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...

HPAI H5N1 Virus in Dairy Cattle – What We Know

In March 2024, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) A (H5N1), commonly referred to as bird flu, was confirmed in domestic U.S. livestock for the first time in a dairy operation in Texas. Since then, the virus has spread to 995 dairy operations across 17 states, raising widespread uncertainty throughout the dairy and livestock markets. Industry participants have raised concerns about the outbreak's potential impact on consumer perception and demand for dairy and meat products, though government agencies reiterate that the national food supply remains safe. Expana is closely monitoring the situation...

Jollibee Premieres Its NEW 100% Certified Angus Beef® Burgers

Jollibee has announced the nationwide launch of its new menu items. The global restaurant, renowned for its fried chicken, aims to appeal to meat lovers with its new 100% Certified Angus Beef® burgers: the Angus Cheeseburger, Angus Deluxe Burger, and Angus Aloha Burger.

Jollibee highlights that these new offerings will set a new standard of quality in the quick-service industry, while reinforcing its commitment to value.

"We're confident that our trio of new premium Angus burgers will be...

Idaho Smokehouse Partners Recalls Nearly 30,000 Pounds of Meat Sticks Contaminated with Metal

Today, FSIS announced a recall by Idaho Smokehouse Partners, LLC, a Shelley, Idaho-based company, for approximately 29,541 pounds of ready-to-eat beef stick products that may be contaminated with metal.

The affected items are 1.15-ounce vacuum-sealed packages of “CHOMPS ORIGINAL BEEF STICK MILD,” with an expiration date of 02-10-2026 and lot code 25016 printed on the label. The products also bear the establishment number “6220A” ink-jetted on the package.

These beef sticks were produced...

Applegate Achieves Milestone in Regenerative Sourcing Nine Months Early

Hormel Foods’ natural and organic meat brand, Applegate, announced it has achieved its goal of sourcing 100% of the beef for its hot dog brands from certified regenerative grasslands — nine months ahead of schedule.

As of today, every Applegate Organics® The Great Organic Uncured Beef Hot Dog and Applegate Naturals® Beef Hot Dog is sourced exclusively from verified regenerative farms certified by Regenerative Organic Certification, Land to Market, and Certified Regenerative (endorsed by Certified Humane®).

This achievement has contributed to the transition of...

ANALYSIS: Argentina Beef Exports Up 7.5% MoM in February, Down 27.5% YoY

Following record volumes in 2024, Argentina’s beef exports declined notably in early 2025. According to the National Institute of Statistics and Census, shipments in February totaled 50,080 metric tons (mt), up 7.2% from January but still 27.5% lower Y-o-Y. The monthly recovery was supported by stronger exports to secondary markets in Europe, such as the Netherlands, Germany, and Italy, as well as to the US and Brazil. Although volumes to China also posted a modest increase, they remained considerably below 2024 levels, continuing...

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...

ANALYSIS: New Zealand’s Feb 2025 Beef Exports Jump 18.2% M-o-M to 46,162 mt

New Zealand’s February 2025 beef exports rose 18.2% month-on-month (m-o-m) to 46,162 metric tons (mt), the latest Stats NZ data showed

Rising by 7,094 mt, higher volumes to key markets such as the United States (US), Japan and Korea boosted growth while outbound tonnage to its second largest destination, China fell due to the observance of the Lunar New Year...

ANALYSIS: Mexico’s Feeder Cattle Exports Post-Suspension in 2025

Mexico’s feeder cattle exports to the United States in February 2025, after trade resumed, totaled 23,816 head, a sharp decline compared to February 2024’s 110,511 head and February 2023’s 98,906 head, according to recent data..

By mid-March 2025, exports reached 15,023 head, significantly lower than the full-month totals of 135,687 head in March 2024 and 137,001 head in March 2023. With exports still being recorded for the second half of March 2025, volumes may increase, but they are unlikely to approach the levels seen in the previous...

ANALYSIS: China’s Jan-Feb 2025 Beef Imports Drop 11.3% Y-o-Y to 468,465 mt

China's total beef imports for the first two months of the 2025 calendar year slumped to 468,465 metric tons (mt), according to the latest data from the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC).

Dropping by 11.3%, the 59,684 mt was led by lower shipments from Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, New Zealand, whilst higher volumes from the United States (US) and Australia capped further losses.

Volumes in January 2025 was recorded at 276,540 mt as importers often frontload shipments early...

ANALYSIS: Korea’s Feb 2025 Beef Imports Sink 36.7% MoM to 39,464 mt

Korea’s beef imports in February 2025 totaled 39,464 metric tons (mt), slumping 36.7% month-on-month (MoM), according to the latest data from Korea Customs Service.

Despite the 22,889 mt drop, this trend aligns with historical trends, as imports typically eased after front-loading in-quota shipments with lower tariffs back in January. The Korean New Year, that ran from late January to early February, also shortened the working month, slowing down the pace of imports.

Annually, imports rose 24.7% YoY (7,828 mt), though industry sources suggested this... 

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...

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...

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...

ANALYSIS: US Brisket Prices Soften as Seasonal Demand Cools

Brisket prices have eased following the conclusion of peak buying for St. Patrick’s Day corned beef production. Expana’s Benchmark Price for Choice brisket now sits at $3.38/lb, reflecting a 12% decline since the start of 2025. While prices have softened, they remain 6% above the three-year average and 3% higher than this time last year.

The recent price decline can be attributed to a slowdown in demand after the bulk of seasonal purchasing for St. Patrick's Day wrapped up. Additionally, January and February are historically...

What Trump Tariffs Mean for Food and Agriculture Trade

US President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico and an additional 10% tariff on imports from China.

Tariffs for Canada and China are in effect as of February 4, while the tariffs on Mexico have been delayed for one month following negotiations with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who agreed to send 10,000 members of her country’s national guard to the border to address drug trafficking... 

ANALYSIS: Uruguay’s Fresh Beef Exports Saw a 10.5% Monthly Increase in February

Uruguay’s fresh beef exports rose 10.5% in February to 34,815 mt, according to the latest report released by the National Customs Directorate. Compared to the same period last year, this figure represents 9.9% growth.

China remained the top destination with 12,306 MT, representing a 3.3% decline from January and a sharp 20.1% Y-o-Y drop. This decline resulted in a contraction in China's share of Uruguay’s total fresh beef exports from 48.6% in February 2024 to 35.3% in February 2025, reflecting a weaker demand...

ANALYSIS: Australia’s Beef Sector on Alert Amid US Tariff Uncertainty

As the United States (US) intensifies its "America First" trade policies, Australia’s beef industry is on high alert. Following the imposition of a 25% tariff on imported aluminum and steel, including from Australia, the industry is now bracing for potential inclusion in the next round of tariffs. With the Australian government's request for an exemption rejected, all eyes are on whether beef will be caught in the crossfire.

The US was Australia’s largest beef export destination in 2024, accounting for more than a quarter of total exports at 26.4%... 

ANALYSIS: China's Meat Imports Dip 0.2% YoY in Jan-Feb

China’s combined total meat imports for the month of January and February 2025, including variety meats totaled 1,098,190 metric tons (mt), slipping 0.2% year-on-year (YoY), according to the latest preliminary data from the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China.

The monthly average worked out to be 549,095 mt, edging down 1,363 mt (0.2%) compared to the same period last year. The General Administration of Customs typically releases a combined figure for the first two months of the year...

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...

ANALYSIS: Brazilian Fresh Beef Exports Saw a 5.5% Monthly Growth in February, Up by 6.7% Y-o-Y

The latest data released by Brazil’s Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services, showed that February’s fresh beef exports (chilled or frozen) stood at 190,453 mt, up by 5.5% M-o-M and accounting for a 6.7% growth from the same period last year.

China remained the main destination for the Brazilian beef, absorbing 92,569 mt last month, growing slightly by 1.5% from January 2025, but still down by 3.6% Y-o-Y. This figure represented 48.6% of total...

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...

PRE® Expands Ground Beef Offering to New Kroger Banner Stores in March

Pre® Brands, one of the nation's leading grass-fed and grass-finished premium lean beef proteins have announced the expanded availability of its ground beef products at select Kroger stores in several divisions across the US.

"At Pre, we have dual goals of growing the retailer partner category sales and an unconditional commitment to delighting consumers. With consumers increasingly focused on their health and wellness, they're seeking versatile and delicious grocery options to support their lifestyles," said Nicole Schumacher, Chief Marketing Officer...

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...

ANALYSIS: Australia’s Feb 2025 Beef Exports Soar 45% MoM to 117,502 mt

Australia’s beef exports in February 2025 soared by 45.0% month-on-month (MoM) to reach 117,502 metric tons (mt), according to data from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (DAFF).

This 36,453 mt jump aligned with historical trends, as shipments typically rise following the shorter January working month. The growth was supported by strong demand from key markets including the United States (US), China, Japan, and Korea. Despite this, shipments headed to Southeast Asia saw a decline, limiting further growth.

On an annual basis...

Impact of Pork and Beef Exports on Corn and Soybean Industries a Bright Spot for Producers

In the wake of a challenging year for U.S. corn and soybean producers, an updated study shows how exports of pork and beef provide support to their bottom lines. In 2024, U.S. pork and beef exports of $19.1 billion – an increase of $1 billion over 2023 and down just 2% from the 2022 record – had a significant impact on the corn and soybean industries, according to an independent study conducted by the Juday Group and released by...

ANALYSIS: Mexico - Brazil Beef Trading Patterns

Mexico's beef import patterns have changed significantly since the implementation of the Package Against Inflation and High Costs (PACIC). The program, renewed in November 2024 under President Claudia Sheinbaum's administration, continues to influence trade flows in Mexico's meat sector.

Brazilian beef shipments to Mexico have grown steadily, moving from a small market share to becoming the second-largest supplier in 2024. What started as modest volumes in late 2023 has developed into a substantial trade flow, reflecting Brazil's rapid emergence in the Mexican market...

ADM Recalls Some Pelleted Cattle Feed

ADM Animal Nutrition is recalling certain pelleted animal feed products due to harmful levels of copper or zinc, which could lead to various health issues in cattle.

These products were distributed between January 16 and February 27, 2025, and were available for purchase in Illinois, Missouri, Tennessee, Iowa, Georgia, and Ohio.

All products included in this recall, except for GROFAST32 (which contained inaccurately labeled levels of zinc), had elevated levels of copper.

The recall was initiated after the issue was identified and confirmed during routine production...

The Retail Rundown: Key Buying Occasions on the Horizon 

March presents key retail buying opportunities as spring holidays approach and Lent influences shopping and dining habits.

With Lent beginning today, meat sales typically decline as participants shift toward seafood. This week, seafood promotions rose to 28% of total retail features, up from 26% last week. Currently, 31% of seafood ads highlight fresh or frozen fillets, with options like salmon, cod, and catfish averaging $9.30 per pound on discount—nearly 9% higher than a year ago.

Elsewhere in the retail landscape, beef and pork each account for nearly 25% of featured promotions...

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...

ANALYSIS: Volume of Boneless Beef Hits 12-Month High in Latest USDA Cold Storage Report

According to the latest Cold Storage report from the United States Department of Agriculture, the total amount of beef in cold storage for the month of January was 463.3M lbs. Boneless beef accounted for 424.4M lbs (92% of total) while beef cuts made up the other 38.9M lbs. Both the figures for the total amount of beef and boneless beef equate to a 12-month high.

Cold storage is an important aspect for the imported boneless beef complex...

ANALYSIS: Sluggish Start to 2025 Japan’s Beef Imports

Japan’s total beef imports in January 2025 slumped 17.0% month-on-month (m-o-m) to 32,576 metric tons (mt), according to the latest data from Japan’s Trade Statistics.

Marking the lowest levels since February 2024, monthly inbound tonnage dropped 6,651 mt on the back of lower volumes from Australia and the United States (US), while increased shipments from New Zealand helped mitigate further declines.

Annually, January 2025’s beef imports into Japan plunged 24.7% (-10,682 mt), reflecting ongoing challenges faced by the world’s third-largest economy...

Raising the Steaks: Burger King® Introduces Bold New Steakhouse Bacon Whopper® Inspired by Guests

Burger King has long been known by fans as the one place to truly “Have It Your Way” - whether that means holding the pickles, adding extra cheese, or inspiring the next great Whopper creation. Last year, for the first time ever, Burger King encouraged Guests to create their own version of the Whopper through the Million Dollar Whopper Contest, which culminated with the launch of three new and delicious Guest-created Whopper sandwiches in restaurants nationwide. And now, BK fans are asking for more. That’s why starting March 6, Burger King is introducing The Steakhouse Bacon Whopper, the latest Whopper innovation inspired by Guests’ requests.

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...

ANALYSIS: New Zealand’s Jan 2025 Beef Exports Up 6.3% Y-o-Y on Solid US Demand

New Zealand’s January 2025 beef exports dropped 20.3% month-on-month (m-o-m) to 40,002 metric tons (mt), as shown in the latest Stats NZ data. 

Falling by 10,161 mt, volumes were curtailed primarily due to the shorter working month as the country observed the Christmas and New Year festivities. Outbound shipments declined across all key markets. Annually, exports grew 6.3% (+2,369 mt), fueled by healthy demand from the US and Canada. However, shipme

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...

ANALYSIS: Robust Start for Korea’s Jan 2025 Beef Imports, Annual Decline Persists

Korea’s beef imports in January 2025 totaled 62,353 metric tons (mt), jumping a whopping 250.0% month-on-month (m-o-m), according to the latest data from Korea Customs Service. 

Despite the 44,536 mt sharp increase, this gain aligns with historical trends, as importers typically front-load shipments to take advantage of in-quota volumes and lower tariffs at the start of the year. This also marked the third-strongest January on record, as higher volumes from Australia contributed to a strong rebound following the early...

ANALYSIS: Argentina’s Beef Exports Declined 20.1% M-o-M in January, Driven by Sharp Drop in China’s

Argentina’s beef exports totaled 46,159 MT in January 2025, according to the latest data released by their National Institute of Statistics and Census, marking a 20.1% decline M-o-M and a 25.4% drop Y-o-Y. The decline was primarily driven by weaker demand from China, which remained the top destination but saw shipments fall to 30,181 MT, down 26.7% from December and 38.5% from January 2024. China’s share of Argentina’s total beef exports declined to...

Pizza Hut US Delivers Exceptional Big Game Results

Last week, 127.7 million pro football fans watched the sport’s final matchup, and Pizza Hut U.S. was ready to feed them. In fact, the brand claimed its highest sales per restaurant in its 67-year history during this year’s Big Game, proving that the most iconic Sunday in sports remains Pizza Hut’s busiest day of the year. It took a collective effort from the brand’s Digital & Technology, marketing and operations teams to ensure that football fans received piping hot Pizza Hut® pizzas to fuel their game-watching experience...

Statement from Smithfield Foods

Smithfield is pleased to announce that on October 24, 2024, FACTA, LLC, a third-party animal welfare assurance, certification, and training organization, which is accredited as a certifying agent by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to perform audits under the Farm Animal Confinement Initiative (Prop 12), recertified that farms 42104, 42105, 42106, 42107, and 42108, operated by Smithfield’s subsidiary Murphy-Brown LLC in Cedar City, Utah, were in compliance with CDFA’s Animal Confinement Regulations. And previously, on April 8, 2024, FACTA, LLC certified that farms 42100, 42101...

Firehouse Subs® Blazing a Trail to Australia

Firehouse Subs®, the iconic American sub sandwich restaurant chain renowned for delivering large, flavorful portions and exceptional customer experience, is coming to Australia this year. Retail Food Group (RFG), Australia's largest multi-brand retail food franchisor, intends for Firehouse Subs to become the #1 sandwich choice in the country, with plans to open 165 restaurants in 10 years, and the first restaurant planned to open in Southeast Queensland in late 2025.

Founded in Florida, U.S., in 1994 by two former firefighter brothers, Firehouse Subs is celebrated for...

The Retail Rundown: Cold Weather Influences Demand

As February winds down, grocers are looking ahead to the arrival of spring and warmer weather, which typically sparks renewed retail demand after a slower start to the year.

For now, wintry weather remains in full blast, with record-breaking cold temperatures and heavy snow impacting the Central and Eastern US this week. These conditions could support continued retail demand for items like eggs, which are seeing strong consumer interest despite rising shelf prices. However, the extreme cold may not be as favorable for meat consumption, especially in southern regions accustomed to year...

Applebee’s Brings the Big Easy to Your Table with NEW Bourbon Street Cajun Pasta Dishes

Applebee’s is adding new “Bourbon Street Favorites” to its lineup with its NEW Big Easy Menu, featuring two NEW Bourbon Street Cajun Pasta dishes, available for a limited time! Packed with bold New Orleans-inspired flavors, guests can enjoy the NEW Bourbon Street Chicken & Andouille Sausage Penne for $11.99* or the NEW Blackened Shrimp & Andouille Sausage Penne for $13.99*, in addition to fan-favorites including Applebee’s Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp Skillet, Bourbon Street Steak, or the Bourbon Street Mushroom Swiss Burger...

First Dual-Branded Applebee’s® | IHOP® Restaurant in the United States Opens in Texas

Dine Brands Global, Inc., the parent company of Applebee's Neighborhood Grill + Bar®, IHOP®, and Fuzzy’s Taco Shop® restaurants, announced the grand opening of its first dual-brand Applebee’s | IHOP restaurant in the U.S. in partnership with franchisee Ramzi Hakim Group. The new restaurant opened to the public on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, in Seguin, Texas, just outside of San Antonio.

At the dual-branded Applebee’s | IHOP restaurant guests can enjoy all...