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Major Restaurant Chains Ramp Up Market Expansion
This week, big players in the foodservice industry, including Chipotle, TGI Fridays, and Qdoba, have unveiled ambitious expansion plans.
By stretching accessibility and strengthening their global presence, these companies are ramping up efforts to reach international markets.
First, Qdoba announced its largest development deal in its brand's history.
The company partnered with Barry Dubin of B Wild Investments in an agreement to develop 50 new QDOBA restaurants across the states of Alaska, Utah, Nevada, Colorado and New Mexico.
It also announced that B Wild Investments has signed...
ANALYSIS: How Brazil’s Beef Trade Adjusts to US Tariffs So Far
Contrary to expectations that US tariffs on Brazilian goods implemented in early August would sharply curb trade, Brazil’s beef exports posted only a modest contraction last month. According to data from the Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services, fresh beef shipments totaled 268,563 mt in August, down 2.8% from the record 276,879 mt in July but still 23.5% higher YOY.
As anticipated, exports to the United States halved MOM to 6,500 mt, representing an even steeper YOY decline of 57.4%. Despite the sharp...
ANALYSIS: Mexican Export Suspension of Cattle Creates Challenges and Opportunities for Stakeholders
Mexican feeder cattle exports to the US have faced interruptions at various points since late 2024, primarily due to sanitary suspensions imposed by US authorities following the detection of screwworm outbreaks in cattle.
Although there was a partial reactivation at certain border crossings early in 2025, trade was again suspended in May. An attempt to resume in July lasted only a few days before a new suspension. From January to August 2025, just over 200,000 head were exported, compared to nearly 940,000 during...
ANALYSIS: Brazil’s August 2025 Fresh Beef Exports Ease 2.8% From Prior Month’s Record High
The latest data released by Brazil’s Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services showed that fresh beef (frozen and chilled) exports totaled 268,563 metric tons (mt) in August 2025. While this was 2.8% below the record 276,879 mt shipped in July, volumes remained 23.5% higher YOY.
China remained the top destination with 158,054 mt, virtually unchanged from July 2025 (-0.2%) but up 47.9% compared to the same period last year. The country continues to expand its share of total exports, now...
ANALYSIS: Australia’s Beef Exports Pull Back in August after Setting a Record in July
Australia’s beef exports in August 2025 eased back 9.9% month-on-month (MoM) from July’s record high to 135,570 metric tons (mt), according to data from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).
Halting July’s four straight months of growth, August volumes fell 14,865 mt, with the sharpest declines seen to major destinations such as China, Japan, and the United States (US), while shipments to Korea hit fresh record highs ahead of the looming safeguard...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #25
Expana’s global team of specialist reporters has been tracking every twist and turn in the fluid tariff situation.
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #25."
This report allows the Expana community to see where key commodity markets stand as of this past week... Click the above PDF report, or keep scrolling to read in plain text.
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In the States, a federal appeals court ruled that US President Trump’s use of global tariffs exceeded presidential authority, but they remain active until at least October 14, 2025...
Latin American Buyers Study US Processing and Product Innovations
USMEF led a team of Latin American importers, distributors and processors to Colorado for a symposium about U.S. meat industry innovations in food safety, processing, packaging and value-added production. The team included 19 buyers from 10 countries ‒ current customers of U.S. red meat ‒ and was accompanied by USMEF representatives from those markets. USMEF’s Denver office coordinated with Colorado State University (CSU) professors on the design and implementation of the Global Innovation Symposium.
“We brought commercial partners to CSU to learn from the technical expertise available...
Restaurants Embrace the Autumn Shift
The chill is in the air, and as we welcome a new, crisp month, the industry is gearing up for consumers to embrace autumn flavors and seasonal recipes. With the arrival of the new season, people are swapping their cookout favorites and salads for bonfires, comfort food, and Sunday wings.
Retailers are ahead of the curve, rolling out smoky and savory specials to capitalize on the shift, while some focus on attracting budget-conscious customers amidst rising food and labor costs.
More McValue
Starting September 8, McDonald’s will expand its...
ANALYSIS: US 2025 High Steaks, Premium Cuts Surge to Historic Levels
With summer winding down and grills cooling off, tenderloins and ribeyes are heating up. Both items are trading at 52-week highs, with tenderloins pushing into record territory. This year’s rally for the two primals has begun earlier than in recent years, as tight cattle supplies and record-breaking cash cattle prices in 2025 have encouraged buyers to secure product early for year-end holiday needs...
ANALYSIS: Mexican Knuckle Export Prices Surge
In recent weeks, Mexican knuckle export prices to the United States have risen significantly, mirroring the strong upward trend observed in the US boxed beef market. This increase is primarily driven by the US's reduced slaughter levels compared to the previous year, resulting in tighter product availability and increased demand for imports from Mexico. Mexico has been able to export more beef due to its higher domestic supply, a result of increased Brazilian beef imports...
ANALYSIS: Japan’s July 2025 Beef Imports Rise 11.1% MoM to 46,941 mt On Winter Restock
Japan’s beef imports in July 2025 jumped 11.1% month-on-month (MoM) at 46,941 metric tons (mt) as the island nation stepped up replenishment ahead of winter, according to the latest data from Japan’s Trade Statistics.
Inbound shipments rose 4,697 mt from the prior month, with stronger volumes from Australia, the United States (US) and New Zealand. Despite holding the title as world’s third-largest beef importer, imports slumped 4.9% or 2,406 mt from a year ago amid elevated inventory pressure...
ANALYSIS: Key Factors Shaping the Mexican Beef Cutout in 2025
During the first half of 2025, the Mexican beef cutout showed a pronounced upward movement, with prices rising at a significantly faster rate compared to previous years and peaking in early June. This escalation can be explained by several factors: ongoing drought conditions led to a reduction in available cattle, while the cost of feeder cattle increased sharply due to tighter supplies. These pressures limited the volume of cattle entering the supply chain for slaughter and processing.
Facing these challenges, Mexican stakeholders began seeking alternatives...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #24
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #24."
On August 22, Canadian Prime Minister Carney dropped most retaliatory tariffs on US products, beginning September 1, reported Expana in an article that suggested the move may help soothe trade relations...
Hormel Sees Q3 Sales Growth but Falls Short on Earnings
Just before markets opened Thursday, Hormel Foods reported its third-quarter financial results, missing analysts’ estimates for the period.
The company posted net sales of $3.03 billion, with organic net sales rising 6%. Operating income totaled $240 million, while adjusted operating income was $254 million.
Earnings before income taxes reached $237 million, with adjusted earnings before income taxes at $251 million. The effective tax rate was 22.3%.
Diluted earnings per share were $0.33, and adjusted diluted earnings per share came...
Viva Raw Recalls Pet Food Over Salmonella and Listeria Concerns
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a voluntary recall from Viva Raw, LLC on August 25. In the announcement, the company stated two lots of dog and cat food may be contaminated with Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes.
Items from this recall are sold frozen, in 1 lb. bricks, wrapped in clear vacuum packaging. They include Lot codes 21495 or 21975 printed on the top. Labels include:
The Retail Rundown: Labor Day Protein Promotions at a Glance
Seafood leads Labor Day protein promotions, accounting for 27.1% of total ad volume. Pork follows at 23.2%, with beef and chicken each capturing about 22%. Retail buying opportunities for turkey held steady at 3.5%, while promotional activity for shell eggs remained limited.
Back-to-school demand has provided fair to fairly good retail support for eggs, according to Expana, with shelf prices holding mainly steady across most areas in the past month. Last week, white large Grade A eggs were advertised at $4.49 per dozen discounted, nearly $1...
Chipotle Introduces a Whole New Way to Order for a Small Group: Build-Your-Own Chipotle
Chipotle Mexican Grill today announced it will launch "Build-Your-Own Chipotle," a family meal offering intended to feed groups of four to six people, starting tomorrow, August 26. A digital-exclusive menu option, "Build-Your-Own Chipotle" is a shareable, customizable spread of real ingredients that can be ready for pickup in as little as 15 minutes.
How To Build-Your-Own Chipotle
Whether it's for friends or family gatherings, "Build-Your-Own Chipotle" brings the Chipotle...
Domino's® Best Deal Ever Offer Has Returned!
Domino's Pizza Inc. is turning up the heat as summer winds down with the return of its "Best Deal Ever" promotion. For a limited time, starting on Aug. 25, customers can devour any pizza with any toppings for $9.99 each.
"Summer may be wrapping up, but the fun doesn't have to," said Kate Trumbull, Domino's executive vice president – chief marketing officer. "We're bringing back our hottest deal yet so customers can enjoy all sorts of delicious pizza combinations at a great value. Whether you're preparing...
ANALYSIS: UK Beef Market Struggles with Tight Cattle Supply, Weak Demand, and Price Sensitivity
Cattle availability remains tight across the UK and Ireland, with slaughter numbers continuing to decline. Defra data shows a 4.9% year-on-year (YOY) reduction in GB prime cattle slaughter during the first half of 2025. Though cattle supplies remain constrained, subdued consumer demand has been the main driver for the bearish UK beef market lately. Market sources continued to highlight price stagnation in some beef cutouts due to weak sales.
The roasting beef prices have been declining in the past few months as it is...
ANALYSIS: New Zealand’s July 2025 Beef Exports Dips to 9-Month Lows at 37,023 mt
New Zealand’s beef exports in July 2025 fell to the lowest level since October 2024, coming in at 37,023 metric tons (mt), according to the latest data from Stats NZ.
Outbound shipments fell for the second straight month by 13.6% or 5,850 mt compared to June 2025 across all key destinations including the United States, China, Canada, Japan and Korea. Export volumes were mainly capped by lower cattle slaughter and seasonal lows.
On a year-on-year (YOY) basis, volumes slipped 4.1%...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #23
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #23."
This week, tariff news took a bit of a backseat to US President Trump’s dealings with Russian President Putin in Alaska—along with President Trump’s meeting with many European leaders...
Sabrositos Hondurenos Recalls 32,000 Pounds of Various Meat Products
The US Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today that Sabrosito's Hondurenos is recalling nearly 32,000 pounds of various meat products produced without the benefit of federal inspection. The problem was discovered a during routine inspection.
Food that has been produced without inspection can contain undeclared allergens, harmful bacteria, and other contaminents that put human health at risk.
Items in this announcement include chorizo, pork chops and ribs produced on various dates prior to August 20, 2025. They bear false...
Product Showcase Connects US Meat Exporters with Buyers from Across Latin America
Ag industry leaders also meet buyers, learn about the cuts and variety meat items in demand in Latin America and take a retail tour in Guatemala City.
USMEF conducted another highly successful Latin American Product Showcase, connecting U.S. red meat exporters with dozens of prospective buyers from Central and South America. Held July 30-31 in Guatemala City, the 13th edition of the showcase featured 67 exhibitors and representatives from more than 80 USMEF member companies. With prospective buyers participating from 18 countries...
ANALYSIS: Korea’s July 2025 Beef Imports Post to 7-Month Highs at 43,634 MT
Korea’s July 2025 beef imports soared to the highest level since January 2025, rising 12.5% month-on-month (MOM) to 43,634 metric tons (mt), according to the latest data from Korea Customs Service.
The 4,843 mt increment was led by by higher inbound volumes from its two key suppliers, the United States (US) and Australia, but a dip from New Zealand capped further gains.
Year-on-year (YOY), volumes rose 13.1% or 5,058 mt as Asia’s largest beef consumer...
Australian Beef Production Hits Record in FY25, Mutton Output Climbs 12%
Australian red meat production reached record levels over the 2024–25 financial year, with beef output hitting an all-time high of 2.75 million tons, new data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show.
Australia processed 8.88 million head of cattle in the financial year, the third-largest annual slaughter since 1978 and the highest of the last decade.
Even with increased production, average national carcase weights fell to 307kg due to seasonal factors and a higher proportion of female cattle in the processing mix...
The Retail Rundown: Retailers See Early Back-to-School Spending Amid Price Concerns
While some students are already back in class, others are squeezing in the last stretch of summer before Labor Day. Either way, grocers are bracing for busy aisles as parents juggle back-to-school supplies and grocery lists. This week’s ads highlight plenty of lunchbox staples, including snacks and deli items.
The National Retail Federation (NRF) reports that two-thirds of shoppers had already begun back-to-school purchases by early July, with more than half starting earlier than last year. Concerns about higher prices linked to tariffs...
ANALYSIS: US Loin Primal Values and Cattle Prices Over the Last Ten Years
Although the loin primal has been experiencing a little more weakness compared to the others for the Choice cutout, values are still at highs that we have never seen before at this time of year ever. The loin primal, which normally experiences a dip in value through the summer has not.
Over the last 3 years, the weekly average price was $3.85/lb and for the week of 08/11/2025 the weekly average was $4.79/lb. For comparison...
HHS Allows FDA Emergency Use of Animal Drugs to Combat New World Screwworm
The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued a declaration allowing the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to grant Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) for drugs used to treat or prevent infestations caused by New World Screwworm in animals.
"Today we are taking decisive action to safeguard the nation’s food supply from this emerging threat,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “This authorization equips FDA to act quickly, limit the spread of New World Screwworm, and protect America’s...
European Processor Dawn Meats to Acquire New Zealand Sheep Meat Exporter Alliance
Ireland-based processor Dawn Meats, specialized in red meat, has agreed to acquire 65% of Alliance Group for $250 million.
Alliance is one of the largest exporters of New Zealand sheep meat, but it also exports beef, venison, and others to around 65 countries, DC Advisory, the company advising the acquisition, said. Currently, Dawn Meats exports to around 50 countries, with a turnover of €3 billion, the company said.
The acquisition fits within the company’s growth plans. “A key part of Dawn’s strategic growth plan...
ANALYSIS: US 2025 Cash Cattle Surge, Margins Collapse, and Slaughter Hits Record Lows
August has been a month of records: record-high cash cattle prices, record-low margins, and record-low weekly cattle slaughter. According to the USDA Five Area Direct Cattle Data, Live Steer Price, cash cattle are currently $241.00/cwt, about 25% higher than at this time in 2024. Several factors are driving these historic prices. US cattle inventories are tight, the lowest since 1951 according to the USDA, and outside pressures, such as tariffs on imported beef and a...
Red Robin Reports Results for the Second Quarter
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc., a full-service restaurant chain serving an innovative selection of high-quality gourmet burgers in a family-friendly atmosphere, today reported financial results for the fiscal second quarter ended July 13, 2025.
Highlights for the Fiscal Second Quarter of 2025, Compared to the Fiscal Second Quarter of 2024:
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #22
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #22."
The timeline for tariff negotiations between the US and China trade teams has been extended for another 90 days—moving the deadline to November 10, according to a White House fact sheet...
ANALYSIS: Mexican Beef Market Weakens as Brazilian Imports Surge
Brazilian beef imports into Mexico have surged significantly in 2025, particularly during June and July, marking a pivotal shift in the market landscape. Year-to-date, Mexico’s purchases from Brazil have increased by more than 300% compared to the same months in 2024, rising from 3,666 metric tons(mt) in June 2024 to 16,170 mt in June 2025, and from 4,907 mt in July 2024 to 15,580 mt in July 2025.
Mexico’s policy of not imposing import tariffs on Brazilian beef has fueled this growth...
ANALYSIS: China’s Meat Imports Edge Up 0.6% MOM to 533,241 mt in July 2025
China imported 533,241 metric tons (mt) of meat, including variety meats in July 2025, rising just 0.9% (3,241 mt) from a month earlier, according to preliminary data from the General Administration of Customs (GACC).
Despite the low base earlier in the year, the modest July increase also failed to match the usual sharp seasonal gains that follow a softer spring and summer, when importers typically build stocks ahead of winter dishes such as hotpots, soups and stews and other traditional...
Brazil Seeks Increasing Agricultural Exports To Central America and The Caribbean
Brazil has started a diplomatic mission to Central America and the Caribbean with the objective of strengthening Brazilian agricultural trade, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa) said on Wednesday.
The meetings across the region will try to increase technical collaboration and expand Brazilian agricultural trade. Mapa also stated these meetings will serve to coordinate with the countries of the region to participate in the 23rd Inter-American Board of Agriculture (IABA), which Brazil will host in Brasília in November...
Amazon Launches Same-Day Perishable Grocery Delivery in Over 1,000 Cities
Amazon is set to make one of its largest-ever grocery expansions, bringing same-day delivery of fresh and perishable food items to customers in more than 1,000 cities and towns, starting August 13.
Shoppers can now order produce, dairy, meat, seafood and other essentials for rapid delivery, with plans to reach over 2,300 communities by the end of 2025.
“Customers are looking to make their budgets stretch further, and that’s why Amazon is focused on offering a wide selection of national and local brands, including organic and natural options...
The Retail Rundown: Beef Tops Retail Ads as Grocers Prepare for Labor Day
With Labor Day just under three weeks away, grocers are preparing for summer’s last big grilling rush. Most holiday orders have already been locked in, and meat and prepared food departments are expected to see strong traffic as shoppers savor the last days of summer.
Beef has overtaken seafood as the most advertised protein this week, representing 27.0% of retail buying opportunities. Pork is close behind at 26.6%, while seafood has eased to 23.3%. Chicken remains steady at 18%, and turkey ads inched up to 3%...
ANALYSIS: Australian Beef on Verge of Korea’s Safeguard Trigger, as 1H 2025 Imports Up 4.2% YOY
Korea’s beef safeguard on Australian imports is set to kick in weeks earlier than last year, as firmer buying in the first half of 2025 leaves little quota space before higher tariffs take effect.
Beef is Australia's biggest agricultural export to Korea. As of Aug. 11, Australia had filled 87.3% of its annual Special Agricultural Safeguards (SSG) limit, leaving 24,408 mt before hitting the ceiling, according to Korea Customs Service.
Most market players anticipated the safeguard would be triggered...
ANALYSIS: Brazil Sets New Record with July 2025 Beef Exports
According to the latest data released by Brazil’s Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services, Brazil has shipped 276,879 mt of fresh beef (frozen and refrigerated) in July 2025, marking a monthly growth of 15.3% and a 13.3% YOY increase.
China maintained its position as the top destination, absorbing 158,374 mt last month, marking a solid growth of 17.8% MOM and 29.7% YOY. The Asian country has maintained strong momentum since the start of the year, now accounting for 57.2% of Brazil’s total beef exports...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #21
Click to read: "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #21."
On August 6, US President Trump issued an executive order that imposes a new 25% additional ad valorem tariff on imports from India into the States, effective 21 days after the White House announcement...
FEATURED STORIES
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ANALYSIS: Avian Influenza and Aging Infrastructure Tightens UK Chicken Supply
ANALYSIS: US Turkey Exports See Modest July Uptick Amid Global HPAI Disruptions and Trade Shifts
ANALYSIS: High Cattle Prices Drive Dynamics in the Boxed Beef Market