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The Retail Rundown: Pre-Grilling Season Retail Insights
With Memorial Day fast approaching, retailers are ramping up promotions to jumpstart the unofficial kickoff to the summer grilling season—a crucial window for driving foot traffic and boosting meat department sales.
The next two weeks are key, as market participants closely watch consumer demand ahead of what is typically one of the busiest periods for beef sales. Protein items are being prominently showcased alongside vibrant seasonal produce, enhancing the appeal of in-store displays.
Seafood leads the protein feature mix this week, accounting for nearly 30% of all advertised protein items...
China, UK Trade Talks Pose Positive Opportunities for US Animal Food Industry
The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) is pleased to see a cooling of U.S. tariffs on and retaliatory tariffs from China and a proposed trade agreement with the United Kingdom coming to fruition, given discussions late last week and over the weekend between the U.S. and respective countries’ trade officials. Both China and the United Kingdom present valuable opportunities for U.S. animal food manufacturers, which produce some of the safest, highest quality and innovative feed, feed ingredients and pet food globally...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #8
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 #8."
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...
Dr. Casey Means Appointed to US Surgeon General
On May 8, Dr. Casey Means was appointed to be the next US Surgeon General by US President Trump, after a recommendation from US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. A forthcoming Senate hearing will occur to vote whether to confirm Means to this position, Expana has reported.
Means associates diet with the root cause of the “chronic disease epidemic” in America.
“Metabolic dysfunction is largely not a genetic issue. It’s caused by toxic American ultra-processed industrial food, toxic American chemicals, toxic American medication, and our toxic sedentary indoor lifestyles..."
49th Executive Conference Highlights Resilience and Future Outlook of Animal Protein Sector
This year’s Executive Conference held in Las Vegas from May 5–7 for senior leaders in the animal protein sector, was an informative show of the industry’s and what we can expect from the protein sector in the coming years.
“We feed the ever-growing needs of the entire population,” said Russ Whitman, Expana’s Director of Market Reporting, in his opening remarks.
Despite challenges related to animal health, regulatory shifts, and geopolitical tensions, the industry has demonstrated remarkable perseverance.
ANALYSIS: EU Broiler Market Update - Price Momentum, Production Growth, and Export Potential
The EU broiler market has shown notable price resilience in recent months, as average prices reached EUR 2.88/kg by the end of April 2025. This marks a year-on-year increase of 9.3%, positioning EU broiler prices ahead of those in other major poultry-producing regions such as Brazil and Thailand.
Brazilian broiler prices remain significantly lower, despite modest gains in recent weeks. Current price levels are at approximately EUR 1.5 /kg, highlighting Brazil's continued cost competitiveness in the global poultry market...
ANALYSIS: Chicken Slaughter: A Look at Q1 and What Lies Ahead
The first quarter of 2025 has extended the poultry industry’s trend of constrained production, with slaughter volumes trailing historical norms due to a mix of operational and biological challenges. January began firmly, with federally inspected chicken slaughter reaching 834.3 million head—slightly above both 2024’s level and the historical maximum for the month. However, this strength was not sustained.
February volumes fell sharply to 736.9 million head, reflecting the combined effects of widespread winter storms and plant downtime which limited live bird transport and reduced line schedules...
The Retail Rundown: Grocers Take on Foodservice for a Slice of Mother’s Day Spending
Grocers are gearing up to win a slice of Mother’s Day sales, which are traditionally dominated by restaurants and dining out. While foodservice still captures the lion’s share of spending, supermarkets are making strategic plays to compete for consumers' dollars.
According to the National Retail Federation, Mother’s Day spending is projected to hit $34.1 billion this year—up from $33.5 billion in 2024 and just shy of the 2023 record of $35.7 billion. About 84% of US adults are expected to celebrate, spending an average of $259.04 on gifts and festivities...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #7
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #7."
ANALYSIS: March Chicken Inventory Trends Reflect Shifting Domestic and Export Dynamics
Cold storage inventories of chicken continue to diverge from 2023 levels, with March values up 3.1% year-over-year (YoY). Although there was a month-over-month (MoM) decrease from February to March, it was less significant than the typical five-year average decline. This overall trend was largely driven by the breast and breast meat category, which alone accounted for 32% of total chicken supplies in cold storage. Frozen holdings of breasts and breast meat were up 13.7% YoY and declined just 0.6% MoM—far less than the five-year average decrease of 4.2%.
This is particularly notable given the difficulty many domestic buyers faced in uncovering both...
Smith Packing Recalls Approximately 18,792 Pounds of RTE Sausage and Sliced Meat and Poultry Product
According to an announcement from the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), Smith Packing, LLC is recalling approximately 18,792 pounds of ready-to-eat sausage and sliced meat and poultry products due to excessive sodium nitrite levels.
This recall follows an investigation prompted by customer complaints about an off-putting taste and/or discoloration of the product.
The affected items were produced between February 19 and April 24, 2025, bear establishment numbers “EST. 4578”...
The Retail Rundown: Grocers Turn Up the Heat
Grocers are turning up the heat in this week’s circulars, leaning into classic summer grilling staples—ribs, burgers, and barbecue fixings—signaling early excitement for the season even with Memorial Day still a few weeks away.
Seafood tops this week’s retail protein promotions, claiming roughly 28% of total ad space. Beef follows with 24.7%, trailed by pork at 23.1% and chicken at 20.2%. Turkey ads were slashed by half compared to last week, now accounting for just 3% of circular space.
Retailers are also highlighting festive favorites ahead of Cinco de Mayo. Ground beef in the 78–84% lean range averaged $4.89 per...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #6
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #6."
McDonald’s Adds McCrispy Strips and Creamy Chili Dip to Permanent Menu
As temperatures rise, quick-service restaurants are adjusting menus to satisfy seasonal cravings. In its effort to expand offerings, McDonald’s turned to its customers—on social media and beyond—to ask what they wanted most. The overwhelming answer: more chicken.
Responding to that demand, McDonald’s is launching its first permanent menu addition since 2021. Starting May 5, the brand will debut its new McCrispy Strips, served with a Creamy Chili Dip.
"Since stepping into my new role as a leader of the U.S. business this year...
ANALYSIS: Broiler Production Outlook Brings Expectation of Gains
As we approach the tail end of April, protein market participants are weighing a number of variables as they attempt to hone their expectations for the road which lies ahead. For stakeholders in the chicken sector, concerns around disease, low hatchability, and live weights remain front and center.
Despite persistent uncertainty, the second-quarter broiler production expectations are projected to post the largest year-over-year (YoY) increase among all of the major protein categories. According to the Livestock, Dairy, & Poultry Outlook, the latest Q2 forecast stands...
The Retail Rundown: Post-Easter Pause Sets Stage for Protein Push
With Easter now in the rearview, retailers will largely tread water, positioning themselves for a seasonal surge in demand ahead of the start of summer.
Grilling demand is beginning to build toward a Memorial Day crescendo, prompting grocers to build inventory and plan aggressive promotions to jumpstart the season.
But first up is Cinco de Mayo. While it's a smaller holiday, it can still drive foot traffic. Proteins like pork, steak, and chicken are expected to see solid movement as shoppers make tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and other festive fare...
ANALYSIS: Chicken Hatchery Trends Signal Supply-Side Expansion Amid Market Volatility
Although prevailing Q2 marketing conditions remain broadly bullish across much of the chicken complex, the environment is far from sedate as market participants navigate a constantly evolving set of challenges. Widespread disease concerns, shifts in average live weights, and ongoing global trade tensions continue to cloud visibility for speculative buyers and sellers alike. Amid this uncertainty, industry stakeholders are focusing on one of the more predictable components of the supply chain: Hatchery performance.
The most recent weekly hatchery figures reflect a familiar year-over-year...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #5
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #5."
The Retail Rundown: Protein Adds to Holiday Price Gains
Easter week has arrived and grocers are tapping into the holiday's spending momentum. But for consumers, Easter dinner is shaping up to be pricier than last year, with many holiday staples seeing year-over-year price increases.
According to Expana’s latest US Easter Index—which tracks price changes in key holiday-related commodities—overall prices rose 11.8% year-over-year, driven largely by higher costs in the protein and bakery categories.
Expana’s Easter Protein Index, which covers lamb, beef, pork, salmon, cod, and eggs...
Joel Yashinsky Appointed Chief Marketing Officer of Burger King US & Canada
Today, Burger King® announced Joel Yashinsky as Chief Marketing Officer for the US & Canada. Yashinsky will build on the brand’s existing Reclaim the Flame plan that was created with the advice and support of Burger King Franchisees.
“We are thrilled to welcome Joel to the Burger King leadership team and the broader BK family,” said Tom Curtis, President of Burger King US & Canada. “Joel joins us at an exciting time for the brand, and brings the ideal mix of strategic marketing...
ANALYSIS: China’s Q1 2025 Meat Imports Slip 2.0% to 1.64M mt on Soft Demand, Trade Rift
China imported a total of 1.64 million metric tons (mt) of meat, including variety meats, in the first quarter of 2025, down 2.0% year-on-year (y-o-y), according to preliminary figures from China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC). The decline reflected deepening trade friction with the United States (US) and ongoing economic headwinds that continue to weigh on import demand.
Industry players also pointed to softer-than-expected consumer demand after the Lunar New Year festivities and increased.
ANALYSIS: HPAI and Tariff Concerns Likely Impact U.S. Broiler Export Patterns
Total U.S. broiler exports were up both year-over-year (YoY) and month-over-month (MoM) in February, despite a 5-year average MoM decrease. Three of the top five export destinations purchased more MoM compared to the average or they didn't decrease their purchasing as much as on average. These countries were Cuba, Taiwan, and the Philippines. There are a couple of different factors that may have been major influences in this shift: The fears about HPAI cases, and the uncertainty...
The Retail Rundown: Easter Momentum Builds
In the final full week of Lent, seafood accounts for 35% of all protein retail promotions, gaining ground on pork, which holds 23% of ad space. Beef promotions slipped to 20%, while chicken has 15%. Lamb and veal promotions, though still minimal, doubled from the previous week, rising to 2% ahead of Easter.
Notably, Easter falls late this year—on April 20—affecting year-over-year (YOY) comparisons. Ham promotions last week were offered at premium price points compared to 2024. Discounted boneless smoked hams averaged...
ANALYSIS: Headwinds and Tailwinds in Chicken Cold Storage
Given the seasonally robust performance of the chicken market recently, industry participants are closely analyzing the latest data to guide their expectations for Q2. The most recent Cold Storage Report offers some insight into the current market conditions while also raising a few additional questions.
As of February, public warehouse stocks reached 793.3 million pounds, marking a departure from an 18-month year-over-year (YoY) decline that has persisted since August 2023. Compared to February 2024, stocks increased by 0.8%. However, a net outflow of production from...
The Retail Rundown: Spring Sizzle Fuels Protein Demand
Spring promotions are in full bloom at retail, with holiday-themed ads ramping up. Circulars showcase produce and snacking items alongside grilling staples, aiming to entice shoppers with vibrant displays and seasonal appeal. Beyond holiday preparations, schools and universities are approaching spring break season, likely driving an uptick in foodservice in the coming weeks.
In some regions, grocers are leveraging hams as loss leaders ahead of Easter. Last week, discounted bone-in ham averaged $2.56 per pound, while spiral-sliced varieties stood at $2.61 per pound—steady to lower than last year’s levels...
Jack in the Box Appoints Lance Tucker as Permanent CEO
Jack in the Box Inc., one of the nation’s largest hamburger chains, has named Lance Tucker its permanent Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective immediately. Tucker will also join the company’s Board of Directors.
Tucker had been serving as the company's interim CEO following the resignation of Darin Harris in February 2025. Prior to this role, he was Jack in the Box’s Chief Financial Officer.
“Lance brings decades of experience within the restaurant industry as well as a financial mind into the CEO role that is...
ANALYSIS: The Perfect Storm Drives Jumbo Boneless Chicken Breast Prices
Current chicken boneless breast meat prices are well above the 5-year average and are quickly approaching record highs. With year-to-date (YTD) ready-to-cook production at an all-time high, it raises the question: what is driving prices upward? As discussed in several market conversations, there is a perfect storm of factors pushing prices higher—even amid record production.
The first component to consider when analyzing the upward-trending market is current demand. Per capita consumption forecasts from the USDA estimate...
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...
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...
PODCAST: Agri-Food for Thought Ep 25 - Chicken Demand at Foodservice and Beyond
Just in time for March Madness, Jamie sits down with chicken market analyst, Matt Busardo, to dissect the driving forces behind this consumer-favorite category...
Nestlé Recalls Frozen Meals Over Choking Risk
The FDA has announced that Nestlé USA is recalling certain Lean Cuisine and STOUFFER'S frozen meals following customer complaints about the presence of a wood-like material. One potential choking incident has been reported.
Nestlé is actively investigating the issue, which affects a limited quantity of products from the following lines:
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...
USDA Announces Plans for New Rulemaking for Chicken Processing Line Speeds
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins today announced new actions to reduce burdens on U.S. chicken processing facilities, allowing for greater efficiency while maintaining food and worker safety standards. The directive instructs the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) to eliminate outdated administrative requirements that have slowed production and added unnecessary costs for American producers.
“I want to thank Secretary Rollins and the Trump administration for adhering to science-based principles and following 25 years of experience, studies and data on increased line speeds...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
ANALYSIS: March Pet Food Market Insight Report Released
The animal protein and by-product markets experienced various trends in February, with some sectors showing price stability and others facing fluctuations. Factors such as supply constraints, disease concerns, and shifting demand, particularly within the pet food industry, impacted beef, pork, poultry, and plant-based proteins. Additionally, tariffs and global production dynamics continued to disrupt the availability and pricing of essential feed additives like vitamins, minerals, and amino acids...
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...
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...
Unleash your Spicy Side: Taco Bell Cranks up the Heat with New Caliente Cantina Chicken Menu
Cantina Chicken has found its spicy alter ego—Caliente! After earning a permanent spot on Taco Bell's menu last year, the fan-favorite slow-roasted chicken is turning up the heat with the all-new Caliente Cantina Chicken Menu. This spicy upgrade debuts nationwide on February 27, and even sooner with exclusive early access starting today for Taco Bell Rewards Members.
With unmatched popularity in 2024, Cantina Chicken found its way into 1 out of every 4 Taco Bell orders as shared...
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...
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...
Wingstop's New Crispy Tenders Are Changing The Flavor Game, With 1M Free Tenders Up For Grabs
Wingstop is changing the flavor game with new, crispier chicken tenders, now available nationwide. Tender fans can say goodbye to bland, basic chicken tenders and get their hands on Wingstop's crispy tenders, hand sauced-and-tossed in one of Wingstop's 12 bold flavors, paired with the brand's iconic ranch dip for the ultimate flavor experience.
Unlike the plain chicken tenders and strips across the market, Wingstop's new crispy tenders serve as a vehicle for the brand's craft-made sauces...
LPK1 Recalls Ready-to-Eat Chicken Caesar Wrap Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergen
LPK1, a Renton, Wash. establishment, is recalling approximately 303 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken Caesar wrap products due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product’s individually-wrapped Caesar dressing packet contains fish (anchovies), a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.
The ready-to-eat chicken Caesar wrap products were produced on February 15, 2025, February 17, 2025, and February 19, 2025. The following products...
Church's Texas Chicken Names Roland Gonzalez as New CEO
Church's Texas Chicken has announced the promotion of Roland Gonzalez to Chief Executive Officer. Gonzalez, who has served as Chief Operations Officer for the past two years, has played a pivotal role in driving the company’s transformation. He will succeed Joe Guith in the role.
With extensive experience in senior leadership positions at top quick-service restaurant brands, Gonzalez has successfully implemented growth strategies and achieved significant results across a network of more than 20,000 locations.
Before joining Church's Texas Chicken, Gonzalez held...
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