US Declines to Extend USMCA, Putting $149 Billion in Agri-Food Trade on an Uncertain Path

The United States will not renew the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement, according to US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, amid Wednesday's July 1 joint review deadline. Fox Business subsequently reported that President Trump will instead pursue separate bilateral trade deals with Canada and Mexico lasting up to 10 years. Both Canada and Mexico had pressed for a full 16-year extension. They did not get it.

The outcome was widely expected. Trump has floated withdrawing from the deal entirely, and US officials gave no...

Expana Publication Schedule for the Fourth of July Holiday Period

Expana will be observing the Fourth of July holiday on Friday, July 3, across its Americas offices, which will impact the publication dates of several Expana Benchmark Prices and news.

The European and APAC offices’ publication schedules will be unaffected by this holiday.

The Fourth of July holiday period will affect the following...

The Retail Rundown: Holiday Heat Wave Tests Cookout Plans While Retailers Push Summer Favorites

The Independence Day holiday weekend has arrived, and with the Fourth of July falling on a Saturday in 2026, consumers are expected to celebrate with cookouts and gatherings throughout the extended weekend.

However, grilling plans across much of the Central and Eastern portions of the nation may be challenged by forecasts calling for extreme heat. Many consumers will be watching the forecast to determine whether conditions will cooperate for fireworks displays and outdoor celebrations. 

This week's grocery advertisements continue to spotlight popular summer and meal-time...

NRF Releases 2026 Top 100 Retailers

The National Retail Federation today released its annual list of the Top 100 Retailers, compiled by Kantar. The 2026 Top 100 Retailers ranks the industry’s largest companies according to 2025 U.S. retail sales. As the largest retailers continue to expand outside of retail revenues, this list focuses only on retail-specific revenues and not overall organizational revenue.

“Despite significant economic challenges over the past year, this year’s Top 100 Retailers list highlights a resilient group of companies,” NRF Chief Economist and Executive Director of Research Mark Mathews said. “They are adapting to meet changing consumer needs and leaning into new strategies and formats that set them apart...

McDonald’s Appoints Bryan Brown as US Chief Development Officer  

Kroger Announces Agreement to Acquire Giant Eagle

The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) and Giant Eagle, Inc. ("Giant Eagle") today announced a definitive agreement under which Kroger will acquire Giant Eagle, a leading family-owned food and pharmacy retailer with approximately $9 billion in annual sales and 197 supermarkets and 11 standalone pharmacies across northern Ohio, western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland and Indiana. The transaction has been unanimously approved by Kroger's Board of Directors.

With a purchase price of $1.65 billion, comprised of $1.25 billion in cash consideration and the assumption of approximately $400 million in outstanding liabilities, this transaction is consistent with Kroger's disciplined approach to capital allocation...

Farm Bureau Strongly Supports the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act

America’s farmers are facing a labor crisis. Continued agriculture workforce shortages threaten farmers’ ability to grow the food families rely on. Many labor challenges are addressed in new legislation introduced by House Agriculture Committee Chair G.T. Thompson. The Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act of 2026 builds on recommendations of the bipartisan Agricultural Labor Working Group and modernizes the H-2A visa program by expanding access to a year-round workforce and eliminating unpredictable swings in wage rates, among other changes.

“The lack of available labor is among the largest limiting factors of American agriculture,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall...

NPPC Pleased House Labor Bill Addresses Pork Producers’ Workforce Shortage & Other Priorities

The National Pork Producers Council, representing America’s 60,000-plus pork producers, applauds House Agriculture Committee Chairman GT Thompson (R-PA) for his introduction of the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act, which incorporates NPPC recommendations that allow producers to utilize the H-2A visa program.

“Agriculture needs a strong—and reliable—workforce. For pork producers, one giant step in the right direction means expanding the H-2A visa program to include year-round agricultural industries like ours,” said NPPC President Rob Brenneman, a pork producer from Washington County, Iowa. “Thank you, Chairman Thompson, for listening to our ideas and solutions...

Celebrate National Beef Tallow Day with Coast Packing Company and the Healthy Fats Coalition

Coast Packing Company, the leading supplier of animal fat shortenings in the Western United States, and the Healthy Fats Coalition are inviting consumers, chefs, restaurants and food lovers to celebrate National Beef Tallow Day on July 13.

Established in 2018 by the Healthy Fats Coalition, National Beef Tallow Day was created to spotlight traditional animal fats that have shaped cooking for generations. Timed to coincide with National French Fry Day, the observance celebrates Beef Tallow's role in flavor, frying performance, cooking heritage and more...

New World Screwworm in the US - What We Know So Far

The New World screwworm (NWS), a flesh-eating parasitic fly whose larvae feed on living tissue, has re-emerged as a major animal-health threat in the Americas after spreading northward through Central America and Mexico.

Federal and state authorities have expanded surveillance, quarantines, and sterile-fly releases in an effort to prevent the pest from becoming re-established in the country.

Expana is closely tracking the situation—see below for related coverage and an updated factsheet with the latest developments...

Single-Person Households Are Reshaping Korea's Food Market

According to the latest data from Statistics Korea, single-person households accounted for 36.1% of all households in South Korea in 2024, making them the country's most common household type. The changing demographic landscape is influencing the way Koreans eat, with more consumers looking for products that make home meal preparation quick and easy.

This is fuelling demand for Home Meal Replacement (HMR) products, meal kits and ready-to-cook (RTC) solutions, which offer convenient, time-saving food options.

Convenience food gains momentum

The convenience food segment is becoming increasingly important in Korea's food market. According to data from the Korea...

Secretary Rollins Announces Program to Support Small- and Mid-Size Beef Processors

Today, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced the Strengthening Processing for U.S. Ranchers (SPUR) Program that will provide temporary support for eligible beef processing establishments. Under SPUR, the U.S. Department of Agriculture will provide up to $500 million in payments to eligible entities to support stronger and more stable market opportunities for American ranchers.

“America’s ranchers deserve a strong, competitive marketplace that rewards their hard work and preserves opportunity for generations to come,” said Secretary Brooke L. Rollins. “Today, historically tight cattle supplies, the Biden...

H-E-B Plans to Invest $700 Million to Expand Supply Chain Operations

Reinforcing its commitment to being a powerful economic driver for Texas, H-E-B has announced plans to invest $700 million to expand its supply chain operations, a project that includes refrigerated and bakery operations.

While not yet finalized, the retailer has identified its Foster Road campus on San Antonio’s East Side as a potential location for the expansion. For the project, preliminary plans include construction of a state-of-the-art bakery, refrigerated warehouse, transportation building, and additional facilities as...

International Dairy Queen Announces Deal to Open 20 DQ Restaurants in Puerto Rico

International Dairy Queen, Inc. (IDQ), through its wholly owned subsidiary American Dairy Queen Corporation (ADQ), a leader in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry, today announced a deal to open 20 DQ Grill & Chill^® restaurants in Puerto Rico by 2036.

The agreement was signed with Caribbean Creamery LLC (Caribbean Creamery), an affiliate of Richport Restaurants LLC that owns and operates franchised restaurants in Puerto Rico. The 20 DQ restaurants will serve both hot food and treats.

“We are pleased to add Puerto Rico as a market...

ANALYSIS: US Imported Beef—Port of Entry Analysis

The United States is a major importer of beef, sourcing product from neighboring countries Canada and Mexico as well as long-haul origins including Australia, New Zealand, and Brazil, to supplement domestic supply. That imported beef enters the country through a network of ports and land border crossings, each serving different trade corridors and origin markets. Understanding where product arrives — and how that distribution is shifting — offers a useful window into the broader structure of the US imported beef supply chain.

This analysis draws on US Census Bureau import data 

ANALYSIS: Downward Pressure Persists Amid Sluggish Demand in the UK Beef Market

UK beef cut-out prices continued their downward trajectory in June 2026, as subdued wholesale demand kept the market under pressure. Prices declined across most cuts, with the notable exception of steak cuts excluding sirloin, which also registered a fall. 

Market participants attribute the broad weakness to an oversupply of New Zealand and Australian beef, which has been weighing heavily on UK and Irish prices over the past several weeks...

Lineage Prepares Cleanup After Week-Long Fire Contained at LA Cold Storage Site

Firefighters have brought a major blaze under control at a Los Angeles cold storage warehouse, after flames burned for nearly a week at a facility central to the region’s frozen food supply chain.

The fire began June 17 at Lineage’s Big Bear facility in the Boyle Heights area of central Los Angeles. The site stores and distributes frozen seafood, pork, beef and poultry destined for West Coast grocery stores and restaurants, according to Lineage and local reports.

Lineage said it is ready...

Halter Launches Upgrade to Help American Beef Producers Graze Smarter and Boost Animal Performance

Halter, the ag-tech company transforming cattle ranching, has launched Beef Pro, a product designed to move American beef producers beyond just virtual fencing and into active on-ranch performance management.

Halter's existing beef product lets ranchers virtually fence and shift herds from a smartphone, without the labor of physical fencing. Beef Pro adds a data, planning and decision-making layer, helping ranchers get more from their land.

Beef ranchers can now access a wealth of data on feed demand and grazing; satellite forage signals, grazing intensity heat maps, behavior monitoring, and automated grazing...

Farmers Applaud Executive Order to Suspend Tariffs on Fertilizer

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented on President Trump’s executive order to lift countervailing duties on phosphate fertilizers from Morocco through early next year.

“Farmers applaud President Trump’s executive order to suspend tariffs on phosphate fertilizers from Morocco. Skyrocketing fertilizer costs have contributed to rising expenses for farmers who were already struggling after years of inflation, depressed commodity markets and high interest rates. In fact, 7 out of 10 farmers said, in a Farm Bureau survey this spring, that they would not be able to afford enough fertilizer for...

President Trump Takes Action to Lower Fertilizer Costs and Support American Farmers

Today [June 29, 2026], President Donald J. Trump signed a proclamation temporarily suspending countervailing duties (CVDs) on certain phosphate fertilizer imports, providing immediate relief to American farmers while advancing the Administration’s broader strategy to strengthen America’s fertilizer supply chain.

The temporary suspension will increase phosphate fertilizer availability, improve competition, and help lower one of agriculture’s largest production expenses while supporting a stable and reliable fertilizer supply ahead of future planting seasons.

Current USDA analysis indicates American farmers could save approximately $1.82 billion annually through lower phosphate fertilizer...

Hormel Foods Announces Agreement to Sell Ceratti Business in Brazil

Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL), a Fortune 500 global branded food company, today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Brazilian operations, operated under the CERATTI^® brand to Zanchetta Alimentos LTDA, a Brazilian food company with an established presence in the market.

The divestiture reflects Hormel Foods ongoing efforts to simplify and streamline its portfolio and focus its international strategy on markets with the strongest long-term growth opportunities.

The transaction is expected to close in the coming weeks, subject to customary closing conditions, including...

Southpaw Acquires Portfolio of 43 Taco Bell Locations in Columbus, Ohio

Southpaw, a leading owner and operator within the Quick Service Restaurants (QSR) sector, today announced that it has acquired a portfolio of 43 established Taco Bell locations in Columbus, Ohio. The addition of this portfolio brings Southpaw’s ownership of Taco Bells to over 185 locations across seven states and, including its Dunkin’ locations, 230+ total restaurants in nine states with total sales of more than $475 million annually. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Southpaw believes that the acquisition of the Columbus portfolio represents a...

Singapore Ranks Amongst World’s Ten Most Food-Resilient Nations, Says New Index

Singapore has ranked among the world's ten most resilient food systems in a latest study by The Economist Enterprise. The research on global food resilience also delivers a strong word of caution: every major Asia-Pacific economy, including Singapore, has a blind spot around its ability to manage climate-driven food shocks.

The inaugural Resilient Food Systems Index (RFSI), by Economist Enterprise, supported by Cargill, ranks 60 countries on food system resilience across four pillars of affordability, availability, quality and safety and climate risk responsiveness. Singapore scores 73.0 overall. Ranking 9th out of 60 countries surveyed globally...

ANALYSIS: US Head Meat and Imported Boneless Beef from Australia/New Zealand

Within the beef variety market, head meat is known as a possible source for grinders as lean grinding material. Due to this, in 2025 head meat reached a record high level dating back to 1995 as the constrained US slaughter and herd caused limited availability of lean material and buyers focused their attention more on head meat compared to previous years.

Another factor that plays into lean grinding material demand is the availability of imported lean. In 2025, lean grinding material ...

ANALYSIS: Slowing Demand and Brazilian Competition Reshape US Turkey TradeTotal exports of US turkey in April were down 5.6% year-over-year (YOY) and 10.9% month-over-month (MOM), notably steeper than the 5-year average MOM decline of 4.0% for the same period. Overall volumes came in approximately 19.4% below the 5-year April average, underscoring the breadth of current demand headwinds.

Mexico, the dominant destination for US turkey exports, was the primary driver of the decline, falling 12.5% YOY and 15.7% MOM, well below the...

Expana's Weekly Top 10

Trade uncertainty, animal health, and shifting market dynamics continue to shape the agri‑food landscape. In this week’s Top Ten, we examine the developments influencing global supply chains, business strategy, and consumer markets, alongside the return of our regular columns and the latest episode of the Agri‑Food for Thought podcast. This list is in no particular order.

Find archived recaps here.

UNFI highlights three key trends at its 2026 Holiday and Winter Selling Show (East)

UNFI hosted its 2026 Holiday and Winter Selling Show (East) at...

NPPC Leads 330 Groups in Asking for Prop. 12 Fix as Senate Farm Bill Discussion Draft is Released

The National Pork Producers Council, which represents America’s 60,000-plus pork producers, led a coalition representing millions of agriculture producers in calling on Senate Agriculture Committee leaders to include in the final 2026 Farm Bill a solution for California Proposition 12 and the impossible patchwork of state laws it promotes.

Shortly after, Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) released a farm bill discussion draft that includes several NPPC priorities—including funding for the U.S. Swine Health Improvement Plan—but minus...

PODCAST: Episode 41 - The New Era in Protein Demand 

Protein has become one of the biggest drivers of food purchasing decisions.

In the latest episode of Agri-Food for Thought, we examine the forces behind today's protein boom—from fitness culture and healthy aging to GLP-1 medications—and discuss how changing consumer preferences are creating new opportunities across livestock, dairy, food manufacturing, and ingredient markets.

We also take a closer look at the rapidly evolving whey protein market with a special guest...

ANALYSIS: Australia’s Korean Beef Safeguard Teeters on Brink After 90% Drawdown

Australian beef imports have utilized 90.0% of the 2026 Korea-Australia Free Trade Agreement (KAFTA) safeguard quota as of June 25, according to Korea Customs Service data.

Exactly 19,602.68 metric tons (MT) remain available at the preferential 5.3% in-quota tariff rate. 

Timeline Shrinks Toward Historic July Trigger

Industry expectations currently still point to a July safeguard activation. This would be the earliest trigger on record, compared to a September 12 activation back in 2025, October 24 in 2024, and 8 December in 2023...

ANALYSIS: July Beef Market Review | 2015 – 2025

This analysis draws on Expana Benchmark Price (EBP) data and Expana market commentary — AM/PM tones, mid-morning tone, and US Imported and Boneless Beef Market Situation reports — to examine how July has traded across eleven years (2015–2025).

Each panel shows weekly mid prices for Series 3555 (Imported Aust/NZ Blend Cow 90% CL, EC, 0–14 Day) and Series 1067 (US Boneless 90% Fresh Chemical Lean, FOB River, TL), with intra-month price direction and magnitude calculated from the first to the final weekly EBP assessment of each July...

ANALYSIS: US Imports of Mexican Beef Trend Higher

US beef imports from Mexico strengthened during the first five months of 2026, with volumes trending above both 2024 and 2025 levels. January-May shipments totaled 96,580 MT, up 26% from the same period last year and 19% above 2024. The improvement was particularly evident in May, when imports reached 20,723 MT, the highest May volume...

P.F. Chang’s Rolls Out “Summer in Tokyo,” Spotlighting Shareable Sushi and Tableside Drama

P.F. Chang’s is leaning into experience-driven dining this summer with "Summer in Tokyo," a limited-time program running June 25 through Sept. 15 that combines shareable sushi, theatrical presentation and influencer marketing.

At the center of the promotion is the new Sushi Boat, a tableside presentation delivered under a cloud of dry ice to create a memorable, social-ready moment. Designed for sharing, each boat includes chilled edamame, a California Roll, a Shrimp Tempura Roll and a choice of two additional...

Ranch Group Applauds Legislation to Reform Tariffs & Quotas Affecting US Cattle and Sheep Producers

Today [June 25, 2026], U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., introduced the Home Market Restoration Act of 2026, legislation that would establish tariff-rate quotas for import-sensitive agricultural products, including lamb, live cattle and beef, as well as shrimp, crawfish, catfish, rice, honey and goat meat.

The United States established very low tariffs on livestock and meat imports in the 1930s and has not adjusted them for inflation since that time. In addition, numerous countries now have tariff-free access to the United States through...

Roger Marshall - Senator Marshall Releases Statement on Senate Farm Bill 2.0 Framework

Washington - Today [June 25, 2026], U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, released the following statement after Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman introduced a working draft of the Agricultural Act of 2026.

"This farm bill is built for the people who feed, fuel, and clothe America, and modernizes the programs that farmers and ranchers rely on every day. This language continues the work we started last year in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, and we are moving in the right direction to get the job done for America's...

Private Labels, Health and Wellness Take Center Stage at UNFI’s 2026 Holiday and Winter Selling Show

UNFI hosted its 2026 Holiday and Winter Selling Show (East) at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut, on June 24–25. 

The convention brought together more than 1,400 grocery retail representatives and 715 suppliers to connect ahead of the holiday and winter selling season. 

"This show reflects our continued focus on strengthening capabilities to help our retail customers differentiate and compete, while also supporting suppliers as they grow their brands in diverse retail environments," said Sandy Douglas, CEO of UNFI... 

Women’s Fitness Event in Taiwan Powered by US Beef

U.S. beef captured the spotlight at one of Taiwan’s leading women-focused fitness and wellness events in Taipei. Under the brand theme of “Strong Is Beautiful,” the 2026 Women’s Health Fit Fest attracted an audience of young, health-conscious consumers with a strong interest in fitness, wellness and healthy living to Songshan Cultural and Creative Park. 

The event was an opportunity for USMEF to pS. beef as a nutritional, protein-rich option for consumers pursuing active, healthy lifestyles. 

“The event was a natural opportunity to incorporate U.S. beef into conversations around high-protein diets, protein intake, recovery, and balanced nutrition,” says USMEF Senior Marketing Manager Alex Sun. “We set up a fun, engaging experience...

President Trump Signs Executive Order Advancing Regenerative Agriculture

On the heels of President Donald J. Trump signing an Executive Order advancing regenerative agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke L. Rollins simultaneously announced a final Regenerative Feedstock Rule, a landmark action that will help farmers voluntarily capture new value from regenerative agricultural practices through biofuel markets.

The announcement builds upon President Trump’s historic record of support for American agriculture and domestic biofuels. From delivering nationwide year-round E15, establishing the highest Renewable Volume Obligations in American history, and extending the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit through...

Davids Leads Congressional Action as New World Screwworm Cases Threaten Kansas Beef Production

Representative Sharice Davids (KS-03), along with Representatives Jim Costa (CA-21) and Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), led 21 New Democrat Coalition members in demanding answers from Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins about the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) response to the emergence of New World Screwworm (NWS) and urging the Trump Administration to provide ranchers, farmers, and producers with the tools they need to contain the outbreak.

"Across the livestock sector, producers and industry experts have made clear that they are prepared to work with USDA...

Farm Bureau Applauds President’s Call for Farmer Aid and Year-Round E15, Urges Bipartisan Action

American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall today applauded the White House request to Congress for more than $11 billion in additional assistance for America's farmers and ranchers, as well as the administration's call for year-round access to E15 fuel.

“Farmers are grateful to have the president’s backing at such a critical time after enduring years of economic losses due to inflation and depressed markets. Additional aid will give farmers optimism headed into harvest later this year as they await the benefits of enhanced...

ANALYSIS: Brazil–China Beef Lag-Adjusted Data Points to Late-August Quota Depletion

China’s beef import safeguard has become one of the main points of attention for the Brazilian beef trade in 2026, as the country’s annual quota allocation is being consumed at a much faster pace than in previous years. According to the latest update from the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), beef imports from Brazil reached 723,778 MT between January and May, already filling 65.4% of Brazil’s 1.106 million MT quota. The remaining ...

Agragene Selected for USDA Grand Challenge and FFAR Grants to Combat New World Screwworm

Agragene announces funding from the USDA New World Screwworm Grand Challenge and from the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research. The grants were awarded through competitive processes by both USDA and FFAR with the former involving hundreds of submissions. Both grants are designed to facilitate additional research on the company’s novel insect sterility technology.

Agragene uses precision-guided sterile insect technique (pgSIT) to deliver healthy, sterile male flies to mate with wild female screwworm.

Bryan Witherbee, CEO of Agragene, says the technology has demonstrated the ability to deliver significant impact in reducing other invasive pest populations...

Darden Sees Same-Store Sales Growth Across All Segments in Fiscal 2026

Darden Restaurants closed fiscal 2026 with sales and earnings growth that, according to President & CEO Rick Cardenas, outpaced the broader restaurant industry. Results were driven by positive same-restaurant sales across all segments, continued unit expansion and the benefit of a 53rd week of operations.

The company reported fiscal 2026 sales of $13.21 billion, up 9.4%, while blended same-restaurant sales increased 4.5%.

"Our performance throughout the fiscal year reflects the strength of our brands, the discipline of our strategy, and the quality of our...

Sandals Puts Culinary Storytelling at the Center of Jamaica Resort Transformation

Sandals Resorts is using food and beverage as a key pillar of its US$200 million transformation of three Jamaica properties, introducing a series of new dining concepts designed to deepen guests' connection to the destination through local ingredients, cultural storytelling and immersive experiences.

The culinary additions will roll out across Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Caribbean Cay and Sandals South Coast as part of the extensive redevelopment project. The resorts are scheduled to reopen beginning in November and December 2026.

US Beef Shines in Korea’s Booming Home Meal Replacement Sector

Fueled by inflation and the rise in single-person households, Korea’s home meal replacement (HMR) industry continues expanding, having nearly doubled in size over the past decade. High-quality U.S. beef has successfully penetrated this product category through new product development and promotional partnerships with Korean importers, processors, restaurants and retailers.

One such partnership is with Samihun, a prestigious barbecue restaurant brand widely recognized as a market leader in the HMR sector. Renowned for its top-selling galbitang (beef rib soup) and marinated beef barbecue, Samihun utilizes high-quality U.S....

AFBF Commends Bednarski Nomination to Farm Credit Board

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall today [June 24, 2026] commended the White House nomination of Michigan Farm Bureau leader and farmer Carl Bednarski to serve on the Farm Credit Administration Board.

“We congratulate Carl on his nomination to the Farm Credit Administration Board. He is well-qualified to serve in this position, having capably led the team at Michigan Farm Bureau for a decade and having also served on the AFBF board of directors for nearly nine years, including roles on our Executive, Audit and Finance Committees.

“Carl’s strong leadership abilities and knowledge of 

USDA Announces FY 2025 State Payment Error Rates in SNAP

Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released the annual Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payment error rates (PER), which measure how accurately states determine who is eligible for SNAP and how much they should receive.

The national payment error rate for fiscal year (FY) 2025 is 10.62%, far surpassing the congressional threshold of 6%.

While this is a modest decrease from FY 2024, the FY 2025 rate still shows significant waste at the state level. Including both overpayments and underpayments, this year’s rate represents a collective $10.1 billion...

Syngenta, McDonald’s, McCain Sign MOU Toward Resilience in China's Potato Supply Chain

On June 24, leaders in China's Syngenta Group said they will partner with counterparts in the country from McDonald’s and McCain to build a more resilient and sustainable potato supply chain, according to a press release. Leaders from the companies signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at the 4th China International Supply Chain Expo.

ANALYSIS: Argentina's May 2026 Beef Exports Rise 7.5% YOY to 58,631 MT as US Surges and China Share

The latest data from Argentina's National Institute of Statistics and Census (INDEC), fresh beef exports reached 58,631 metric tons (MT) in May 2026, advancing 23.3% month-on-month (MOM) and partially reversing April's seasonal pullback. On a year-on-year (YOY) basis, the increase was more modest, 7.5% above...

GXO Renews Long-Term Partnership With Carrefour in Belgium

GXO Logistics, Inc. (NYSE: GXO), the world’s largest pureplay contract logistics provider, today announced the renewal of its long-standing partnership with Carrefour for frozen supply chain operations in Belgium and Luxembourg. This renewal agreement strengthens one of GXO’s longest customer relationships in Belgium, a collaboration that has spanned almost 50 years and reaffirms Carrefour’s role as a key strategic partner for GXO’s operations in Zellik. 

“We are proud to continue our partnership with Carrefour, one of our longest‑standing customers in Belgium,” said Willem Veekens, Managing Director for GXO in...

MLA - On-Farm Performance and Profitability the Focus of New $6 Million Partnership

Thousands of Victorian livestock producers will be able to boost their performance, profits and market opportunities through a major new program being launched today.

The initiative, a $6m partnership between Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) and Agriculture Victoria, will help producers use on-farm data through proven tools to improve their decision making, with immediate results.

This includes using tools such as MyFeedback to better understand carcase performance against processor specifications, including MSA outcomes, and using that information to improve market alignment and returns.

Producers will...

Governor Abbott Announces Federal Funding To Strengthen NWS Inspection Capacity

Governor Greg Abbott today announced pre-award approval of a cooperative agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) APHIS Veterinary Services that unlocks immediate federal funding for the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) to hire additional inspectors and strengthen the state’s New World screwworm (NWS) response.

“Texas will take every action necessary to safeguard our livestock producers and agricultural economy from the New World screwworm,” said Governor Abbott. “This federal funding allows us to place more inspectors in the field and bolster our state response. I thank...

The Retail Rundown: Independence Day Demand Meets Rising Cookout Costs

After weeks of demand shaped by Memorial Day and Father’s Day, retailers are now preparing for the final major grilling holiday of the summer: Independence Day. For meat departments, the Fourth of July represents the last significant opportunity to capture peak grilling demand before the slower midsummer period begins.

This year’s holiday arrives with favorable calendar dynamics. Falling on a Saturday, July 4th creates a full holiday weekend expected to encourage extended celebrations and larger gatherings. For grocers, that translates into a critical window to drive volume and strengthen...

Meat Institute Promotes Michael Schumpp to Vice President of International Affairs

The Meat Institute today [June 23, 2026] announced the promotion of Michael Schumpp to Vice President of International Affairs.

“Michael recently delivered compelling testimony in representing the Meat Institute before Congress and has assisted the US Trade Representative in negotiations on the US-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA),” said Meat Institute Julie Anna Potts. “His leadership on international policy is well established, his industry expertise is sought out by policymakers, and we are pleased he will continue his work on behalf of the meat and poultry industry as vice...

Farm Bureau Urges Senate Passage of Farm Bill

American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall commented on the Senate farm bill discussion draft released today [June 23, 2026] by Sen. John Boozman (R-Ark.), chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

“Farm Bureau appreciates Sen. Boozman’s work to move a farm bill forward in the Senate. The bill text provides important support for farm families. The benefits include improved access to credit, expanded investments in specialty crops, increased transparency in fertilizer markets, and enhanced research and conservation programs. The discussion draft is a good first step and provides a solid foundation that Farm Bureau will work to improve upon as the Senate moves toward markup.

NDFU Issues Statement on Senate Farm Bill Proposal

North Dakota Farmers Union President Matt Perdue issued the following statement today in response to the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee’s release of The Agricultural Act of 2026:

“The Senate farm bill proposal includes many of the same helpful provisions included in the House-passed version. It updates farm loan programs and reauthorizes voluntary conservation, rural development and farmer mental health programs. These updates will benefit family farmers and ranchers and their communities.  

“We appreciate the process moving forward and hope the Senate addresses missed opportunities during the committee process. We will continue to advocate for bipartisan proposals...

Farm Bureau: Cost of Fourth of July Cookout Reflects Inflation Increase

Families celebrating the Fourth of July holiday with a cookout will find that prices at the grocery store closely reflect inflation increases over the last year. An Independence Day cookout will cost $73.82 for 10 guests this year, according to the 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation annual marketbasket survey.

This is up $2.90 from last year, which is a 4% increase. The overall annual inflation rate in the United States is 4.2% for 12 months ending in May, which is consistent with the findings of the marketbasket survey, even though the survey tracks a much smaller basket of items.

At $7.38 per person, this is the most expensive Fourth of July cookout since Farm Bureau began surveying costs in 2016. However, after adjusting for inflation, cookout costs have remained relatively stable in recent years and remain below the previous peak reached in 2022.

Domino’s Names Joe Jordan CEO as Russell Weiner Plans Retirement

Domino’s Pizza Inc. has outlined a planned leadership transition that will see Chief Operating Officer (COO) and President of Domino’s US Joe Jordan step into the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) on October 1, 2026, as longtime company veteran Russell Weiner prepares to retire from the position.

The company said Jordan will also join Domino’s Board of Directors at that time. Weiner will remain CEO through the end of September 2026 before transitioning to Executive Chairman Designate, and will...

Wendy’s Names Steve Cirulis CFO and Chief Strategy Officer

Wendy’s has named Steve Cirulis as its new Chief Financial Officer and Chief Strategy Officer, effective June 23, 2026, as the quick‑service chain continues to focus on its turnaround strategy.

Cirulis will report to President and Chief Executive Officer Bob Wright and join Wendy’s Senior Leadership Team. He succeeds Ken Cook, who has served as CFO since 2024 and will remain in an advisory role through July to support a smooth transition.

Cirulis most recently held the dual CFO and Chief Strategy Officer roles at...

70% of Low-income Parents Worry About Affording Groceries

As inflation and grocery prices reach new highs, new national research commissioned by No Kid Hungry finds parents living on low incomes are being forced to make impossible tradeoffs between stocking the fridge, buying medicine, and paying household bills. The polling underscores the devastating impact of last summer's historic cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that have already caused 3.5 million people to lose access to the nation's most effective anti-hunger program.

The results show that parents are having to make difficult decisions about which basic needs to...

ANALYSIS: Safeguard Headwinds Fragment Supplier Pacing in China's May 2026 Beef Imports Figures

China's beef imports remained relatively flat, ticking down just 0.8% month-on-month (MOM) to 206,957 metric tons (MT) in May 2026, according to the latest data from the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC). 

The minor 1,760 MT drop came despite the ongoing safeguard quota rush that has driven aggressive front-loading since the start of the year.  

The May data marked a clear continuation of the cooling import pace that began in April, with volumes sitting at a firm 6.4%...

OTB Hospitality Files Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Following On The Border Closures

Pappas Restaurants, Inc. expanded its portfolio in May 2025 with the acquisition of On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, adding another well‑known Texas brand to its family of restaurant concepts, according to an Expana report.

The deal brought On The Border under the same umbrella as Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, Pappasito’s Cantina and Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, among other concepts. Following the acquisition, Pappas began refreshing On The Border’s menu and operations, with an emphasis on improving food quality, strengthening execution and enhancing the overall guest experience...

ANALYSIS: New Zealand's May 2026 Beef Exports Surge to All-Time High on Peak Season Run

New Zealand's beef exports accelerated to an all-time monthly high in May 2026, driven by peak seasonal processing and sustained international demand.

Total outbound shipments reached 59,669 metric tons (MT), marking a strong 28.6% month-on-month (MOM) volume expansion and a 25.7% year-on-year (YOY) gain, according to recent Stats NZ data.

Despite regional cattle kills trailing behind last year, total volumes still grew during this peak processing run.

This performance successfully pushed the year-to-date...

Denny’s Launches Summer Menu, Adds New Value Items Under $10

Denny’s is rolling out a new summer menu designed to blur traditional daypart boundaries, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner items all available any time of day across its US restaurants beginning June 24.

Dubbed The Clock’s Off Menu, the lineup is built around an all-day dining strategy that leans into changing consumer habits and the idea that demand is no longer tied to conventional meal times.

The expanded menu includes core Denny’s staples such as Moons Over My Hammy, Country Fried Steak & Eggs, Sirloin Steak, and...

Swine Health Advisory Committee Sets Five Focus Areas

The Swine Health advisory committee is focused on turning strategy into action. To help advance the National Swine Health Strategy, the committee identified five focus areas that will drive action and measurable progress for U.S. pork producers.

A Producer-Led Push for Swine Health
Pork producers need a swine health strategy that actually works on the farm. The Swine Health advisory committee was created to make sure that happens.

For the inaugural meeting in May, the advisory committee’s twenty-seven producers, veterinarians, USDA staff and packers/processors...

Fry Pie Factory Recalls Pepperoni Rolls Over Undeclared Milk, Temperature Control Issues

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has posted a recall notice from Fry Pie Factory involving its 5-ounce Pepperoni Rolls due to undeclared milk and a refrigeration process deviation that could pose a food safety risk.

According to the company, the voluntary recall was initiated after it discovered the products were mislabeled and failed to declare milk, a major food allergen. In addition, the Pepperoni Rolls were not stored, distributed, or sold at appropriate temperatures, which may have allowed the...

Secretary of Agriculture Names John Bellinger as Senior Advisor for New World Screwworm Preparedness

John Bellinger, co-founder and CEO of Food Safety Net Services (FSNS) and former CEO of Certified Group, has been appointed Senior Advisor for New World Screwworm Preparedness as USDA advances efforts to protect U.S. livestock, producers, and the protein supply chain.

The appointment was announced by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins as USDA advances preparedness efforts related to New World screwworm, a pest that can cause serious harm to cattle and other warm-blooded animals...

Coalition for Metabolic Health Joins USDA's Dietary Guidelines National Strategic Partnership

The Coalition for Metabolic Health announced it has joined the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Dietary Guidelines National Strategic Partnership, an effort to strengthen national collaboration around nutrition and public health by helping Americans understand how the Dietary Guidelines for Americans can support healthy eating.

"The Dietary Guidelines influence federal food programs and shape dietary norms nationwide, affecting meals in American homes, schools, hospitals, and more," said Dr. Maya Maroto, executive director of the Coalition for Metabolic Health. "We were encouraged by the new guidelines' emphasis on whole foods...

Hardee’s Launches ‘Running on Full’ Free Breakfast Offer

Hardee's knows when gas prices are this high, filling up the tank is a dreaded chore. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, gas prices are up over a dollar from a year ago, leaving consumers to make tough choices about where to cut costs. That's why the American quick-service restaurant brand is launching "Running on Full," a campaign built on a simple truth: when your gas tank reads "E," your stomach doesn't have to.

With the "Running on Full" campaign, Hardee's...

Got Beef Introduces ‘Granny,’ an AI-Generated Brand Spokesperson

Grass-fed jerky brand unveils a fully AI-produced granny character to anchor its social content as part of a lean, technology-driven operating model.

Got Beef, a direct-to-consumer grass-fed beef jerky brand, announced the launch of “Granny,” an AI-generated brand spokesperson who has already started appearing across the company’s social media platforms and a new billboard campaign. The character marks the centerpiece of the brand’s content strategy and reflects a broader operating approach built around artificial intelligence tools.

Granny is a recurring...

Expana's Weekly Top 10

This week’s Top 10 highlights the key risks, policy developments and market shifts shaping the agri-food landscape, from biosecurity threats and farm labor reform to fertilizer costs, cocoa competition and resilient consumer demand. From the spread of New World screwworm in the US and proposed changes to the H-2A program, to private label growth, Father’s Day meat promotions and climate risks facing West Coast fisheries, these are the stories driving markets this week. This list is in no particular order. 

Find archived recaps here.

10. Private labels continue...

ANALYSIS: Korea's May 2026 Beef Imports Dip 4.0% MOM; Australia Quota Clock Runs Down

Korea's beef imports contracted 4.0% month-on-month (MOM) to 37,631 metric tons (MT) in May, according to the latest Korean Trade Statistics, driven primarily by a shorter working month with a cluster of public holidays reducing commercial processing days.

On a year-on-year (YOY) basis, inbound volumes fell 4.9%, weighed down by tighter supply availability from the United States (US)...

Brands Compete on Value, Experience and Summer Promotions in Foodservice

Rising prices, shifting consumer expectations and seasonal marketing pushes are shaping the latest moves across foodservice. From affordability and customer satisfaction trends to global expansion, soccer-themed promotions and summer menu innovation, restaurant brands are refining how they attract traffic, build loyalty and compete for consumer spending.

With fast-food costs climbing and value under greater scrutiny, new studies highlight how affordability and customer satisfaction are shaping consumer choices.

A new WalletHub study finds fast food is becoming less affordable, with sharp state-by-state differences...

Americold Opens New Cold Chain Hub at Port Saint John, Expanding Global Trade Connections

Americold Realty Trust has opened a new import-export hub at Port Saint John, strengthening links between North American producers and international markets while advancing temperature-controlled logistics in Canada.

Unveiled during Port Days 2026, the facility was developed with DP World and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC). The project combines cold storage, maritime logistics and rail transportation in a single location, creating what the companies describe as the first integrated operation of its kind globally...

Neogen® Committed to Helping Ranchers, Livestock Producers, and Horse Owners Fight Against NWS

Neogen Corporation (NASDAQ: NEOG), an innovative leader in food and animal safety solutions, today announced the expanded availability of FIFRA* Section 2(ee) recommendations for the use of Prozap® Insectrin X Concentrate and Prozap® Screw Worm and Ear Tick Aerosol as part of New World Screwworm (NWS) response efforts. These recommendations provide ranchers, livestock producers, and horse owners with an additional option to support fly management efforts.

In Texas, the Texas Department of Agriculture has approved Section 2(ee) recommendations for these products. Neogen...

FDA: Authorization of Emergency Use for Two Animal Drugs for the Treatment of New World Screwworm

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or the Agency) is announcing the issuance of two Emergency Use Authorizations (EUA) (Authorization) under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) for new animal products. FDA has issued one EUA for an animal product as requested by Health and Hygiene (Pty) Ltd. for the prevention and treatment of infestations caused by New World screwworm ( Cochliomyia hominivorax) (NWS) larvae (myiasis) in cattle, horses, minor species of hoof stock, raptors and other wild birds, pet birds...

Jersey Mike's Unseats Chick-fil-A as America's Top-Rated QSR, ACSI Finds

Jersey Mike's has claimed the top spot in the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) Restaurant and Food Delivery Study 2026, ending Chick-fil-A's 11-year run as the highest-rated quick-service restaurant brand.

The chain earned an industry-leading customer satisfaction score of 84 as overall restaurant satisfaction remained steady. Quick-service restaurants held an ACSI score of 79 for the third consecutive year, while full-service restaurants maintained a score of 82, continuing to rank among the...

Expana's Publication Schedule for Juneteenth, June 19, 2026

Expana will be observing the Juneteenth holiday on Friday, June 19, across its Americas offices. This holiday schedule will impact the publication dates of several Expana Benchmark Prices and some news.

The European and APAC offices’ publication schedules will be unaffected by this holiday. Regular publishing schedules will resume on Monday, June 22, 2026.

The Juneteenth holiday period will affect the following markets...

Iowa Lifts Remaining Restrictions; United States Is Again Free of Pseudorabies in Commercial Swine

Following the April 30, 2026, confirmation of pseudorabies in a small, commercial swine herd in Iowa, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), in coordination with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS), has released all movement restrictions within the 2-mile surveillance zone surrounding the affected premises. All swine premises within the 2-mile zone completed required surveillance testing with no further detections. Following depopulation, disposal, cleaning and disinfection, and a 30-day fallow period, the affected premises is no longer under...

USDA Announces Modernization of the Foreign Agricultural Service to Strengthen Market Access 

Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a reorganization of the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) to streamline operations, consolidate support functions, and bring employees and programs closer to America’s agricultural heartland.

The effort is part of a broader Department‑wide initiative that directs agencies to align workforce and facilities with available resources and to use these savings to focus on the core USDA mission to advance American agriculture and revive rural communities...

QDOBA Brings Back Bold Summer Flavors with New Steak Offering, Dessert and Loyalty Rewards Program

QDOBA is heating up summer with the introduction of its new Spicy Tequila Lime Steak, a limited-time protein featuring the brand's signature steak, Cholula® Original Hot Sauce and a zesty tequila lime flavor.

"Summer is an opportunity to bring guests fresh, unexpected flavors and even more reasons to choose QDOBA," said Jon Burke, Chief Marketing Officer at QDOBA. "With Spicy Tequila Lime Steak, Churro Chips and our new Summer Rewards on Q initiative, we're pairing bold seasonal...

Panera Bread Unveils Summer Menu as RISE Transformation Continues

Panera Bread is leaning into better-for-you, high protein and seasonal favorites as it continues to execute its RISE transformation strategy. The company has introduced a refreshed summer menu featuring more than a dozen improved ingredients, new premium salads, new protein options, an elevated beverage platform and new coffee offerings.

"Our Panera summer menu updates reflect the work we're doing across the menu to bring guests more of what they love -- delicious flavor, high-quality ingredients and elevated options from breakfast to dinner. We've upgraded...

Hillshire Reserve™ Brand Redefines Lunchmeat for More Versatile, Elevated Everyday Eating

Hillshire Reserve™ brand is redefining lunchmeat, introducing a new line designed to elevate how it’s enjoyed across the day. With bold flavors, premium ingredients and meats naturally smoked over real hardwood, Hillshire Reserve lunchmeat brings a more refined approach to a familiar category.

From quick lunches to shareable boards, the line expands how lunchmeat fits into everyday routines and more intentional moments at home. Offering a range of varieties for different tastes and occasions, the Hillshire Reserve lunchmeat lineup has options that feel both...

The Retail Rundown: Father’s Day Grilling Highlights Resilient Spending and Selective Buying

For Father’s Day weekend 2026, retailers are leaning heavily into the holiday’s long-standing grilling tradition. This year’s promotions are taking place against a backdrop of persistent inflation and a consumer who remains willing to spend on special occasions despite pressure on household budgets.

According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), Father’s Day spending is projected to reach a record $27.9 billion. Consumers plan to spend an average of $226.58 per person, even as many households contend with higher costs for utilities and other everyday expenses...

USDA Invests in Projects to Strengthen New World Screwworm Preparedness and Response

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is announcing funding for 40 breakthrough projects to bolster the nation’s defenses against New World screwworm (NWS). These innovative proposals, which will receive a combined total of about $105 million, promise to sharpen detection, accelerate control and eradication tools, and strengthen rapid-response capabilities.  

USDA launched the NWS Grand Challenge on January 21, 2026, marking the next milestone for Secretary Rollins’ five-pronged plan to support producers’ success, protect the nation’s food supply, and build long-term resilience against NWS. The...

PODCAST: Ep. 40 - Middle East Conflict, Football World Cup, El Nino

In episode 40 of Agri-Food for Thought, we return with a new format, featuring guests.

We kick off with a news round-up (Middle East conflict situation, Super El Nino).

Then follows a FIFA Football 2026 World Cup update (featuring guests Jaime Almeida, Market Reporter - Beef at Expana, talking about Mexican trends; Ryan Gallagher, Editor at Expana, discussing US beer trends; and an account of a recent interview Simon Duke had with the National Restaurant Association).

The episode concludes with a brief segment by Lisa Guiraud

Canada Advances African Swine Fever Preparedness With New Zoning Arrangement With Japan

The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food is pleased to announce the Government of Canada has successfully established an African swine fever (ASF) zoning arrangement with Japan. This agreement is a significant step in Canada's ongoing preparedness efforts, helping maintain access to this important market while supporting measures to contain and limit the spread of disease and protect animal health.

Under the new arrangement, pork exports to Japan will continue from ASF-freezones, even if the disease is present elsewhere in Canada. This provision is...

ANALYSIS: Three-Origin 95% CL: AU/NZ, CA & Brazil—Price, Spread & US Frozen Beef Import Volume

Imported beef plays an important role in the US supply chain. Because domestic production is dominated by grain-fed cattle, the US lacks sufficient lean beef to produce ground beef and processed meat products at consumer-friendly price points. Australia, New Zealand, and Central and South American origins help fill that gap. These countries also tend to operate on different cattle cycles, meaning that when...

Yum! Brands to Sell Pizza Hut in $2.7B Two-Part Deal

Yum! Brands is selling Pizza Hut in a pair of transactions worth $2.7 billion, splitting the business between LongRange Capital and Yum China as it sharpens its portfolio focus.

Under the agreements, LongRange will acquire Pizza Hut outside Mainland China for about $1.5 billion, with Yum! eligible for a further $75 million earn-out by 2030. Yum China will acquire Pizza Hut’s Mainland China business for about $1.2 billion.

The move follows a strategic review launched in November 2025

SAWA Bill Would Reshape US Farmer's Labor Costs

As of June 15, a newly proposed bill called "Securing Agriculture's Workforce Act" (SAWA) would update the H-2A Temporary Agricultural Worker Program via changes related to worker eligibility, wage calculations, and administrative procedures, reported Fresh Plaza about a topic that would impact US vegetable growers, and other ag market participants as pressure builds to modernize the temporary visa program for farm labor.

Pork Producers, Ohio Farm Bureau File Brief in Feral Swine Law Case

The National Pork Producers Council joined the Ohio Pork Council and the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation in filing a friend-of-the-court brief in support of Ohio’s effort to reinstate a law that prohibits the importation and hunting of feral swine and wild boar and eliminates the practice of feeding swine garbage in the state.

The groups are asking the Ohio Supreme Court to take up a case involving a hunting business and reverse a state appellate court ruling against the Ohio law. The statute was approved...

FMI Welcomes Trump Administration’s Stakeholder Engagement on Food Traceability Rule

Following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) public meeting today on the Food Traceability Rule, FMI – The Food Industry Association reiterated the industry’s support for the Trump administration’s efforts to provide additional time and flexibility for compliance. FMI Chief Public Policy Officer Jennifer Hatcher offered the following statement.

“The food industry shares FDA’s commitment to enhancing public health and improving the ability to trace products during food safety events and doing so in the most efficient way possible. FMI and our member companies have consistently advocated for an approach...

Secretary Rollins Announces Historic $125 Million Annual Investment in Agricultural Research 

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins and U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon hosted several land-grant university leaders at USDA for a roundtable discussion and announced the opening of the FY2026 funding opportunity for the Research Facilities Act program. President Trump’s Working Families Tax Cuts provided $125 million annually for the Research Facilities Act program and this historic investment will help address decades of deferred maintenance and accelerate modernization of agricultural research facilities across the country...

US Restaurants Expect World Cup Lift Despite Financial Pressures, NRA Tells Expana

Despite elevated gasoline prices stemming from tensions including the war in Iran and further geopolitical tensions, the US restaurant and foodservice industry expects consumer demand to remain resilient through the 2026 FIFA Football World Cup, according to Dr. Chad Moutray, Chief Economist of the National Restaurant Association.

In an interview with Expana, Dr. Moutray explained that this outlook reflects a broader consumer behavior pattern where dining out has maintained its status as a priority spending category even as households navigate financial pressures.

CDC Activates Emergency Operations Center for New World Screwworm Response

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) officially activated a Level 3 emergency response to New World screwworm (NWS) on June 11. Level 3 is the lowest level in CDC's 3-level response structure.

CDC is supporting the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) in responding to the recent initial detections of New World Screwworm (NWS) infestations in animals in southern Texas and in one county of New Mexico. USDA has a dashboard showing where animal cases have occurred.

While NWS...

Walmart Opens Walmart.com to International Customers

Walmart is giving customers in Mexico more choices than ever before. With an expanded assortment now available through Walmart.com, customers can shop a broader selection of products, discover new brands, and access options that were previously unavailable through Walmart. This milestone advances Walmart's commitment to expanding marketplace assortment and delivering greater convenience, value, and choice to more customers around the world, while complementing the company's existing eCommerce platforms.

"We're focused on making it easy for customers to access an expanded assortment of products," said Manish Joneja, SVP, Walmart Marketplace, Walmart Inc. "This is a milestone in the...

Hickenlooper, Colleagues Urge USDA to Address New World Screwworm Outbreak

Yesterday [June 11, 2026], U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper joined 20 of his Senate colleagues in calling on the U.S. Department of Agriculture to take further immediate action to contain and respond to the outbreak of New World Screwworm (NWS) in the United States.

“We write with great concern regarding the current outbreak of New World Screwworm (NWS) within the United States and the growing threat this pest poses to livestock producers, farm workers, companion animals, wildlife, and rural economies across the country,” wrote the senators. “Since June 3, 2026...

ANALYSIS: Screwworm Returns—Comparing 2026's Threat to the 1960s US Eradication Era

The current New World screwworm situation is a bit different from the outbreak that was seen in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s. At that time, screwworm was endemic throughout much of the southern United States, creating a persistent animal health challenge and resulting in substantial production losses for cattle producers. Through the successful implementation of the Sterile Insect Technique, the pest was eradicated from the United States in 1966, and for decades the industry has operated without the threat of widespread infestations. 

Today's situation is not a widespread domestic outbreak but rather a reintroduction of the threat from the northward...

ANALYSIS: Brazil's May 2026 Beef Exports Up 4.0% MOM to 261,944 MT as China Drives Growth

The latest data from Brazil's Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services showed that fresh beef exports advanced 4.0% month-over-month (MOM) to 261,944 MT in May 2026. On a year-over-year (YOY) basis, it represents a robust 20.2% increase compared to May last year...

ANALYSIS: US Imported Lamb Volumes Contract in 2026 Amid Tight Australian and New Zealand Supplies

According to USDA National Weekly Volume data for Imported Lamb Cuts, US imported lamb volumes continue to trend well below year-ago levels in 2026. Through the week ending June 1, fresh imported lamb cuts totaled 26.94 million lbs, down 39.0% from 44.14 million lbs during the same period in 2025. Frozen imported lamb volumes reached 28.22 million lbs, down 28.6% from 39.50 million lbs a year earlier. Combined fresh and frozen imports totaled 55.17 million lbs...

Rancher’s Premium Smokehouse Expands to Grocery Outlet in Four States

Rancher’s Premium Smokehouse is expanding distribution with a new placement at Grocery Outlet, adding select stores across Washington, California, Oregon and Pennsylvania as the Dallas-based sausage brand looks to build on recent retail momentum.

The move gives shoppers access to the brand’s three core varieties : Bacon Cheddar, Brisket Burnt Ends and Philly Cheesesteak, in participating stores’ refrigerated meat departments.

The Grocery Outlet rollout follows a strong growth period for Rancher’s, which said it has become one of the fastest-growing brands in the sausage category. The company...