Applegate Achieves Milestone in Regenerative Sourcing Nine Months Early

Hormel Foods’ natural and organic meat brand, Applegate, announced it has achieved its goal of sourcing 100% of the beef for its hot dog brands from certified regenerative grasslands — nine months ahead of schedule.

As of today, every Applegate Organics® The Great Organic Uncured Beef Hot Dog and Applegate Naturals® Beef Hot Dog is sourced exclusively from verified regenerative farms certified by Regenerative Organic Certification, Land to Market, and Certified Regenerative (endorsed by Certified Humane®).

This achievement has contributed to the transition of...

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...

Idaho Smokehouse Partners Recalls Nearly 30,000 Pounds of Meat Sticks Contaminated with Metal

Today, FSIS announced a recall by Idaho Smokehouse Partners, LLC, a Shelley, Idaho-based company, for approximately 29,541 pounds of ready-to-eat beef stick products that may be contaminated with metal.

The affected items are 1.15-ounce vacuum-sealed packages of “CHOMPS ORIGINAL BEEF STICK MILD,” with an expiration date of 02-10-2026 and lot code 25016 printed on the label. The products also bear the establishment number “6220A” ink-jetted on the package.

These beef sticks were produced...

Tim Hortons® Appoints Naira Saeed as New Chief Operating Officer

Tim Hortons® announced today Naira Saeed as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), overseeing restaurant and field operations, franchising and development across Canada.

Saeed began her career working in capital markets, including at the Bank of Canada, before joining Tim Hortons in 2017 as the brand’s Head of Finance. In the eight years since, Saeed has led a number of the teams responsible for restaurant operations, franchising and franchisee profitability.

Saeed will continue to report to and work closely with Axel Schwan, President of...

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 994 dairy operations across 17 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...

ANALYSIS: UK’s Ongoing Measures Against Bluetongue

The UK government has been actively working to restrain the spread of Bluetongue among its herds, taking measures through restriction zones, pre-movement virus tests and licensing requirements. The latest effort is a vaccination cost calculator tool created by the AHDB on March 18, as part of the Battle Bluetongue vaccination campaign that launched in February 2025. The online tool aims to help farmers and vets make informed decisions about vaccinations by calculating the risk costs of Bluetongue against the monetary benefits of vaccinating...

ANALYSIS: Argentina Beef Exports Up 7.5% MoM in February, Down 27.5% YoY

Following record volumes in 2024, Argentina’s beef exports declined notably in early 2025. According to the National Institute of Statistics and Census, shipments in February totaled 50,080 metric tons (mt), up 7.2% from January but still 27.5% lower Y-o-Y. The monthly recovery was supported by stronger exports to secondary markets in Europe, such as the Netherlands, Germany, and Italy, as well as to the US and Brazil. Although volumes to China also posted a modest increase, they remained considerably below 2024 levels, continuing...

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: New Zealand’s Feb 2025 Beef Exports Jump 18.2% M-o-M to 46,162 mt

New Zealand’s February 2025 beef exports rose 18.2% month-on-month (m-o-m) to 46,162 metric tons (mt), the latest Stats NZ data showed

Rising by 7,094 mt, higher volumes to key markets such as the United States (US), Japan and Korea boosted growth while outbound tonnage to its second largest destination, China fell due to the observance of the Lunar New Year...

Smithfield Foods Added to Russell 1000 Index

Smithfield Foods, Inc., an American food company and an industry leader in value-added packaged meats and fresh pork, today announced that it has been added to the Russell 1000 Index, a key benchmark for large-cap U.S. stocks. The inclusion became effective after the market close on March 21, 2025, as part of the quarterly addition of eligible initial public offerings to the Russell Indexes.

The Russell 1000 Index includes the 1,000 largest publicly traded U.S. companies based on market capitalization and is widely used by investors as a benchmark for the...

ANALYSIS: Mexico’s Feeder Cattle Exports Post-Suspension in 2025

Mexico’s feeder cattle exports to the United States in February 2025, after trade resumed, totaled 23,816 head, a sharp decline compared to February 2024’s 110,511 head and February 2023’s 98,906 head, according to recent data..

By mid-March 2025, exports reached 15,023 head, significantly lower than the full-month totals of 135,687 head in March 2024 and 137,001 head in March 2023. With exports still being recorded for the second half of March 2025, volumes may increase, but they are unlikely to approach the levels seen in the previous...

ANALYSIS: US Beef and Veal Exports Hit 52-Week Low in Jan 2025 

According to the latest UDSA monthly beef and veal exports summary, US beef exports hit a 52-week low in January sending 104,414 metric tons (mt) of material overseas, which is down 13,000 mt month-over-month from December of 2024 (-11.1%).

The US exported 1.08M mt of beef in 2024, with the majority heading to Korea, Japan and China. As large consumers of beef cuts and boneless beef, much of what the...

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...

Hormel Foods Appoints Jeff Ettinger to Board of Directors

Hormel Foods Corporation, a Fortune 500 global branded food company, announced today that Jeffrey M. Ettinger, chairman of The Hormel Foundation, has been re-appointed to the Hormel Foods Board of Directors, effective March 21, 2025. The Hormel Foundation, an unaffiliated non-profit organization with a charitable mission, beneficially owns approximately 46% of Hormel Foods outstanding common stock. Ettinger previously served on the Hormel Foods Board of Directors and spent nearly three decades with the company, retiring in 2016 after a successful tenure as president and chief executive officer...

ANALYSIS: Easter Lamb Demand Meets Import Challenges

With Easter falling later this year on April 20th, about five weeks away, demand for lamb leg cuts in the US is typically supported. However, imported supply from Australia and New Zealand remains tighter due to several factors.

According to Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), Australian lamb exports have increased 6% year-over-year, but much of this product is being shipped to China and the United Arab Emirates, reducing availability for the US. Multiple US market contributors that buy imported material have noted limited offers from Australia...

ANALYSIS: China’s Jan-Feb 2025 Beef Imports Drop 11.3% Y-o-Y to 468,465 mt

China's total beef imports for the first two months of the 2025 calendar year slumped to 468,465 metric tons (mt), according to the latest data from the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC).

Dropping by 11.3%, the 59,684 mt was led by lower shipments from Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, New Zealand, whilst higher volumes from the United States (US) and Australia capped further losses.

Volumes in January 2025 was recorded at 276,540 mt as importers often frontload shipments early...

Navigating the Trump Tariff Turbulence: A Comprehensive Timeline

As April approaches, the ongoing tariff saga continues to unfold, bringing new developments each day. Expana is tracking the latest headlines and breaking down the key updates as they happen.

March 12, 2025: European Commission announces countermeasures to US steel, aluminum tariffs

The European Commission (EC) responded to new US tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from the European Union (EU) by launching countermeasures on imports from the US into the EU...

ANALYSIS: US Pork Exports Decrease in Some Key Markets

Coming off a record-breaking year for US pork exports in 2024, total US export volume for January 2025 saw a slight decrease year-over-year (YoY) in volume of 1.9% to 576,821 K-Lbs. While shipments to Mexico and Central American destinations were higher YoY, January totals for those two regions were lower than that of December 2024 by a margin of 3.5% and 37.1% respectively.

Interestingly, declines were noted for key markets such as Japan (-9.2% MoM and -22.7% YoY) South Korea (-10.3% MoM and...

ANALYSIS: Korea’s Feb 2025 Beef Imports Sink 36.7% MoM to 39,464 mt

Korea’s beef imports in February 2025 totaled 39,464 metric tons (mt), slumping 36.7% month-on-month (MoM), according to the latest data from Korea Customs Service.

Despite the 22,889 mt drop, this trend aligns with historical trends, as imports typically eased after front-loading in-quota shipments with lower tariffs back in January. The Korean New Year, that ran from late January to early February, also shortened the working month, slowing down the pace of imports.

Annually, imports rose 24.7% YoY (7,828 mt), though industry sources suggested this... 

Hormel Foods Strengthens Retail Division with Key Executive Promotions

Hormel Foods Corporation has unveiled strategic promotions within its executive team, with a focus on enhancing its leadership in the retail sector.

Scott Weisenbeck has been promoted to Vice President of Marketing – Retail. A key driver in the expansion of the company’s bacon category, Weisenbeck will now oversee a broader portfolio of brands. He has been with Hormel Foods for over 30 years and previously served as Assistant Vice President.

Joe O’Connor has been promoted to Vice President of Emerging Brands – Retail. O’Connor, who joined the company...

Game-Time Promotions Aim to Boost Sales in Foodservice

As the national college basketball championship games sound off, foodservice providers are capitalizing on the excitement with deals designed to drive sales and customer engagement.

Domino’s – The world’s largest pizza chain is offering a 50% discount on all menu-priced pizzas when ordered online. This promotion, valid from March 17 to March 23, includes every pizza on the menu, whether it’s specialty, any size, or any style of crust.

Wendy’s is checking into the tournament season with double dollar deals. Running through Sunday, April 13, customers...

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...

Domino's Takes 50% Off For Customers Who Order Pizza Online in Latest Promo

News of the latest retail promotion from the world's largest pizza company have circulated. From March 17-23, Domino's is offering customers who order online, 50% of all menu-prices pizzas.

"It's a big week, full of celebrations – the start of college basketball tournaments, St. Patrick's Day and even the first day of spring," said Frank Garrido, Domino's executive vice president – chief restaurant officer. "To top it off, Domino's is offering customers a deal they can't resist. They can choose from any...

ANALYSIS: US Brisket Prices Soften as Seasonal Demand Cools

Brisket prices have eased following the conclusion of peak buying for St. Patrick’s Day corned beef production. Expana’s Benchmark Price for Choice brisket now sits at $3.38/lb, reflecting a 12% decline since the start of 2025. While prices have softened, they remain 6% above the three-year average and 3% higher than this time last year.

The recent price decline can be attributed to a slowdown in demand after the bulk of seasonal purchasing for St. Patrick's Day wrapped up. Additionally, January and February are historically...

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...

ANALYSIS: Uruguay’s Fresh Beef Exports Saw a 10.5% Monthly Increase in February

Uruguay’s fresh beef exports rose 10.5% in February to 34,815 mt, according to the latest report released by the National Customs Directorate. Compared to the same period last year, this figure represents 9.9% growth.

China remained the top destination with 12,306 MT, representing a 3.3% decline from January and a sharp 20.1% Y-o-Y drop. This decline resulted in a contraction in China's share of Uruguay’s total fresh beef exports from 48.6% in February 2024 to 35.3% in February 2025, reflecting a weaker demand...

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...

ANALYSIS: Australia’s Beef Sector on Alert Amid US Tariff Uncertainty

As the United States (US) intensifies its "America First" trade policies, Australia’s beef industry is on high alert. Following the imposition of a 25% tariff on imported aluminum and steel, including from Australia, the industry is now bracing for potential inclusion in the next round of tariffs. With the Australian government's request for an exemption rejected, all eyes are on whether beef will be caught in the crossfire.

The US was Australia’s largest beef export destination in 2024, accounting for more than a quarter of total exports at 26.4%... 

ANALYSIS: China's Meat Imports Dip 0.2% YoY in Jan-Feb

China’s combined total meat imports for the month of January and February 2025, including variety meats totaled 1,098,190 metric tons (mt), slipping 0.2% year-on-year (YoY), according to the latest preliminary data from the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China.

The monthly average worked out to be 549,095 mt, edging down 1,363 mt (0.2%) compared to the same period last year. The General Administration of Customs typically releases a combined figure for the first two months of the year...

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: Brazilian Fresh Beef Exports Saw a 5.5% Monthly Growth in February, Up by 6.7% Y-o-Y

The latest data released by Brazil’s Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services, showed that February’s fresh beef exports (chilled or frozen) stood at 190,453 mt, up by 5.5% M-o-M and accounting for a 6.7% growth from the same period last year.

China remained the main destination for the Brazilian beef, absorbing 92,569 mt last month, growing slightly by 1.5% from January 2025, but still down by 3.6% Y-o-Y. This figure represented 48.6% of total...

General Mills Enters Growing Ramen Space with Latest Launch

Instant ramen noodles have long been a pantry staple in kitchens across the country. Recently, it has exploded on TikTok, with over 174 million posts showcasing creative recipes and new twists on the classic dish.

The enduring popularity of ramen is no surprise since it's affordable, comforting, and convenient, while still offering plenty of room for culinary creativity.

The internet buzzed in January when news broke that General Mills would be entering the instant ramen market.

Next month, the company will...

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.

Domino's Announces Key Executive Leadership Changes

Domino’s has reshuffled its executive leadership team with key promotions aimed at strengthening its global operations.

Joseph Jordan has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer and President of Domino’s US. In his new role, Jordan will oversee domestic operations, marketing, and will also expand the company’s global services to include Domino’s technology initiatives. Since May 2022, he has served as Domino’s President of U.S. and Global Services. Jordan brings a wealth of experience from his previous leadership roles at companies such as Pepsi-Cola North America, Philips Electronics, and Unilever.

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...

Brands Are Adapting to Consumer Shifts with Bold Flavors, Bigger Appeal

As consumers tighten their budgets and shift toward more meals at home, industry leaders are finding innovative ways to attract spenders. Some brands have focused on expanding their ToGo options, while others have embraced the rising popularity of spicy combinations.

Applebee’s® Enhances ToGo Offerings

Applebee’s is stepping up its ToGo game with a limited-time offer: 50-cent Boneless Wings, available when ordered between March 18–21 via the Applebee’s mobile app or online at Applebees.com.

Voted America’s favorite in a nationwide double-blind taste test...

PRE® Expands Ground Beef Offering to New Kroger Banner Stores in March

Pre® Brands, one of the nation's leading grass-fed and grass-finished premium lean beef proteins have announced the expanded availability of its ground beef products at select Kroger stores in several divisions across the US.

"At Pre, we have dual goals of growing the retailer partner category sales and an unconditional commitment to delighting consumers. With consumers increasingly focused on their health and wellness, they're seeking versatile and delicious grocery options to support their lifestyles," said Nicole Schumacher, Chief Marketing Officer...

ANALYSIS: Australia’s Feb 2025 Beef Exports Soar 45% MoM to 117,502 mt

Australia’s beef exports in February 2025 soared by 45.0% month-on-month (MoM) to reach 117,502 metric tons (mt), according to data from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (DAFF).

This 36,453 mt jump aligned with historical trends, as shipments typically rise following the shorter January working month. The growth was supported by strong demand from key markets including the United States (US), China, Japan, and Korea. Despite this, shipments headed to Southeast Asia saw a decline, limiting further growth.

On an annual basis...

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...

Impact of Pork and Beef Exports on Corn and Soybean Industries a Bright Spot for Producers

In the wake of a challenging year for U.S. corn and soybean producers, an updated study shows how exports of pork and beef provide support to their bottom lines. In 2024, U.S. pork and beef exports of $19.1 billion – an increase of $1 billion over 2023 and down just 2% from the 2022 record – had a significant impact on the corn and soybean industries, according to an independent study conducted by the Juday Group and released by...

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...

ANALYSIS: Mexico - Brazil Beef Trading Patterns

Mexico's beef import patterns have changed significantly since the implementation of the Package Against Inflation and High Costs (PACIC). The program, renewed in November 2024 under President Claudia Sheinbaum's administration, continues to influence trade flows in Mexico's meat sector.

Brazilian beef shipments to Mexico have grown steadily, moving from a small market share to becoming the second-largest supplier in 2024. What started as modest volumes in late 2023 has developed into a substantial trade flow, reflecting Brazil's rapid emergence in the Mexican market...

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...

Hormel Foods Unveils FONTANINI® Hot Honey Sliced Sausage 

Hot honey has long been a relevant talking point for pizzaiolos, as more and more pizza establishments are incorporating hot honey into their menus and offerings. Hormel Foods, a known innovator in the pizza space, naturally took notice of this increasingly "hot" trend, and the company's Foodservice team took it from there with the development of FONTANINI® Hot Honey Sliced Sausage, which debuts later this month at the International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas.

Bold and deliciously simple, this new product is "taking heat somewhere sweet," bringing...

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...

Trade Tensions Ignite as Canada and China Hit Back at US Tariffs

Canada and China have announced retaliatory tariffs in response to new US tariffs that went into effect today, igniting trade tensions between the world’s largest economies. After a 30-day pause, the US administration imposed a broad 25% tariff on Canada and Mexico on March 4, Expana's Ryan Doyle reported.

One minute past midnight, the US administration imposed 25% tariffs on Canadian exports and 10% tariffs on Canadian energy. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the decision had “no justification” and emphasized Canada’s efforts to combat...

Hendrix Genetics Swine Reaffirms China Focus Following Merger 

Hendrix Genetics Swine, the name of the merged entity between Hendrix Genetics’ Swine Division and Danish Genetics given earlier this year, will carry on with its “in China for China” strategy, it said.  

That was the policy carried out by the parent company Hendrix Genetics in the country. Hendrix Genetics holds a majority stake in Hendrix Genetics Swine.  

“Both Hypor and Danish Genetics products will remain available to the China market”, the company said, adding that the “marketing, sales, service and operation of both will be led and managed...

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...

Subway Brings Back a Tasty Offer: Get Any Footlong For $6.99

Subway® continues to serve up serious value with the return of the $6.99 any footlong promotion, perfect for fans hungry for affordability, quality and convenience. Starting February 28, guests can order any footlong sub on Subway’s menu for just $6.99* by using promo code 699FL on the Subway app or Subway.com.

Budget-conscious consumers can choose from any chef-crafted sandwich or build their own custom creation using Subway’s pantry of high-quality ingredients, including crisp vegetables, freshly sliced meats...

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...

ANALYSIS: Volume of Boneless Beef Hits 12-Month High in Latest USDA Cold Storage Report

According to the latest Cold Storage report from the United States Department of Agriculture, the total amount of beef in cold storage for the month of January was 463.3M lbs. Boneless beef accounted for 424.4M lbs (92% of total) while beef cuts made up the other 38.9M lbs. Both the figures for the total amount of beef and boneless beef equate to a 12-month high.

Cold storage is an important aspect for the imported boneless beef complex...

ANALYSIS: Sluggish Start to 2025 Japan’s Beef Imports

Japan’s total beef imports in January 2025 slumped 17.0% month-on-month (m-o-m) to 32,576 metric tons (mt), according to the latest data from Japan’s Trade Statistics.

Marking the lowest levels since February 2024, monthly inbound tonnage dropped 6,651 mt on the back of lower volumes from Australia and the United States (US), while increased shipments from New Zealand helped mitigate further declines.

Annually, January 2025’s beef imports into Japan plunged 24.7% (-10,682 mt), reflecting ongoing challenges faced by the world’s third-largest economy...

Raising the Steaks: Burger King® Introduces Bold New Steakhouse Bacon Whopper® Inspired by Guests

Burger King has long been known by fans as the one place to truly “Have It Your Way” - whether that means holding the pickles, adding extra cheese, or inspiring the next great Whopper creation. Last year, for the first time ever, Burger King encouraged Guests to create their own version of the Whopper through the Million Dollar Whopper Contest, which culminated with the launch of three new and delicious Guest-created Whopper sandwiches in restaurants nationwide. And now, BK fans are asking for more. That’s why starting March 6, Burger King is introducing The Steakhouse Bacon Whopper, the latest Whopper innovation inspired by Guests’ requests.

Establishing a New World Screwworm Sterile Fly Barrier Zone in Mexico

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is adjusting its New World screwworm (NWS) sterile fly dispersal strategy to push this devastating pest away from the United States and back toward the previously established biological barrier in Panama.  APHIS is shifting its dispersal efforts to Mexico—the northernmost point of the outbreak—using our scientifically proven eradication model. We successfully implemented this approach in previous eradication efforts, and it remains the most effective strategy...

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.

Tyson Foods Strengthens Executive Team with Key Promotions in Poultry and Prepared Foods

Tyson Foods has announced two key executive promotions.

Devin Cole has been appointed Group President of Poultry, succeeding Wes Morris, who will retire next year.

Additionally, Brady Stewart’s responsibilities have been expanded to include oversight of the company’s Prepared Foods segment, in addition to his current roles as Group President of Beef, Pork, and Chief Supply Chain Officer.

Both executives will report directly to Donnie King, President and CEO of Tyson Foods. King stated that these promotions are designed to further the company’s...

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...

ANALYSIS: New Zealand’s Jan 2025 Beef Exports Up 6.3% Y-o-Y on Solid US Demand

New Zealand’s January 2025 beef exports dropped 20.3% month-on-month (m-o-m) to 40,002 metric tons (mt), as shown in the latest Stats NZ data. 

Falling by 10,161 mt, volumes were curtailed primarily due to the shorter working month as the country observed the Christmas and New Year festivities. Outbound shipments declined across all key markets. Annually, exports grew 6.3% (+2,369 mt), fueled by healthy demand from the US and Canada. However, shipme

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...

ANALYSIS: Veal Industry Grapples with Supply Crunch

Veal cut supplies remain tight as production cuts and record-high calf prices continue to drive costs higher. Rising live cattle prices are also adding further upward pressure. Key cost drivers include growing bob calf prices and increased feed expenses, particularly whey, according to some market participants. Harvest numbers have declined as fewer male Holstein calves enter the market, with prices surging about 300% over the past year due to strong demand from the beef industry for these animals.

With production constrained and costs rising, some industry contributors...

Starbucks to Remove Menu Items; Changing Plans May Involve Stake Sale in China

By March 4, Starbucks will remove a selection of “less popular” menu items that include several Frappuccino® blended beverages, the Royal English Breakfast Latte, and the White Hot Chocolate, according to a press release. The removal of menu items will result in a 30% reduction in offerings by the end of the year.

“As part of our plan to get back to Starbucks, we’re simplifying our menu to focus on what sets Starbucks apart–a welcoming coffeehouse where people gather..."

Goya Foods CEO, Bob Unanue, Announces Next Chapter

Today, Robert "Bob" Unanue, with over 20 years as President & CEO of Goya Foods, is releasing a statement about his status with the organization as well as his plans for the future.

After 48 years of company service, Unanue was informed there had been a vote by the Board about his "employment" as President of the company. As to the nature of the decision and the rationale behind it, Unanue currently has no real answers, noting the company also has not publicly indicated that Unanue is no...

Understanding PRRSV: Research, Challenges and Industry Efforts With Dr. Brent Pepin

Dr. Brent Pepin, NPB’s director of swine health, takes a deep dive into managing Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRSV). NPB has played a key role in advancing PRRSV research and supporting producers with resources to mitigate disease risks.

Background Information

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) has been a devastating disease for pork producers since its discovery in 1991. PRRSV continues to be a major challenge affecting production, pig health and welfare. PRRSV infection can cause respiratory disease and mortality...

ANALYSIS: Robust Start for Korea’s Jan 2025 Beef Imports, Annual Decline Persists

Korea’s beef imports in January 2025 totaled 62,353 metric tons (mt), jumping a whopping 250.0% month-on-month (m-o-m), according to the latest data from Korea Customs Service. 

Despite the 44,536 mt sharp increase, this gain aligns with historical trends, as importers typically front-load shipments to take advantage of in-quota volumes and lower tariffs at the start of the year. This also marked the third-strongest January on record, as higher volumes from Australia contributed to a strong rebound following the early...

ANALYSIS: Argentina’s Beef Exports Declined 20.1% M-o-M in January, Driven by Sharp Drop in China’s

Argentina’s beef exports totaled 46,159 MT in January 2025, according to the latest data released by their National Institute of Statistics and Census, marking a 20.1% decline M-o-M and a 25.4% drop Y-o-Y. The decline was primarily driven by weaker demand from China, which remained the top destination but saw shipments fall to 30,181 MT, down 26.7% from December and 38.5% from January 2024. China’s share of Argentina’s total beef exports declined to...

Pizza Hut US Delivers Exceptional Big Game Results

Last week, 127.7 million pro football fans watched the sport’s final matchup, and Pizza Hut U.S. was ready to feed them. In fact, the brand claimed its highest sales per restaurant in its 67-year history during this year’s Big Game, proving that the most iconic Sunday in sports remains Pizza Hut’s busiest day of the year. It took a collective effort from the brand’s Digital & Technology, marketing and operations teams to ensure that football fans received piping hot Pizza Hut® pizzas to fuel their game-watching experience...

Statement from Smithfield Foods

Smithfield is pleased to announce that on October 24, 2024, FACTA, LLC, a third-party animal welfare assurance, certification, and training organization, which is accredited as a certifying agent by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to perform audits under the Farm Animal Confinement Initiative (Prop 12), recertified that farms 42104, 42105, 42106, 42107, and 42108, operated by Smithfield’s subsidiary Murphy-Brown LLC in Cedar City, Utah, were in compliance with CDFA’s Animal Confinement Regulations. And previously, on April 8, 2024, FACTA, LLC certified that farms 42100, 42101...

Firehouse Subs® Blazing a Trail to Australia

Firehouse Subs®, the iconic American sub sandwich restaurant chain renowned for delivering large, flavorful portions and exceptional customer experience, is coming to Australia this year. Retail Food Group (RFG), Australia's largest multi-brand retail food franchisor, intends for Firehouse Subs to become the #1 sandwich choice in the country, with plans to open 165 restaurants in 10 years, and the first restaurant planned to open in Southeast Queensland in late 2025.

Founded in Florida, U.S., in 1994 by two former firefighter brothers, Firehouse Subs is celebrated for...

Get Dinner on the Table Fast with Express Delivery from Kroger

The Kroger Co. today shared how its Express Delivery service can help customers in a pinch by bringing items they need from the store to a customer's door and fast. From a missing ingredient for dinner to cold remedies on a sick day or ingredients customers might have forgotten in their grocery haul, Express Delivery powered by Instacart—the retailer's fastest same day delivery service—can be shopped directly from Kroger's website and digital app, boasting the same great prices, savings and rewards found in-store... 

The Retail Rundown: Cold Weather Influences Demand

As February winds down, grocers are looking ahead to the arrival of spring and warmer weather, which typically sparks renewed retail demand after a slower start to the year.

For now, wintry weather remains in full blast, with record-breaking cold temperatures and heavy snow impacting the Central and Eastern US this week. These conditions could support continued retail demand for items like eggs, which are seeing strong consumer interest despite rising shelf prices. However, the extreme cold may not be as favorable for meat consumption, especially in southern regions accustomed to year...

Applebee’s Brings the Big Easy to Your Table with NEW Bourbon Street Cajun Pasta Dishes

Applebee’s is adding new “Bourbon Street Favorites” to its lineup with its NEW Big Easy Menu, featuring two NEW Bourbon Street Cajun Pasta dishes, available for a limited time! Packed with bold New Orleans-inspired flavors, guests can enjoy the NEW Bourbon Street Chicken & Andouille Sausage Penne for $11.99* or the NEW Blackened Shrimp & Andouille Sausage Penne for $13.99*, in addition to fan-favorites including Applebee’s Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp Skillet, Bourbon Street Steak, or the Bourbon Street Mushroom Swiss Burger...

First Dual-Branded Applebee’s® | IHOP® Restaurant in the United States Opens in Texas

Dine Brands Global, Inc., the parent company of Applebee's Neighborhood Grill + Bar®, IHOP®, and Fuzzy’s Taco Shop® restaurants, announced the grand opening of its first dual-brand Applebee’s | IHOP restaurant in the U.S. in partnership with franchisee Ramzi Hakim Group. The new restaurant opened to the public on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, in Seguin, Texas, just outside of San Antonio.

At the dual-branded Applebee’s | IHOP restaurant guests can enjoy all...

US Foods Reports Strong Fourth-Quarter and Fiscal Year 2024 Results

US Foods has announced its fourth-quarter and fiscal year results, showcasing strong growth and solid profit performance.

Fourth Quarter Highlights

US Foods achieved a 3.5% increase in total case volume in Q4. Net sales rose by 6.2%, reaching $9.5 billion. The company also saw a noteable rise in net income, which climbed to $66 million. Gross profit for the quarter increased by 4.8%, totaling $1.7 billion.

Fiscal Year 2024 Overview

For the full fiscal year 2024, the company reported a 4.2%...

Freddy's Introduces National Steakburger Day with $1 Original Doubles

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers® is officially declaring February 24 as National Steakburger Day to celebrate the brand's famous steakburgers. Starting Feb. 14, Freddy's Rewards members will enjoy a variety of in-app rewards as part of an ongoing celebration. The promotion culminates on February 24 with an in-app offer for a $1 Freddy's Original Double.

First-time guests often ask, 'What makes a Freddy's steakburger special?' Freddy's starts with premium, lean ground beef pressed thin and seared on a flat-top grill to create deliciously crispy...

ANALYSIS: Record US Pork Exports Fuel 2024 Growth

The latest USDA data released on February 6th shows US pork exports reaching a five-year monthly high in volume, which has exceeded volumes compared to the previous five years.

December 2024 exports totaled 292,935.3 metric tons (MT), a slight increase of 0.4% over November and 0.3% year-over-year. This capped off a year exceeding the previous five-year average by 6.5% and marking the highest annual export volume in five years. 

Export volumes surpassed 2023 levels in mid-June and...

2024 Exports Reveal Record-Breaking Year

Each day, I work with strategic partners and my team at the National Pork Board (NPB) to serve America’s 60,000 producers by adding value to every part of the pig, domestically and internationally. Today, I’m fired up to celebrate the record-breaking 2024 year-end pork export data released last week, indicating a volume of 3.03 million metric tons (+4% YoY) valued at $8.63 billion (+6%YoY).

2024 Year-End Data

Let’s look at some key highlights sourced directly from U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF):

• Pork exports to Mexico totaled 1.15...

ANALYSIS: US Beef Impacts if 25% Tariff on Canada Resumes

On Monday, February 3, President Trump announced the postponement of a 25% tariff on Canadian goods, with the possibility of reinstating it in 30 days. This delay comes amid ongoing discussions and underscores the importance of Canada's longstanding trade relationship with the United States (US). Now, universal tariffs are under consideration for future trade action. Canada remains one of the US's largest trading partners, with trade agreements spanning decades, including the Canada-US Free Trade Agreement and the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

Beef and live cattle...

ANALYSIS: US 2025 Coarse Ground 73% Sees Spike & February Pullback

Coarse ground 73% has experienced significant price volatility so far in 2025. The past few weeks have seen sharp fluctuations, with prices starting at $2.35/lb in early January before surging to $3.07/lb in just two weeks, a 31% increase, surpassing year-ago levels by 5%, according to Expana’s Benchmark Pricing. This spike was largely driven by a combination of increased demand ahead of the Super Bowl and tightened supplies of lean material.

Historically, this type of price movement is not uncommon for coarse ground...

ANALYSIS: New Zealand’s 2024 Total Cattle Slaughter Falls to 6-Year Lows at 2.63M Head 

New Zealand’s total livestock slaughter in 2024, covering bulls, cows, heifers, and steers, dropped to the lowest level since 2018, reaching 2.63 million head, according to official Stats NZ data.

With an annual decline of 113,823 head, kill rates slumped 4.2% year-on-year (y-o-y), driven primarily by drought-induced destocking, particularly in the South Island. A reduction in breeding cows, along with fewer calves raised since 2022 due to profitability challenges, further tightened supply...

Recall Issued for 33,899 Pounds of Uninspected Beef Tallow

The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has announced a recall of approximately 33,899 pounds of beef tallow produced by Common Sense Soap. The affected products were processed, packaged, and labeled on behalf of Lady May Tallow without the required federal inspection.

The recalled items were produced between October 16, 2024, and February 6, 2025, and do not bear the USDA mark of inspection because Common Sense Soap does not have a federal grant of inspection to produce food products. These products were distributed to retail locations nationwide by...

FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Undeclared Allergen in Pasty Oven Products

The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert for misbranding and undeclared allergens related to certain products from The Pasty Oven, Inc. The issue was discovered during a routine label inspection.

The affected products are fully cooked, ready-to-eat meat and poultry pasties that were produced using an egg wash, which is not listed as an ingredient on the label. No recall has been issued, as the items are no longer available for purchase...

Kroger Announces Leadership Transition as Todd Foley Retires and David Kennerley Takes Over as CFO

Todd Foley will retire as interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Kroger after 24 years with the company. Foley’s career at Kroger began as an audit manager, and over the years, he has held several key positions, ultimately stepping into the interim CFO role in 2024.

Effective April 3, Foley will be succeeded by David Kennerley, most recently of PepsiCo Europe. Kennerley will join Kroger on March 10 as Senior Vice President and will work closely with Foley to ensure a smooth transition...

The Retail Rundown: Valentine’s Day Brings Foodservice Gains 

The grocery segment received a boost from last weekend’s pro-football championship game, with strong movement at the meat case. According to Circana data, retail chicken wing sales ahead of the game reached about $8.7 million, up from $8.5 million the previous week. Pork ribs brought in nearly $7 million, rising from $6.7 million, while ground beef sales totaled approximately $76 million, compared to $74.7 million the prior week. 

Looking ahead, February is typically a slower month for retail and overall meat demand. However, Valentine’s... 

ANALYSIS: Brazilian Beef Exports Kick Off 2025 with a 10.9% M-o-M Decline, Hold Steady Y-o-Y

According to the latest data released by Brazil’s Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services, Brazilian beef exports totaled 180,471 MT in January 2025, marking a 10.9% decline compared to December. Despite the monthly drop, volumes remained largely stable Y-o-Y, down just 0.6% from January 2024.

Shipments to China, Brazil's primary market, fell 20.0% M-o-M to 91,181 MT, accounting for 50.5% of total exports. On an annual basis, exports to...

7-Eleven, Inc.'s Laredo Taco Company Launches New Flavor-Packed Chicken Fajita Burrito

New crave-worthy menu items and meal deals are here! Today, 7-Eleven, Inc.'s Laredo Taco Company® restaurant launched an all-new Chicken Fajita Burrito that's sure to satisfy every craving. Plus, customers can start their day with Raise the Roost® and Speedy Café® crave-worthy breakfast offerings or enjoy delicious lunch deals at participating 7-Eleven®, Speedway® and Stripes® stores nationwide.

The bold new Chicken Fajita Burrito at Laredo Taco Company features perfectly seasoned chicken...

White Castle names Melissa Palmisciano Vice President, General Counsel

White Castle, the pioneer of The Original Slider® and renowned restaurant and consumer packaged goods (CPG) brand, announced that Deputy General Counsel Melissa Palmisciano has been promoted to vice president and general counsel.

Palmisciano, who joined White Castle as corporate counsel in 2018 and has provided key legal leadership in areas including intellectual property, real estate, litigation and employment law, will fill the role formerly held by new White Castle President Anthony Joseph.

"Melissa sets a high standard through the tenacity and diligence she exhibits to model White Castle's...

Love at First Bite! 7-Eleven, Inc.'s Laredo Taco Company Offers BOGO for $1 Tacos on Valentine's Day

7-Eleven, Inc.'s Laredo Taco Company® restaurant is celebrating Valentine's Day by offering a treat that will delight both taste buds and wallets. On February 14 only, customers can score a buy one, get one for $1 deal for Bacon and Egg Breakfast Tacos. Enjoy sizzling, savory bacon and hand-cracked eggs, all wrapped in a warm, fresh flour tortilla.* Whether you're treating yourself or sharing the love, who can resist...

Jennings Premium Meats Breaks Ground on $2 million Expansion

Jennings Premium Meats announced the groundbreaking of a new addition to its current meat processing facility in New Franklin, Mo. The company is adding 4,800 square feet of manufacturing space to increase its snack stick processing capacity.

The $2 million project — partly funded by a grant through the Show-Me Entrepreneurial Grants for Agriculture program from the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority — is expected to be completed by July 1.

“This expansion is the next step to build our capacity and continue to...

US Valentine's Day Index 2025

As Valentine’s Day traditionally provides a boost for restaurants and confectionary retailers, Expana has analyzed the key commodities associated with this holiday.

Expana’s US Valentine's Day Chocolate Index consists of cocoa beans, sugar, and skimmed milk powder (SMP). In addition, consumption of strawberries increases during the Valentine’s Day period, and vanilla is widely used in preparation of cakes and chocolates. As a result, Expana has included the prices of these commodities separately in this report.

Although US consumers and retailers will welcome more affordable meal prices than in 2024, the cost of confectionery this Valentine’s...

Subway® is Setting You Up on The Perfect "Eat Cute" with a BOGO Footlong Deal for Valentine's Day

Subway® celebrates the season of love with a sweet deal for all footlong lovers to share with their Valentines.

Starting February 10 for a limited time, fans can use promo code FLBOGO on Subway.com or the Subway app to order their most beloved footlong and get another footlong free.* Whether planning a Galentine's Day, friendly hangout or a night with a special someone, Subway is making your next meal an "Eat Cute" with freshly made...

Meat Production in Germany Rises for the First Time Since 2016 

Germany's meat production increased by 1.4% y-o-y in 2024, totaling 6.9 million metric tons, according to the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis). This marks the first rise in production since 2016.  

Pork production recorded the greatest proportional increase, rising by 1.9% to 44.6 million tons, although still 24.9% below the 2016 peak. Production was also up in terms of the number of pigs slaughtered, by 1.2%, including a 1.6% rise in domestic origin slaughtered. The number of imported pigs slaughtered in German farms, on the other hand...

Southeastern Grocers Announces New Ownership of Iconic Winn-Dixie Banner

A consortium of private investors, spearheaded by the current CEO and President of Southeastern Grocers Inc. (SEG), Anthony Hucker, and C&S Wholesale Grocers, today announces it has acquired Southeastern Grocers and its Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket banners from ALDI U.S. ALDI U.S. previously purchased Southeastern Grocers in March 2024.

The agreement includes the acquisition of SEG grocery and liquor store operations under the Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket banners. This includes approximately 170 grocery stores in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi and...