Yum China and Lavazza Bring Buffalo Milk Latte to Hong Kong, Targeting 10 Stores

As of October 16, Lavazza has opened its fifth Hong Kong store, according to a Yum China press release. Last November, the Lavazza-Yum China joint venture team opened their first Hong Kong location. Now, plans have been made to reach around 10 stores in the coming months.

The Lavazza partnership with Yum China is one to watch for foodservice operators as the Asian business is the largest restaurant company in China, and operates more than 19,000 restaurants under six brands across...

Expana Exclusive: Supplying 46,000+ Restaurants in Complex Context - McDonald's Supply Chain Leader

Darcy Gilbert, Vice President of Global Food and Beverage Sourcing at McDonald's, leads a global team accountable for overseeing approximately $30 billion in annual spend across 46,000+ restaurants in 100+ markets, and a global network of supplier partners. At its heart, the team’s job is making sure the food customers love shows up in every restaurant, every day. Yet navigating such a vast system in a fast-changing world requires far more than simply leveraging scale.

In an exclusive interview ahead of her appearance...

USDA Report Shows US Agriculture Faces Higher Tariff Barriers Abroad

As of September 16, persistent challenges for US agriculture were said to be foreign markets which remain more protected than the US market, according to the USDA Economic Research Service report.

The USDA report does not call for specific tariff increases or cuts but lays out how US agriculture compares with foreign competitors under current most favored nation (MFN) tariff structures. The report may be used as a benchmark to show where tariff imbalances may influence export access...

Crop-Threatening 'Super El Niño' Also Likely to Create Regional Winners, Say Expana Experts

This year’s (2026-2027) El Niño weather phenomenon can significantly affect global commodities, and food price inflation can be expected, especially if it is confirmed to be what is commonly known as a ‘Super El Niño’.

While most of the mainstream media's focus is on the devastating consequences of the Super El Niño phenomenon, it is worth noting that it will have a large but also highly varied economic impact across different regions. There are both winning and losing countries - and by extension, agricultural commodities

USTR 2026 National Trade Estimate Report: Highlights Global Barriers to Trade for Commodity Markets 

On March 31, leaders at the United States Trade Representative (USTR) released its 2026 National Trade Estimate (NTE) report, outlining US market access via country specific details that intends to reshape how US trade policy views global markets. The 500+ page report is divided into sections which address the trade environments present between US markets and those of each trading partner as a baseline for producers, importers, and exporters. It seems that the...

US‑Israeli Strikes on Iran Enter Fifth Day as Shipping Companies Divert Vessels 

The United States and Israel have launched strikes against Iran for a fifth day, targeting military, government, and nuclear-related sites in and around Tehran. In response, Iran has launched retaliatory missiles and drones, striking energy infrastructure and diplomatic compounds across the Gulf.

The conflict is expanding regionally, with heightened security alerts across Gulf states and reports of damage to civilian and economic infrastructure. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy chokepoint, has experienced significant disruptions threatening worldwide oil flows...

Expana's Weekly Top 10: Stories Making Waves Across Global Markets

Throughout the week, Expana’s team of dedicated journalists connects the industry with the “how” behind market dynamics, providing a comprehensive space for the market-moving stories shaping global headlines.

With so much information to filter through, Expana is connecting the dots with its weekly roundup of the top ten stories making waves — in no particular order.

10. USDA Launches New World Screwworm Grand Challenge

The USDA announced the launch of the New World Screwworm (NWS) Grand Challenge following reports that the flesh-eating parasitic...