The Expana Choice boxed beef value fell below its year-ago level for the first time in 2026, signaling softer beef demand despite tight cattle supplies. According to Expana, the benchmark lost the premium it had maintained since the beginning of the year and, as of June 30, was trading at a US$/lb 0.046 discount to the same period in 2025.
Expana attributed the shift to elevated wholesale beef prices and more cautious purchasing by buyers and distributors, who have slowed procurement despite the peak summer grilling season. By contrast, stronger seasonal demand in 2025 helped support higher boxed beef values.
