leaders with a strong understanding of today’s competitive retail landscape,” said CEO Mike Creedon. “We look forward to their many contributions and support in driving long-term value for our associates, customers, and shareholders.”

Chairman of the Board Edward (Ned) J. Kelly, III stated...

Trump’s Political Appointments: What They Mean for Commodity Markets

On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump was sworn in for this second term as US President. JD Vance also took the oath of office to become the 47th Vice President.

The new President and his political appointments have dotted headlines in the agricultural commodity space and beyond–grabbing the attention of individuals worldwide. More importantly, the people Trump is bringing aboard to lead, regulate, or deregulate the country’s industries will carry with them implications for domestic and international commodity markets...

Agricultural Trade Highlighted During Greer's USTR Confirmation Hearing

On February 6, the Senate committee hearing was conducted for Trump’s nomination to the US Trade Representative (USTR), Jamieson Greer who previously served as the Chief of Staff to the agency under Robert Lighthizer. Since then, Greer has been advanced by the committee to a forthcoming Senate confirmation vote.

During the hearing, Greer spoke about bipartisan trade policy–notably the tariffs on China that were kept by the Biden administration. Greer says he wants the position because he believes America should be a country of producers...

Trump’s Canada-Mexico Tariff Timeline Shifts Again, Hints at EU Trade War

US President Donald Trump announced that tariffs on Canada and Mexico will be delayed until April 2 during a televised press conference with his cabinet.

This comes just days after Trump said the tariffs would be implemented at the start of March as the President continues to oscillate on the tariff implementation date involving the country’s neighbors.

Amid Trump’s comment regarding the April 2 tariff start date, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick added that America’s neighbors had to satisfy the president’s demands regarding border security and fentanyl crossing into the US border, suggesting that some levies could be enacted next week.

“It’s going to be hard to satisfy,” Trump said following Lutnick’s explanation.

ANALYSIS: US Table-Egg Layer Flock Shrinks to Lowest Level in Nearly a Decade Amid Ongoing Bird Flu 

The latest Chickens and Eggs Report from the USDA revealed that the US table-egg laying population stood at just 291.5 million head as of February 1, marking a 4.1% decline from the previous month and the smallest flock reported since November 2015. However, ongoing outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) have led to the loss of an additional 11 million layers this month, effectively reducing the national flock to approximately 280 million 

Trump: Canada, Mexico Tariffs 'Will Go Forward'; Reciprocal Tariffs On Schedule

President Donald Trump announced Monday that tariffs on Canada and Mexico will take effect next month, ending a monthlong delay set to expire next week. Speaking at a White House news conference alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, Trump emphasized that the tariffs were moving forward as planned.

“We’re on time with the tariffs, and it seems like that’s moving along very rapidly,” he said, according to the Associated Press.

He also reaffirmed that his reciprocal tariff plan remains on track to begin as early as April...

The Retail Rundown: Seafood Rides the Lenten Wave

With March just around the corner, the first signs of spring and warmer days are emerging—welcome news for both consumers and grocers.

Seafood leads this week's protein advertisements, accounting for 26% of total features, closely followed by beef and chicken at 23% each. Pork ads make up 22%, while turkey holds a 3.5% share. Egg promotions remain scarce, extending a two-week trend.

In the seafood complex, fillet promotions are ramping up ahead of the Lenten season, now making up 33.5% of the category’s volume. Ads for both raw and cooked...