Fresh Ideation Food Group Recalls Hundreds of Sandwiches, Snacks Due to Listeria Contamination

Baltimore, Maryland-based Fresh Ideation Food Group has recalled over 400 pounds of sandwiches, snacks and other food products because they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, per a February 3 notice from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The impacted products were distributed in Connecticut, District of Columbia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia.

The sandwiches and other products were sold in retail locations, vending machines, and during travel with transportation providers, per the FDA...

Albertsons Companies Launches Sincerely Health Digital Health and Wellness Platform

Albertsons Companies, Inc. (NYSE: ACI) today announced the launch of Sincerely Health, a digital health and wellness platform that is now accessible on 16 of its banners’ grocery app and websites* including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Shaw’s, Jewel-Osco, Acme, Tom Thumb and more. Backed by science, Sincerely Health is designed to help improve lives by connecting, educating, encouraging and rewarding customers on their health and wellness journey so they can make informed choices regarding food, physical activity, sleep and mindfulness...

FAT Brands Accelerates Organic Growth in 2022 with 362 Stores Added to Development Pipeline

FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc., a leading global franchising company that owns a number of iconic restaurant brands, including Johnny Rockets, Fatburger, Round Table Pizza, Twin Peaks, Fazoli’s and 12 other concepts, announces it has experienced a historic year of growth, opening 142 new stores in 2022 and adding a total of 362 stores to its development pipeline which spans 29 states and 17 countries.

Leading the way in new store development amongst FAT Brands’ concepts was Fatburger and Buffalo’s Express with 86 stores...

South Dakota Cattleman Becomes New NCBA President

Todd Wilkinson, a South Dakota native, cow-calf producer and cattle feeder became the new NCBA president during the 2023 Cattle Industry Convention, held this week in New Orleans. Wilkinson, along with his son, operates Wilkinson Livestock in De Smet, South Dakota. He has also practiced law for almost four decades and specializes in business transactions, estate planning and probate, real estate matters and agricultural law.

“If you run into me across the country, one thing that I will say time and again is if you’re going to be...

Little Caesars Pizza Names Leigh Burnside Chief Financial Officer

Little Caesars, the global family-owned pizza chain, announced today that Leigh Burnside will take over the role of chief financial officer for the company. Leigh joins Little Caesars with 30 years of experience in the accounting and finance industry and has held several senior leadership roles, most recently as senior vice president, chief accounting officer and chief financial officer - U.S. at The Wendy's Company.

Leigh will be supporting the continued strategic global growth of the Little Caesars brand and serve as a key member of the organization's senior leadership team...

Wendy's Unveils Craveable 2 For $6 Deal on 2/6

WHAT: Starting today, 2/6 and for a limited time, Wendy's® is serving up one of the hottest deals of the season –the new $2 for 6 deal... see what we did there?! We're talking two of your favorites – hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, nuggets AND lemonade, but the ultimate choice is up to you.

Now, let's get to playing matchmaker… or should we say match-saver as we introduce the craveable menu items you can mix and match to create your perfect value combination...

Urner Barry Achieves Heightened Level of IOSCO Compliance

Urner Barry, newly combined with Mintec to form the largest agri-food PRA, is proud to achieve third-party assurance of IOSCO Type 2 compliance for key benchmark protein price assessments. Additionally, Urner Barry announced Type 1 assurance on an expanded list of benchmark items within their market coverage.

For over 160 years, Urner Barry has been the trusted source for benchmark pricing in the food and agriculture industry—a pledge reflected by the successful completion of yet another independent review of its price reporting methodology and control procedures undertaken by...

Saladworks Spices Up Q1 with the Addition of Exciting New Menu Items

Saladworks, the nation's leading fast-casual create-your-own salad franchise and part of the WOWorks family of better-for-you restaurant brands, started the year with the addition of a new salad, grain bowl, wrap, and grilled cheeses, with flavors to excite customers' taste buds.

The new featured menu offerings are available now through May 7, 2023 at all Saladworks locations, and aim to provide guests with familiar favorites with the addition of exciting and unique flavor kicks. The featured items on the menu include...

Nestlé, UMASS Launch Plant-Based Incubator to Accelerate Shift in College and University Menus

Today, Nestlé Professional, Wholesome Crave and The University of Massachusetts Dining Program (UMass Dining) announce the launch of a first-of-its-kind partnership that offers college and university foodservice operators turn-key tips, fully-developed recipes and workshops, and collaboration to help speed the introduction of more sustainable, delicious plant-forward offerings on campus menus. The Purpose-Driven Plant-Based Incubator™ was developed in collaboration with four-time James Beard Award Winner Chef Michel Nischan of...

Hormel Foods Announces Advancement of Henry Hsia to VP Retail Marketing - Snacking and Entertaining

Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL), a Fortune 500 global branded food company, announced the advancement of Henry Hsia to vice president of Retail marketing – Snacking and entertaining. In this role, Hsia is responsible for managing all brand-building activities for the Hormel Foods growing portfolio of snacking and entertaining brands, including Planters®, Corn Nuts®, Hormel® Pepperoni, Hormel Gatherings® and Columbus®.

"We are very excited to have Henry lead the snacking and entertaining...

FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Frozen Chicken Korma with Basmati Turmeric Rice

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for frozen chicken products due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen. The product contains cashews, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label. FSIS is issuing this public health alert to ensure that consumers with allergies to cashews are aware that these products should not be consumed. A recall was not requested because it is believed that the products are no longer available for consumers to purchase...

FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for RTE Stuffed Chicken Product that May Be Undercooked

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for ready-to-eat (RTE) stuffed chicken product because the product may not be fully cooked due to underprocessing. FSIS is issuing this public health alert to ensure that consumers are aware that this product should not be consumed. A recall was not requested because the product is no longer available for consumers to purchase.

The RTE broccoli stuffed chicken breast product was produced by Vanguard Culinary Group...

ANALYSIS: US Egg Market Plunges Nearly 50% as High Retail Prices Cause Demand to Slow

If customers weren’t paying attention to the price of eggs before, their awareness has certainly been heightened in recent weeks. It’s nearly impossible to scroll through headlines or social media these days without stumbling upon a news story or a witty meme decrying the high cost of eggs—or even the farmers that produce them. And yet wholesale egg prices have plunged 49% over the past five weeks, dropping below $3.00/dozen for the first time since October—which begs the question...

USDA Deputy Secretary Shares Updates at Cattle Industry Convention

Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) welcomed U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Dr. Jewel H. Bronaugh to the 2023 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show.

“We appreciate the working relationship NCBA has with Deputy Secretary Bronaugh, especially as our focus turns to reauthorization of critical components of the Farm Bill like animal health, voluntary conservation, and risk management programs,” said NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane. “NCBA will continue building relationships with USDA leadership so we can work together on addressing the issues facing the...

NRF Economist Says U.S. Recession Unlikely and Expects Slight Growth in 2023

A recession is unlikely and the economy is expected to see slight growth in 2023 as consumers continue to cope with inflation and high interest rates, National Retail Federation Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said today.

“A month into 2023, the economy is facing stiff headwinds and – with the exception of easing inflation – will likely face more challenges before it gets better,” Kleinhenz said. “The debate on whether we are in a recession will heighten over the next few months, just like last year...

The NPD Group: Plant-based Beverages Food, Becoming Staple in Homes, Becoming Option at Foodservice

The recent buzz about plant-based foods at retail and foodservice has many questioning if interest in plant-based foods is a fad or a long-term trend. Plant-based is a small but expanding category, and as more innovations and products become available and accessible, consumer interest broadens. According to The NPD Group*, about 25 million consumers eat plant-based beverages and foods occasionally or regularly, consuming these foods as part of a meal or as an ingredient...

CattleFax Forecasts Producer Profitability in 2023 with Potential Drought Relief for the West

The popular CattleFax Outlook Seminar, held as part of the 2023 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show in New Orleans, shared expert market and weather analysis today.

Prices and profitability will again favor cattle producers in 2023. The cattle industry is entering 2023 with the smallest cattle supply since 2015 as drought caused the industry to dig deeper into the supply of feeder cattle and calves. While the exact path to drought relief is unknown, improvements are also expected to translate to moderating feed costs, especially...

BJ’s Wholesale Club Announces Change to Board of Directors

BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: BJ) (“BJ’s” or the “Company”) today announced that Judy Werthauser has resigned from its Board of Directors (“Board”) to pursue a new opportunity.

Ms. Werthauser has served on the Company’s Board since November 2018 and was most recently Chair of the Compensation Committee as well as a member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. As part of Ms. Werthauser’s departure, the Board intends for Chris Peterson to join the Compensation Committee and Ken Parent to be appointed as Chair of the Compensation Committee...

U.S. Department of Agriculture Announces Key Staff Appointments

The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced the names of individuals who will hold senior staff positions in Washington, D.C.

Regina Black has been promoted to Senior Advisor for Trade and National Security in the Office of the Secretary

Black has served as Chief of Staff for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs since August 2021. Before joining the Department, she was the Director of the Executive Office at the U.S. Dairy Export Council. Black previously served in the Obama Administration at USDA in various...

NPPC Statement on Farm Bill Trade and Horticulture Hearing

The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) applauds the first Farm Bill hearing of the 118th Congress. We are pleased the Senate Agriculture Committee is taking up issues important to the pork industry. In 2021, the U.S. exported $8.1 billion worth of pork to more than 100 countries – increasing the average value of each pig marketed by nearly $63. These exports also support over 100,000 American jobs. Congress must provide strong investments in both the Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD) programs...

ANALYSIS: Frozen Chicken Inventories Stacking up: A Product of The Times

Considering 2022’s cumulative chicken headcount which topped the charts at 9.5 billion head, there is little question behind last year’s successive advances in year-over-year (YoY) inventory levels...

KFC Takes New Kentucky Fried Chicken Wraps Nationwide

Kentucky Fried Chicken® announced a new menu item that will have wrap lovers on cloud nine. Starting Feb. 6, Kentucky Fried Chicken Wraps will be available at participating restaurants nationwide for a limited time. To celebrate their release, those looking for a meal on the go or a deal can enjoy two KFC Wraps for just $5!

After a successful test in Atlanta in 2022, the new KFC Wraps will finally be available to everyone. KFC is a brand known for listening to its fans, and they made it loud...

Olymel Continues to Consolidate Activites, Announces Closure of Its Blainville and Laval Plants

Olymel’s management is announcing the closure of two of its facilities for the further processing of pork: its Blainville and Laval plants. This decision, which is part of a reorganization undertaken in 2021 and is aimed at optimizing operations, will unfortunately result in the loss of 170 jobs in total. The United Food and Commercial Workers union (UFCW 1991P) representing the workers at the Blainville plant, as well as all employees at both facilities, were informed of this decision earlier today and given 12 weeks’ notice of...

Red Robin Names Brian Sullivan as VP of Culinary & Beverage Innovation

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews is excited to announce the hiring of Brian Sullivan as its new Vice President of Culinary & Beverage Innovation. Sullivan will be leading the brand's efforts to elevate the guest dining experience, which include investing more in food quality and refreshing the menu, as part of the recently-unveiled "North Star" five-point turnaround plan to drive stronger results for the business.

Sullivan is well-positioned to lead this initiative as a visionary leader with over 40 years of industry-leading expertise in...

North Carolina Investigating the Release of Hog Waste from Lagoon in Bladen County

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Division of Water Resources (DWR) is investigating the release of animal waste from Murphy-Brown Farm 7692 (AWS090129) in Bladen County. The facility estimates nearly 30,000 gallons of waste reached a nearby creek. Clean-up efforts are underway.

DWR was notified Friday evening of a recirculation pipe failure that resulted in a discharge of untreated animal waste. DWR staff conducted an on-site investigation. Waste was observed approximately 0.69 miles from the secondary containment on...

Meat Snack Products Recalled Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergen

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for ready-to-eat (RTE) meat snack products containing Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulated chocolate wafers that have been recalled due to an undeclared allergen, specifically peanut residue. FSIS is issuing this public health alert to ensure that consumers are aware that this product should not be consumed.

The meat snack items were produced with the recalled chocolate wafers on various dates from January 2, 2023, through January 18, 2023...

Chicken Wing Consumption to Break Records on Super Bowl Sunday Thanks to Favorable Prices

Americans are expected to eat a record-smashing 1.45 billion chicken wings during Super Bowl LVII weekend, according to the National Chicken Council (NCC)’s annual Chicken Wing Report.

The 1.45 billion mark represents a two percent jump from last year or 84 million additional wings.

NCC spokesperson Tom Super cited more favorable wing prices when compared to last year and people getting back to normal routines and heading to parties or restaurants and bars for the jump in wing consumption...

Online Grocery Sales Forecast for Further Growth Following Pandemic Boom

A forecast expects more consumers to shop for groceries online over the next five years, with the segment keeping momentum after it witnessed a boom during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Online grocery sales are forecast to grow at compound average growth rate (CAGR) of 11.7% over the next five years, per the 2023 Brick Meets Click/Mercatus 5-Year Grocery Sales Forecast.

Inflation, illness concerns including COVID, RSV and the flu along with a “maturing online segment” were noted as factors behind the growing popularity of online grocery shopping...

Moving Beyond Snacking, Tostitos to Debut First Pop-Up Restaurant During Super Bowl Weekend

Tost by Tostitos, a limited-time casual dining restaurant that puts Tostitos chips and dips at the center of its recipes, is offering a front-row seat to how the fan-favorite snack can transform into a mealtime MVP from February 9-11 in Phoenix, Arizona. Snackers across the U.S. will also be able to elevate their get-togethers with a lineup of DIY recipes and a giveaway to make one fan's celebration the ultimate game day gathering.

"Tostitos believes that with good food and good...

ANALYSIS: Turkey Market Influencers: Looking Beyond HPAI

While the direct impact of HPAI on the turkey industry cannot be overstated, several other distinct and highly impactful influences are currently in play...

Kroger Delivery Expands to South Florida

The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), America's grocer, today announced the opening of a new spoke facility in South Florida. Joined by the local community, Kroger celebrated the expansion of the delivery service and welcomed 90 new associates. This facility opening means customers can access Kroger's incredible selection of fresh items, unique Our Brands products and favorite national brands, as well as individualized offers for the groceries most important to their families – all delivered directly to their door by a friendly, professional Kroger associate.

"We are thrilled to connect more Floridians to the Kroger Delivery...

National Turkey Federation Renews Turkey Smoke Series in Partnership with the K.C. Barbeque Society

The National Turkey Federation (NTF) is pleased to renew its partnership with the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS), kicking off the fourth year of the Turkey Smoke Series, which encourages both professional and amateur pitmasters to showcase the versatility and creativity of turkey on the smoker or grill. The Turkey Smoke Series features a turkey category in select barbeque competitions across the United States during the 2023 season. Pitmasters and contest organizers love that the Turkey Smoke...

NCBA Announces 2023 Policy Priorities

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s (NCBA) executive committee approved the organization’s policy priorities at the 2023 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show, with a focus on advancing animal disease preparedness, protecting voluntary conservation programs, and defending producers from regulatory overreach.

“Our focus is helping to create opportunity for America’s cattle producers and fighting to make sure the federal government does not damage our industry,” said NCBA President-Elect Todd Wilkinson. “Cattle producers have been caretakers of the land and livestock for decades and are committed to conserving this country’s natural resources while producing...

US Foods Adds Tech Firms to CHECK Business Tools Program to Help Operators Address Labor Shortages

US Foods Holding Corp. (NYSE: USFD), one of America’s largest foodservice distributors, today announced the addition of two transformative technology offerings to its CHECK® Business Tools program: Bear Robotics and 7shifts. US Foods CHECK Business Tools program provides foodservice operators with a growing suite of technology solutions designed to help drive traffic, simplify staffing and reduce waste. Bear Robotics and 7shifts were ultimately selected to join the US Foods CHECK Business Tools line-up after participating in the company’s Innovative...

Dine Brands International Continues Expansion with Dual-Brand Locations in the Middle East

Dine Brands International, an affiliate of Dine Brands Global, Inc., the parent company of Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar®, IHOP®, and Fuzzy’s Taco Shop® restaurants, announces today the opening of its dual-brand Applebee’s and IHOP location in the United Arab Emirates and plans to open a minimum of 4 additional locations in the Middle East in partnership with established franchisees Eagles Landing International Restaurants and Kout Food Group.

Eagles Landing International Restaurants opened its first dual-brand...

Introducing The New Premium Steak Subscription Service Herd & Grace

Herd & Grace – the new premium delivery service for high-quality steaks sourced from pristine Australian and Tasmanian pastures – is looking to provide the best possible eating experience with world-class quality Australian beef directly to the doors of American consumers — for the first time. Herd & Grace is introducing the gift of world-class luxury and has created the perfect gift for all occasions ranging from curated boxes, custom boxes, individual cuts, gift cards and yearly subscriptions.

"For so many reasons, we think this is the very best beef available...

PLANT PROTEIN: Get to Know Players in the Plant Protein Market: Fermented Food Holdings, Inc.

Some companies have been around for quite a while and have established themselves through their product offerings. However, Fermented Food Holdings (FFH) is new to the game, but their founders have made an imprint into the fermented foods category right from the start.

FFH was started in 2021 by Oliver Joost and Marcelo Marim with the idea of investing in brands within a growing category that centered on the consumer insight of using food as medicine (or instead of medicine)...

Eat Like a Champion with Applebee’s on Game Day

Calling all football and wings fans - for one day only, Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar is offering free Boneless Wings with any purchase over $40 when ordered on Applebees.com or the Applebee’s mobile app. Get something the whole team will love by ordering for pick up or delivery.

To celebrate this victory of a deal, on Sunday, Feb. 12, guests must order online by going to Applebees.com or the Applebee’s mobile app to place a To Go or Delivery order. Use the promo code BIGGAME23 at checkout...

Free Wings from Frank's RedHot Before & During the Big Game

Frank's RedHot®, the #1 hot sauce in the world*, and local commerce platform DoorDash have teamed up to help fans get ready for the Big Game with free** wings from TGI Friday's nationwide. Because there's no need to wait for kickoff to enjoy the famous flavor of Frank's RedHot, fans can receive a free 12-count order of traditional or boneless wings on orders of $15+ from TGI Friday's on DoorDash. The promotion runs from Thursday, February 9 to Sunday, February 12, while supplies last...

The NPD Group: Restaurant Industry Witnesses Stability Following Myriad of Headwinds

A pandemic, labor shortages and record inflation are just a few of the challenges that the foodservice industry has faced since early 2020.

The industry persevered and The NPD Group believes calmer seas may be ahead. Findings from The NPD Group show that U.S. commercial foodservice customer traffic to restaurants and other foodservice outlets ended 2022 flat compared to a year ago. Consumer spending at foodservice outlets was up 4%, thanks to higher prices.

“Looking forward to 2023, we anticipate improvements in supply chain disruptions, inflation deceleration...

Meat Industry Veteran Bill Rupp Joins Bion's Board of Directors

Bion Environmental Technologies, Inc. (OTC QB: BNET), a developer of advanced livestock waste treatment technology and premium sustainable beef, announced today that Bill Rupp will join Bion's Board of Directors, effective February 15, 2023.

In September of 2022, Mr. Rupp was named to Bion's Advisory Group. Bill brings 37 years of experience, including 18 years in senior leadership roles with Cargill and JBS, two of the world's largest meat packers. His operating expertise and industry relationships will be invaluable in his role, where he will work directly with Bill O'Neill...

Conagra Brands Recalls 2.5 Million Pounds of Canned Meat, Poultry Products Due to Packaging Defect

Conagra Brands has recalled over 2.5 million pounds of canned meat and poultry products due to a packaging defect that may cause products to become contaminated without showing any signs, per a January 31 announcement from the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

The impacted products were produced between December 12, 2022 and January 13, 2023. The products subject to recall bear establishment number “P4247” on the product cans. These items were shipped to retail locations nationwide...

The Retail Rundown: Comparing Urner Barry's Protein Indices

Seafood features climbed to the top spot across proteins this week with 30% of feature volume. Pork follows with 24%, while beef chimes in with 22%—down from 27% the week prior. Chicken accounts for 19.5% of ad space, while turkey holds onto just over 2%. Buying opportunities for eggs have dwindled in recent weeks and are currently registering zero. 

A look at Urner Barry's Weekly Retail Feature Indices so far this year shows that seafood features are priced the highest overall, while chicken features as a whole are the lowest. Seafood and chicken are above their respective year-ago levels, while pork and beef are showing a discount to 2022 levels...

USDA Launches Pilot Cattle Contracts Library

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) launched its pilot Cattle Contracts Library today at Noon Eastern Time on the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Cattle Contract Library webpage. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022 directed USDA to create a pilot library to increase market transparency for cattle producers. This pilot library will provide new disclosure to the industry and public regarding the key terms, conditions, and volumes under which cattle are contracted, bringing sunshine to practices in what is now the largest part of the cattle market...

New ALDI Distribution Center to Provide Access to Fresh, Affordable Groceries to 8 Million Customers

Today, ALDI unveiled its completed regional headquarters and distribution center in Loxley, Alabama, which will ultimately serve as many as 100 stores across the Gulf Coast. As one of America's fastest growing grocers, ALDI is committed to bringing fresh, award-winning groceries and products at an affordable price to consumers from coast to coast, and the Loxley distribution center will support this commitment.

"At a time when inflation is putting pressure on American wallets, we believe our mission to save people money on the food...

Sysco Reports Second Quarter Results

Sysco Corporation (NYSE: SYY) (“Sysco” or the “company”) today announced financial results for its 13-week second fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2022.

Key financial results for the second quarter of fiscal year 2023 include:

- Sales increased 13.9% versus the same period in fiscal year 2022;
- U.S. Foodservice volume increased 5.2% versus the same period in fiscal year 2022;
- Gross profit increased 15.9% to $3.3 billion, as compared to the same period last year;
- Operating income increased 44.0% to $640.6 million, and adjusted1 operating income increased to...

Super Bowl Sneak Peak: What Are Protein Wholesale Markets Doing?

With less than two weeks to go, fans across the country are gearing up for Super Bowl LVII: Chiefs vs Eagles. Philly center Jason Kelce and Kansas City tight end Travis Kelce will be the first brothers to play each other in the Super Bowl, adding to the palpable excitement ahead of the big game. 

From friendly sibling rivalry to maybe not-so-friendly opposition between the two fanbases, contrasts can be drawn between the teams and their hometowns. Which city has the best specialties when it comes to food? Do cheesesteaks, a quintessential Philly staple, overtake Kansas City’s delectable slowly smoked barbeque, or is it the other way around? 

While there is no clear answer, wholesalers and retailers alike are cheering for protein lovers from all persuasions. The Super Bowl... 

Cattle Inventory Near Expectations; US Herd Down 3% from Yr-Ago

The USDA's cattle inventory report released Tuesday afternoon showed the number of cattle and calves in the U.S. as of Jan. 1 at 97.0% of a year ago, nearly on par with the average of analysts' estimates.

The herd was reported at nearly 89.274 million head, down from 92.077 million a year ago, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported. Analysts participating in the Urner Barry survey estimated on average a 2.9% decrease in the total herd from the previous year, or about 89.236 million head. The range was 96.7% to 97.5%.   

The nation's calf crop in 2022 was reported at 34.465 million head, down 2.0% from 2021. The average of analysts' estimates was 2.6% below a year ago.

The number of beef cows that gave birth in 2022 was reported at 28.918 million, down almost 3.6% from a year earlier. Analysts had pegged the figure at 4.2% smaller...

Gelson's Promotes John Bagan to President & CEO Following Retirement of Leader Rob McDougall

Gelson's has promoted John Bagan to President & CEO following the departure of Rob McDougall, who has retired from Gelson's after 15 years with the Southern California-based brand. The new leadership position marks Bagan's third promotion in two years, most recently moving from COO into the role of president in July 2022.

As President & CEO, Bagan will assume greater responsibility for the company's overall vision, business and growth strategy, as well as managing relationships with the Board of Directors and parent company Pan Pacific International Holdings (PPIH)...

Women's Choice Award Once Again Honors Eggland's Best

As the trusted referral source for women, the Women's Choice Award® has once again recognized Eggland's Best for being the brand that women would most recommend to their family and friends, earning it the coveted 2023 Women's Choice Award®. In a national survey conducted by the Women's Choice Award, Eggland's Best was the highest rated brand in the categories of Fresh and Hard-Cooked Eggs.

"With so many choices in the marketplace today, the Women's Choice Award is a one-stop solution to help the most important consumer...

TiNDLE Debuts Into Retail - Expanding Into New Channels, Including 6,000 Grocery Stores, Meal Kits

Next Gen Foods – the makers of TiNDLE – announce today the official debut of its line of six new retail products, marking the first time that consumers in Germany and the United States can trial the popular plant-based chicken for convenient, at-home cooking. In Germany, the EDEKA Group's EDEKA and Netto stores will be the first to bring TiNDLE to market, launching in over 6,000 locations this week, making it one of the largest retail debuts of a plant-based meat brand. In the US...

Tyson Foods Announces New Team Member Benefits

Tyson Foods announced today new changes and investments aimed at further intensifying U.S. team members relationships and enhancing workplace culture. Specifically, we are making changes to U.S. based policies and practices related to healthcare and overall wellness.

The company’s new policies and investments are in addition to recent compensation benefits. Tyson recently announced it invested more than $50 million in thank you bonuses and $100 million in wage increases for U.S. hourly workers over the past year.

Tyson Foods has invested more...

Steve Tippmann Retires After 36 Years with Tippmann Group; John Tippmann III to Fill Role

Steve Tippmann, Executive Vice President at Tippmann Group / Interstate Warehousing has retired after nearly 36 years in the refrigerated warehousing and construction industries.

Tippmann’s career started in refrigeration engineering, but his more recent role had him focused on customer relationships and overseeing the sales and marketing goals of Tippmann Construction and Interstate Warehousing.

Throughout his career, Tippmann has also spent time as a leader on multiple boards for industry associations including the Global Cold Chain Alliance, American Meat Institute, and Refrigerating Engineers & Technicians Association...

Ovation Foods New Chicken Strips: Whole Food Snacks for Whole Body Health

Today, OVATION FOODS introduces CHICKEN STRIPS, to its revolutionary new line of nutrient-dense meat snacks containing one whole egg – a unique whole food breakthrough that is certain to reinvent the healthy snack food category.

Unlike any other meat snacks or portable snacks on the market, Ovation Foods® uniquely delivers dense-nutrition via the inclusion of one whole egg in each 1.6oz serving. Delicious and hearty CHICKEN STRIPS provide 22g of Protein, 0g Sugar, and 175mg of Choline, plus over 35 naturally occurring nutrients supporting whole body...

NRF Statement on Senate Introduction of Critical ORC Legislation

The National Retail Federation today issued the following statement from Senior Vice President of Government Relations David French after the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2023 and the Organized Retail Crime Center Authorization Act were introduced in the U.S. Senate. The bills will create new tools to assist in federal investigation and prosecution of ORC and help recover lost goods and proceeds.

“Retailers face security-related challenges on many fronts, and ORC continues to be a formidable threat in communities across the country...

Wild Cajun Meals Recalls Jambalaya and Gumbo Products Produced without Benefit of Inspection

Wild Cajun Meals LLC, a Garland, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 18,418 pounds of frozen, fully cooked jambalaya and gumbo products that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The frozen, fully cooked jambalaya and gumbo items were produced beginning in September 2021 and have various sell by dates. The following products are subject to recall:

- 32-oz. Plastic containers of “Lady Jambalaya Homemade...

Study Shows U.S. Egg Farmers Earn a 10-to-1 Return on Investment in American Egg Board

New economic research conducted at Cornell University shows the American Egg Board (AEB) delivered $10.11 in industry-wide net revenue for every checkoff dollar invested by America’s egg farmers from 2017-2021 — totaling nearly a billion dollars in incremental value annually or $4.57 billion for that total time frame. The results represent more than a 10 percent increase over a previously reported return of $9.04, which only accounted for consumer-focused initiatives...

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Case Confirmed in a Commercial Turkey Flock in Iowa

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have confirmed a positive case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Buena Vista County, Iowa.

The affected site is a commercial turkey flock.

Commercial and backyard flock owners should prevent contact between their birds and wild birds. Sick birds or unusual deaths among birds should be immediately reported to state or federal officials...

Publix Charlotte Division Vice President to Retire; New Vice President Announced

After more than 47 years of dedicated service, Publix Super Markets Charlotte Division Vice President Chuck Roskovich has announced his decision to retire March 31.

Roskovich, 61, began his Publix career in 1975 as a part-time front service clerk in Lauderhill, Florida. He transferred to the meat department in 1977 and was promoted to meat manager in 1984. In 1992, as meat manager, he had the privilege of being part of the management team that opened the company’s first store in the Atlanta Division...

Church’s Texas Chicken, Texas Chicken Reflect on a Successful 2022; Look Toward Growth in 2023

Cajun Operating Company, the operator of the Church’s Texas Chicken® and its sister brand, Texas Chicken™, ended 2022 on a high note with several exciting expansion deals and milestone celebrations, looking to continue on its path of success in 2023.

“After looking back on 2022 and the numerous accomplishments we’ve made, our team is focused on the future of our brand,” said Tim Waddell, Executive Vice President of International Business. “We are striving towards...