Volume 22 – Issue 4
CFEA & Partner News
Pinned indefinitely – To assist your company during this fluctuating trade war, we have compiled a comprehensive tariff resource page. We will diligently update this page each time new information becomes available. Access this resource, at this link. Please note that you will need to be logged in to your membership account to view this page. If you have forgotten your password, please click the “Forgot Password” link to reset it.
Member Highlight
Direct Plus Food Group product offerings include a mix of traditional European-style deli meats, carefully crafted meat snacks, cheese, fresh pasta and sauces, delicious pastry treats, and more.
CFEA Events
Save the dates, event packages launching soon:
September 8-11, 2025 Fine Food Australia, Sydney, Australia
November 16, 2025 PLMA Show, Rosemont, IL (keep an eye on mailbox at 11am this morning)
December 2-4, 2025 Fi Europe, Paris, France
Partner Events
April 3, 2025 10:30am ET Webinar: The North American Tariff Landscape, Wilson Center
April 9-10, 2025 Canada Asia Business Forum 2025 (Global Public Affairs, Canada Korea Business Council, and The Japan Society Canada)
April 10, 2025 1pm ET Webinar on the Updated “Healthy” Claim, FDA
June 2025 – The Art of Leadership Women, Calgary, Vancouver, Ottawa & Toronto
Reports
Beyond the fog of uncertainty, there’s a world of opportunity (EDC)
How Canadian tariffs on US goods may affect your business in 2025 (EDC)
To view all available postings, please visit Market Reports and Regulations landing pages.
News Posts
New Searchable Web Page for the Food Allergen Labeling Guidance for Industry
To view all available postings, please visit the News landing page.
Retail News
How Target plans to grow its coveted third-party marketplace
USA, March 24, Modern Retail – Target plans to grow its Target Plus marketplace to $5 billion in five years by partnering with complementary brands. The platform’s food category has seen over 170% growth, and Target Plus accounted for 10% of external search volume last year.
Trader Joe’s, ALDI see continued visit growth into 2025
USA, March 24, Store Brands – Foot traffic at Trader Joe’s and ALDI increased in 2024, with Trader Joe’s seeing a 6.2% rise and ALDI experiencing an 18.2% increase, according to Placer.ai. The growth is attributed to store expansions and strong consumer demand. Trader Joe’s added 35 stores, while ALDI added more than 100.
Kroger files legal response, brings counterclaims against Albertsons
USA, March 25, Kroger – Kroger alleges Albertsons engaged in a secret campaign to undermine the merger, including secretly communicating with the divestiture buyer to criticise the divestiture package. Kroger is seeking damages from Albertsons for its misconduct.
Retail expert warns of further closures for the convenience sectors survival
CANADA, March 25, Western Grocer – The latest data on shop closures highlights the need for convenience and independent retailers to rethink their approach in an increasingly high-cost environment.
UK, March 25, Grocery Gazette – Whole Foods Market opened its first UK store in over a decade in London’s Chelsea neighbourhood, focusing on locally sourced products. The company plans to expand further, with 90 stores planned for the UK, US, and Canada.
Dollar Tree offloads struggling Family Dollar chain for $1 billion
USA, March 26, Reuters – Dollar Tree is selling Family Dollar to private equity investors for approximately $1 billion. The sale, following a year-long search, is seen as positive for Dollar Tree.
Metro CEO says tariff impact minimal so far, grocer in ‘wait and see mode’
CANADA, March 26, Canadian Grocer – Metro CEO Eric La Flèche stated that while tariffs have had a minimal impact on prices so far, increases may occur after the second round. He also discussed Metro’s growth strategy and expressed optimism about the grocery industry.
Weak dollar, trade tensions putting food prices under pressure: Loblaw
CANADA, March 26, Canadian Grocer – Loblaw’s monthly food inflation report highlights the impact of a weak dollar and trade tensions on food prices. The company is working with vendors to minimize customer impact, including seeking alternatives to US products.
Dollarama to acquire Australian discount retailer The Reject Shop in $233M deal
CANADA, March 26, Grocery Business – Dollarama plans to acquire The Reject Shop, Australia’s largest discount retailer, for CDN $233 million. The acquisition will allow Dollarama to expand into the Australian market and leverage its expertise in retail, merchandising, and sourcing.
Walmart Mexico to invest $6 bln in 2025
MEXICO, March 27, Reuters – Walmex, Walmart’s Mexico unit, plans to invest over $6 billion in 2025, tripling the previous year’s investment. The funds will be used to open new stores and continue construction on two distribution centres.
Foodservice News
How Taco Bell plans to triple its international restaurant count
USA, March 21, Restaurant Business – Taco Bell plans to triple its international presence to 3,000 restaurants by 2030. The company will focus on marketing tacos and value-forward menu items, localizing efforts with artists and initiatives like “Encore Hours”.
Why it suddenly feels like every fast-food restaurant has fun, flavored drinks
USA, March 23, CNBC – Fast-food chains are expanding their beverage offerings, particularly seasonal drinks, specialty coffees, and energy drinks, to attract younger consumers. Beverages are seen as a profitable area for growth.
Tesla enters dining business with drive-in restaurant
USA, March 24, PYMNTS – Tesla is opening a drive-in restaurant in Los Angeles, but finding chefs has been difficult due to CEO Elon Musk’s involvement in the Trump administration and Tesla’s declining sales. The restaurant, featuring a movie screen and roller skate-wearing carhops, aims to appeal to experience-seeking diners.
Landry’s CEO Tilman Fertitta to step down if confirmed for Trump post
USA, March 24, Restaurant Business – Tilman Fertitta, CEO of Landry’s, will step down if confirmed as US ambassador to Italy. He will retain a passive ownership stake in Landry’s and the Houston Rockets NBA franchise.
Wings and Rings creates fast-casual chicken concept
USA, March 25, Nation’s Restaurant News – Wings and Rings has debuted a fast-casual spinoff called Noble Chicken in Cincinnati. This launch follows the concept’s initial test as a ghost kitchen during the pandemic. The restaurant features a menu of chicken sandwiches, wings and tenders, and targets younger customers with bold flavors and digital ordering options.
Salad chains diversify as ‘peak salad’ looms
USA, March 26, The Food Institute – Major salad chains are diversifying offerings, targeting new markets, and appealing to different day parts to maintain market share amidst intensifying competition.
Chili’s opening Scranton restaurant inspired by ‘The Office’
USA, March 26, Daily Voice – Chili’s is opening a “Scranton Branch” restaurant in Dickson City, Pennsylvania, inspired by “The Office”. The restaurant will feature a giant chalk mural, vintage decor, and a recreated booth from the show.
Trends
How spirits-infused ice cream is shaking up the dessert scene
GLOBAL, March 20, DairyReporter – Alcohol-infused ice cream, valued at $1.5 billion globally, targets younger generations with premium, cocktail-inspired flavours. Challenges include formulation, distribution, and consumer trends.
TikTok drives €2.2bn boom in freeze-dried candy as confectioners upgrade tech
GLOBAL, March 21, ConfectioneryNews – Freeze-dried candy, popularised by TikTok, is experiencing a market boom driven by social media influence and consumer demand for unique, crunchy sweets. Brands are innovating with freeze-drying technology to create crunchy, flavourful candies.
Global flavors, tangy options trending in gummies
USA, March 21, Candy Industry – Sour, tangy, and global flavours are trending in the gummy category, along with clean nutrition, lower sugar, and vegan options. Gummy candy is fun and playful, appealing to multiple buying occasions.
USA, March 24, Baking Business – The salty snack industry, despite a sales slowdown, remains strong. Spicy flavours and nutritious snacks with protein and fibre claims are driving growth.
3 new keys to connecting with Gen Z consumers
USA, March 25, The Food Institute – Gen Z consumers, aged 13 to 28, value transparency and authenticity in brands. To connect with them, restaurants must evolve, offer unique experiences, and leverage micro-influencers who align with their values.
Influencer trips are out. Customer trips are in
USA, March 25, Marketing Brew – Brands are shifting focus from influencer trips to customer-oriented getaways and giveaways, like Cocokind’s Napa Valley trip with loyal customers.
From squeezable olive oil to chili crisp — how pantry staples became status symbols
USA, March 25, Food & Wine – Influencer culture and capitalism have transformed pantry staples into status symbols, appealing to affluent millennials seeking a sense of control and a connection to a certain lifestyle.
Plant-based braves the sales slump
USA, March 25, The Food Institute – The plant-based foods industry, after experiencing significant growth, faces challenges from consumers reducing purchases. The industry needs to improve taste, texture, and availability, while addressing pricing concerns.
How millennials are reshaping the meat market
USA, March 26, Progressive Grocer – Millennials are driving meat consumption trends, prioritizing health, convenience, and sustainability. The Annual Meat Conference highlighted the growing demand for convenient meal options and restaurant-quality home-cooked meals.
Report highlights challenges and opportunities for private label and branded product growth
GLOBAL, March 27, Business Wire – NielsenIQ’s 2025 report shows a shift in consumer attitudes towards private label and branded products, with over half of global respondents increasingly purchasing private label products. The report highlights key trends driving growth and offers strategies for retailers and manufacturers.
Health Watch
Healthy eating in midlife linked to overall healthy aging
USA, March 24, MedicalXpress – A healthy diet rich in plant-based foods and low in ultra-processed foods is linked to a higher likelihood of healthy ageing. Adhering to any of eight healthy dietary patterns, particularly the Alternative Healthy Eating Index and the Planetary Health Diet Index, was associated with this outcome.
New evidence links microplastics with chronic disease
USA, March 25, MedicalXpress – New research suggests a link between microplastics exposure and chronic diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke. The findings highlight the potential health risks of microplastics pollution.
Growing body of evidence links HPV with heart disease
USA, March 25, MedicalXpress – A new study shows a 40% higher likelihood of cardiovascular disease and twice the risk of coronary artery disease in HPV-positive patients compared to HPV-negative patients. The study suggests closer heart monitoring for HPV-positive individuals.
Plant-based diet trial boosts health for people living with kidney disease
AUSTRALIA, March 26, MedicalXpress – A plant-based diet rich in diverse plant foods improves gut health and reduces toxins for people with chronic kidney disease, challenging traditional dietary restrictions.
Why eating yogurt regularly could lower your risk of bowel cancer
UK, March 27, MedicalXpress – A study found that consuming two or more servings of yoghurt per week was associated with a lower risk of “Bifidobacterium-positive proximal colon cancer”.
A caffeine kick can come with health risks
GERMANY, March 27, MedicalXpress – Caffeine, found in coffee, tea, cola, energy drinks, and chocolate, can be harmful in high doses. For adults, up to 400mg per day is generally safe, but this varies by individual. Children and adolescents should limit intake to 3mg per kilogram of body weight, as excessive caffeine can lead to adverse effects.
Food Safety Watch
FDA unveils transparency tool for easy check of contaminant levels in foods
USA, March 21, HealthDay News – The FDA launched the Chemical Contaminants Transparency Tool, an online database of contaminant levels in food. The tool allows users to filter by contaminant type.
New use of whole genome sequencing provides faster detection of Salmonella
USA, March 25, Food Safety News – Scientists demonstrated the potential of long-read whole genome sequencing (WGS) for early detection of Salmonella on food contact surfaces. Long-read WGS can test up to 96 samples at a time and is more sensitive than culturing methods for detecting early Salmonella formation.
How eating undercooked pork could leave your body and brain riddled with tapeworm larvae
USA, March 25, MedicalXpress – Undercooked pork can cause cysticercosis, a condition where tapeworm larvae form cysts in the body, potentially leading to neurocysticercosis and epilepsy. Proper cooking and hygiene are essential to prevent infection.
EU answers questions on mandatory use of WGS in outbreaks
EU, March 28, Food Safety News – Starting August 23, 2026, member states will be required to perform Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) on specific pathogens and submit results to the European Food Safety Authority. The regulation encourages cooperation and data sharing to enhance outbreak investigations and public health.
Trade and Regulatory News
Mark Carney, premiers reveal plan for Canada’s trade reform
CANADA, March 21, YouTube – Prime Minister Mark Carney met with premiers to discuss a plan to support Canadian workers amidst a trade war with the United States.
Ford plans to table law to eliminate internal trade barriers, pushes Ring of Fire work
CANADA, March 21, Global News – Ontario Premier Doug Ford plans to introduce legislation to remove trade barriers and expedite environmental assessments for projects like the Ring of Fire.
New federal relief measures for businesses and workers impacted by tariffs
CANADA, March 21, Prime Minister of Canada – On March 21, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced new relief measures for workers and companies that would be impacted by Canada’s ongoing trade challenges with the United States and China.
New Brunswick premier proposes ‘free-trade zone’ in Atlantic Canada
CANADA, March 21, Global News – New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt proposed a free-trade zone for Atlantic Canada to combat US tariffs. Nova Scotia, initially preferring a Canada-wide deal, is open to working with New Brunswick on reducing trade barriers.
Ottawa increases AgriStability cap to help industry as it faces Chinese tariffs
CANADA, March 22, CTV News – The Canadian government is increasing the AgriStability payment cap to $6 million and compensation rate to 90% to support the agriculture sector facing Chinese tariffs on canola oil, canola meal, peas, pork, and seafood. The estimated federal cost of the supports is $108.7 million in 2025-26.
Our next election isn’t really about Trump. It’s about your grocery bill
CANADA, March 24, Canadian Grocer – The upcoming election is about navigating a new food world order shaped by superpower rivalry, where access, affordability, and sovereignty are at stake. Trump’s actions, undermining multilateral trade frameworks and imposing tariffs, aim to rewire the global economy around the United States, potentially leading to skyrocketing food prices and disrupted agricultural markets.
Trump says he ‘may give a lot of countries breaks’ from April 2 tariffs
USA, March 24, Global News – Trump may grant exemptions to some countries from the reciprocal tariffs set to take effect on April 2. These tariffs, aimed at reducing the US trade deficit, will target countries with significant trade surpluses and high tariff barriers.
De-escalation: What EU tariff delay could mean for the wine and spirits trade
EU, March 25, BeverageDaily – The EU has delayed the introduction of retaliatory tariffs on American whiskey, originally set for March 31, to mid-April. The delay aims to finalise the list of products covered by tariffs and facilitate negotiations with US officials to de-escalate the trade war. The EU and US trade relationship, worth €1.6 trillion in goods and services, is at risk due to escalating tariffs, with both sides threatening further retaliatory measures.
Trump administration preparing to impose tariffs on 15 countries, including Russia
USA, March 24, Kyiv Independent – The US is preparing to impose tariffs on 15 countries, including Russia, on April 2nd. The tariffs, which will be 15% on about 15 countries, are a departure from decades of free trade and are expected to impact Russia, Australia, Canada, the EU, and China.
Organic food agreements open global markets to Canadian exporters
CANADA, March 25, EDC – The organic food market in the Indo-Pacific region is growing, driven by demand for healthier options. Organic equivalency arrangements with Canada simplify export processes and reduce costs for Canadian exporters.
Vietnam to cut duties on US imports, approve Starlink as Trump tariff decision looms
VIETNAM, March 26, Reuters – Vietnam will cut tariffs on US products and approve Starlink services to reduce its trade surplus with the US.
Canada, India look to reset ties in counter to Trump’s duties
CANADA, INDIA, March 26, The Business Standard – Canada and India are working to improve their strained relationship, contingent on respect for Canadian laws. Both countries are also looking to strengthen trade ties.
Pricing pains: Government to set system for food price hikes
JAPAN, March 26, FoodNavigator – The Japanese government will establish a mechanism to determine food prices locally, ensuring a smooth process of passing on cost increases to consumers. The government aims to provide consumers with detailed information on food production processes and cost structures to foster understanding and minimise backlash from price hikes.
Trump going ahead with 25% tariffs on autos
USA, March 26, CBC – Trump announced a 25% tariff on imported vehicles, effective April 3, potentially expanding to parts. This move, aimed at encouraging foreign companies to relocate production to the U.S., ends decades of Canada-US free trade in automobiles and could impact the Canadian auto industry.
Nearly half of small businesses do not see the U.S. as a reliable partner
CANADA, March 27, Canadian Grocer – Canadian small businesses are losing confidence in the US as a reliable trading partner due to President Trump’s tariffs. Many are shifting to domestic and international suppliers, with nearly one-third already having done so and another third planning to reduce reliance on the US in the next six months.
Trump threatens ‘large scale’ tariffs on Canada, EU
USA, March 27, Global News – Donald Trump threatened “large scale” tariffs on Canada and the European Union following the announcement of new tariffs on auto imports. Canada has already responded with counter-tariffs on American goods and plans to continue fighting for Canadian workers and businesses.
