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From Thai Curry to Harissa Salmon, Alison Brie Curates HelloFresh's New Supper Club Collection
Meal-kit service HelloFresh has partnered with Alison Brie in its latest promotion, HelloFresh Supper Club. This launch aims to reignite communal dining and inspire consumers to gather around the dinner table to share a meal.
"Between filming, writing, and producing, my weeks are packed — but sitting down to cook and eat with the people I love is something I'll always make time for," said Alison Brie. “I curated this new menu around dishes I genuinely love — bright Mediterranean...
The Retail Rundown: Retailers Pivot to Spring Promotions as Seafood, Pork Lead Features
Spring officially arrived last week, bringing seasonal shifts that grocers are already leveraging. The warming trend is prompting retailers to spotlight items like fresh produce alongside grilling favorites, as shoppers move away from winter staples and prepare to fire up their grills.
With Easter less than two weeks away, weekly ads are increasingly featuring traditional holiday items such as hams, whole turkeys, lamb, eggs, and desserts. Hams and whole turkeys, in particular, are seeing more prominent ad coverage as shoppers stock up on their main holiday staples...
The Retail Rundown: Spring Demand Builds as Easter and Grilling Season Approach
Following an extended winter in some areas and disruptive weather in others, sentiment across the food industry is beginning to shift in a more optimistic direction.
As spring approaches, many retailers are counting on a release of pent-up demand, with consumers eager to refresh their routines. The seasonal reset could translate into more frequent dining occasions, while retailers are positioned to benefit from the return of backyard cooking and holiday gatherings.
With Easter now under three weeks away, the calendar itself is acting as a demand catalyst, pulling forward promotional activity and shaping merchandising strategies...
Applebee's Reintroduces the Big Easy Menu featuring New Bayou Shrimp Bowl and Big Easy Burger
Applebee's has reintroduced its Big Easy Menu, capturing the bold Bayou flavors of New Orleans. Specials start at $11.99 and are available for a limited time.
This year, Applebee's has unveiled its NEW Big Easy Burger and NEW Bayou Shrimp Bowl. The menu also includes fan favorites like Applebee’s Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp Skillet, Bourbon Street Steak, and the Bourbon Street Mushroom Swiss Burger.
The NEW Bayou Shrimp Bowl features blackened shrimp, smoky Andouille sausage, Spanish rice, garlicky green...
Culinary Excellence Takes Center Stage at the 152nd Kentucky Derby®
The 152nd Kentucky Derby® is not just a feast for the eyes but also the taste buds, thanks to an innovative menu crafted by Chef Robert Lopez, Senior Executive Chef for Levy Restaurants and Head Chef at Churchill Downs.
This year's menu is a nod to both traditional and modern flavors, offering fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from nearby farms. The menu features locally inspired dishes like chicken paired with roasted peach chutney and Kentucky BBQ shrimp.
Chef Lopez summarized his approach saying, "Churchill Downs is always committed to...
Seasonal Menu Trends and Promotions Shaping Valentine’s and Lent in Foodservice
The ever-changing landscape of marketable events has shifted from the holidays, and the foodservice industry is now focusing on winter and spring specials.
With Valentine’s Day approaching and Lent on the horizon, restaurants are preparing seasonal menus that balance indulgent treats with meat- and seafood-focused options, keeping consumers engaged from mid-February through spring.
Expana's experts have collaborated to provide a price index for customers in both the United States and Europe. Expana's US Valentine's Meal Index, which includes beef tenderloin, lobster tail...
FDA’s 2026 Human Foods Program to Advance Food Safety, Nutrition, and Seafood Import Oversight
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has outlined its Human Foods Program (HFP) priority deliverables for 2026, emphasizing a robust agenda to enhance food safety, modernize regulatory frameworks, and promote better nutrition across the nation's food supply. This comprehensive plan addresses critical areas for agri-food producers, processors, and importers, with a sharper focus on seafood, chemicals, nutrition, and enforcement modernization.
Given the high volume of imported seafood demanded by US consumers, the FDA is prioritizing seafood safety as a key component of its 2026...
Expana's Weekly Top 10: Key Developments in Weather, Trade, and Market Trends
This week on Expana, headlines brought together a dynamic mix of extreme weather, evolving trade disputes, and shifts across consumer and corporate landscapes. A major winter storm disrupted US infrastructure and supply chains, while new tariff threats reshaped trade flows in seafood, agriculture, and manufacturing. Together, these developments highlight growing pressures across food, commodities, and retail sectors worldwide. Below, Expana presents the top 10 stories influencing markets, trade, and consumer sentiment this week- In no particular order.
10. Winter Storm Grips Much...
Zaxby's Brings Back Fan Favorites for the New Year
"New year, same saucy cravings" is the catchy motto Zaxby's shared in its latest announcement featuring exciting menu innovations.
The company is reintroducing two of its most iconic creations, back by popular demand for a limited time starting January 19.
First up is Zaxby's Southern Fried Shrimp, returning with flair in three distinct styles:
The Retail Rundown: Holiday Demand Builds, Pork Steps Into the Spotlight
With just over a week remaining until Christmas, supermarket circulars are serving as the hub for holiday party planning. Most seasonal food shopping is expected to be concentrated this week, with fresh meat and deli items leading the charge.
Store traffic is poised to increase as retailers vie aggressively for holiday dollars in an increasingly competitive retail environment heading into 2026.
Pork took the top spot in this week’s protein features, fueled by a spike in holiday ham promotions. Pork accounted for 30% of total...
The Retail Rundown: Poultry Promotions Pick Up Steam
Retailers are leaning into autumn demand with meat and poultry features this week, as consumers favor home-cooked meals and prepare for the holiday season.
With Thanksgiving a little more than five weeks away, early holiday promotions are starting to surface. Turkey features are gaining momentum, now accounting for 5% of total ad space, up two points from the previous week.
Retail buying opportunities for seafood and beef held steady week-over-week at 27.5% and 22.2%, respectively. Pork promotions dipped to 21.4% as National Pork Month wraps up, while chicken features rose to 19.4%.
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...
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...
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...
Trump Announces US-Indonesia Trade Agreement; New Details Emerge
UPDATE: July 22, 2025 4:37 PM ET
This afternoon, US President Trump posted to Truth Social after revealing a similar 19% trade deal with the Philippines, reported Expana.
"It is my Great Honor to announce our Trade Agreement with the Republic of Indonesia, as represented by their Highly Respected President, Prabowo Subianto. It is agreed that Indonesia will be Open Market to American Industrial and Tech Products, and Agricultural Goods, by eliminating 99% of their Tariff Barriers. The United States of America will now sell American Made products to Indonesia..."
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...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #23
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 #23."
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, tariff news took a bit of a backseat to US President Trump’s dealings with Russian President Putin in Alaska—along with President Trump’s meeting with many European leaders...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #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...
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...
Triple Typhoon Impact Disrupts Southeast Asian Agricultural and Aquaculture Supply Chains
A rare convergence of three powerful typhoons in July has battered key agricultural and aquaculture regions across China, Vietnam, Taiwan, and the Philippines. Typhoons Wipha, Danas, and Co-May have collectively caused hundreds of millions in damages.
Typhoon Wipha Deals Blow to Vietnam’s Rice and Shrimp Exports
Typhoon Wipha formed on July 18 near the northern Philippines and intensified to Category 1 before making landfall in Guangzhou, China, and later striking northern Vietnam. Wipha lashed southern China with winds up to 75 mph, triggering floods and landslides
The Retail Rundown: Retailers Push Protein as July Wraps
As July comes to a close and summer heat intensifies, retailers are pushing protein promotions to attract shoppers and encourage at-home grilling and cooking.
Seafood reclaimed the top spot in protein ad share this week, accounting for nearly 27% of all features. Pork followed at 24%, while beef and chicken trailed close behind at roughly 23% each. Egg promotions dipped slightly to around 1%.
Expana notes that retail egg demand has softened—typical for summer, when hot weather reduces in-home usage. Shelf prices are holding near $3.00 per dozen, well below early-year highs, but lighter consumption has dampened order volumes...
The Retail Rundown: Beef Edges Out Seafood in Weekly Protein Features
Beef narrowly edged out seafood for the top spot in retail protein promotions this week, making up 25.9% of all featured items. Seafood was a close second at 25.3%, while pork and chicken each accounted for about 23%. Eggs represented roughly 2% of ads, and turkey dipped below 1%.
Beef steaks remained a premium grilling choice, averaging $14.21 per pound last week. Seafood also led on price, with fresh salmon reaching as high as $17.24 per pound in some regions...
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...
Trump Announces US Trade Deal With Vietnam, Including 20% Import Tariff
President Trump announced that the United States has agreed to a new trade deal with Vietnam on July 2.
Trump stated that Vietnam will pay the US a 20% tariff on all goods exported to the U.S. and a 40% tariff on transshipped goods. The higher 40% tariff targets products that are not originally made in Vietnam but are routed through the country to bypass higher tariffs. This move is significant, as many countries have used Vietnam as a transit point to avoid stricter trade penalties aimed at Chinese...
Dolly Parton Partners with Conagra Brands on New Line of Frozen Dinners
America’s sweetheart and musical icon, Dolly Parton, has announced the expansion of her retail food line.
In partnership with industry leader Conagra Brands, the launch builds on a successful collaboration that began in 2022.
The new line combines the convenience of single-serve frozen meals with the finger-licking flavors of Southern-inspired cuisine. Each meal retails for $4.49 and can be prepared in either the microwave or oven. The meals are available at major grocery retailers across the US.
Product highlights...
The Retail Rundown: Seafood Leads Memorial Day Retail Ads; Weather Poses Challenges
Seafood leads retail protein promotions heading into Memorial Day weekend, accounting for 28.7% of total featured protein ad volume. Pork follows at 25.9%, with beef at 21.3% and chicken at 19.3%.
Egg feature volume is virtually absent amid sluggish retail demand. Warmer weather is prompting a shift toward fruit and cereal for breakfast, while elevated, though easing, shelf prices continue to dampen consumer interest, according to Expana.
Within the seafood category, fresh and frozen fillets represent the largest share of advertised items at nearly 28%. Raw shrimp...
Applebee’s Reintroduces “All You Can Eat” to Drive Seasonal Traffic
Applebee’s has reintroduced its popular “All You Can Eat” promotion, an LTO strategy the brand consistently deploys during high-traffic periods to drive guest visits.
This season’s lineup features three proven guest favorites and legacy menu items: Chicken Tenders, Riblets, and Double Crunch Shrimp—offering broad consumer appeal.
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #8
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #8."
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #7
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #7."
Vietnamese Livestock, Shrimp and Pepper Associations Seeks Trade Solutions with US
On April 10, Vietnam and the US agreed to start negotiations on a reciprocal trade agreement, hours after Washington delayed imposing a 46% tariff on Vietnamese exports.
However, agri-food business associations in Vietnam remain concerned about the future of imported US goods. US exports to Vietnam were valued at $13.1 billion in 2024, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade.
The US is a key supplier of soybeans, corn, DDGS, and pig breeds to Vietnam. Vietnamese farms import roughly 250 grandparent pigs annually
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