PODCAST: Agri-Food for Thought Episode 12 - Summer Food Trends Shift into Autumn

Listen now as Jamie and Simon examine seasonal shifts underway in the food and ag space as we say goodbye to Summer and hello to cooler weather, election season, and the harvest. 

Anthrax Confirmed in Wyoming Cattle for First Time Since 1970s

According to the Wyoming Livestock Board, anthrax was confirmed in multiple beef herds in Carbon County on August 31, 2024. This marks the first time the bacterial disease has been confirmed in Wyoming cattle since the 1970s.

“Multiple state agencies and private veterinarians responded quickly following the anthrax diagnosis by the Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory. Protecting animal and human health is critical upon diagnosis of a zoonotic disease,” said Dr. Hallie Hasel, Wyoming State Veterinarian. 

“The Wyoming Livestock Board will continue working with producers and private veterinarians to reduce further...

Aramark Celebrates NFL’s International Games with Globally Inspired Cuisine at Stadiums Across U.S.

The 2024 NFL season is upon us, and Aramark Sports + Entertainment (Aramark, NYSE: ARMK) is bringing the spirit of global cuisine to its venues as the league prepares to host five international games in three countries.

Aramark’s partners at the Philadelphia Eagles and Minnesota Vikings will be part of the exciting lineup of NFL International Games, with the Eagles competing on Sept. 6 in São Paulo, Brazil, and the Vikings playing on Oct. 6 in London, England. To celebrate these historic events...

Chile Approves Agreement with U.S. to Protect Market Access for U.S. Cheese and Meat Products

On Tuesday, September 3, the National Congress of Chile approved the agreement on Chile Market Access and Prior Users for Cheese and Meats. The approval of this agreement by Chile confirms the United States’ and Chile’s mutual understanding regarding market access to Chile for a number of U.S. cheese and meat products and how Chile will treat prior users of certain terms for cheeses.

“This is a welcome development from the Republic of Chile, and I would like to thank them for their work...

Court Approves Red Lobster Bankruptcy Plan; Over 500 Restaurants to Survive

Seafood restaurant chain Red Lobster announced that it has received court approval for its Chapter 11 bankruptcy plan.

As part of the plan, RL Investor Holdings will acquire the chain. RL Investor Holdings is an entity created by funds managed by  affiliates of Fortress Investment Group LLC, alongside co-investors TCW Private Credit and Blue Torch.

The deal is expected to close by the end of this month, per a statement from Red Lobster.

The sale also means that Red Lobster will remain an independent company with 544...

ANALYSIS: Production Indications Suggest Turkey Supply Pinch

An earlier analysis piece we published described the year-over-year (YoY) change in turkey hatchery figures and quotations for frozen 16 lbs. toms...

ANALYSIS: Australia's Aug 2024 Beef Exports Dip from Record Highs; US-Bound Volumes at 9-Year High

Australia's August 2024 beef and veal exports scaled back from record highs to 121,797 metric tonnes (mt), the latest data from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (DAFF) revealed.

Volumes shed 6.3% (-8,201 mt) from July’s all time high of 129,998 mt. This decline was primarily driven by reduced exports to major clients such as Japan, China, and Korea, despite continued strength in exports to the tight United States (US) market.

Annually, exports surged by 19.0% (+19,446 mt), driven by increased... 

ANALYSIS: The Seasonal Rebound of EU Shell Egg Markets

Retail buying activity continues to rebound as the post-summer season unfolds, aligning with typical seasonal patterns observed at this time of year. Shell eggs have become less available for breaking plants as some producers are gearing their production efforts towards increased supermarkets demand. This has resulted in bullish sentiments for raw material, and sellers are confidently maintaining higher asking prices. This upward pressure on prices is evident in market assessments for both cage and barn shell eggs, which have risen for two consecutive...

KPOT Announces Opening of 80th Location, First Location in NYC

KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot, a unique, hands-on, all-you-can-eat dining experience that merges traditional Asian Hot Pot with Korean BBQ flavors, today announces the opening of its 80th location, which also happens to be its first location in New York City located at 310 W 38th St in Manhattan’s Midtown West neighborhood.

KPOT offers a diverse culinary experience with an extensive selection of premium meats, fresh seafood, and crisp vegetables for both its BBQ and Hot Pot offerings...

Blimpie Introduces New Value Meal

In keeping with the Bigger. Better. Blimpie.® (www.Blimpie.com) theme, America's Sub Shop® is thrilled to announce the launch of our latest promotional offering, the Blimpie Value Meal.

For more than 60 years, Blimpie has been offering handcrafted sub sandwiches, with generous portions of high-quality deli meats and cheeses, sliced fresh to order. The Blimpie Value Meal offers an enticing choice from some of our most popular items. All made with quality ingredients, each priced at $5.00. Starting September 5, 2024, guests can select from the following delicious sub or wrap options...

More Choices, Less Satisfaction? A Look at Findings from Recent Micro Study on Fast-Casual Chains

Data intelligence solutions provider Competitor IQ, a subsidiary of DALBAR Inc., shared insights from a micro study focused on the fast-casual foodservice landscape.

The study focused on fast-casual chains operating in Atlanta, Georgia and the big takeaway focused on the “Customization Conundrum.”

According to the firm, fast-casual chains have had an increased focus on customization options. Think of options like Chioptle or the various sandwich chains that allow customers to create meals to their specifications...

The Retail Rundown: September's Seasonal Shifts

Although there are about two weeks left to enjoy summer, many consider the season unofficially over following Labor Day. The retail landscape is starting to reflect this shift, where factors like cooler weather and football season are already influencing consumer demand. 

The frozen/convenience aisles and deli counters benefit from back-to-school needs and provide quick meals for busy households. Circana data indicates that prepared dishes/kits earned $18.1 million in total sales last week, up from $17.7 million the week prior. Over in lunchmeat, fresh packaged turkey retailed at $7.21 discounted, an 18-cent year-over-year decrease.  

Papa Johns Announces PepsiCo as its Beverage Partner in North America

Today, Papa John's International, Inc. announced its selection of PepsiCo as its exclusive beverage supplier for restaurants in North America through a 10-year contract renewal. The extension of this partnership showcases the brand's ongoing commitment to deliver exceptional value to its customers and franchise partners by offering quality products that customers expect.

The partnership will also underscore the brand's strategy by supporting Papa Johns marketing efforts through additional investment from Pepsi, while also encouraging North American development expansion through incentives to drive new store growth...

ANALYSIS: Japan's July 2024 Beef Imports Surge 27.5% Y-o-Y; Tourism Spike Supports Growth

Japan’s beef imports in July 2024 reached the second highest monthly total of the year, rising 3.8% month-on-month (m-o-m) by 1,789 metric tonnes (mt) to 49,347 mt, according to the latest data from Trade Statistics of Japan.

Earlier in February, volumes hit a five-year low at 31,012 mt, but still fell in line with typical import patterns.

On a yearly basis, imports grew a staggering 27.5% (+10,649 mt), led strongly by higher Australian volumes. In 2023...

Hickory Hollow Jerky Recalls Ready-To-Eat Jerky Products Produced Without Benefit of Inspection

Hickory Hollow Jerky, a Eufaula, Ala., establishment, is recalling approximately 6,229 pounds of ready-to-eat jerky 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 beef jerky and bacon jerky products were produced on various dates between Jan. 19, 2024-Aug. 21, 2024. The products were produced without the benefit of inspection by two different owners of the establishment. Ownership changed hands on...

HPAI H5N1 Virus in Dairy Cattle – What We Know

In March 2024, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) A (H5N1), commonly referred to as bird flu, was confirmed in domestic U.S. livestock for the first time in a dairy operation in Texas. Since then, the virus has spread to 197 dairy operations across 14 states, raising widespread uncertainty throughout the dairy and livestock markets. Industry participants have raised concerns about the outbreak's potential impact on consumer perception and demand for dairy and meat products, though government agencies reiterate that the national food supply remains safe. Expana is closely monitoring the...