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The Retail Rundown: Retail Promotions Pivot Toward Baking and Comfort Foods
By mid-October, grocery retailers are shifting their marketing focus toward fall comfort meals, baking, and holiday preparation.
Typically, retail egg sales see a seasonal lift as more consumers cook hot breakfasts at home. The onset of baking season further boosts demand, with more eggs being used in breads, pies, pastries, and other seasonal favorites.
In the shell egg market, Expana reports a mixed retail landscape—some retailers are seeing stronger demand as cooler weather sets in, while others note slower movement following lackluster promotional outcomes...
China’s Hog Prices Fall to Yearly Low as Industry Eyes Capacity Cuts
China’s hog prices have fallen to their lowest level this year despite the usual boost seen during the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays, 21st Century Business Herald, a Chinese state-owned media outlet, reported.
According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the national average live hog price was down 2.8% from the previous week and 29.5% year-on-year during the first week of October. Prices fell across all 30 monitored provinces. Since mid-July, hog prices have dropped...
Inside QDOBA's Growth Strategy with New CMO Jon Burke
Expana recently had the chance to catch up with Jon Burke, the newly promoted Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of QDOBA. He offered a behind-the-scenes look at what’s next for the rapidly expanding restaurant chain. With over 825 stores across the United States and Puerto Rico and a pipeline of 600 more, QDOBA is gearing up for its first national marketing campaign.
In the announcement about this promotion, CEO John Cywinkski said, "Jon is a trusted and respected leader who has earned this opportunity...
Morliny Foods' Acquisition of the Wolf Group
Morliny Foods Holding Limited (UK) today announced the acquisition of Wolf Group, a leading German producer of premium sausages, convenience, and ready meals. This strategic transaction marks a significant step in Morliny Foods' European expansion, strengthening its position in one of the continent's largest consumer markets for packaged meats and convenience products. The acquisition aligned with Morliny Foods' strategy to grow in value-added packaged meat categories across Europe.
The transaction also opens opportunities for enhanced access to German distribution channels for Morliny Foods' portfolio products, serving as a solid foundation for sustainable growth in the German and wider European markets...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana’s Weekly Rundown #30
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 #30."
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.
...
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...
The Retail Rundown: Strategic Promotions Boost October Protein Opportunities
October offers a strategic window for retailers to tap into increased consumer demand for protein, thanks to the alignment of seasonal supply, promotional campaigns, and competitive pricing.
National Pork Month, observed this month, coincides with a peak in pork production—averaging about 2.5 billion pounds over the past five years, up nearly 9% from September.
This seasonal surplus enables retailers to run targeted promotions that pair attractive pricing with educational content, driving both consumer engagement and sales...
Vertical Cold Storage's Strategic Expansion with First Customs Bonded Warehouse
In today's global trade environment, customs bonded warehousing has become increasingly appealing to businesses seeking financial flexibility.
Tariffs can significantly inflate costs, but by deferring duties until products are sold in the US market or re-exported, companies can optimize cash flow and gain strategic operational advantages.
Vertical Cold Storage, a leader in cold storage and logistics for the food and beverage industry, is marking an achievement with the full licensing of its first customs bonded warehouse.
The company strategically chose to expand at its...
New Report From FMI Reveals a Significant Shift in Consumer Dining Habits
A new report from The Food Industry Association (FMI) uncovers a significant shift in dining habits.
The study shows that consumers are increasingly choosing deli-prepared foods in place of restaurant meals.
The Power of Foodservice at Retail 2025 examines the factors influencing consumer motivation for choosing deli-prepared options, offering insights from the consumer's perspective on foodservice at retail.
Data from the report revealed that 53% of Americans now take a hybrid approach to creating meals; combining deli-prepared options with other items...
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert For Ready-To-Eat Meals That May Be Contaminated With Listeria
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for FSIS-inspected ready-to-eat meals produced by FreshRealm containing a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulated ingredient, specifically spinach, that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes (Lm).
FSIS expects additional affected products to be identified and will update this public health alert as more information becomes available. Consumers should check back frequently.
The following products are subject to the...
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%...
ANALYSIS: USDA Report Highlights Continued Declines in Frozen Pork Inventories
The USDA’s August Cold Storage report, released on Friday, reveals that frozen pork stocks have remained near 10-year lows throughout most of 2025, with several months registering inventories 10–20% below the decade-long average. This persistent shortfall reflects a combination of reduced hog slaughter and production volumes, driven in part by recent disease outbreaks, alongside the lingering impact of the Prop 12 implementation in 2024. Seasonal inventory patterns, characterized by spring and...
ANALYSIS: September Pork Cutout at Decade Highs Despite Recent Softening
The weekly Expana Pork Carcass Cutout is navigating at 10‑year highs for September, despite some recent softening in daily readings. The cutout is currently 7.9% above this same point in 2024 and 28.4% higher than the 10‑year average...
ANALYSIS: Hogs and Pigs Report Reflects Smaller Breeding Herd
According to the USDA's Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report, the total United States hog and pig inventory as of September 1, 2025, was 74.5 million head. This figure was down 1% from the same period in 2024 but up 1% from the previous quarter. The breeding herd totaled 5.93 million head, reflecting a 2% decline year-over-year and a slight decrease from June. Market hog inventory came in at 68.5 million head, also 1% below last year but 1% higher than the prior quarter.
The report shows a modest...
FSIS Issues Recall for 58 Million Pounds of Corn Dogs and Sausages on a Stick Products
The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a recall of approximately 58 million pounds of corn dog and sausage-on-a-stick products. This action follows reports of wood pieces being embedded in the product batter.
An investigation was prompted by multiple customer complaints and has, so far, identified five injuries associated with the issue.
Hillshire Brands Company conducted an internal investigation, revealing that fragments from the wooden sticks entered the production...
Standard Meat Company Celebrates 90 Years with New Fort Worth Facility
Proven Leadership, People-First Focus, and an Innovative New Plant Build on Strong Family Foundation for the Future
Standard Meat Company (SMC), a fourth-generation, family-owned innovator in the protein processing and packaging industry, celebrated a major milestone with 90 years in business.
Founded in 1935 (with roots going back even further to a family meat stall in Fort Worth's historic public market) the company has evolved into a global supplier for the food service and retail industries, partnering with some of the most forward-thinking...
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...
The Retail Rundown: Fall Promotions Highlight Beef Roasts, Pork Ahead of October
Fall retail trends have been unfolding for several weeks, with grocers promoting cooler-weather favorites and leaning into the early wave of seasonal excitement—embraced by some shoppers and resisted by those reluctant to let go of summer.
With the season officially underway as of Monday, beef roasts are seeing stronger promotion, now accounting for 28% of total beef ads compared with 24% two weeks ago. Even so, steaks remain the top feature item, followed by ground beef...
US Beef, Pork Featured at Culinary Event in Trinidad and Tobago
U.S. beef and pork took center stage during a recent trade promotional event in the Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago. USMEF partnered with the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service and the U.S. Embassy in Port of Spain, the nation’s capital, for a meat cutting demonstration and tasting reception. Local chefs, restaurateurs and influencers enjoyed premium U.S. food and beverage products such as beef and pork, table grapes, wines, bourbons and whiskeys at the reception.
Kaylee Greiner, manager of retail and foodservice engagement for Texas Beef Council, joined USMEF Caribbean Representative Elizabeth Wunderlich and Latin America Representative Homero...
New USDA Export Plan: Red Meat and Poultry Via Rail to Mexico; Screwworm Case Contained
As of September 18, a new, collaborative plan to export US red meat and poultry to the Mexican market via rail gained support from the USDA FSIS.
"Through this innovative partnership, inspection personnel from Mexico’s National Service of Agri-Food, Health, Safety and Quality (SENASICA) will be inspecting at participating federally inspected establishments to reinspect and clear for export eligible US meat and poultry shipments at the point of origin. This process will eliminate the need for routine border inspections by Mexican officials..."
Strong July for Pork Exports; Another Slow Month for Beef
July exports of U.S. pork were slightly below last year but accounted for a larger share of production, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Market access obstacles continued to weigh heavily on exports of U.S. beef, with the vast majority of plants still ineligible to ship to China.
Pork exports totaled 238,922 metric tons (mt), down just 1% from a year ago, while value fell 4% to $680.9 million, largely reflecting the 10% decline in pork variety meat prices due to China’s tariffs...
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...
FDA to Repeal Frankfurter Color Additive Orange B Listing, Cites No Use Since 1978
The US Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday proposed removing a long-standing regulation that allows the use of the color additive Orange B on frankfurter and sausage casings, saying the additive appears to be no longer used in US food production.
FDA records show Orange B was last batch-certified in 1978 and the agency has received no certification requests since, leading it to tentatively conclude the authorized use has been abandoned and the listing is outdated.
The Retail Rundown: Chicken Promotions Fall Short in “National Month”
Beef and seafood ads were nearly even this week, each accounting for about 25% of featured buying opportunities. Pork and turkey held steady, while eggs gained ground, with the South Central region seeing the most feature activity.
Expana notes that the back-to-school lift in retail shell egg demand has largely passed, with September typically a slower period outside of the early-season bump.
Despite September being “National Chicken Month,” Expana’s weekly survey found chicken ads down from last week and slightly below late August levels...
Perdue Farms Strengthens Leadership Team with Three Senior Vice President Appointments
Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned U.S. food and agricultural products company, today announced the appointments of three accomplished executives to its senior leadership team: Kim Poe as Senior Vice President, Strategy & Corporate Development; Sal Gala as Senior Vice President, Procurement; and Brice Westring as Senior Vice President, Research & Development (R&D).
The appointments underscore Perdue Farms’ commitment to bringing in diverse talent and leadership experience that will guide the company into its second century and advance its vision to be the most...
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...
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...
US Implements Japanese Trade Deal; 15% Tariffs, Billions in Investments, Ag Purchases
Later on September 4, the US implemented a previously announced trade deal with Japan–setting a 15% baseline tariff on almost all Japanese goods imported to the US, according to a White House statement about a presidential order. This comes almost a week after tariffs were again disputed in the US judicial system.
The now-implemented deal also created sector-specific carve-outs and outlined commitments on both sides that will affect demand for US agricultural commodities and beyond (namely, for US rice).
Plus, the order carves...
ANALYSIS: Pork Cutout Holds Near Decade Highs Despite Mid-Summer Correction
As of the week of September 1, the Expana Pork Carcass Cutout Value remains near 10-year highs, even as a corrective trend has been underway since mid-July. Over that span, weekly cutout values have eased by 4.2%. While this trajectory reflects typical seasonal patterns, the decline has been less pronounced than many market participants anticipated, largely due to limited live hog availability in a disease-affected environment. At present, the weekly cutout stands 18.9% above year-ago levels and...
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...
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...
ANALYSIS: Pork Picnic Combo Prices Surpass PEDv-Year Highs
Prices for Untrimmed Bone-In SS Picnic Combos have been climbing, currently averaging $1.17/lb, up from February lows near $0.78/lb. At present levels, 2025 prices are approximately 15% higher than 2024 and 9% above 2023, marking some of the strongest values in recent data collection. Prices are also trending above 2014 levels, a year notably impacted by the Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus (PEDv) which led to significant supply disruptions.
In contrast, the current firmness appears to be...
ANALYSIS: EU Pork Market Sees Price Decreases Throughout August as Bearish Sentiment Persists
Following a bearish price trend during July, the EU pork market remined bearish during August with prices decreasing constantly during the month. The Expana Bench Market Price for EU Pig deadweight grade S EXW EU (BW56) was last assessed at €1.98 /kg on August 26, which reflects a price reduction of €0.05/kg compared to the last assessment in July...
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...
Hillshire Farm® Debuts Flavor-Forward Lunch Meats
Tyson Foods is turning up the flavor and bringing new energy to the lunch meat category with the launch of Hillshire Farm® Sandwich Style Lunch Meats in three bold new flavors.
Crafted to spark creativity, the new lunch meats inspire fresh...
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...
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: Hog Slaughter Slows While Live Hog Market Holds Firm
Through the week ending August 16, weekly hog slaughter totaled approximately 2.42 million head, modestly higher than the prior week but nearly 4% below the same week last year. Year-to-date, slaughter is tracking around 78.4 million head, which is 2% below 2024 levels and also running leaner than the three-year average by a margin of 1.7%. In recent weeks, volumes have trailed historical benchmarks, reflecting the tighter supply environment that has characterized much of the summer.
The firmness in the live hog market has...
ANALYSIS: Protein Production Outlook for Q3
The USDA is forecasting a mixed outlook for protein production in Q3, with significant declines expected in beef and turkey, while pork and broiler output remain steady or edge higher. Beef production is projected to fall sharply year-over-year (YOY), down 5.4% from 6.78 billion pounds in Q3 2024 to 6.42 billion pounds in Q3 2025. This reflects a tightening cattle supply pipeline, a trend that has persisted throughout much of the year and continues to pressure beef availability.
Turkey output is also forecast to contract, slipping 4.5% YOY to...
ANALYSIS: USDA Livestock Forecast Points to Lower Pork Production
In the USDA Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Outlook released August 18, 2025, the pork market was adjusted a little lower. USDA now forecasts 2025 production at 27.7 billion pounds, down 0.5% from last year.
For 2026, production is forecast at 28.4 billion pounds, a modest 2.5% increase but still under last month’s estimate. The changes stem from slower hog slaughter and lighter weights, with spring PRRS disease pressures keeping supplies tighter.
Hog prices are forecast by USDA to remain active, averaging about $77/cwt in the third quarter and...
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...
Perdue Premium Meat Co Opens Its New Production Facility in Iowa
Perdue Premium Meat Company announced the official opening of its new production facility, a $60 million investment, on Tuesday. The new, state-of-the-art facility in Sioux City, Iowa will specialize in case-ready pork production.
“This is more than a renovated facility – it’s a long-term investment in the people, economy and future of Sioux City,” said Gary Malenke, Senior Vice President of Operations, PPMC. “Our new operations in Sioux City will allow us to better serve our customers across the country with high-quality products while creating more than 100 new jobs right here in Iowa.”
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...
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...
ANALYSIS:US Pork Exports Show Resilience Amid Mixed Global Demand in June
US pork exports totaled 527,555 K lbs in June 2025, up 7.0% year-over-year (YOY) but down 2.3% month-over-month (MOM) from May’s 564,626 K lbs, according to USDA data. Through the first half of 2025, exports reached 3.22 billion lbs, 4% below the same period in 2024.
Mexico remained as the leading growth contributor, importing 226,552 K lbs in June, up 22.4 % YOY and 5.2 % MOM. Ongoing active demand domestically for pork items in Mexico, along with free trade agreement...
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: 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...
JBS Invests $100 Million in New RTE Bacon and Sausage Facility
JBS USA has announced plans to expand its operations in Ankeny, Iowa, by opening the largest ready-to-eat bacon and sausage facility in its portfolio.
The company has agreed to purchase a 186,000-square-foot production facility formerly owned by Hy-Vee. JBS intends to convert the space into a fully cooked bacon and sausage production plant and is looking to hire former Hy-Vee staff for the new operation.
"Today’s announcement aligns with our long-term strategy of...
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...
China Confirms African Swine Fever Outbreak in Sichuan
China has reported 210 confirmed and 795 susceptible cases of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Napo County, in the Sichuan Province, a World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) report showed.
The Guangxi Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs reported the outbreak on July 25. "Following the outbreak, local authorities immediately implemented emergency response measures in accordance with the contingency plan, including lockdowns of infected and threatened areas, culling of pigs, harmless disposal, and disinfection,” the Department said.
As of time of reporting, inspections found no new cases...
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%...
Smithfield Foods Reports Strong Q2 Growth and Increased Profitability
Smithfield Foods, an industry leader in packaged meats and fresh pork, has reported another successful quarter, highlighting its continued growth and operational efficiency.
Following a strong first quarter, Smithfield announced in June a strategic initiative to streamline operations and reduce costs. This included relocating over 100 corporate jobs to Hampton Roads and the planned closure of two regional offices in Illinois and Missouri.
"Our strong second quarter results demonstrate the agility and resilience of our business as we navigate a dynamic macroeconomic environment. Through our iconic and diversified brand portfolio...
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...
Maple Leaf Foods Sees Major Turnaround with $58M Profit in Q2 2025
Maple leaf, a Canadian food processing company, have delivered findings from its quarterly results.
The company reported a strong second quarter, with adjusted EBITDA increasing 28.9% to $182 million compared to the same period last year. Total sales reached $1.36 billion, representing an 8.5% year-over-year increase, driven by consistent growth across all major operating segments.
Prepared Foods saw a 7.5% increase in sales, Poultry rose by 8.5%, and Pork climbed 10.7%, reflecting solid market demand...
The Retail Rundown: Summer’s Last Stretch Drives Seasonal Promotions
August has arrived, bringing a sense of urgency to make the most of summer’s final weeks. With Labor Day fewer than four weeks away and just seven weeks remaining until the season’s official end, retailers are already diving into back-to-school promotions.
Seafood claims the top spot among protein features again this week, making up 30.3% of all retail ads, followed by beef at 26.2%, pork at 20.8%, and chicken at 18.9%. Egg promotions remain minimal, comprising less than 1% of features—consistent with last week’s light showing. The Midwest led in egg advertising, while the Northeast and South Central regions showed more moderate activity...
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