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ANALYSIS: EU Egg Market Tightens Amid Widespread Bird Flu Outbreaks
The EU egg market remains under pressure, with overall availability described as limited, as recent bird flu outbreaks continue to unsettle sentiment and constrain supply. In Spain, concerns have intensified following the detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) at a layer hen farm housing 727,000 birds. The facility was already under surveillance after a previous case was reported in the same area last month...
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...
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%...
US Baking and Milling Industry Execs Discuss Countering Inflationary Pressures - Agri-Food Americas
As inflationary pressures persist through 2025, leaders in the North American bakery and milling industries are grappling with supply chain complexities that continue to reshape procurement strategies and product portfolios.
On the sidelines of the recent Agri-Food Americas 2025 conference in Chicago, executives from Sara Lee Frozen Bakery and Bay State Milling outlined to Expana how ingredient costs, tariffs, and operational uncertainties are driving adjustments across their businesses.
Jason McDonald, Senior Manager of Procurement at Sara Lee Frozen Bakery
ANALYSIS: US Egg Market Sinks to 16-Month Lows Despite Fresh Bird Flu Outbreak
The US egg market remains under intense pressure this week, with conventional large slipping below $2.00/dozen for the first time since May 2024. Soft demand at retail, coupled with rising production ahead of the fall holiday stretch, has tipped the balance firmly against sellers...
HPAI Impacts and Dynamics within the Egg Market - Agri-Foods Americas 2025
In a presentation that cracked open the complexities of this year's egg market, Ryan Hojnowski- Market Reporter, shared his expert insights at Expana's Agri-Food Americas 2025 conference. He called the audience's attention with a deeply informative analysis highlighting the current egg market's challenges and dynamics.
The industry has faced significant disruptions, with the loss of 60 million egg layers between October 2024 and June 2025 due to the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreak. This loss coincided with...
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...
Dino Nuggets On the Go? Tyson Drops New Chicken Cups
On September 22, Tyson Foods dropped chicken nuggets in a brand-new form: Chicken Cups, as detailed in a company press release. These new nugs are available in grocery freezers throughout the USA.
"Tyson Foods’ Innovation team developed this new cup format after recognizing the consumer need for more convenient ways to eat chicken. Ideal for busy lifestyles, the cups are stored frozen and can be enjoyed straight from the microwave in 90 seconds to 2 minutes," read the release...
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...
Egg Farm Fire Under Investigation in Wharton County
An egg farm in Wharton County was reportedly ablaze this morning.
News has circulated that multiple fire units were dispatched to Maxim Egg Farm, a Cal-Maine Foods company, on FM 442 in Lane City, Texas.
Cal-Maine Foods announced the acquisition of Maxim Eggs back in November of 2012. The deal included two production facilities with a capacity for about 3.5 million laying hens.
The extent of the damage is still unclear.
While the investigation is ongoing, no cause of the...
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...
Restaurants Embrace the Autumn Shift
The chill is in the air, and as we welcome a new, crisp month, the industry is gearing up for consumers to embrace autumn flavors and seasonal recipes. With the arrival of the new season, people are swapping their cookout favorites and salads for bonfires, comfort food, and Sunday wings.
Retailers are ahead of the curve, rolling out smoky and savory specials to capitalize on the shift, while some focus on attracting budget-conscious customers amidst rising food and labor costs.
More McValue
Starting September 8, McDonald’s will expand its...
ANALYSIS: US Egg Production Rebounds, But Demand Struggles to Absorb Rising Supply
US egg production is showing signs of recovery in the wake of this year’s historic bird flu outbreak, which triggered one of the most severe supply disruptions on record. The USDA’s latest Chickens & Eggs report showed the nation’s table-egg layer flock expanded 2.18% this month to 296.8 million layers, marking the highest level since January...
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...
Moldovan Poultry Producer Axedum to Invest €9 Mln in Expansion
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and Moldovan bank Maib have approved €9 million in financing for the poultry producer Axedum, both banks announced.
The funds “will finance the construction of a modern feed mill and enable Axedum to expand into a new business line of egg production,” the EBRD said.
Axedum is seeking to export its products into the European Union. Moldova holds EU accession candidate status...
Hendrix Genetics Invests in New Poultry Pedigree Facility in the Netherlands
Dutch-based Hendrix Genetics is investing in a pedigree facility in the Netherlands as part of a new poultry breeding program, the company said. Hendrix Genetics specializes in the breeding of turkeys, poultry, swine, salmon, trout and shrimp.
“The facility will support the growth of Hendrix Genetics’ Layers and Traditional Poultry Breeding Program,” the company said.
Hendrix Genetics expects to start operations this month and reach full capacity within six to eight months.
The facility has a modern hatchery as well as rearing and production houses...
ANALYSIS: Cage-Free Market Tests as Prices Converge with Conventional
After several weeks of sharp declines, the cage-free market found its footing this week, holding steady for multiple days and marking a sharp reversal in pace. The rest-of-market cage-free quotation sits at $2.69/dozen and, for the first time since its introduction in 2024, has fully converged with the conventional Midwest large quote. The narrowing spread between the two markets has become a defining factor for both cage-free availability and subsequent trade values.
With the spread gone, cage-free suppliers are increasingly diverting product...
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...
Cal-Maine Appoints First Ever Chief Strategy Officer, Keira Lombardo
Cal-Maine Foods has appointed Keira Lombardo as its first ever Chief Strategy Officer, a move that underscores the company's dedication to enhancing value through operational excellence and innovation.
Lombardo brings over two decades of industry experience, during which she has held several executive positions.
Before joining Cal-Maine, she was the Chief Executive Officer of Dairy MAX, a large-scale dairy organization. There, she implemented a model focused on return on investment, aligned the team and strategic goals, and promoted dairy as a healthy, affordable...
ANALYSIS: EU Shell Egg Market Holds Firm Amid Seasonal Slowdown and Structural Shifts
The EU egg market is navigating its customary summer slowdown, a period typically marked by a dip in demand from the bakery and food manufacturing sectors. This time of year is often referred to by market participants as the cheapest period to buy eggs. However, in a notable departure from the norm, egg prices remain elevated during the summer, defying expectations.
As a result of the seasonal lull, many processors are either scaling back operations or temporarily shutting down for maintenance. Egg breakers are taking...
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...
USDA Seeks Nominations for American Egg Board
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is currently seeking nominees for the American Egg Board (Board) to fill three member and three alternate vacancies in Area I (AL,CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, LA, ME, MD, MA, MS, NH, NJ, NY, NC, PA, RI, SC, TX, VT, VA, WV). They will serve a two-year term beginning March 2026 to March 2028. The deadline for nominations to organizations certified in Area I is Friday, September12, 2025.
Egg producers who own more than 75,000 laying hens may...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #19
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #19."
ANALYSIS: EU Yolk Prices Hold Firm as Supply Bottlenecks Curb Market Relief
The EU egg and egg products market remains broadly firm, with pricing supported by structural tightness rather than short-term seasonal factors. While July typically brings softer shell egg prices on the back of weaker summer demand, current price levels remain well above historical norms. Only limited easing has been observed, and overall market sentiment continues to reflect caution as supply constraints dominate pricing dynamics.
Tightness is most pronounced in the yolk segment, both liquid and dried, where availability remains constrained...
Cal-Maine Closes Fiscal Year with Record Profit and Strong Growth
Just after markets closed Tuesday, Cal-Maine Foods released its financial results for the final quarter of its fiscal year.
President and Chief Executive Officer Sherman Miller stated, “Our results for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025 marked a strong finish to a challenging, but successful year of transformation for Cal-Maine Foods. We continued to advance our growth strategy in a dynamic market environment, maintained a strong focus on safely, efficiently and sustainably managing our operations, added production capacity to meet customer demand and stayed disciplined in our...
ANALYSIS: Cage-Free Market Climbs on Promotional Strength and Supply Strain
Cage-free values surged 38cts this week as aggressive promotional activity along the West Coast drove stronger-than-expected retail movement and pulled product from other regions. The combination of active demand and ongoing supply limitations created a tighter marketplace and spurred strong premiums attached to wholesale values.
Retail demand has reportedly improved in most regions, but nowhere more than along the West Coast, where several chains have launched new features—some priced around $3.00/dozen. These promotions have resonated with inflation-conscious consumers, resulting in shelf...
ANALYSIS: Seasonally Elevated Egg Product Values Begin to Ease
After reaching all-time highs earlier this year across nearly every category, the egg products market is now showing signs of correction. A combination of seasonal softness and fundamental market shifts is placing downward pressure on values in the liquid, frozen, and dried segments.
Earlier in the year, prices for whole egg, whites, and yolk surged in response to the supply shock caused by HPAI, which sharply reduced the availability of shell eggs during a time of strong demand from schools, institutions, and commercial bakers...
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."
ANALYSIS: Cage-Free Values Diverge from Conventional as Regional Demand Builds
After months of narrowing, the spread between cage-free and conventional quotations widened this week as the two markets moved in opposite directions—an uncommon divergence. Historically, both categories move in tandem, shaped by similar demand and usage dynamics...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #14
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #14."
Eggs From the Indian Namakkal District Exported to US For the First Time
For the first time, eggs from the Namakkal district in India have been exported to the US, Ricky Thaper, Joint Secretary at the Poultry Federation of India, confirmed. He added that around “21 containers each carrying around 4.75 lakh eggs.” A lakh of eggs is equal to 100,000 eggs.
C. Panneerselvam, president of the Tamil Nadu Egg Exporters Association said there were 20 air-conditioned containers, carrying around 10 million eggs from Thoothukudi port, and they were expected to arrive to the US next week.
"Based on consumer feedback from the U.S., further negotiations will be held regarding continued exports," Panneerselvam added.
The Retail Rundown: Grocers Set Stage for Final Summer Push
With Father’s Day in the rearview, grocers are setting the stage for the final big buying event of the summer: the Fourth of July.
The upcoming holiday marks the last major retail push before Labor Day and serves as a key buying window for proteins like beef ahead of the mid-summer lull. To keep product moving, grocers are expected to lean heavily on promotions and feature aggressive pricing in the coming weeks.
Post-Father’s Day, pork and chicken are poised to capture more...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #13
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #13."
Mexico Relaxes Brazilian Poultry Ban, But Mauritania, Oman Expand It
Mexico, along with 46 other countries, initially banned all poultry imports from Brazil after the South American country confirmed its first outbreak of bird flu on a commercial farm on May 15. Mexico has now relaxed the countrywide ban to just exports from the state of Rio Grande do Sul, where the outbreak was detected.
In contrast, Mauritania has banned all imports of chicken meat from all of Brazil, and Oman from Rio Grande do Sul.
Brazil has been advocating for countries to limit the ban...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #12
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #12."
The Retail Rundown: Pork Deals Deliver Summer Savings
Pork promotions are gaining momentum, with value-priced cuts standing out against higher-priced beef and even some chicken items.
Bacon continues to steal the spotlight in the pork category, fueled by strong seasonal demand as consumers stock up on this summer staple. Over Memorial Day, discounted bacon averaged $6.30 per pound, up nearly 3% from last year. Wholesale belly prices have climbed 13% since early April, supported by tightening hog supplies and historically low cold storage stocks.
As grilling season gains momentum, demand for ribs...
Cal-Maine Foods Closes Acquisition of Echo Lake Foods
Cal-Maine Foods announced today the closing of its acquisition of Echo Lake Foods.
In April, it disclosed it had entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Echo Lake Foods in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $258 million.
At the time, Cal-Maine CEO Sherman Miller said the acquisition would help diversify the company’s product mix, especially in light of ongoing egg shortages related to avian influenza. The deal also strengthens Cal-Maine’s position in the growing market for value-added...
Volatility Defines 2025 in Food and Agriculture Markets – How do You Navigate It?
2025 has been a year marked by uncertainty in the food and agriculture sector. Volatility is the defining characteristic, with a cascade of global events disrupting pricing, availability and trade dynamics. From geopolitical tensions and severe weather events to animal epidemics and macroeconomic shifts, commodity markets have become increasingly difficult to navigate for buyers and sellers alike.
“The key challenge for businesses at the moment is having to navigate different markets going in different directions,” said Tom Bundgaard, VP of Price Forecasting...
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."
Brazil Confirms First Bird Flu Outbreak on Commercial Poultry Farm in Nearly 20 Years
Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa) confirmed on Friday, May 16 an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus in a breeder facility for commercial poultry. The outbreak was detected on May 15 in the municipality of Montenegro, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, where one of the largest poultry production facilities in the country is located.
“This is the first HPAI outbreak detected in Brazil’s commercial poultry farming system,” Mapa said, and added that containment and eradication measures...
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...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #8
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #8."
ANALYSIS: Cage-Free Market Strains Under Retail Price Pressure
Cage-free egg values continue to slide, diverging from the recent strength in negotiated values seen in the conventional market. Demand remains subdued nationwide, especially along the West Coast, where mandatory cage-free states like California, Oregon, and Washington are experiencing limited consumer interest amid elevated shelf prices.
With prices hovering at $5.50/dozen or higher among most retail chains out West, many consumers appear unwilling to pay up. While a few membership-club type stores offer more competitive pricing, their limited accessibility means most consumers don’t benefit. As a result, most retailers are ordering more conservatively, reducing the need to replenish inventory. This has led to a buildup in available offerings and added downward pressure to the market...
Valeo Foods Acquires Italian Baker Freddi Dolciaria
Europe’s sweet snacks producer with footholds in the EU, UK, and Ireland has again expanded across Europe into Italy with the acquisition of Italian sweet baked goods producer, Freddi Dolciaria. A price of sale was not disclosed in the press release.
Currently, Valeo Foods has many recognized brands across Europe like Rowse honey, Jacob’s biscuits, Batchelor’s canned beans and peas, as well as Kettle crisps. Valeo will add Freddi Dolciaria brands like the bakery’s Swiss Roll products that contain ingredients like whole milk, Italian eggs, cocoa cream, chocolate flakes...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #7
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #7."
ANALYSIS: US Egg Market Defies Seasonal Trends with Post-Easter Stability
The US egg market is showing surprising resilience in the wake of Easter, holding firm at price levels that are typically subject to sharp seasonal declines. Midwest large has remained unchanged at $3.77 per dozen for three consecutive weeks—a stark contrast to the five-year average, which shows April prices falling by roughly 30% during the same period. While there were signs of mounting pressure in the lead-up to the holiday, the market has since stabilized, buoyed by a modest improvement in retail demand and continued strength in cross-border movement to Canada...
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."
FEATURED STORIES
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ANALYSIS: HPAI Turkey Update — Week of October 5, 2025
ANALYSIS: Cage-Free Market Steadies as Retail and Bird Flu Spur Renewed Buying
ANALYSIS: Turkey Processing Hits New Seasonal Low as Prices Soar to Record Highs