Agrifood for Thought

In the latest episode of Agri-Food for Thought, Simon Duke speaks with Expana’s Senior Manager of Grains and Oilseeds Benoît Fayaud and Industrials Market Reporter Greg Potter.

Benoît Fayaud examines the increasingly disrupted Black Sea grain trade, with Ukrainian and Russian exports falling sharply after the closure of Black Sea ports. Looking further ahead, Benoît says the current market is being driven more by Black Sea disruption than El Niño, although a prolonged El Niño could create significant risks in 2027/28.

Greg Potter focuses on plastics used in food and beverage packaging. He explains how US tariffs have shifted much of the trade-policy complexity downstream toward converted products, while higher crude and naphtha prices are affecting resin markets unevenly. He also discusses major new capacity, global plant closures and the potential impact of disrupted Middle East exports on 2027 pricing.

The episode also highlights Digital Procurement World (DPW) Amsterdam, taking place September 30-October 1. Expana is a sponsor, with Chief Product Officer Vinay Kapoor presenting on data, AI, and commodity procurement.

Disclaimer

No information (whether written, electronic or oral) made available to recipients or viewers of this content or associated documentation by Expana or its affiliates (“Expana”) otherwise constitutes or is to be taken as constituting, the giving of investment advice or an inducement to invest or purchase by Expana to any person, organisation or entity. Any forward-looking statements are the views and expectations of the individual market participants. Expana does not have a forward-looking view within this content. Any statement, observation, trend, price or otherwise presented herein is purely for discursive purposes only, is made on an “as-is” basis with no representation, warranty or otherwise. Any and all such content made available to you is open to interpretation and typographical error and Expana is not responsible for the accuracy of such content. To the maximum extent legally permissible, Expana shall not be liable and disclaims and excludes any and all liability to any recipient or viewer of this content or any other person or party for any loss or damage (whether direct or indirect), nor shall Expana be liable in contract, tort (including negligence), misrepresentation (whether innocent or negligent), restitution or otherwise. By viewing or using this content and/or subscribing to receive any associated documentation or further materials from us, you acknowledge and agree to the terms above. For more information: www.expanamarkets.com/disclaimer

A look at China's shifting trade policies, the state of the U.S. cattle herd, and more with Expana's top beef market analysts. Disclaimer No information (whether written, electronic or oral) made available to recipients or viewers of this content or associated documentation by Expana or its affiliates (“Expana”) otherwise constitutes or is to be taken as constituting, the giving of investment advice or an inducement to invest or purchase by Expana to any person, organisation or entity. Any forward-looking statements are the views and expectations of the individual market participants. Expana does not have a forward-looking view within this content. Any statement, observation, trend, price or otherwise presented herein is purely for discursive purposes only, is made on an “as-is” basis with no representation, warranty or otherwise. Any and all such content made available to you is open to interpretation and typographical error and Expana is not responsible for the accuracy of such content. To the maximum extent legally permissible, Expana shall not be liable and disclaims and excludes any and all liability to any recipient or viewer of this content or any other person or party for any loss or damage (whether direct or indirect), nor shall Expana be liable in contract, tort (including negligence), misrepresentation (whether innocent or negligent), restitution or otherwise. By viewing or using this content and/or subscribing to receive any associated documentation or further materials from us, you acknowledge and agree to the terms above. For more information: https://www.expanamarkets.com/disclaimer/

Join host, Expana Managing Editor - EMEA Simon Duke, on Agri-food for Thought as he explores the forces shaping agricultural markets with two expert guests offering deep market insights.
This week's episode kicks off with a news roundup covering significant regulatory changes, geopolitical tensions, and supply chain disruptions. The FDA has proposed mandatory notification requirements for food additives and feed ingredients as part of efforts to increase food supply transparency. Meanwhile, escalating Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian Black Sea ports are reshaping global grain and oilseed markets. A devastating 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Colombia's coffee-growing region, creating uncertainty amid record-low global coffee stocks. The EU's new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation also takes effect this week, imposing compliance challenges for food and beverage companies.
Featured guest Andrew Woods, Expana senior market reporter, brings expertise in container glass and energy markets. Woods discusses the geopolitical standoff over the Strait of Hormuz and its implications for oil prices, supply chains, and regional stability. He provides analysis on current market conditions and long-term recovery timelines for regional infrastructure.
Greg Potter, Expana's North America market reporter for feed additives, examines the reshaping of the USA feed additive supply chain amid Chinese overcapacity, tariffs, and trade enforcement actions. Potter breaks down the USA's dependency on China for critical nutrients like amino acids and vitamins, recent developments in lysine and choline salt imports, and the impact of newly implemented forced labor tariffs on feed additive markets and methionine pricing.


Disclaimer
No information (whether written, electronic or oral) made available to recipients or viewers of this content or associated documentation by Expana or its affiliates (“Expana”) otherwise constitutes or is to be taken as constituting, the giving of investment advice or an inducement to invest or purchase by Expana to any person, organisation or entity. Any forward-looking statements are the views and expectations of the individual market participants. Expana does not have a forward-looking view within this content. Any statement, observation, trend, price or otherwise presented herein is purely for discursive purposes only, is made on an “as-is” basis with no representation, warranty or otherwise. Any and all such content made available to you is open to interpretation and typographical error and Expana is not responsible for the accuracy of such content. To the maximum extent legally permissible, Expana shall not be liable and disclaims and excludes any and all liability to any recipient or viewer of this content or any other person or party for any loss or damage (whether direct or indirect), nor shall Expana be liable in contract, tort (including negligence), misrepresentation (whether innocent or negligent), restitution or otherwise. By viewing or using this content and/or subscribing to receive any associated documentation or further materials from us, you acknowledge and agree to the terms above. For more information: https://www.expanamarkets.com/disclaimer/

Join host, Expana Managing Editor - EMEA Simon Duke, on Agri-food for Thought as he explores the forces shaping agricultural markets with two expert guests offering deep market insights. This week's episode kicks off with a news roundup covering significant regulatory changes, geopolitical tensions, and supply chain disruptions. The FDA has proposed mandatory notification requirements for food additives and feed ingredients as part of efforts to increase food supply transparency. Meanwhile, escalating Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian Black Sea ports are reshaping global grain and oilseed markets. A devastating 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Colombia's coffee-growing region, creating uncertainty amid record-low global coffee stocks. The EU's new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation also takes effect this week, imposing compliance challenges for food and beverage companies. Featured guest Andrew Woods, Expana senior market reporter, brings expertise in container glass and energy markets. Woods discusses the geopolitical standoff over the Strait of Hormuz and its implications for oil prices, supply chains, and regional stability. He provides analysis on current market conditions and long-term recovery timelines for regional infrastructure. Greg Potter, Expana's North America market reporter for feed additives, examines the reshaping of the USA feed additive supply chain amid Chinese overcapacity, tariffs, and trade enforcement actions. Potter breaks down the USA's dependency on China for critical nutrients like amino acids and vitamins, recent developments in lysine and choline salt imports, and the impact of newly implemented forced labor tariffs on feed additive markets and methionine pricing. Disclaimer No information (whether written, electronic or oral) made available to recipients or viewers of this content or associated documentation by Expana or its affiliates (“Expana”) otherwise constitutes or is to be taken as constituting, the giving of investment advice or an inducement to invest or purchase by Expana to any person, organisation or entity. Any forward-looking statements are the views and expectations of the individual market participants. Expana does not have a forward-looking view within this content. Any statement, observation, trend, price or otherwise presented herein is purely for discursive purposes only, is made on an “as-is” basis with no representation, warranty or otherwise. Any and all such content made available to you is open to interpretation and typographical error and Expana is not responsible for the accuracy of such content. To the maximum extent legally permissible, Expana shall not be liable and disclaims and excludes any and all liability to any recipient or viewer of this content or any other person or party for any loss or damage (whether direct or indirect), nor shall Expana be liable in contract, tort (including negligence), misrepresentation (whether innocent or negligent), restitution or otherwise. By viewing or using this content and/or subscribing to receive any associated documentation or further materials from us, you acknowledge and agree to the terms above. For more information: https://www.expanamarkets.com/disclaimer/

The global seafood trade is a complex web of species, product forms, production regions, and seasonality. Join Jamie and a special guest as they dive into the deep waters of trade policy and the latest round of tariff news. Disclaimer No information (whether written, electronic or oral) made available to recipients or viewers of this content or associated documentation by Expana or its affiliates (“Expana”) otherwise constitutes or is to be taken as constituting, the giving of investment advice or an inducement to invest or purchase by Expana to any person, organisation or entity. Any forward-looking statements are the views and expectations of the individual market participants. Expana does not have a forward-looking view within this content. Any statement, observation, trend, price or otherwise presented herein is purely for discursive purposes only, is made on an “as-is” basis with no representation, warranty or otherwise. Any and all such content made available to you is open to interpretation and typographical error and Expana is not responsible for the accuracy of such content. To the maximum extent legally permissible, Expana shall not be liable and disclaims and excludes any and all liability to any recipient or viewer of this content or any other person or party for any loss or damage (whether direct or indirect), nor shall Expana be liable in contract, tort (including negligence), misrepresentation (whether innocent or negligent), restitution or otherwise. By viewing or using this content and/or subscribing to receive any associated documentation or further materials from us, you acknowledge and agree to the terms above. For more information: https://www.expanamarkets.com/disclaimer/

Simon Duke opens with a brief news round-up: USMCA non-renewal in favour of bilateral US trade deals with Canada and Mexico, EU Deforestation Regulation expansion to include coffee and palm oil derivatives, and Fourth of July grilling demand dynamics. The episode's focus, however, is on current grain and oilseed market dynamics.

Murphy Campbell (Grains and Oilseeds Reporter, Expana) covers the USDA's June Acreage Report — wheat planted acres at a 149-year low, corn surprising to the upside despite Iran-driven fertilizer cost spikes — before examining the EPA's record 2026–27 renewable fuel mandate, which is doubling soybean oil demand and acting as a domestic price floor amid global trade uncertainty.

Andrew Kanyemba (Senior Grains Analyst, Expana) provides a firsthand crop tour account from France. French wheat yields have been revised down to 6.9 t/ha and corn harvest cut from 12 to 9.2 million tonnes — the country's smallest in decades. He outlines cascading EU supply implications: rising imports, declining feed demand, and a critical July flowering window that could deepen the crisis further.

Lisa Guiraud (Commercial Manager, Events at Expana) closes the episode with an update on Expana's brand-new Chicago event.

Simon Duke opens with a brief news round-up: USMCA non-renewal in favour of bilateral US trade deals with Canada and Mexico, EU Deforestation Regulation expansion to include coffee and palm oil derivatives, and Fourth of July grilling demand dynamics. The episode's focus, however, is on current grain and oilseed market dynamics. Murphy Campbell (Grains and Oilseeds Reporter, Expana) covers the USDA's June Acreage Report — wheat planted acres at a 149-year low, corn surprising to the upside despite Iran-driven fertilizer cost spikes — before examining the EPA's record 2026–27 renewable fuel mandate, which is doubling soybean oil demand and acting as a domestic price floor amid global trade uncertainty. Andrew Kanyemba (Senior Grains Analyst, Expana) provides a firsthand crop tour account from France. French wheat yields have been revised down to 6.9 t/ha and corn harvest cut from 12 to 9.2 million tonnes — the country's smallest in decades. He outlines cascading EU supply implications: rising imports, declining feed demand, and a critical July flowering window that could deepen the crisis further. Lisa Guiraud (Commercial Manager, Events at Expana) closes the episode with an update on Expana's brand-new Chicago event.

Consumers are demanding more protein... in everything. Food companies are responding to the challenge. Listen now.

In episode 40 of Agri-Food for Thought, we return with a new format, featuring guests.

We kick off with a news round-up (Middle East conflict situation, Super El Nino).

Then follows a FIFA Football 2026 World Cup update (featuring guests Jaime Almeida, Market Reporter - Beef at Expana, talking about Mexican trends; Ryan Gallagher, Editor at Expana, discussing US beer trends; and an account of a recent interview Simon Duke had with the National Restaurant Association).

The episode concludes with a brief segment by Lisa Guiraud, Commercial Manager, Events at Expana, about Expana's Women in Food & Agriculture (WFA) mentorship program.

PODCAST: Ep. 39 - Innovation and Adaptation at Fruit Logistica by Expana