Golden Star Enterprises DBA Super Fresh Foods Inc. Announces Production Contract with Eat Real Meals

Super Fresh Foods Inc. is a direct-to-consumer successful meal subscription company which uses a customized proprietary software to manage its logistics by tracking meals from ordering, ingredient acquisition, meal preparation, delivery, and payment across a broad platform of meal delivery assets.

Super Fresh Foods was established in 2022 and operates through a partnership with All Your Foods in the Vancouver, British Columbia metropolitan area to deliver meals under its “All Your Meals” brand.

All Your Meals is for people who want to eat...

Flashfood Releases First Impact Report: The State of Food Waste

Flashfood debuted its first annual Impact Report: The State of Food Waste at the ReFED 2023 Food Waste Solutions Summit.

Flashfood’s new report assesses the role of food waste in the current climate crisis and how reducing retail food waste could help the climate along with easing food insecurity.

Consumer perception is also a key focus in the report. It not only looks at the impact of food waste of the climate, but the “consumer appetite for Flashfood...

Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas Debuting New Dining Lineup in Major Shakeup

When 2024 rolls around, Royal Caribbean International’s Icon of the Seas will roll out over 20 new ways to dine aboard the ship from elevated experiences to quick bits and venues for families.

The cruise line highlighted its new upscale Empire Supper Club, an eight-course experience, AquaDome Market – Royal Caribbean's first food hall – and Izumi in the Park, an all-day window with fresh sushi and more.

"The experiences had over great food are at the heart of so many...

USMEF Conference Examines Industry Challenges, Opportunities for U.S. Market Share Gains

The USMEF Spring Conference got underway May 24 in Minneapolis, with USMEF senior staff updating members on industry efforts to expand the international footprint for U.S. red meat and bolster demand for underutilized pork, beef and lamb cuts.

Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen welcomed a strong turnout of producers, exporters, packers, processors and traders from across the nation, praising their collaborative efforts to advance U.S. agriculture by building global demand.

“I really wasn’t a ‘feed-the-world’ type of person when I started as commissioner,” Petersen said. “But as...

Olli Salumeria Introduces North America's First Preservative-Free Salami

One of Italy's most iconic and traditional foods is entering a completely new chapter as California-based Olli Salumeria officially launches the first preservative-free salami in the North American market.

This week, Olli Salumeria announces its revolutionary new curing process and formula that eliminates all added nitrates and nitrites, producing salami that is effectively free of all preservatives, without compromise to taste or texture.

Most modern salami has added nitrates and nitrites, either as a synthetic or through natural sources such as cultured celery juice...

Consumers Turning to Foodservice, Restaurant Deals in Early 2023

Consumers eating away from home were eyeing the best deal during the first quarter of 2023, reported Circana, formerly IRI and The NPD Group.

Unsurprisingly, consumers are looking to save a few bucks when they can amid inflationary pressures and higher food prices. During the first quarter of the year, customer visits to restaurants and foodservice outlets that took advantage of a deal rose by 8%, Circana analysis found.

The increase in visits of consumers looking to save some cash helped total commercial foodservice visits rise by...

ANALYSIS: Frozen Chicken Inventories: Up, Down & Sideways

Given this year’s cumulative ready-to-cook production stats, which stand at record levels, it isn’t very surprising that total inventory volume is 8.1% above this time in ’22. When compared to March, however, net outward movement amounted to 22.86 million pounds or -2.7%. This represents about 2.4 points less than what the 5-year average suggests during a similar period.

Digging into the whole bird category, frozen holdings were slow to exhibit much change during April; at least from a percentage standpoint. At just 12.56 million pounds...

Restaurant Loyalty Program Points and Rewards Redemption Increased by 26% 

Lingering inflation and higher food prices in the first quarter of 2023 had many foodservice consumers looking for a deal. Customer visits to restaurants and retail foodservice outlets that took advantage of a deal rose by 8% in the quarter ending March compared to a year ago, reports Circana, formerly IRI and The NPD Group. The increase in deal visits helped to grow total commercial foodservice visits by 1% over a year ago, a traffic gain after four consecutive quarters of flat or declining growth.

Although 73% of all foodservice...

Hormel Foods Brings Together Brands with Introduction of COLUMBUS® Handcrafted Charcuterie Board

COLUMBUS® Manufacturing, maker of premium, award-winning Italian deli meats and charcuterie for more than 100 years, announces the introduction of the Handcrafted Charcuterie Board available exclusively at Walmart. The new Handcrafted Charcuterie Board features a carefully curated and generous selection of meats, cheese, crackers, dried fruit, chocolate, and other delicious accompaniments along with instructions and tips that customers can use to put together an impressive charcuterie board for their guests.

In addition to featuring premium COLUMBUS® Italian Dry Salami...

ANALYSIS: Frozen Beef Inventory Continues to Decline; Pork Stocks Edge Higher

The USDA separates total beef stocks into two categories: boneless and beef cuts. The bulk of last month's decline came from boneless cuts, which were down 6.9% month-over-month and 16.6% under last year. Beef cuts, meanwhile, were about even with the month prior but 7.6% under April 2022.  

Total frozen beef cold storage inventory continues to follow seasonal norms so far this year but is declining at an accelerated pace versus the prior five-year average. Typically, frozen beef stocks hit their annual low during June since...

ANALYSIS: Turkey Poult Placements Signal Ongoing Production Slump

At the risk of overstating the obvious, turkey market conditions have been anything but “routine” over the past several years.

Expectations of another major disease outbreak, or the lack thereof, have market participants struggling to generate an accurate gauge on forward-facing supply expectations and spot valuation. With this in mind, the latest round of hatchery figures provides some clarity as to what future production might look like a little further down the road.

As illustrated by this week’s chart, the most recent poult placement figures through the tail end of April...

Morris to Lead USPoultry

Nath Morris has been named the next president of U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) by the board of directors. He will succeed John Starkey, who will retire in August. Starkey will remain as advisor through the end of the year.

Morris has been serving as executive vice president - expo at USPOULTRY. He managed the International Poultry Expo (IPE), part of the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE), and recognized by Trade Show Executive magazine as the 22nd largest U.S. trade show. He has been on the USPOULTRY staff since 2014.

Growing up in a poultry family in...

FCPT Announces Agreement to Acquire Up to 14 Darden Restaurant Properties for $85 Million

Four Corners Property Trust , a real estate investment trust primarily engaged in the ownership and acquisition of high-quality, net-leased restaurant and retail properties, is pleased to announce the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire up to 14 Darden restaurant properties (13 Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen properties and 1 Olive Garden property) for a purchase price of up to $85.0 million on initial cash rent of up to approximately $5.35 million.

The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of...

Dollar Tree, Inc. Reports Results for the First Quarter Fiscal 2023

Dollar Tree, Inc. today reported financial results for its first quarter ended April 29, 2023.

“Our initiatives to drive customer traffic and increase store productivity are having the desired impact. The Dollar Tree segment delivered a 3.4% comp, successfully cycling the 11.2% comp from the prior year’s quarter. Family Dollar continued its sales momentum with a 6.6% same-store sales increase. Importantly, both segments experienced a mid-single digit percent step-up in comp traffic. We are clearly gaining market share across the entire enterprise,” stated Rick Dreiling, Chairman...

Grocery Shoppers Expand Perception of Value Beyond Price

The latest survey of grocery shoppers by FMI – The Food Industry Association for its U.S. Grocery Shopping Trends 2023 series, reveals that the meaning of “good value” is becoming more complex as consumers navigate

The analysis revealed several common considerations for how shoppers think about value, both for the food and beverages they buy and the stores and channels they choose to shop, as inflation, while slowly edging downward in April, persists. Emerging dimensions of value regarding quality, relevance, experience and convenience are bucking the long-held definition of value being...

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. Reports Results for the Fiscal First Quarter Ended April 16, 2023

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. a full-service restaurant chain serving an innovative selection of high-quality gourmet burgers in a family-friendly atmosphere, today reported financial results for the fiscal first quarter ended April 16, 2023.

Highlights for the First Quarter of Fiscal 2023, Compared to the First Quarter of Fiscal 2022:

• Total revenues are $418.0 million, an increase of $22.4 million compared to 2022.
   -Comparable restaurant revenue(1) increased 8.6%.
   -Ninth consecutive quarter of positive comparable restaurant revenue(1) growth...

Meat Institute Partners with IT-ISAC to Improve Cybersecurity with New Food & Ag ISAC

The North American Meat Institute today announced a new partnership with the Information Technology-Information Sharing and Analysis Center (IT-ISAC) on the launch of a Food and Agriculture ISAC to enhance cybersecurity for the meat and poultry industry.

“We are grateful for the leadership of several of our members who helped found the Food and Agriculture ISAC to better prepare the industry to fight against the increasing threat of cyber attacks on our nation’s critical food infrastructure,” said... 

Fresh Thyme Market Celebrates Memorial Day with Hot Deals for Grilling and Gathering

Fresh Thyme Market, a community-focused grocer with a mission to provide communities with quality food that is affordable, is thrilled to offer hot deals and top picks on grilling staples and selections to ensure your Memorial Day events go according to plan.

"Picking out the ideal meat for grilling is essential for a successful holiday celebration. Don't be afraid to try something new, Fresh Thyme offers a wide variety of Certified Angus Beef Steaks, from T-Bone to Boneless Ribeye - ranging from $13.99 to...

Dollar General Promotes Steve Deckard to Newly Created Executive Vice President

Dollar General Corporation  announced Steve Deckard has been named executive vice president, growth and emerging markets effective June 1, 2023. Deckard, who most recently served as senior vice president of emerging markets and led the company’s international expansion into Mexico, began his DG career in 2006 as a regional director.

“Over the past 17 years, Steve has played an important role in the expansion of our business, helping to further our mission of Serving Others both in the United States and now Mexico,” said Jeff Owen... 

2023 IFIC Food and Health Survey Shows Americans Feel the Impact of Rising Costs

The International Food Information Council (IFIC) released its 2023 Food and Health Survey today, unveiling significant findings regarding Americans' eating habits and food choices.

The 18th edition of the annual survey reveals key consumer insights around the rising cost of food, stress and well-being, the influence of social media on food and nutrition decisions, evolving eating patterns, climate consciousness, and healthy labels as purchase drivers.

"The 2023 IFIC Food and Health Survey is a comprehensive snapshot of the complex factors that shape American food and... 

Great Plains Drought Hits Hay Crops

The market for hay is overshadowed by wheat and other crops hit by a drought in the Great Plains, but it can have a similar impact on food prices.

Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas are typically among the top 10 hay-producing states, according to U.S. Agriculture Department data, and swaths of each state are experiencing extreme drought, according to the National Drought Mitigation Center, a project from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the USDA and other partners.

This year's average seasonal price for all types of alfalfa and grass hay...

Panera Brands Prepares IPO with Next-Generation Leadership and Board Appointments

Panera Brands Inc., which includes the iconic fast casual and hospitality brand Panera Bread as well as Einstein Bros. Bagels and Caribou Coffee, today announced the establishment of its next generation of CEO leadership and Board governance in preparation for its eventual IPO. Current CEO Niren Chaudhary will become Chairman of Panera Brands, handing the CEO reins to José Alberto Dueñas, currently President and CEO of Einstein Bros. Bagels, effective July 1, 2023. Former Starbucks CFO and Independent Director Patrick Grismer will become Chairman of the Audit Committee...

ANALYSIS: Price Gaps Between Mexican 90s Trimmings with Other Countries

2023 has been a year of significant challenges for the Mexican export market. Factors such as the exchange rate and trade flows from competitive countries to the United States have led Mexican packers to different business decisions to achieve their goals. However, a major concern currently affecting the market is finding the balance to remain as a competitive alternative among other beef export countries whole closely monitoring the U.S. dollar exchanges rates that could affect the profitability of the trades.

An example of this can be seen in the 90s...

Saladworks Mixes Sweet and Spicy Flavors in their New Summertime 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, is mixing sweet and spicy flavors in its new summer Limited-Time Only (LTOs) menu items. The new LTOs will add craft Hot Honey to several popular menu items during Q2, as well as bring back a guest favorite for the season, the Summer Berry Salad with their new Poppyseed Dressing.

The new featured menu offerings with a twist of sweetness and spice are available... 

ANALYSIS: Beef 50s Maintain Huge Premium Over Pork 42s

Throughout most of this year so far, fresh beef 50s have maintained a huge premium over fresh pork 42s. As of Monday afternoon, Urner Barry's fresh beef 50s quotation was $1.86 per pound, compared to 50 cents per pound for fresh pork 42s. 

In 2023 so far, beef 50s have advanced by nearly 92% and eclipsed $2 per pound earlier this month. Over the same period, pork 42s lost about 13%. From a historical standpoint, beef 50s currently reside at near seasonal all-time highs, second only to 2017...

The Retail Rundown: Grilling Ads Galore

Spending on meat purchases for this year's Memorial Day cookout is expected to total $1.6 billion, according to WalletHub. For this week’s retail rundown, we’ll take a look at how this year's protein features compare to Memorial Day 2022. 

Beef features climbed to the top spot with 27.3% of buying opportunities this week. Pork comes in second with 25% of total protein ad volume, closely followed by seafood with 24.6%. Chicken has 19.7% of total retail activity, up slightly from last week. 

Starting with the beloved burger, ground beef prices are mixed. Circana data indicated that 74-84% lean ground...

Protein PACT Academic Advisory Council Launched 

The North American Meat Institute today announced the launch of the Protein PACT Academic Advisory Council, formed to advise on research priorities and the latest evidence related to meat production and consumption.

The seven members of the advisory council are renowned independent researchers from the United States’ top universities, with expertise encompassing environmental sustainability, human nutrition and development, combating hunger, and more.

Advisory Council members are:

• Dr. Adegbola Adesogan, University of Florida . Dr. Adesogan’s research focuses on sustainably increasing animal-source food production and consumption, particularly with a focus on the role of animal...

Chicken Salad Chick Announces 8-Unit Agreement: Strengthens Brand Presence

Chicken Salad Chick, the nation's only fast casual chicken salad restaurant concept, announces the signing of an eight-unit agreement that will bring new restaurants to Arlington and Fairfax Counties over the next five years. The first location is slated to open in Spring 2024. This development adds to the brand's existing statewide footprint that boasts five open locations - Christiansburg, Hampton, Mechanicsville, Richmond, and Roanoke, with 11 more under various stages of development.

Behind the development agreement is Devon Chamberlin, her father, Patrick Cavanaugh, and her father-in-law, Barry...

Circana: Consumers Keeping Close Eye on Food Spending, Opting for Lower Cost, Value

Consumer insights firm Circana reported that U.S. consumers are managing higher food costs by shopping at value retailers and capping their spending on non-food purchases, among other methods.

Circana’s findings follow the April Consumer Price Index (CPI), which saw inflation moderate overall, but food prices rise by 7.7% between April 2022 and April 2023. Circana noted that alongside the rise in food prices, consumers are faced with credit debt, depletion of savings built during the pandemic and cutbacks on credits and...

Kindness Takes the Lead: Sonny's BBQ Appoints Tara Boyle as Chief Kindness Officer

Sonny's BBQ, the industry-leading BBQ restaurant rooted in quality food and spreading kindness, today announced Tara Boyle as Chief Kindness Officer (CKO). Boyle will step into the role as the brand's second CKO, following the three-year tenure of Kennon Adkinson. As CKO, Boyle will support the evolution of initiatives under 'Q The Kindness, oversee the brand's Kindness Crew and develop monthly activities to reach Sonny's communities.

"Today's announcement marks a major milestone in our commitment to kindness and the endless potential of doing more in...

Corn Plantings Up to 81% Completion, Soybeans 66% Underway

Corn plantings in the latest week raced ahead to 81% completion. This is up from 65% the previous week and above the 5-year average of 75%.

Of the 18 primary production states, all but Colorado, Kansas, North Dakota, and Texas are above their respective 5-year average rates for planting.

Corn emergence was up to 52% in the latest report, up from 30% the week prior. Emergence is ahead of both the year-ago progress (35%) and the 5-year average (42%).

Nearby corn futures on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange were last trading flat to 2 cents higher...

BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc. Announces First Quarter Fiscal 2023 Results

BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc. today announced its financial results for the thirteen weeks ended April 29, 2023.

“We reported a record first quarter in net income and adjusted EBITDA, demonstrating the power of our business model and the warehouse club channel,” said Bob Eddy, President and Chief Executive Officer, BJ’s Wholesale Club. “We drove topline growth bolstered by robust traffic and share gains. We also made significant improvements on our merchandise margins largely due to waning supply chain pressures and...

Tyson Foods Completes Acquisition of Williams Sausage Company

Today, Tyson Foods, Inc. completed the previously announced acquisition of Williams Sausage Company, Inc. of Union City, Tenn., furthering the company’s strategy to increase its capacity and product portfolio. To ensure the continuity of business operations, Emily Billingsley, Roger Williams’ daughter, will be responsible for the company’s operations.

“This acquisition aligns with our strategy to win with customers, augments our manufacturing capabilities, and expands our product portfolio,” said Stewart Glendinning, group president, Prepared Foods for Tyson Foods. “Williams Sausage Company brings real strengths in its brand, facilities, and direct store delivery network...

Home Chef Celebrates 10 Years in Business with New Insights on Home Cooking, 'Greatest Hits' Menu

Kroger-owned meal solutions company Home Chef celebrated a decade in business with new insights into how U.S. consumers feel about home cooking.

Home Chef worked with Atomik Research in a survey of over 2,000 adults in the U.S. to explore sentiments around mealtime and to get a peek into what home cooking may look like over the next decade.

Here were the key findings:

- New adventure for your tastebuds: Many US consumers (67%) are willing to try new flavors and dishes. 78% of...

ConagraBrands Snacks Portfolio Showcases Dynamic Range at 2023 Sweets & Snacks Expo

Conagra Brands, Inc., one of North America's leading branded food companies, is bringing a powerhouse line-up of snack foods and innovation to the National Confectioners Association's 2023 Sweets & Snacks Expo. With one of the largest and fastest growing assortments of snack brands in the industry, Conagra's $3.1 billion portfolio offers craveable treats and satisfying eats for everyone. Conagra's iconic and emerging brands feature category leaders, and several breakthrough licensed partnerships. The Sweets & Snacks Expo takes place May 22-25 at Chicago's McCormick Place convention center...

Phillips Edison & Co Highlights Top Trends of 2023 for Grocery-Anchored Shopping Centers

Phillips Edison & Company, one of the nation’s largest owners and operators of grocery-anchored neighborhood shopping centers, today commented on the top shopping center trends of 2023 as part of ICSC Las Vegas.

Mike Conway, Vice President of National Accounts and Retail Partnerships at PECO, said, “We continue to see strong demand for space among growing retailers, which we believe is a reflection of their expectations for the impact – or lack thereof – that a down cycle will have on their performance. Consumer demand for necessity-based...

U.S. Pork Loin is Featured Attraction at Training Events with Mexican Distributors

USMEF recently partnered with Cedicarnes, a leading pork importer in northeast Mexico, to provide education and training for its end-user clients in foodservice on the versatility and quality attributes of U.S. pork loin. The training event was the first of seven planned in 2023 to promote the U.S. pork loin with importer/distributors and their end-user clients.

“These events are opportunities to explain the quality attributes of U.S. pork loin and demonstrate its versatility through the...

Kroger Grills up a Red, White and Blue Backyard Barbeque with Sizzling Savings

The Kroger Co., today shared red, white and blue menus specially curated for Memorial Day backyard barbeques, featuring grilling favorites, fresh sides and a dessert to be enjoyed around the campfire.

"Memorial Day is a special time to pay tribute to our incredible fallen heroes," said Rodney McMullen, Kroger's chairman and CEO. "Kroger is immensely grateful for the courageous men and women who have sacrificed for our nation and all our veterans and active-duty military personnel for their service and bravery. As families come together in...

Jimmy John’s Announces the Return of Summer Wraps

Wraps are back AGAIN! Starting today, Jimmy John’s® is bringing back two tried and true favorites from last summer and adding a spicy new offering to the lineup. Joining the menu once again are the beloved Chicken Caesar Wrap and Thai Chicken Wrap, as well as a new and unexpected flavor – the Jalapeño Ranch Chicken Wrap.

The fan-favorite Chicken Caesar Wrap is back! This classic features all-natural chicken, parmesan cheese, creamy Caesar dressing and mini croutons in a garlic & herb wrap.
Back by popular demand, the mouthwatering Thai Chicken...

USDA APHIS Confirms Atypical BSE Case in Beef Cow at South Carolina Plant

The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed an atypical case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), or mad cow disease, in a beef cow at a slaughter plant in South Carolina.

The beef cow was about five years or older and was tested as part of APHIS’s routine surveillance of cattle that are unsuitable for slaughter. The animal did not enter slaughter channels or present any risk to the food supply chain or to human health, said the USDA.

This is the country’s 7th...

Sofina Foods Inc. Recalls Ready-To-Eat Mortadella Deli Meat Products

Sofina Foods Inc., a Markham, Ontario, Canada establishment, is recalling approximately 15,165 pounds of ready-to-eat mortadella deli meat products due to misbranding and undeclared allergen, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product may contain pistachio (tree nuts), a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.

The ready-to-eat mortadella deli meat products were produced on March 27, 2023, March 30, 2023, and April 4, 2023. The following products are subject to recall...

Albertsons Companies Names Tom Moriarty Executive Vice President and General Counsel

Albertsons Companies, Inc. today announced that Tom Moriarty will join the Company as Executive Vice President and General Counsel effective June 5, 2023.

Moriarty brings more than 30 years of executive leadership experience to Albertsons Cos., including senior positions across legal, corporate strategy, policy and operations. He joins the Company from CVS Health, where he spent more than 10 years serving in roles of increasing responsibility, including Chief Strategy Officer, EVP Global Pharma, and, most recently, Executive Vice President, Chief Policy and External Affairs Officer, and General Counsel...