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Americans Plan to Dine Out More in 2026 as OpenTable Reports Strong Industry Growth
OpenTable’s newly released 2026 Dining Trends Report shows that despite mixed views on the economy, Americans continue to prioritize eating out, driving steady growth across the foodservice industry.
According to the analysis, dining out increased 8% year-over-year in 2025, and consumers expect for that to increase in 2026.
"As we head into 2026, there's good news for the restaurant industry: our new research shows that people continue to make room in their lives and budgets for dining out...
ANALYSIS: US Dairy Herd Shows Continued Robust Growth
The USDA’s September data showed a pronounced expansion in the US dairy herd in the 24 selected states; an increase of 235,000 cows year-over-year was reported. This marked acceleration from recent months. That gain helped lift national herd counts well above 2024 levels for much of 2025.
Producers are driving growth by retaining higher and mid‑producing cows for additional lactation cycles and keeping back added heifers on the farm. Those retention choices reflect the push for many operations to produce more milk to...
Proposed WOTUS Rule Protects Environment, Respects Farmers
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers’ proposed Waters of the United States rule.
“Clean water is a top priority for farmers and ranchers – we depend on it. We are pleased that the new rule protects critical water sources while respecting the efforts of farmers to protect the natural resources they’ve been entrusted with...
NCBA Secures New WOTUS Proposed Rule that Protects Family Farmers and Ranchers
Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) announced support for the new proposed Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule released by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The revised WOTUS rule comes after decades of advocacy by NCBA and our state affiliate partners to remove confusing and burdensome regulations on cattle farmers and ranchers.
“Waters of the U.S. has been a longstanding and frustrating issue for family farmers and ranchers. Every few years, the definition of a ‘water of the U.S.’ has changed. Often, this meant that small water features like prairie potholes or dry ditches suddenly fell under federal regulation,” said NCBA...
ANALYSIS: Cage-Free Market Strengthens Amid Limited Supply and Holiday Demand
The cage-free market continued its upward climb this week, supported by stronger demand throughout the US and tightening spot availability. Buying interest has spiked for egg destined to retail this week. Sellers, meanwhile, are holding product with greater confidence after being approached by multiple buyers, from both cage-free and conventional outlets seeking to down-pack.
Retail conditions remain the primary driver of strength. Large national chains along the West Coast continue to offer highly aggressive shelf pricing...
ANALYSIS: US Hog Weights Edge Higher
Average live hog weights continue to firm seasonally, with the latest packer-sold average at 293.72 lb, up 1.4% month-over-month (MOM) and 1.8% higher year-over-year (YOY). Packer-owned weights averaged 285.63 lb, rising 0.6% MOM but sitting 0.3% lower YOY, reflecting a mostly steady to higher tone relative to last...
Navigating the Trump Tariff Turbulence: A Comprehensive Timeline
US President Donald Trump and his administration have paused reciprocal tariffs on most countries.
“Based on the lack of respect that China has shown... I am hereby raising the [tariff] charged to China by the [USA] to 125%, effective immediately,” wrote Trump on Truth Social at 1:18 pm ET.
It’s not clear if this 125% is in addition to the 20% imposed on Chinese imports to the US. In early March, Trump noted that he would add another 10% tariff on Chinese goods...
FMI Praises President Trump’s Actions to Reduce Tariffs on Food Products
Today, FMI – The Food Industry Association resoundingly applauded President Trump for signing a presidential order that reduces tariffs on food and agricultural products not grown at all or in sufficient quantities in the United States to fully meet consumer demand. FMI President and CEO Leslie G. Sarasin offered the following statement.
“FMI is grateful and extremely pleased at President’s Trump’s actions to cut tariffs on a wide swathe of food and agriculture products. Today’s action should help consumers, whose morning cup of coffee will hopefully become more affordable, as well as U.S. manufacturers, which utilize many of these products in their supply chains and production lines.
USMEF Elects New Officers, Examines Reciprocal Trade Opportunities and USMCA Review
The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) concluded its Strategic Planning Conference Friday with election of its new officers. Chairing USMEF for the 2025-26 term is Jay Theiler, executive vice president of corporate affairs for Agri Beef Company, based in Boise, Idaho.
Theiler recalled his early days with Agri Beef, when the company came to realize that it could not maximize the value of each head of livestock processed by selling product only in the Pacific Northwest, or even in the entire United States.
PODCAST: Agri-Food for Thought Ep 36 - Essential Procurement Skills & Advice, Feat. Malcolm Harrison
Expana presents Agri-Food for Thought, the podcast series for agriculture and food professionals.
On today's episode, we welcome Malcolm Harrison, an international board-level executive with expertise in general management, operations, procurement, and sales. He has worked in diverse business environments across Brazil, China, France, Gulf states, the UK, the US, and West Africa. A veteran and engaging leader, Malcolm has always sought to improve business performance through growth and efficiency. He has a track record of quickly identifying gaps and opportunities for continuous improvement
Economic Impact Report Quantifies Instacart's Role as Grocery Industry Growth Engine and Job Creator
An Economic Impact Report released today by Instacart, the leading grocery technology company in North America, features new internal and third-party data revealing how its platform powers growth, earnings, and food access across the grocery economy in the U.S. and Canada. What began more than a decade ago as a same-day grocery delivery app has grown into a vital ecosystem that fuels economic opportunity, strengthens communities, and makes fresh, affordable food more accessible for...
Walmart Announces Leadership Transition as John Furner Succeeds Doug McMillon
The Board of Directors has elected John Furner to succeed Doug McMillon as President and Chief Executive Officer of Walmart Inc., effective February 1, 2026. He was also elected to the company's Board of Directors, effective immediately.
“John Furner is the right leader to guide Walmart into our next chapter of growth and transformation,” said Greg Penner, Chairman of Walmart Inc.
With more than three decades with the brand, Furner brings a dynamic set of skills and experience to his new role. He began his...
ANALYSIS: Broiler Weight Class Shifts and Market Dynamics
Through the week ending November 8, 2025, cumulative chicken headcount shows notable shifts by weight class compared with 2024. Total head slaughtered increased slightly on a year-over-year (YoY) basis, rising from 7.40 billion in 2024 to 7.56 billion in 2025. This 2.12% uptick is enough to position this metric at a new seasonal high.
Keeping in line with the industry’s ongoing efforts to maximize feed efficiency, the number of small-sized birds (4.25 lbs./down)...
ANALYSIS: Turkey Consumption Falls as Production Drops Even Faster Amid Supply Constraints
According to the USDA, US per capita consumption of turkey meat for 2025 has a projected figure of 13 lbs., down 17.2% from 2020. Yet the projected percentage of turkey meat used in the US compared to ready-to-cook (RTC) production is 94.1%, up 3.5 percentage points from 2020. This suggests that while American consumers are lowering the amount of turkey they consume in line with the extremely limited supplies, these two metrics are not decreasing at the same rate, with turkey production falling more rapidly than per capita consumption...
Q3 Results Drive Foodservice Headlines in First Half of November
Major industry players across the business captured attention in the first half of the month as foodservice providers released new insights from their quarterly reports.
Many restaurants are facing challenges in the third quarter as US consumers cut back on frequent dining. This compilation provides a thorough overview of key players' performance results and the latest in the most notable company news.
QSR's
McDonald's Q3, FY 2025
McDonald's reported a 3.6% increase in global same-store sales for the third quarter, surpassing analysts' expectations...
Expansion and Menu Innovations Lead in Foodservice this Week
This week, Expana gathered a collection of headline-worthy news, showcasing the vibrant and constantly evolving world of foodservice. From strategic expansions to culinary innovations, these stories underscore the dynamic nature of the industry and its unwavering momentum.
International Expansion on the Horizon for TGI Fridays
TGI Fridays is gearing up for significant international growth, announcing two master franchise agreements today. In India, USR Hospitality (USR) will develop 51 new locations, while Mid-City Operadora Sapi de CV (MCO_Mexico) is set to open 50 new outlets in...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana’s Weekly Rundown #32
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 #32."
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.
...
This week, the US administration has continued to pressure trading partners like India to curb imports of Russian oil as to sanction the country during its war with Ukraine, cited Expana...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana’s Weekly Rundown #30
Click to read: "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #30."
On October 7, US President Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Carney met in the White House. The possibility a US-Canadian trade deal was a main topic of discussion...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #29
Click to read: "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #29."
On September 29, the US placed 50% tariffs on imports of timber, lumber, and their derivative products, according to the US Presidential Action.
Also starting October 1, the US will be imposing 100%...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #28
Click to read: "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #28."
On Tuesday in New York, US President Trump gave remarks to the United Nations General Assembly, via the White House live stream...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #27
Click to read: "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #27."
US tariff revenue may be used to fund the nation’s farmers, reported Reuters about an interview between Agriculture Secretary Rollins and the Financial Times...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #26
Click to read: "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #26."
Despite 50% tariffs remaining on Brazil and India, the Indian Prime Minister Modi and US President Trump expressed positivity that the respective trade teams would reach a deal, according to their latest social media...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #25
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #25."
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #20
Click to read: "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #20."
As of July 27, the United States and the European Union reached a trade agreement: The US will charge a 15% tariff on all imports across-the-board from the coalition of countries...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #19
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #19."
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #17
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #17."
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...
This week, reciprocal tariffs were re-announced in the form of letters from the US Trump administration to trading partners who could not reach a trade deal within the previously granted 90-day pause...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #16
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #16."
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #14
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #14."
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #13
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #13."
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #12
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #12."
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #11
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #11."
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #10
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #10."
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #9
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #9."
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #8
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #8."
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #7
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #7."
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #6
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #6."
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #5
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #5."
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #4
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #4."
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #3
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #3."
FEATURED STORIES
ANALYSIS: UK Cattle Supply Expected to Tighten by 2026
ANALYSIS: Brazil’s Oct Beef Exports Up 1.9% MOM to 320,558 MT, Setting Second Consecutive Record