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...

Watch Out for Food and Beverage Companies with Big Game Commercials

It’s nearly time for “The Birds” to face the reigning champions in New Orleans. Food and beverage brands with creative advertising teams and big budgets wait all year to show off their best commercials in the short time they have with viewers’ undivided attention.

Such advertisements are impressive enough to instill annual recall and yearly expectations. Brands like Budweiser, Pepsico, McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, or Doritos are oft-anticipated after years of advertising during the big game.

In 2025, a 30-second national spot during the broadcast...

Cracker Barrel to Deploy Cheese Distributing Robots in New Orleans

Cracker Barrel will deploy cheese distributing robots to fans before “The Birds” face the reigning champions in New Orleans, according to a company press release.

From Thursday, February 6, to Sunday, February 9, Cracker Barrel’s 50-bot fleet of AI-powered food delivery robots will serve individually-wrapped cheese sticks to fans who must scan a QR code to receive the free cheese.

Nearby contracts for common cheddar cheese are valued at $1.89/lb, according to Expana.

The refrigerated, Roomba-esque robots will crawl streets and tailgate lots...

Trudeau: Trump Will Pause Tariffs on Canada for 30 Days

As of Monday evening, US President Trump will postpone 25% tariffs on Canada, Reuters reported after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wrote an X post about the matter.

After the day's second conversation with Trump, Trudeau wrote:

"I just had a good call with President Trump. Canada is implementing our $1.3 billion border plan — reinforcing the border with new choppers, technology and personnel, enhanced coordination with our American partners, and increased resources to stop the flow of fentanyl. Nearly 10,000 frontline personnel are and will be working on protecting..."

Aldi’s Making Waves With New European Locations and a Chardonnay Partnership

In January’s fourth week, news about the discount grocery store Aldi made food industry headlines with talk of expansion, and an alcohol partnership that will help clean the ocean.

In 2025, Aldi is set to open nine stores in London, the company announced. The openings in Wimbledon, Fulham Broadway, Caterham, and Orpington are part of the grocery chain’s £650 million investment in Britain during this new year.

Furthermore, leaders of this grocery chain plan to open 40 new supermarkets in Spain. So, shoppers in regions like Andalusia, Madrid...

Top 10 Stories from 2024 on Expana

It was a big year for the food and agriculture industry. Below are some of the biggest headlines that sent shockwaves through the trade... 

ANALYSIS: US Egg Prices Soar as Production Hits Eight-Year Low Due to HPAI Outbreaks 

May 30, 2024: “Over the past two weeks, U.S. shell egg prices have soared by 45%, largely due to the ongoing spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), more commonly known as bird flu. The bird flu has been spreading across the US since February 2022—though not consistently..."

Butterfly Acquires the Duckhorn Portfolio of Wines for $1.95 Billion

On Christmas Eve, the Los Angeles-based Butterfly Equity acquired a Californian wine maker known as the Duckhorn Portfolio, according to a media alert. The all-cash deal valued Duckhorn at $11.10 per share or approximately $1.95 billion.

Duckhorn encompasses 2,200 acres of vineyards throughout California, Oregon, and Washington state. The company sells brands like Decoy, Sonoma-Cutrer, Postmark, and more. Originally, Duckhorn Vineyards started in 1976 as a family-owned company founded in Napa Valley. Today, their wines are available throughout the US...