USDA Actions to Protect Livestock Health From Highly Pathogenic H5N1 Avian Influenza

To further protect the U.S. livestock industry from the threat posed by highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza, USDA is sharing a number of actions that we are taking with our federal partners to help us get ahead of this disease and limit its spread.

Today, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced a Federal Order requiring the following measures, effective Monday, April 29, 2024:

Mandatory Testing for Interstate Movement of Dairy Cattle

• Prior to interstate movement, dairy cattle are required to receive...

Hormel Foods Announces Retirement of Jeff Grev, Vice President of Legislative Affairs

Hormel Foods Corporation, a Fortune 500 global branded food company, today announced that Jeff Grev, vice president of legislative affairs, will be retiring after a 40-year career with the company. Chad Randick, director of strategy and current lead of the company's transformation and modernization initiative, will succeed Grev as vice president of legislative affairs.

As vice president of legislative affairs, Randick will assume responsibility for overseeing all state and federal legislative affairs, and regulatory affairs.

"Chad's deep knowledge of our business and leadership experience in finance, sales...

The Retail Rundown: Abundance of Springtime Eating Occasions

There is an abundance of springtime eating occasions and grocers are gearing up for a triathlon of sorts with Cinco De Mayo, Mother’s Day, and Memorial Day fast approaching.

The produce section and the meat case are expected to benefit from Cinco de Mayo as those celebrating load up on beef, pork, and chicken for a variety of dishes like tacos, fajitas, burritos, and carnitas. These dishes are often accompanied by fixings like guacamole and salsa, boosting sales of avocadoes, mangoes, and more...

Grocer Lowers Prices on Essential Basket Staples, Asking Customers to "Compare & Save" Versus National Brands

All customers will have access to new giant savings on Giant brands with hundreds of new lower prices. They simply need to look for the "Compare and Save" tags on items in every aisle. The Flexible Reward promotion allows customers to earn 2x the points on Giant brand item purchases. These points can then be redeemed for grocery savings, gas savings or unique product offerings during future trips.

"At Giant Food, we have always offered great savings to our customers through our...

2 Feared Dead After Cargo Plane Crashes in Alaska

A Douglas DC-4 cargo plane crashed in the central Alaska Tuesday, killing two people onboard, local authorities said.

The plane took off in the morning from Fairbanks International Airport and crashed about 11 km from there, catching fire on a steep hill on the bank of the river and sending "a large plume of smoke," The Associated Press reported, quoting Alaska State Troopers as saying.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) was sending investigators to the site, said Clint Johnson, chief of the NTSB's Alaska...

Analysis: Dollar to Peso Currency Conversion Impact on the U.S. Pork Bone-In Ham Market

Following the Easter holiday and into early April, the US 23/27 bone-in ham market displayed a fully steady to firm tone, with the majority of buying interest coming from the Mexican market. The Urner Barry weekly average price for bone-in hams for the week of April 8^th, 2024 was the second highest on record for the month of April, dating back to 1981. This price was only exceeded during the 2014 Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDv) outbreak, reflecting the tight supply...

Perkins Restaurant & Bakery Is in Its Prime With Weeklong Juicy Deals in Honor of National Prime Rib Day

National Prime Rib Day is April 27, and Perkins Restaurant & Bakery®, a leading family-dining restaurant brand known for its homestyle meals and breakfast-all-day, is making it prime time all week long. Leading up to National Prime Rib Day, from April 22 to April 26, guests can visit a participating Perkins to enjoy 27% off all Prime Rib entrées. The deal gets even juicer on National Prime Rib Day as guests will enjoy a Buy One, Get One...

Performance Food Group and Industry-Leading Partners Unveil Sustainable Distribution Center

Advanced Energy Machines, FreeWire, GridMarket and Volvo Trucks North America played key roles in facility transformation

In recognition of Earth Day 2024, Performance Food Group Company (PFG) (NYSE: PFGC), Advanced Energy Machines (AEM), FreeWire Technologies, GridMarket and Volvo Trucks North America, partnered to hold a special open house event at PFG’s Gilroy, CA facility to show how the companies have collaborated to help create a sustainable distribution center model of the future.

PFG is committed to mitigating its carbon footprint and being responsible stewards of the environment...

The Makers of the HORMEL GATHERINGS® Brand Introduce Summer-Themed Hard Salami & Pepperoni Tray

With summer months right around the corner, the makers of the HORMEL GATHERINGS® brand are welcoming the season with the all-new, summer-themed Hard Salami & Pepperoni Tray, a perfect snacking solution for any summer shindig. Whether it's Fourth of July celebrations, or simply enjoying the company of family and friends on a pleasant summer evening, the Hard Salami & Pepperoni Tray is a convenient and delicious option to keep summertime snack cravings satisfied.

"Summer is the perfect time of year for people to get... 

Vertical Cold Storage Surges to Sixth Largest Cold Storage Provider in North America

Vertical Cold Storage, a developer and operator of temperature-controlled distribution centers sponsored by real estate investment firm Platform Ventures, moved from 15th to sixth on the Global Cold Chain Alliance’s (GCCA) North American Top 25 List of Refrigerated Warehousing and Logistics Providers. The company now has more than 77 million cubic feet of capacity in nine locations and employs more than 400 full-time team members.

In the past 12 months, Vertical Cold acquired MWCold in Indiana, purchased a second facility in the...

Iconic Trio Alert: Taco Bell, Lebron James and Jason Sudeikis for a Taco Tuesday Experience

Taco Bell is bringing icons together to shake up Taco Tuesdays with a new offering that builds on its long history of satisfying cravings with unparalleled value. Available exclusively on Taco Tuesdays from April 23 through June 4, the new $5 Taco Discovery Box brings together three of Taco Bell's most iconic tacos, including the brand-new Cantina Chicken Crispy Taco, and a medium fountain drink, delivering value, variety and craveability in one simple bundle. The limited time offer is accompanied by...

Armanino Foods of Distinction, Inc. Reports the Highest First Quarter Profits in Company's History

Armanino Foods of Distinction, Inc. reported its highest quarterly profits ever for the first quarter ending March 31, 2024. Armanino continued its profitability streak for the 83rd quarter in a row.

Net sales for the first quarter of 2024 were $15,720,317 compared to $16,351,866 for the same period last year, a decrease of 4%. Income before taxes for Q1 2024 was $3,116,504 compared to $2,561,406 for the same quarter in 2023, an increase of 22%. Net income for this period was...

Olymel to Close Quebec Processing Facility Focused on Poultry

Canadian meat processor Olymel announced last Friday the definitive closure of its Saint-Jean-Sur-Richelieu plant as of 19 July.

The plant had mainly processed poultry products, although it also made a small number of pork products.

“This decision comes against a backdrop of falling production volumes, which has led the plant to operate at only 40% of its operational capacity,” explained the company. “A reorganization of production within the Olymel family will enable operations to be redeployed to neighbouring plants with residual capacity to handle these volumes.”...

Flynn Group Expands Portfolio Through Acquisition of Applebee’s Restaurants

Signs Agreement with Applebee’s to Open 25 New Restaurants

Applebee’s, one of the world’s largest casual dining brands, recently signed an agreement with the world’s largest restaurant franchise operator, Flynn Group, with the goal to open 25 new Applebee’s restaurants in the U.S. over the next seven years. This expansion goal is part of Applebee’s development strategy to return the brand to net new unit openings.

Tony Moralejo, President of Applebee’s, said, "After 44 years as the neighborhood dining destination in America, this agreement reinforces...

UNLIMEAT Pulled Pork Wrap Now Available at All Starbucks Stores in HK

UNLIMEAT announced on the 16th the launch of its Pulled Pork Wrap at Starbucks stores throughout Hong Kong. The UNLIMEAT Pulled Pork Wrap is a fully plant-based product containing UNLIMEAT's pulled pork, along with refreshing carrot, vibrant red cabbage, and crisp lettuce, all wrapped together for a satisfying and guilt-free meal.

Since first entering Hong Kong in 2020, UNLIMEAT has expanded its presence by partnering with world class Chinese restaurants such as Mott 32, Crystal Jade, and Trust Congee King, providing these restaurants...

Kroger, Albertsons Companies and C&S Wholesale Grocers, LLC Announce an Update

Amended Divestiture Plan Adds Stores, Facilities and Banner Names to Enhance Competition in Overlap Geographies and to Address Regulator Concerns

The Kroger Co. and Albertsons Companies Inc. announced today that they have amended their definitive agreement with C&S Wholesale Grocers, LLC for the sale of assets in connection with their proposed merger previously announced on October 14, 2022. This amended package modifies and builds on the initial divestiture package that was announced on September 8, 2023.

The amended divestiture package responds to concerns raised by federal and...

Albertsons Companies, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year Results

Albertsons Companies, Inc. today reported results for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 and full year fiscal 2023, which ended February 24, 2024.

Fourth Quarter of Fiscal 2023 Highlights

• Identical sales increased 1.0%
• Digital sales increased 24%
• Loyalty members increased 16% to 39.8 million
• Net income of $251 million, or $0.43 per share
• Adjusted net income of $318 million, or $0.54 per share
• Adjusted EBITDA of $916 million

Fiscal 2023 Highlights

• Identical sales increased 3.0%
• Digital sales increased 22%...

FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Ground Beef Products, Possible E. Coli O157:H7 Contamination

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. FSIS is issuing this public health alert to ensure that consumers are aware that these products should not be consumed. A recall was not requested because the products are no longer available for purchase.

The raw ground beef items were produced on March 28, 2024. The products have a...

Cow-to-Cow Transmission Confirmed as a Factor in Spread of H5N1

In an update provided by the USDA, the agency confirmed that cow-to-cow transmission is a factor in the spread of H5N1 bird flu in dairy herds.

However, it remains unclear exactly how the virus is being moved around. “We know that the virus is shed in milk at high concentrations; therefore, anything that comes in contact with unpasteurized milk, spilled milk, etc. may spread the virus,” explained the USDA.

The government stressed the importance of biosecurity, including the movement of people, animals, vehicles, and...

White Castle Celebrates the 20th Anniversary of "Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle"

"Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle" could be described simply as a movie. But for many people, the story about two average guys on an odyssey to follow their Crave can be classified as a magnum opus. Beginning April 20, White Castle, the iconic American fast-food restaurant, will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the theatrical release by New Line Cinema of "Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle" with treats for fans visiting their neighborhood Castle or their favorite local grocer's freezer aisle...

Grubhub Brings Grocery to its Marketplace with Mercato Partnership

Grubhub and Mercato, an online marketplace for independent grocery stores, have partnered to bring Mercato's inventory of more than 950 merchants across the country to the Grubhub Marketplace. Customers can order from hundreds of locations today, with all merchants becoming available over the next few weeks. With this first-ever third-party delivery partnership for Mercato, Grubhub is expanding its Marketplace selection, and providing even greater value for its customers by now offering grocery, convenience and alcohol merchants. Mercato's merchants can grow their business and e-commerce footprint with access...

Gopuff Partners with Misfits Market for Nationwide Launch of 300+ Fresh Grocery Items

Gopuff today launched a comprehensive and affordable Fresh Grocery assortment powered by Misfits Market. Combining Gopuff's leading instant delivery with great value driven by Misfits Market’s differentiated sourcing model, the partnership will deliver an extensive range of more than 300 items, including fresh fruit and vegetables, dairy, meat, poultry, fresh bread and more, to customers’ doors in as fast as 15 minutes.

“We are thrilled to unveil our Fresh Grocery initiative today. By capitalizing on our vertically integrated model and expansive scale...

Lineage Logistics Announces Rebranding, Changes Brand Name to Lineage

Lineage, one of the leading temperature-controlled industrial REIT and logistics solutions providers worldwide, has announced a rebranding, formally changing its brand name from Lineage Logistics to Lineage.

Established in 2012, the Lineage name reflects the company’s unique legacy and expertise in the interconnected world of cold storage and logistics. The company’s shield logo signifies the generational and entrepreneurial commitment of the many companies that have been welcomed into the Lineage family through over 110 acquisitions to form Lineage with the shared charge of keeping the global food supply safe and...

Volatile Pig Market Means Quality & Trust Are Critical When Selecting Feed Additives, Says Novonesis

With the swine market enduring ongoing volatility, producers face profitability challenges and are ever more driven to ensure they can make optimal use of their biggest cost: feed. When selecting a feed additive which helps achieve this, predictability and consistency are crucial.

In today’s Industry Perspectives piece, Novonesis’s Dr. Lea Hübertz Birch Hansen, Global Technical Product Manager, Swine, and Lena Raff, Senior Portfolio Manager, Swine, present their view on the current and future market situation while discussing the ongoing focus on delivering high quality...