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ILA and USMX Set to Resume Talks as Port Strike Threat Looms
Talks between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), the union representing over 45,000 dockworkers from Maine to Texas, and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) are set to resume on January 7.
ILA and the USMX reportedly met in private on January 5 as both sides try to reach an agreement over the primary automation issue that has been raised since talks last stalled in November, according to industry publication FreightWaves.
The contract between the ILA and USMX, which represents ports and ocean carriers, expires on January 15...
Top 10 Stories from 2024 on Expana
It was a big year for the food and agriculture industry. Below are some of the biggest headlines that sent shockwaves through the trade...
ANALYSIS: US Egg Prices Soar as Production Hits Eight-Year Low Due to HPAI Outbreaks
May 30, 2024: “Over the past two weeks, U.S. shell egg prices have soared by 45%, largely due to the ongoing spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), more commonly known as bird flu. The bird flu has been spreading across the US since February 2022—though not consistently..."
Poultry Farmers Must Pass Biosecurity Audit to Qualify for Indemnity Payments Under New USDA Rule
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced an interim final rule that updates the conditions for poultry facilities to receive indemnity and compensation after testing positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).
APHIS said that it will now require farmers to undergo a biosecurity audit before restocking their poultry following an HPAI detection and before receiving any indemnity payments. The decision was based on evidence that strong biosecurity measures remain the most effective strategy for combating HPAI...
Billions in Aid Approved for US Farmers
As a government shutdown loomed, the US Congress passed spending legislation named the American Relief Act which was signed by President Biden on December 21, 2024. For agriculture and food-related commodities, this legislation contains one-time economic assistance payments, disaster relief payments, as well as partial funding from the rolled-over farm bill.
Part of the funding approved was $10 billion to support some American farmers across the nation. Within 90 days, economic assistance payments will only be dealt to farmers of eligible commodities like corn, soybeans, wheat, rice, canola, mustard...
Butterfly Acquires the Duckhorn Portfolio of Wines for $1.95 Billion
On Christmas Eve, the Los Angeles-based Butterfly Equity acquired a Californian wine maker known as the Duckhorn Portfolio, according to a media alert. The all-cash deal valued Duckhorn at $11.10 per share or approximately $1.95 billion.
Duckhorn encompasses 2,200 acres of vineyards throughout California, Oregon, and Washington state. The company sells brands like Decoy, Sonoma-Cutrer, Postmark, and more. Originally, Duckhorn Vineyards started in 1976 as a family-owned company founded in Napa Valley. Today, their wines are available throughout the US...
PODCAST: Agri-Food for Thought Ep 18 - Back from the "World's Leading Livestock Farming Trade Fair"
Simon and special guest Fei Thompson, from the Expana EMEA newsroom, give a recap of industry market sentiment gathered from key agribusiness companies and animal nutrition companies met during the recent EuroTier trade show in Hannover, Germany that took place in mid-November.
Whetstone Distribution Acquires Chicago-Based Anmar Foods
Whetstone Distribution has acquired Anmar Foods, a Chicago-based meat producer specializing in beef, turkey, chicken, and other animal proteins, including pork, lamb, sausages, and smoked products.
The acquisition is part of Whetstone’s strategy to expand its regional customer base. The company recently bought several other Chicago-based businesses, including Fulton Market and Pritzlaff Wholesale Meats, as well as Moesle Meats and Queen Foods...
Spain Announces €444.5mln Fund for Farmers Affected by the Floods
The Spanish Agriculture, Fishing and Food Ministry (Mapa) plans to allocate €444.5mln in flood-recovery funding for affected farmers and producers in the next three months. Meanwhile, hefty rainfall is forecast to continue this week, troubling recovery efforts.
Of the allocated funds, €200mln will go to farmers as direct support.
"The affected farmer does not need to worry about submitting any application or doing anything for the direct aid. We will not ask for any paperwork, but will grant the aid ex officio...
Yu Shang Food Inc. Recalls Ready-to-Eat Meat and Poultry Products
Yu Shang Food, Inc, a Spartanburg, SC, establishment, is recalling approximately 4,589 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) meat and poultry products out of an abundance of caution. These products may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).
The ready-to-eat meat and poultry items were produced from October 21 to October 27, 2024. These products have “used by” dates ranging from 21-AUG-2025 through 27-AUG-2025. View full product list...
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. Reports Results for the Fiscal Third Quarter Ended October 6, 2024
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc., a full-service restaurant chain serving an innovative selection of high-quality gourmet burgers in a family-friendly atmosphere, today reported financial results for the fiscal third quarter ended October 6, 2024.
Highlights for the Third Quarter of Fiscal 2024, Compared to the Third Quarter of Fiscal 2023:
Papa Johns Announces Jenna Bromberg as Chief Marketing Officer
Papa John’s International, Inc. (“Papa Johns®”) today announced the appointment of Jenna Bromberg to Chief Marketing Officer, effective Nov. 14. A recognized industry expert known for transformative brand campaigns and deep consumer insights, Bromberg brings a unique blend of quick-service restaurant and modern retail marketing expertise to the role.
“Jenna’s track record of building strong brands and driving innovative marketing campaigns makes her the ideal leader to help take the Papa Johns brand into its next chapter,” said Todd Penegor, President and Chief...
ANALYSIS: Put Your Turkey Where Your Mouth Is
This year’s per capita turkey consumption estimate is 13.9 lbs., a 9.0% decline from the 5-year average. In response, year-to-date (YTD) turkey slaughter is at a record low of 157.2 million, representing a 6.2% decrease year-over-year (YoY) and a 6.6% drop from the 5-year average. Notably, while both hen and tom harvest numbers are below the 5-year average, they have not decreased YoY. This trend reflects shifts in turkey production, driven by evolving consumption patterns...
The Retail Rundown: Holiday Countdown Rapidly Winds Down
With Thanksgiving just three weeks away, the holiday rush is fueling retail traffic as shoppers stock up on essentials. This week, turkey promotions account for 3.3 percent of all protein ads, down from 5 percent the previous week. The number of grocery chains featuring turkeys also declined, with 39 chains participating, compared to 49 chains a week earlier.
Despite fewer promotions, fresh whole turkey sales rose week-over-week, reaching $1.3 million last week, up from $909,368 the week prior, according to Circana...
Introducing IFMA The Food Away from Home Association
After decades of branding itself the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA), a new identity for the 72-year-old organization was revealed today – “IFMA The Food Away from Home Association.”
Announced this morning at the organization’s Presidents Conference, the change was prompted by the association’s recent long-term strategic planning that included intensive self-examination and taking a clear-eyed look at the state of the industry...
PODCAST: "Agri-Food for Thought" Episode 16 - Brazil's Challenges and Trends in the Feed to Protein
Expana presents Agri-Food for Thought, the podcast series for agriculture and food professionals.
Agri-Food for Thought covers the latest news in food and agriculture. Listen now as Simon examines seasonal shifts underway in the food and ag space, with special guest Elliot Holgate, Market Reporter Feed Additives - South America, Expana, giving a deep dive on Brazilian feed, feed additive, and animal protein markets.
Burger King, KFC Owners Miss Results Estimates as Fast-Food Spending Wanes
Burger King parent Restaurant Brands and KFC owner Yum Brands missed market estimates for quarterly results on Tuesday, hit by weak demand in the United States and abroad from budget-stretched customers.
Consumers are relying on cheaper, home-cooked meals instead of eating out as fast-food prices have risen over the past year, hurting traffic across the industry.
As a result, restaurant operators have turned to aggressive promotions in an attempt to attract value-seeking customers. Burger...
Publix Reports Third Quarter 2024 Results and Stock Price
Publix’s sales for the three months ended Sept. 28, 2024 were $14.6 billion, a 4.9% increase from $14 billion in 2023. Comparable store sales for the three months ended Sept. 28, 2024 increased 3.4%. The company estimates sales for the three months ended Sept. 28, 2024 increased 0.6% due to the impact of Hurricane Helene.
Net earnings for the three months ended Sept. 28, 2024 were $1.1 billion, compared to $833 million in 2023, an increase of 31.7%. Earnings per share...
BRF Buys Stake in Saudi Arabian Poultry Company for USD 84 Million
BRF reported on 31 October that it formalized the purchase of 26% of shares of the Saudi Addoha Poultry Company, one of the largest chicken producers in Saudi Arabia, for USD 84.3 million.
The announcement is on the back of BRF's partnership with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) set to invest USD 500 million in poultry production and food processing in the region.
According to media outlet Infomoney, Bradesco’s BBI analysts estimate that the Addoha factory purchased, which operates entirely in the halal...
FAT Brands Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results
FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc. (“FAT Brands” or the “Company”) today reported financial results for the fiscal third quarter ended September 29, 2024.
Andy Wiederhorn, Chairman of FAT Brands, said, “Over the last three years, we have expanded our brand portfolio to include 18 distinct concepts while our footprint has increased tenfold, now encompassing over 2,300 locations across more than 40 countries and 49 U.S. states or territories. We opened 22 new units during the third quarter, bringing our year-to-date openings to 71 new...
Pilgrim’s Pride Reports Third Quarter 2024 Results with $4.6 Billion in Net Sales
Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation, one of the world's largest poultry producers, reports its third quarter 2024 financial results.
Third Quarter Highlights
ANALYSIS: Turkey Cold Storage Continues Descent
Keeping in line with August's overarching theme, September's latest public warehouse holdings report reveals an ongoing tug-of-war between historically low production levels and seasonally tepid demand for key items like turkey breasts. The most recent inventory report brought with it a modest 1.4%, or 6 million pound, uptick in total holdings when compared with the year prior. Despite this slight advance from 2023, at 427 million pounds, September’s reading still resides at the fourth lowest seasonal level in nearly three decades; highlighting this year’s 3% year-over-year (YoY)...
Thanksgiving Side Dish Showdown: What Do Americans Want to Ban from the Buffet
A New Survey Reveals the Dishes You Can Cut from the Menu to Save Money this Holiday Season.
Thanksgiving is America’s favorite non-denominational holiday. It’s a festive occasion marked by feasts, football, family…and occasional feuding. Tensions may run exceptionally high at the grown-ups’ table this election year, so Savings.com suggests an alternate arena to settle more playful disputes.
White meat or dark? Stuffing or spuds? Should we even call it Turkey Day? Keep conversation light with these collegial controversies and...
A Tu Gusto, LLC Recalls Frozen Croquette Products Produced Without the Benefit of Inspection
A Tu Gusto, LLC, a Lehigh Acres, Fla. firm, is recalling approximately 7,630 pounds of frozen meat and poultry croquette products that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection and may contain undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product contains soy, sesame seed and wheat, known allergens, which are not declared on the product label.
The frozen meat and poultry items were produced between April and October of 2024...
CDC A(H5N1) Bird Flu Response Update October 29, 2024.
CDC continues to respond to the public health challenge posed by a multistate outbreak of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus, or "H5N1 bird flu," in dairy cows, poultry and other animals in the United States. CDC is working in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), state public health and animal health officials, and other partners using a One Health approach.
Since April 2024, CDC, working with state public health departments...
The Retail Rundown: Late-Season Push for Grilling Cuts
As October ends, beef and seafood promotions are neck and neck, each occupying about 25 percent of total advertising space. During the final week of "Pork-tober, pork features account for 20.8 percent of buying opportunities, closely followed by chicken at 20.6 percent.
Though the shift from grilling cuts to roasts has been in motion for a few weeks, a forecast of record warmth in parts of the central and eastern U.S. this week offers a last chance for backyard cooking before winter sets in.
This could spur late-season promotions...
Mountaire Farms President and CEO Phillip Plylar to Retire at End of 2024
COO Amanda Irwin Named President in 2025
Mountaire announced the retirement of Phillip Plylar, President and CEO, effective December 31st, 2024.
“We are grateful for Phil’s many contributions over the last 28 years, which have led to the company’s continued growth and prosperity,” said Dabbs Cavin, CEO of Mountaire Corporation. “Phil has done such a tremendous job leading Mountaire Farms that we are now the fourth-largest company in our industry.”
Succeeding Phil, Mountaire announced Amanda Irwin, Chief...
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Ineligible Meat and Poultry Products Illegally Imported
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for various meat and poultry products that were illegally imported from the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. FSIS is continuing to investigate how these products entered the country.
The following products are subject to the public health alert, regardless of the product date. View labels in Burmese.
Fire At JBS Poultry Plant in Passo Fundo, Brazil
A fire broke out on Sunday October 27 at JBS’s poultry processing facility in Passo Fundo, Brazil.Local media outlets reported that the blaze affected an area designated for packaging. It was reported that JBS had confirmed local firefighters contained the blaze without injuries.
Lar Agroindustrial Plans New Investments in Protein and Grains for 2025
Lar Agroindustrial Cooperative has announced plans to allocate resources towards new protein production units and to modernise its processing plants for poultry, pork, and soy, according to local media outlet Agfeed.
In 2024, Lar invested BRL 1 billion, with the majority directed to its soybean crushing operations, including the BRL 280 million acquisition of a soybean crushing plant from Copagril. Additional investments were made in poultry slaughtering, animal feed production, piglet and chick facilities, and logistics.
For 2025, Lar plans to invest a further BRL...
ANALYSIS: Hang-gliding Chicken Thigh Meat
Thigh meat quotations started being recorded in November of 1997. Since then, in over two-thirds of the years, the quotation has decreased from Q3 to Q4. The last year in which quotations were higher on average in Q4 compared to Q3 was 2018 when they were higher by an average of 1%. In the past five years, there's been an average decline in value of approximately -26%, with annual average changes ranging from -6% in 2019 to -52% in 2022. As we enter Q4 of this year, market participants...
New Butterball Togetherness Report Provides Insight on Thanksgiving Plans
Butterball, the best known and most loved* brand of turkey in the U.S., today announced the findings of the Butterball Togetherness Report: 2024 Thanksgiving Outlook, which reveals the Thanksgiving plans of hosts and attendees alike.
The holiday report reveals that 86% of consumers plan to celebrate Thanksgiving with others and an anticipated average celebration size of nine people. And turkey reigns supreme, as 87% of hosts plan to serve turkey this year. It's also consumers' favorite part of the Thanksgiving meal (51%), followed by stuffing (44%), pie (32%) and potatoes (27%)...
ANALYSIS: A Turkey Balancing Act
The turkey industry as a whole continues to find itself at a crossroads, with cold storage numbers dwindling and slaughter and hatchery data similarly declining. While some of the slowdown in production is intentional, aiming to counter sluggish consumer demand, disease-related complications—both past and ongoing—remain a significant concern. Uncertainty surrounding future production has left many market participants on edge as the year-end approaches and 2025 looms.
Delving into the numbers, the latest USDA cold storage report showed total turkey inventories edging...
Campbell’s and Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment Announce Partnership
Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE) and Campbell Soup Company (NASDAQ:CPB) (Campbell’s) today announced a unique marketing partnership spanning four storied sports franchises across several of the world’s biggest leagues.
Campbell’s will serve as an official partner to the Philadelphia 76ers (NBA), the Washington Commanders (NFL), New Jersey Devils (NHL), Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., and Joe Gibbs Racing (NASCAR). The multi-year partnership will enable fans to connect and engage with Campbell’s leading portfolio of brands through unique activations and authentic offerings in prominent sports and entertainment markets...
ANALYSIS: Breaking out the Chicken Production Roadmap
From a seasonal shift in buyer outreach, to heavy live weights, and even hurricanes, there is no shortage of variables which are keeping chicken market participants on their toes here in mid-October.
Given the volatile and somewhat unpredictable nature of the market lately, players are finding that historic seasonality isn’t always the best indicator of the road that lies ahead. This scenario has prompted some participants to break out the production “roadmap” in an attempt to hone their expectations for the future. Perhaps one of the best indicators at...
Walmart Sets the Table Early With a Thanksgiving Meal for Less Than $7 per Person
Today Walmart officially launched its holiday meal, bringing customers incredible savings on mealtime favorites, earlier and at an even lower price than last year. And to help spread more joy during the season of giving, Walmart is offering customers the opportunity to gift a meal directly to loved ones anywhere in the country and, new this year, donate an entire meal to their local Salvation Army unit.
As food prices remain top of mind, more customers want to begin saving earlier...
Check Out The Super-EST Market In Town: Lidl Relaunches Brand In The US
Grocery shopping... as just another errand? Couldn't be us!
Buckle up, because Lidl US is here to take your tastebuds on a joyride through the aisles, offering the highest quality products at the lowest prices.
Introducing The Super-EST Market
We're putting the "super" in supermarket (make that The Super-EST Market) by delivering a curated collection of private label picks, global imports, and everyday name brands. With 170+ stores woven through neighborhoods across nine East Coast states and Washington, D.C...
ALDI Commits to Thanksgiving Prices Lower Than 2019, Feeding 10 People for Less than $47
This holiday season, ALDI is offering its lowest-priced Thanksgiving basket in five years – a full meal for 10 people at less than $47.* With reports showing grocery prices are up 50% across the industry on hundreds of items compared to 2019,** shoppers will get welcome relief at ALDI on their favorite Thanksgiving fixings.
Throughout the Thanksgiving season, holiday hosts can shop ALDI for all the fresh ingredients and award-winning products they need to assemble...
NCC Elects New Officers; Peco Foods’ Bill Griffith Installed as Chairman
The National Chicken Council (NCC) has installed the four officers that will guide the organization through 2025. The installation took place at NCC’s 69th Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. Bill Griffith, Chief Operations Officer at Peco Foods, will serve as 2024-2025 Chairman.
Bill has more than 25 years of management experience in the food industry and is known for his strong reputation for innovation, sustainability and quality...
FEATURED STORIES
HPAI H5N1 Virus in Dairy Cattle – What We Know
ANALYSIS: Early-Year Trends in Fats and Tallows
ANALYSIS: A 2024 Review of Broiler Headcounts, Hatchability, and Consumer Preference
ANALYSIS: Australia’s Beef Boom Sets 2024 Exports Record at 1.34M mt
ANALYSIS: Turkey Industry Faces Record Low Harvests During a Period of Rising Demand