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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Cargill and Nestlé Purina Partner on Regenerative Agriculture Adoption to Reduce Carbon Footprint

Investment in regenerative agriculture is estimated to reduce the carbon footprint of Purina’s U.S. grain supply from Cargill by up to 40 percent over the next three years

Nestlé Purina is investing in farmer adoption of regenerative agriculture practices across the company’s corn and soy supply chains through a new partnership with Cargill, one of the largest ingredient and agricultural solutions companies in the U.S. This work will support soil health and reduce the carbon footprint for Purina dry pet food products across North America...

ANALYSIS: Beef Herd Dynamics – Heifer Slaughter Rates Remain High

Amidst historical lows in the U.S. cow herd population, market observers have noted a significant uptick in the price of Fresh 90% lean boneless beef trimmings, marking nine consecutive weeks of higher weekly weighted averages. The latest Urner Barry weekly weighted average quotation is reported at $3.4936 per pound, an all-time high. This trend traces back to herd liquidation beginning in 2019, spurred by drought conditions across major cattle-producing regions and subsequent elevated feed costs, which disincentivized producers to maintain herd size...

Dine Brands Releases 2023 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report

Dine Brands Global, Inc. (NYSE: DIN), the parent company of Applebee's Neighborhood Grill + Bar®, IHOP®, and Fuzzy’s Taco Shop® restaurants, released its 2023 ESG report which speaks to priorities and progress within the focus areas of People, Planet, Food, and Governance.

“Dine Better, Together is how we describe our intention to combine business growth and competitive strength with our ESG commitments,” says John Peyton, CEO of Dine Brands. “At Dine we remain motivated to provide more than an exceptional dining experience, and we...

Urner Barry Presents Historic Awards to Industry Professionals at Executive Conference

Plus, Rising Star Award presented to industry up and comer

The 48th annual Executive Conference is underway at The Venetian in Las Vegas. Urner Barry is proud to host industry executives from the poultry, egg, and red meat industries in 2024 for this premier event. Day one kicked off with opening remarks from Urner Barry host, Russ Whitman, followed by Dr. David Kohl as the morning’s keynote speaker.

Following Dr. Kohl’s remarkable session on agricultural economics and the business trends to expect in the coming years, it was time for the annual awards ceremony. Each year, Urner Barry recognizes two exceptional individuals for their work and service to the industry—the Poultry Person of the Year and the Egg Person of the Year...

Executive Conference: Jeff Saturday on Communication and Collaboration on and off the Field

It’s day one at Urner Barry’s 48th Annual Executive Conference at The Venetian in Las Vegas! Russ Whitman, Director of Market reporting, delivered the opening ceremony to a jam-packed room, where hundreds of industry stakeholders and analysts gathered to share their expertise and gain insights from today's speakers. 

Dr. David Kohl, Economist, kicked off the agenda with his panel titled: Agricultural Economics and Business Trends for the Late 2020s: What Is Coming Next? An Academic Hall of Famer in the College of Agriculture at Virginia Tech...

US Demand Spurs Australian Beef Exports

Prices of Australian beef export have been on the rise, despite tepid consumer demand in the Asian Pacific food service sector. Overall consumption has been subdued due to cautionary spending and inflationary economic headwinds.

Selling indications of 95CL boneless beef has tipped over the $300/cwt CIF NE Asia for the first time this week since the start of the year, driven by the rally in US beef prices.

Strong March 2024 export figures have provided a substantial confidence boost to Australian exporters to drive plans for operational expansion...

Introducing Domino's® New York Style Pizza

Craving a delicious, new crust that is thin and cut into big, foldable slices? Domino's Pizza Inc. (NYSE: DPZ), the largest pizza company in the world, has you covered. Introducing New York Style Pizza: a pizza that is designed to be even more delicious, whether you hail from New York City or beyond.

Domino's New York Style Pizza is made with fresh, never frozen dough that is stretched thin, by hand. It is topped with a melty blend of cheese made with 100% real mozzarella and provolone, and cut into six big, foldable...

Online Grocery Delivery Services Market size is set to grow by USD 652.45 billion from 2023-2027

Albertsons Companies Inc., Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. and Amazon.com Inc., and more to emerge as Some of the Key Vendors, Technavio

The global online grocery delivery services market size is estimated to grow by USD 652.45 bn from 2023 to 2027, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 19.43% during the forecast period. APAC held the largest share of the global market in 2022, and the market in the region is estimated to witness an incremental...

Good Times Restaurants Reports Second Fiscal Quarter Same Store Sales

Good Times Restaurants Inc., operator of Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar and Good Times Burgers & Frozen Custard, today announced that same store sales1 increased 0.9% for its Good Times brand and decreased 3.2% for its Bad Daddy’s brand compared to the same prior-year fiscal quarter and average weekly sales2 were $27,133 and $50,880 for its Good Times and Bad Daddy’s brands, respectively, for its second fiscal quarter ended March 26, 2024.

Ryan Zink, President and CEO, said “The strength of our Good Times brand is clearly evident from...

CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor Shows Retail Sales Grew in March Amid Wage Gains and Easing Inflation 

Retail sales grew at a steady pace in March, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor, powered by Affinity Solutions, released today by the National Retail Federation.

“As inflation for goods levels off, March’s data demonstrates steady spending by value-focused consumers who continue to benefit from a strong labor market and real wage gains,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “In this highly competitive market, retailers are having to keep prices as low as possible to meet the demand of...

ADM Animal Nutrition Expands Recall to Include 17 Additional Lots of Chicken, Swine and Rabbit Feed 

ADM Animal Nutrition, a division of ADM , is expanding the recall announced on March, 30, 2024, to include the following additional products due to elevated levels of magnesium, sodium, calcium and/or phosphorus: Pen Pals® Chicken Starter-Grower (Product Nos. 70009AAA46 and 70009AAA44); Pen Pals Egg Maker Complete (Product No. 70010AAAE4); MaxLean GF Concentrate (Product No. 12354AAA); ShowTec Sow Ration with Thermal Care (Product No. 12343AAA); ShowTec BB 18 BMD (Product No. 18241AGNE4); ShowTec BB 18 BMD/DBZ (Product No. 18241PLM)...

Shoppers Believe Government Policies and Actions Most Responsible for Higher Prices in Supermarkets 

The Feedback Group, a leader in providing actionable stakeholder feedback, today released new findings from national research conducted with 1,150 consumers about their experience shopping in supermarkets for food and groceries.

Government Policies and Actions Top List of Factors Responsible for Higher Prices at Supermarkets
Supermarket shoppers rated a variety of entities and factors, on a five-point scale where five is "highly responsible" and one "not at all responsible", as to their degree of responsibility for higher prices in supermarkets. Viewed as most responsible, government policies and actions received the highest mean score (3.86). Product manufacturers and suppliers scored second most responsible (3.75), followed more distantly by wars and worldwide political conflicts (3.42), supermarket retailers (3.40), and labor supply shor

NRF Announces Promotion of Chief Lobbyist

The National Retail Federation today announced the promotion of David French from senior vice president to executive vice president of government relations and executive director of the National Council of Chain Restaurants. Since joining NRF in 2011, French has led the organization’s advocacy strategy to advance the retail industry’s legislative priorities.

“As NRF’s chief lobbyist, David is a great partner of many years who has done an incredible job with public policy efforts that support retailers and the millions of people they employ and the communities they serve,” NRF President and...

ANALYSIS: Raw Material Costs in the QSR Sector - Beef Versus Chicken

Fast food restaurants have garnered a lot of attention in recent months due to increasing menu prices.  We thought it would be worthwhile to examine the costs for different ingredients used by the sector, particularly focusing on raw protein materials required for staple menu items. 

For this analysis, we concentrate on hamburger formulations using a 75% lean point. Cost ratio values below one indicate that a hamburger made exclusively from domestic boneless beef provides greater economic value, while values above one suggest that alternative options...

NCBA Urges USDA to Reverse Decision to End Reporting of Critical Cattle Industry Data

Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) criticized the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Services’ (USDA-NASS) decision to cancel the July Cattle Report and discontinue the County Estimates for Crops and Livestock, among other changes. These reports provide critical data and the decision to end them is completely misguided.

“It is disingenuous for the same agency which touts its commitment to transparency in livestock markets to arbitrarily cease publication of reports which provide just that...

Dickey’s Barbecue to Expand Partnership with Sam’s Club

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is thrilled to continue growing their retail presence with Sam’s Club.

Starting in April 2024, the Texas-style barbecue brand is expanding their partnership into an additional 30+ Sam’s Club stores throughout Montana, Louisiana, New Mexico, Central and South Texas Regions. Sam’s Club shoppers can purchase Dickey’s world famous, original polish smoked sausage ropes in the popular 36oz Club Pack and show off their backyard pit master skills from the comfort of their own homes.

“We are pleased to now be offering the Dickey’s...

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Confirmed in North Carolina Dairy Herd

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was detected in a dairy herd in North Carolina on April 10, bringing the number of states with confirmed cases of HPAI in livestock to seven. 

HPAI has previously been detected in nine dairy herds in Texas, three in Kansas, two in New Mexico, and one each in Michigan, Idaho, and Ohio. The movement of cattle from affected herds in these states to North Carolina has been suspended. 

“This is an evolving situation, and we are waiting for more diagnostics from NVSL and will work collaboratively with our federal partners and dairy farmers in North Carolina,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler...

Kroger Kicks Off a Latin Flavor Take Over Four-Week Event

The Kroger Co. today announced it is kicking-off Cinco de Mayo with a four-week Latin flavors event. Customers are invited to experience savory Latin cuisine and explore the vibrant world of Latin flavors waiting for them at Kroger.

"This event is a celebration of a culture and flavors that inspires togetherness and a passion for food," said Dan De La Rosa, Kroger's group vice president of Fresh Merchandising. "We hope to curate an experience that promises to spark a new culinary adventure...

Rerouting Trucks and Ships Away from Baltimore: What Early Data Shows

As the days add up after the March 26 collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, companies that gather data from trucks and supply chains are beginning to get an idea of where trucks are rerouting in the catastrophe’s wake. Data on ship rerouting is less conclusive.

While some of that data is clear, a lot remains murky as shippers and carriers figure out how to loosen the logistical choke points the collapse created.

One of the clearest data series in the market, because it is fed...

The Retail Rundown: Competitive Prices Drive Traffic; CPI Update

The coming weeks and months present favorable weather conditions for grilling and travel, considered supportive of protein sales from both a retail and foodservice standpoint. And with a few notable items displaying comparatively attractive prices, the retail sector is well positioned to capitalize on pent-up grilling demand.

Below, we’ll explore a few notable items featured near or below year-ago levels last week, when some households celebrated Easter.

First up is beef ribeye, which averaged $10.79 discounted, down $2.24, or 17.2% from a year ago. Beef...

Import Cargo To Hit 2 Million Containers For First Time Since Last Fall

Next month’s inbound cargo volume at the nation’s major container ports is expected to top 2 million units for the first time since last fall as imports grow despite new supply chain challenges, according to the Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

“U.S. imports are continuing to increase despite another disruption impacting U.S. ports,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said. “As retailers have adjusted to limits...

AFN to Bolster Definition and Establish Criteria for Regeneratively Raised Grass-Fed Beef

As the leading domestic grass-fed beef producer in the United States, American Farmers Network (AFN) has already established and implemented criteria for regeneratively raised beef standards throughout its extensive network of family ranchers. With AFN already having USDA approval to use the Regenerative Agriculture claim on its packaging for products currently being distributed through retail chains nationwide, they are perfectly situated to pioneer the development of a comprehensive certification criteria for regenerative grass-fed beef production across the entire beef category...

ANALYSIS: Will Peeled Knuckles Hold Their Ground? Lean Beef Shortage Tests Seasonal Trends

Record-high prices of 90% boneless beef have had a massive impact on several items within the boxed beef complex. Perhaps none have felt the effect more so than the peeled knuckle. Choice peeled knuckles have witnessed the strongest seasonal pricing in history through April 8, at $3.60/lb. Just a quick glance at the above chart and it becomes quite clear that pricing has fallen right in line with the trend of 90% boneless beef....

ANALYSIS: Australia's March Beef/Veal Exports Reach Highest Levels Since 2014, US Takes Top Spot

Australia’s beef/veal exports for March surged to levels not seen since 2014, up 7.7% y-o-y or up 7,595 mt to 106,573 mt, data from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (D.A.F.F) indicated. This also pointed to a consecutive monthly increase of 12,739 mt or 13.6% m-o-m. 

Notably, the US has taken over as the largest export destination for Australia, surpassing Japan, for the first time since 2015. The Monthly Australian Meat Export figures to...

Kim Lewis Appointed CMO of Capriotti's Sandwich Shop

Capriotti's Sandwich Shop (Capriotti's) announced this morning the latest addition to its executive leadership team: Kim Lewis, the first-ever Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) for the brand. This appointment comes as Capriotti's continues to plant roots in new markets, introduce menu and tech innovations to its operations, and further establish itself as a category leader in the restaurant space across the country.

Kim's experience in marketing spans well over two decades, including more than 15 years in the retail industry and most recently, 6+ years...

Corn Planting Progress Slightly Outpacing Average Rate

In the USDA’s latest Crop Progress report, corn plantings as of Sunday, April 7 were 3% underway across the 18 primary production states. This is slightly behind the 5-year average rate of 2%. 

Seven states now report planting progress, up from six the previous week. North Carolina and Missouri/Tennessee showed the most week-over-week progress, jumping 8 and 5 percentage points, respectively. 

States failing to get on the board include Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

Corn futures were down 1 to 2 cents...

Papa Johns Deepens Strategic Partnership With the Bajco Group to Expand Presence in North America 

Papa John’s International, Inc. (“Papa Johns” or “Company”) today announced plans to open 50 new restaurants by 2028 in partnership with franchisee Nadeem Bajwa and his company, The Bajco Group, which has grown over the past 20 years to become one of Papa Johns largest domestic franchisees.

Furthering Bajwa’s goal to own 500 Papa Johns restaurants, the new agreement will expand the Papa Johns footprint in The Bajco Group’s existing markets across the Midwest and in Arizona, Pennsylvania...

Applebee’s Launches NEW Whole Lotta Bacon Burger

Applebee’s is bringing home the bacon to guests nationwide with its newest Handcrafted Burger: the NEW Whole Lotta Bacon Burger! Big, bold, and full of bacon, the NEW Whole Lotta Bacon Burger takes flavor to the next level for only $9.99, for a limited time.* Guests can cure their bacon cravings with this decadent burger by dining in or ordering To Go.

The NEW Whole Lotta Bacon Burger features seared Applewood-smoked bacon in a juicy all-beef patty, topped with three slices of bacon, tangy bacon sauce and American cheese...

Farmlands Co-operative to Proceed with Acquisition of Cattle Feed Producer Seales Winslow

The New Zealand Commerce Commission (NZCC) has given the green light to Farmlands Co-operative's October 2023 proposed acquisition of Seales Winslow, the animal nutrition division of Ballance Agri-Nutrients which specialises in cattle feed production.

Farmlands is a farming co-operative with over 80,000 shareholders. Its NRM animal nutrition products division supplies its customers in New Zealand's South Island with pelletised compound feed that it manufactures itself. In the North Island, Farmlands uses toll manufacturers. Meanwhile, Seales Winslow operates...

Podcast: Agri-Food for Thought Ep 8 - Global Supply Chain Situation

USDA’s APHIS Answers Questions on Detection of HPAI in Dairy Cattle

Following the recent string of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) detections in dairy herds in several states, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has answered some of the most frequently asked questions about the rapidly evolving situation.

As of Apil 3, 2024, six states have confirmed cases of HPAI in domestic livestock. The first confirmation was on March 25 in dairy milking cattle in Texas. Since then, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, Idaho, and Ohio have also reported HPAI in dairy cattle herds.

Below are some of the questions...

States with HPAI-Infected Dairy Cows Grows to Six

A herd of dairy cattle in Ohio has been infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), increasing the number of states with dairy operations affected by the virus to six.

The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) on April 3 announced it had received confirmation from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) of HPAI infection in a dairy cattle herd in Wood County, Ohio.

The USDA previously confirmed the H5N1 strain of HPAI in dairy cattle on seven Texas farms, two in Kansas, and one each...

Albertsons Companies Unveils Simplified “for U” Loyalty Program Enhancing Member Experience 

Albertsons Companies (NYSE: ACI) continues to transform its customer shopping experience and deepen customer relationships announcing today a new, simplified loyalty program providing more value and ease than ever for the retailer’s 38 million* loyalty members. Available now, the award-winning for U™ loyalty program is better than ever with a single points-based system, double the time to earn points and a new automatic cash off option for more convenient savings, among other benefits. The program retains all the benefits customers love with exciting enhancements to celebrate their loyalty and create customers for life.

The for U loyalty program is free and available to all customers who shop at Albertsons Cos. stores including Safeway, Albertsons, Shaw’s, ACME, Jewel-Osco, Randalls and Vons

Analysis: Weekly Record High Volume in US Fresh Imported Lamb Product

According to the USDA’s latest National Weekly Lamb Carcass & Lamb Cuts report, the week of March 11th, 2024, experienced the highest weekly national imported volume of fresh lamb products to the US recorded since data collection began in 2005, totaling 4,424,235 pounds.

This represents a substantial increase, showing a 19.4% rise in the year-to-date total volume compared to this same period last year, and highlights a peak in demand activity as Easter 2024 approached. A significant portion...

CKE Restaurants Names Brand Presidents for Carl's Jr. and Hardee's

CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc. (CKE), parent company of Carl's Jr.® and Hardee's®, is announcing the appointment of brand presidents for Carl's Jr., Hardee's and International.

Following the separation of the Carl's Jr. and Hardee's brand, the business approach includes a leadership structure with three teams, each led by a president driving execution of strategic growth plans. Mike Woida will continue to lead as International President, Chris Bode was named Hardee's USA President last fall, and Blake Devillier has joined CKE Restaurants as Carl's Jr. USA President...

White Castle Savors Value and Flavor with the Introduction of the New $5 Bacon Bundle

White Castle, home of the Original Slider, is doubling down on its commitment to value, and at a time when consumers need it most. The iconic restaurant is launching the $5 Bacon Bundle! This news is so fresh you can hear it sizzling and smell the unmistakable scent of perfectly cooked bacon.

The $5 Bacon Bundle ($6 in Arizona) comes with a choice of two Bacon Sliders — choose from the Bacon Cheese Slider, the 1921 Bacon Cheese...

Robert Irvine and GRUBBRR Launch "Restaurant Revamp" Campaign Ahead of  Fast Food Wage Hikes

GRUBBRR, a cutting-edge provider of self-ordering technology, today announced its collaboration with company investor, partner and celebrity chef Robert Irvine to launch "Restaurant Revamp," a giveaway campaign aimed at addressing solutions to rising labor and food costs in California and beyond. The move comes as California is set to raise hourly wages for fast food employees to $20 per hour starting April 1, 2024, and more restaurant owners and operators are looking to integrate technology as a forward-looking solution...

Matthew R. Ott Named New President and CEO of FPSA

The Food Production Solutions Association announced that it has hired Matthew R. Ott as its new President and CEO. This announcement was made by Brian Perkins, FPSA Chair and President of Provisur Technologies Inc, during the Association’s Executive Exchange & Conference held in Indian Wells, California.

As part of this announcement, Perkins shared, “The Boards of both FPSA and the FPSA Foundation proudly welcome Matt to lead the Food Production Solutions Association. As we rebrand and refocus our organization, Matt is the right leader at the right time...

It's Back! Noodles & Company's Famous Steak Stroganoff Makes an Epic Return

The moment Noodles & Company fans have been waiting for is here, Steak Stroganoff is back! Noodles & Company, the national fast-casual chain known for spreading Uncommon Goodness with its globally-inspired noodle bowls, best-in-class service, and values-centric culture, announced today the highly anticipated, limited time return of Steak Stroganoff. Noodles is delivering nostalgia and satisfying goodness to guests with its most requested fan-favorite dish. Beginning April 10, Steak Stroganoff is available at Noodles restaurants for just $10.95, guests can now savor its return...

ANALYSIS: Frozen Pork Supplies Plummet to Monthly Record Lows

The latest USDA Pork Cold Storage Report reveals that frozen pork supplies reached record monthly lows in February. Stocks decreased by 1% from the previous month and declined by 12% compared to last year. The most significant declines were observed in boneless hams, boneless loins, ribs, trimmings, and bellies, which experienced month-over-month decreases.

This reduction in frozen stocks can be partly attributed to increased demand during the third and fourth quarters of 2023 from regions impacted by Prop 12, ahead of the January 1, 2024, deadline...

ADM Animal Nutrition Recalls Select Chicken, Swine, Cattle and Horse Feed Products

Specific lots may contain elevated levels of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium and/or chloride and may harm chickens, swine, beef cattle and equine

ADM Animal Nutrition, a division of ADM, is recalling the following products:

• Pen Pals® Chicken Starter-Grower 25-lb bag (Product No 70009ACF46)
• Pen Pals Chicken Starter-Grower 50-lb bag (Product No. 70009AAA44)
• Pen Pals Chicken Starter-Grower 25-lb case (Product No. 70009AAABE)
• MoorMan’s ShowTec Sale Burst w/DF DEN 50-lb. bag (Product No 21256CVWE4)...

The Retail Rundown: The April Outlook

The first inklings of planting season have made an appearance and with it comes the prospect of prolonged warmer weather. April typically launches a period of improved foodservice and retail demand as the shift in seasons encourages consumers to venture outdoors and fire up the grill. Moreover, spring break is underway, giving a boost to foodservice interest.

With spring in full swing, feature volume will begin to shift from roasts, popular with cooler weather cooking, to grilling cuts. Currently, the pork category overtakes seafood for a second consecutive week with the most feature volume...

Second US Human Case of Avian Influenza H5N1 Linked to Dairy Cattle Exposure Confirmed

The United States has just confirmed a new case of a person testing positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus in Texas, the country's second human case since a previous incident in Colorado in 2022. The patient had been exposed to dairy cattle presumed to be infected with H5N1, raising concerns amongst the livestock sector and related businesses. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains the risk to the general public as low...

Delight Restaurant Group Acquires 65 Wendy's Restaurants From Primary Aim, LLC

Delight Restaurant Group announced today the acquisition of 65 Wendy's® restaurants across Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia from Primary Aim, LLC. This acquisition makes Delight Restaurant Group one of the largest franchisees within the Wendy's System.

Delight Restaurant Group is a high performing and growth-oriented restaurant franchise organization founded by Managing Partners Andrew and Richard Krumholz in 2016. With this acquisition, Delight Restaurant Group will own and operate 226 restaurants, generating $500 million in sales, and employing 7,000 people in eight states. Delight Restaurant Group plans...

Chipotle Hides More than $1 Million in Free Burritos Inside New Burrito Vault Game 

Chipotle Mexican Grill today announced it is launching a new interactive game, Burrito Vault, that will give away 100,000 Buy-One-Get-One free entrée codes* redeemable exclusively on National Burrito Day, April 4.

Starting at 12pm PT today, fans can access the Burrito Vault game by visiting www.unlockburritoday.com. The brand is challenging fans to guess two exact order combinations, ingredient by ingredient, that will unlock the bank. Prizes are available for the first 50,000 fans on April 2...

State Officials Report Human Case of Bird Flu in Texas, Second Ever in U.S. History

State officials Monday reported the first human case of avian influenza A(H5N1) in Texas, marking the second-ever human case of H5N1 flu, or HPAI, in the United States and the first tied to exposure to cattle. 

The individual in Texas had been in direct contact with dairy cattle thought to be infected with avian influenza. The person, who had testing performed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) over the weekend, exhibited eye inflammation as their only symptom and is being treated with the antiviral drug oseltamivir. The risk to the general public remains low, said the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)...

BurgerFi Gets Saucy with HEINZ REMIX Debut

BurgerFi®, owned by BurgerFi International, Inc., is taking part in the sauce revolution by being the first brand to debut the HEINZ REMIX™ Machine at its 4343 N Ocean Blvd, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, FL 33308 location. BurgerFi Fi-natics can be the first to create their very-own condiment concoctions with fresh-cut crispy, crunchier BurgerFi French fries, hand beer-battered onion rings and more.

“As a brand, we know that guests are looking for unique dining experiences, and there is nothing more distinctive than being able to...

HPAI Detection in Idaho Dairy Herd 

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) identified today highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a Cassia County dairy cattle operation.

These are the first cases of HPAI in a livestock operation in Idaho. The affected facility recently imported cattle from another state that has identified cases of HPAI in cattle, which suggests the virus may be transmitted from cow-to-cow, in addition to previous reports indicating cattle were acquiring the virus from infected birds.

The primary concern with this diagnosis is on-farm production losses, as the disease has been associated with...

Trade and Exports Continue to Strengthen American Agriculture

American agriculture remains strong. Total U.S. agricultural exports reached $174.9 billion in 2023. American farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness owners continue to have success abroad as USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service works for U.S. agriculture.

Exports are critical to the health of America’s farm sector and the nation’s economy. USDA and the Biden-Harris Administration are committed to ensuring that U.S. agriculture has full and fair access to markets and opportunities across the globe.

In the trade policy arena, USDA successfully opened a new grapefruit market in Vietnam...

ANALYSIS: Inside Skirts Defy Seaonality, Hitting Record Highs

The beef markets have become a bit stale as of late but there continues to be some outsized moves going slightly under the radar. One of which, the Certified Angus Beef® Inside Skirts, just posted new all-time highs at nearly $8.12/lb. This may have some on the buyside scratching their heads a bit given the date on the calendar. But when you consider slaughter and production levels, this does not seem surprising anymore, as it seems there is interest in getting ahead of the much-anticipated seasonal rally...

Land O’Frost Announces the Addition of Directors of Research, Development and Innovation

Land Frost, Inc., one of the nation’s best-selling brands of pre-sliced deli meats and a producer of specialty meats, is pleased to announce the appointment of two new directors to its leadership team. Julie Lubash has been named Director of Research, Development and Innovation, while Paula Ford joins as Brand Marketing Director.

“The addition of Julie Lubash and Paula Ford to our leadership team reflects Land O’Frost’s commitment to attracting top talent from across the industry. Their expertise and strategic vision will strengthen our position as...

Jack Link’s® Unveils a Sweet Collaboration with Dr Pepper® That Brings Two Classic Tastes Together

Jack Link’s® and Dr Pepper® have teamed up to bring you a one-of-a-kind flavorful experience with the release of Jack Link’s WILD Dr Pepper® inspired flavored meat stick and Jack Link’s Dr Pepper® inspired flavored beef jerky. Infused with the distinctive flavors inspired by Dr Pepper®, each bite of Jack Link’s meat snacks delivers a delightful blend of sweet and savory sensations.

“Pairing two flavor icons like Jack Link’s and Dr Pepper is sure...

ANALYSIS: Cattle Futures Plummet to Multi-Month Lows on Market Uncertainty

Live cattle and feeder futures on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) have been under significant selling pressure in recent sessions, weighed in part by bearish USDA data and market uncertainty following the detection of bird flu in dairy cattle.

The cattle complex rounded out last week in lower territory ahead of the monthly USDA cattle-on-feed report. Analysts participating in the Urner Barry survey anticipated a 6.3% year-over-year increase in February placements following a sharp decline the previous month...

Mintec's 2024 US Easter Index

Mintec’s US Easter Index measures price fluctuations across key food commodities that are typically consumed in the US during the Easter period. The US Easter Index compares the commodities’ prices in March 2024 against March 2023 to determine whether consumers will be hypothetically better or worse off this Easter. The Index is comprised of three sub-indices: the US Easter Protein Index represents a selection of meats, fish and eggs that will typically be eaten as part of a main Easter dinner; the US Easter Chocolate Index compares the main...

Biofuel and Ag Groups Call on EPA to Issue E15 Emergency Waiver

Today, Growth Energy, Renewable Fuels Association, National Corn Growers Association, American Farm Bureau Federation, National Farmers Union, and National Sorghum Producers sent a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) calling on Administrator Michael Regan to act swiftly on an emergency waiver for E15 sales:

“New and ongoing conflicts across the globe continue to pose risks to the United States’ transportation energy supply. In addition to the conflict in Ukraine, now extending into its third year, the recent unrest and volatility in the Middle East present additional challenges...

Fire at Korean Pig Farm; Over 18,000 Animal Casualties

In the early hours of 25th March, a fire erupted at a Korean pig farm located 50 kilometers south of Seoul, run by a farming cooperative in Icheon-si. Over 16,000 piglets and 2,300 sows were killed in the event.

The fire broke out at 5:45 am with three out of six pig barns being burnt down, as reported by Korean media sources.

No human casualties were reported.

Majority of EU Countries Ask Bloc to Scale Back Deforestation Law

Some 20 members of the European Union asked Brussels to scale back and possibly suspend the bloc's anti-deforestation law on Tuesday, saying the policy would harm farmers, in the latest blowback against Europe's environmental agenda.

The EU law aims to root deforestation out of supply chains for beef, soy and other agricultural products sold in Europe, so that European consumers are not contributing to the destruction of global forests from the Amazon to Southeast Asia.

Those rules equally apply to European farmers, who will be banned from exporting...

The Retail Rundown: Easter Features Breakdown 

A March Easter is approaching—an occurrence not seen since 2016. Circulars are flush with holiday and springtime themes as grocers take full advantage of the upcoming weekend. 

Pork feature volume rose through the ranks and earned the top spot of protein feature volume this week with 29% of ad space. Seafood eased to 25%, down from 32% last week. Lent ends tomorrow at sundown, meaning observers can soon indulge in meat on Fridays again. 

Beef has 20% of retail activity while chicken features comprise 11% of protein ad volume. Turkey features more...

Francis Scott Key Bridge: Everything You Need To Know About The Collapse And Port of Baltimore Impact

Early Tuesday morning a container ship struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, damaging the structure and resulting in a partial collapse of the bridge. Cars were on the bridge at the time of the incident and “mass casualties” are feared. 

The idea for the bridge came about in the late 1960s when Baltimore Harbor Tunnel, the first crossing of Baltimore’s Harbor, reached its traffic capacity. Construction on the bridge began in 1972, and it later opened to the public in March 1977...

ANALYSIS: Brazilian Beef Export Situation Update

Last week, the Brazilian beef export market exhibited cautious activity, with market participants closely watching reactions to the newly approved meat processing plants for exports to China. Despite an increase in supply options, buyers leveraged the situation to negotiate prices, while some sellers maintained their previous week’s rates. The result was a market finding a middle ground, with most traded items maintaining steady or slightly lower prices than the week before.

The supply-demand dynamic appears stable, as buyers, reportedly well-stocked, showed no urgency in closing deals...

Circana Announces Top 50 U.S. Restaurants

Circana™, the leading advisor on the complexity of consumer behavior, today released its 2024 Definitive U.S. Restaurant Ranking Report, offering insights into evolving consumer habits, performance trends, and the top players in the industry.

While restaurant traffic saw a modest growth of 1% in 2023 compared to the previous year, a 5% increase in consumer spending was recorded, surpassing the 4% growth observed in 2022. Notably, the industry now stands as a half-a-trillion-dollar juggernaut, with dollars exceeding 2019 levels by 12%, despite traffic remaining 8% below prepandemic levels...

Pepper Announces Launch of Ferraro Foods App to More than 8,000 customers

Pepper, a leading provider of AI-driven solutions for the food distribution industry, is thrilled to announce its latest partnership with Ferraro Foods, a renowned name in the food service sector known for its commitment to delivering fresh ingredients and unparalleled quality service. This collaboration marks the launch of the highly anticipated Pepper App, designed to revolutionize how Ferraro Foods interacts with its extensive network of over 8,000 customers across 23 states.

"Our alliance with Pepper represents a significant milestone in our journey towards embracing digital transformation in...

MLB Eats: Aramark Sports + Entertainment Unveils New Ballpark Fare for 2024 Season

Aramark Sports + Entertainment, is headed into the 2024 Major League Baseball (MLB) season with an expanded roster of clients and a fresh lineup of ballpark menu options and concessions innovations to enhance the gameday experience for baseball fans.

The award-winning provider of food and beverage programs in premier MLB stadiums across the country, today officially announced the addition of Oracle Park, home of the San Francisco Giants, to its baseball portfolio, with plans for reimagined food and beverage offerings to be announced...

USDA Announces Up to $12 Million in Grant Funding Available to Promote U.S. Agricultural Products

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced up to $12 million in funding available to strengthen and explore new market opportunities for U.S. agricultural products and increase access to locally grown food in communities experiencing food insecurity. The funding is available through three grant programs administered by the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS): the Acer Access and Development Program, the Federal State Marketing Improvement Program, and the Micro-Grants for Food Security Program...

Perkins Restaurant & Bakery Launches Egg-Ceptional Catering Program Nationwide with Homestyle Faves

Perkins Restaurant and Bakery®, a leading family dining brand, is springing into the Easter season, offering a delectable selection of homestyle favorites at over 180 locations. Perkins is bringing the brand's iconic breakfast, bakery, burgers, and more to help guests stress less with life's special moments. The Perkins catering menu features affordable homestyle favorites with generous portion sizes, all held to the highest freshness and quality standards.

"At Perkins, we're excited to introduce our catering program, bringing our signature dishes to your special moments...

Stevens County Goat Tests Positive for Same Influenza Virus Affecting Poultry

A Stevens County goat kid (juvenile goat) residing on a farm with a Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) positive poultry flock tested positive for the same virus. This is the first U.S. detection of HPAI in a domestic ruminant (cattle, sheep, goats, and their relatives). All poultry on the property were already quarantined from the February HPAI detection. Following the confirmation of HPAI in the goat, the Board quarantined all other species on the premises. The Board is working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture...

Shake Shack Names Rob Lynch as Chief Executive Officer

Shake Shack Inc. today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Rob Lynch to the role of Chief Executive Officer and board member, effective May 20, 2024. Mr. Lynch currently serves as President and CEO of Papa John’s International, Inc. and under his leadership, the Company has achieved record global system-wide sales. Mr. Lynch will succeed Randy Garutti who will continue as the Company’s CEO through May 20, 2024, which will also be his final day serving on the Board, before transitioning to an advisor...

Meatable Achieves Landmark Breakthrough In Cultivated Meat Technology, Cuts Production Time To Only 4 Days

Meatable, an industry-leading food technology company, today announced that it has reached an important milestone in its efforts to produce cultivated meat at scale. Meatable is now able to transform pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) into high quality fat and muscle tissue in a record four days, down from eight days, a faster process than any in the industry. This breakthrough will enable the company to produce cultivated meat significantly faster and at lower costs than industry norms, and is therefore an important step towards...

DoorDash and Wing Announce Drone Delivery Pilot in the US

DoorDash and Wing today announced the launch of their drone delivery partnership in the U.S., starting in Christiansburg, VA. Select local consumers will be able to order eligible menu items from Wendy’s® — the pilot’s first restaurant partner — through the DoorDash marketplace and have them delivered via drone. This follows the drone delivery pilot program that DoorDash and Wing launched in Australia in 2022 and has since expanded to three locations in Queensland with over 60 participating merchants, marking the first time that Wing integrated its drone...

Two of America's Favorite Flavors Join Forces with the Limited-Time Offering 

Bacon and ranch both continue to be beloved food items of consumers everywhere, with both ingredients easily applied to a variety of different dishes. Whether it's a burger or sandwich, pizza or soup, ranch and bacon both tend to enhance the meals and snacks they're added to.

That is why the makers of the HORMEL® BLACK LABEL® brand are so excited, as they have combined these two tasty flavors within a single bite in their latest limited-time flavor offering, HORMEL® BLACK...

Overnight Fire at National Beef Plant to Result in Late Start Today

A fire occurred overnight at a National Beef plant in Liberal, Kansas, located in Seward County.

In a Facebook post late Wednesday, the Liberal Police Department reported that a "large fire" was on the east side of the facility and advised individuals not to drive on East 8th Street near National Beef. Additional details will be provided as more information becomes available, added the Liberal Police Department...

Smashburger® Appoints Denise Nelsen as Chief Executive Officer

Smashburger®, a leading fast-casual better burger brand, has recently announced the appointment of Denise Nelsen as its new Chief Executive Officer, the company's first female CEO. Under this new leadership, Smashburger is primed to further drive culinary innovation to enhance the guest experience, while expanding its industry footprint.

"We are thrilled to welcome Denise Nelsen as Smashburger's newest CEO. With her extensive experience and proven leadership in the food and beverage industry, she is set to propel the brand into a new era of growth," said Jollibee Group President...

FDA Issues Import Alert for Food Products with Chemical Contaminants Including PFAS

Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a new import alert for human food products with detectable levels of chemical contaminants that may present a safety concern to human health. The Import Alert 99-48, Detention without Physical Examination of Foods Due to Chemical Contamination, gives the FDA the ability to help prevent entry of human food products into the U.S. if they are found to be contaminated with a broad range of human-made chemicals including benzene, dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and...

Flashfood and The Save Mart Companies Partner to Make Groceries More Affordable on the West Coast

Flashfood, the app for grocery’s best deals, today announced a partnership with The Save Mart Companies, a California-based grocer operating 194 stores under the banners of Save Mart, Lucky, and FoodMaxx in California and Western Nevada. Flashfood’s free app connects shoppers with fresh produce, meat and other high-quality groceries at up to 50% off, diverting food waste from landfills and offering great deals on groceries at the same time.

The Flashfood app is now available at 44 Lucky stores in the greater...

The Retail Rundown: 2024 Annual Power of Meat Study Recap

The 2024 Power of Meat Study was revealed at the Annual Meat Conference in Nashville, Tennessee this week. Anne-Marie Roerink, Principal at 210 Analytics, presented the findings and identified the trends currently shaping the retail meat sector.

This year’s report found that the number of Americans who describe themselves as meat eaters (80%) and the number of households that purchase meat (98%) were unchanged from 2023. Circana data indicates that overall household penetration across all incomes, ethnicities, household sizes, and ages, averages above 97%...

ANALYSIS: A Look at Steak Cuts That Are Soaring and Sinking in 2024

Through nearly the first quarter of the year, the steak cuts within the boxed beef market have traveled down strikingly different paths. While there are several factors impacting the market, there are a handful of key standouts that have impacted some popular cuts as we near the end of the first quarter of 2024.

Let’s start with ribs and tenderloins. These items saw the bulk of seasonal discounting early in the year. Winter storms swept across the nation in January and those helped provide a floor and...

ANALYSIS: The Surge in Boneless Beef Imports Amidst Constrained U.S. Herd

The UB Beef Trimmings, 90% Fresh Chemical Lean quotation reached a record weighted average high of $333.25 per hundredweight on March 18, 2024. Meanwhile, according to the USDA’s latest Semi-Annual Cattle Inventory report, the number of beef cows were reported at 28.2 million head, the lowest level since 1961.

With constrained availability of cows in the domestic market and record high pricing for lean trim, end users look to alternatives to satisfy demand.  They have done so quite successfully through imported boneless beef...

CDFA Announces New Proposition 12 Certifying Agent

The California Department of Food and Agriculture's (CDFA) Animal Care Program has announced NSF Certification LLC as its newest Proposition 12 certifying agent.

NSF Certification LLC is based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and is accredited to certify distributors. It will be extending its certification services nationwide within the United States, added the Animal Care Program. 

A complete list of accredited certifying agents can be found here. To date, there are eighteen private entities accredited as a certifying agent per Chapter 10 (commencing with section 1320) of Division 2 of Title 3 of the...

CDFA Announces New Proposition 12 Certifying Agent

The California Department of Food and Agriculture's (CDFA) Animal Care Program has announced NSF Cerficiation LLC as its newest Proposition 12 certifying agent.

NSF Certification LLC is based in Ann Arbor, Michigan and is accredited to certify distributors. It will be extending its certification services nationwide within the United States, added the Animal Care Program. 

A complete list of accredited certifying agents can be found...

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19th Annual Power of Meat Reports Strong Meat Consumption, Evolving Consumer Trends

The number of Americans who describe themselves as meat eaters (80%) and the number of households that purchase meat (98%) remain steady from 2023, while the number seeking to decrease meat consumption has fallen by 20% since 2020, according to the 19th annual Power of Meat report released today by the Meat Institute and FMI—The Food Industry Association.

According to data cited from Circana, overall household penetration averages above 97% for all incomes, ethnicities, household sizes and ages...

It's a Flavor Eruption! Red Robin Debuts Lava Queso Burger Alongside the Return of a Fan Favorite

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. is introducing innovative new flavors beyond imagination with the arrival of the Lava Queso Burger, Chocolate Covered Pretzel Milkshake and more. Plus, the MadLove Burger is making its triumphant return after fans have pleaded for nearly a year!

Starting March 25, burger meets queso with Red Robin's new melty mashup, the Lava Queso Burger! Complete with chipotle aioli, caramelized onions, grilled poblanos and tomato, this decadent burger is topped with a flowing hot cascade of...

Subway® Selects PepsiCo as its Beverage Partner in the U.S.

Subway®, one of the world's largest restaurant brands, today announced a 10-year agreement with PepsiCo to supply beverages in U.S. restaurants beginning January 1, 2025. Subway's longstanding partnership with Frito-Lay® will also be extended through 2030, bringing the brand's U.S. snack and beverage portfolio together under one supplier and driving more efficiency across the system.

Under the new agreement, Subway restaurants will offer a consumer-driven assortment of beverages from the diverse PepsiCo beverages portfolio such as Pepsi®, Pepsi®...

Texas Foodservice Industry Surpasses $100 Billion in Sales for the First Time

According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Texas foodservice industry has achieved two major milestones, crossing the $100 billion sales threshold for the first time and graduating to the largest private sector employer in the state, surpassing the healthcare industry. These milestones and new data collected from a diverse group of restaurants across Texas reflect the resiliency of the industry that continues to grapple with the economic shock waves caused by the COVID-19 pandemic...

Marco's Franchising Announces Mexico Expansion with 50-Unit Master Franchise Agreement

Marco's Franchising, one of the nation's fastest-growing pizza brand franchises, announces a 50-unit master franchise agreement marking its debut in Mexico City as international development takes center stage in 2024.

Behind the development is Grupo Pizza Amantes SA de CV, a Mexican company run by four business partners. With the three principals having more than 20 years of experience in the restaurant, hospitality, and retail industry, Grupo Pizza Amantes has been appointed as the master franchisee for Mexico City...

Domino's® is Giving Basketball Fans a Slam Dunk of a Deal

Domino's Pizza Inc., the largest pizza company in the world, is celebrating college basketball's biggest month by offering customers 50% off all menu-priced pizzas ordered online today through March 24.

"Domino's is making an assist to customers for a slam dunk of a deal," said Christopher Thomas-Moore, Domino's senior vice president – chief digital officer. "What's better than enjoying delicious pizza while cheering on your favorite team? Enjoying delicious pizza when it's half off!"

The 50% off deal is available on menu-priced pizzas ordered through...

Qdoba Announces Appointment of Jeremy Vitaro as Chief Development Officer 

QDOBA, America's #2 restaurant brand in the Mexican fast-casual category, today announced that Jeremy Vitaro has joined the company as Chief Development Officer and Head of International. Vitaro brings more than 20 years of development experience and is responsible for QDOBA's asset light development strategy, including new restaurant growth, system remodeling, refranchising, acquisition, prototype design, and real estate and construction.

"We are thrilled with Jeremy's decision to join the QDOBA leadership team," said John Cywinski, CEO of QDOBA and Modern Market Eatery. "QDOBA is an...

Randall Foods Announces Completion of Executive Team Buildout

Randall Foods (the "Company"), a value-added provider of ground beef, poultry, beef, and pork protein solutions and a portfolio company of Highview Capital, today announced the completion of its executive team buildout that includes both external appointments and internal promotions.

Randall Foods is the combination of Randall Foods and WilMar Meat from a transformational merger in 2022. Now integrated, Randall Foods serves as a critical partner to grocery retail and foodservice customers. It assists customers by solving their greatest protein needs through...

Hardee’s Franchisee Shows Commitment to Greater Triangle Region with New Menu 

Hardee’s franchise owner operator Boddie-Noell Enterprises has a longtime presence in the greater Triangle area of North Carolina and recently made it even bigger with new menu choices at its 72 restaurants in the region, new Hardee’s openings and multi-million-dollar renovations across all locations.

Local Hardee’s are debuting new menu choices, featuring the Hand-Breaded Chicken TendersTM Platter and crinkle-cut fries. The Platter includes choice of three or five tenders and dipping sauce, combined with new crinkle-cut fries, slaw, toast and a beverage...

Meat Institute, FMI Announce 2024 Leaders of Tomorrow Program Winners

To kick off the 2024 Annual Meat Conference, the Meat Institute and FMI – The Food Industry Association announced 10 winners for the 2024 Leaders of Tomorrow Program.

The winners are: Kaylee Russell, Tyson Foods; Michael Yeater, Albertsons Companies; Tammy Gonzales, Cargill; Mike Van Drie, SpartanNash Co.; Nicole Koch, Seaboard Foods; Liz Holt Welnhofer, Pre Brands; Hillary Niblock, Superior Farms; Marie-Pier Labarre, Cascades; Zachary Stadler, Associated Wholesale Grocers; and Jennifer Hicks, Mitchell Grocery Corp.

“These 10 Leaders of Tomorrow proved themselves to be rising stars in...

Europe Looking Towards Air Freight Solutions Due To Continuing Attacks in Red Sea 

As Houthi terrorists continue to attack in the Red Sea, shipping and logistics companies also continue to provide updates on what the developments mean for cargo.

U.S. Central Command confirmed on March 12 that between 2 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. Sanaa time, Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists “fired one close-range ballistic missile from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen toward USS Laboon in the Red Sea.” The U.S. government agency revealed that the missile did not impact the vessel, and that there...

Kroger Delivers Convenience and Fresh for Springtime Travelers

The Kroger Co. is sharing quick and easy spring break travel prep ideas, delivering fresh products, friendly service and affordable prices directly to customers' destinations.

"Whether you're planning a road trip to visit family and friends, gearing up for relaxation on the beach or seeking thrills at your favorite theme park, we look forward to connecting more customers to Kroger Delivery," said Rebekah Manis, Senior Director, Kroger Delivery Fulfillment Centers. "Our service enables us to meet our customers' needs during special moments like family vacations, providing exceptional friendly service from...

ANALYSIS: Cattle Weights Resume Contra-Seasonal Gains Following Brief Stall

Cattle weights have resumed their contra-seasonal move higher following a brief stall, putting market participants on high alert. 

A string of winter storms and muddy pen conditions impacted cattle performance towards the start of 2024. Dressed steer weights shed 30 pounds during January, hitting a year-to-date bottom at 909 pounds during the week ending February 3. 

Dynamics in the cattle market have shifted in recent weeks with weights now displaying a contra-seasonal increase, reversing the declining trend seen since the start...

Podcast: Agri-Food for Thought Ep 7 - Meet Us in Las Vegas for the 48th Executive Conference

Join us at the 48th annual Executive Conference in Las Vegas, April 14-16! Featuring special guests: Russ Whitman and Chris Fastiggi. 

ANALYSIS: South American Beef Exporters Diversifying Beyond China In 2024

As we approach the end of the first quarter of 2024, a subtle yet discernible trend is emerging among major South American beef exporters, particularly Brazil and Uruguay. These countries are showing a tendency towards exploring attractive markets for their beef exports. This strategy doesn't signify a major shift away from China, remaining as the world's largest beef consumer, but rather an adaptive response to diversify their export destinations.

This trend becomes evident when analyzing the beef export data up to February 2024 (frozen, fresh or chilled)...

Stryve Foods is Proud to Announce New and Improved Retail Packaging Showcasing Thinly Sliced Steak

Stryve Foods, Inc., a trailblazer in the protein snack industry, is thrilled to announce the Stryve brand relaunch of its innovative retail packaging, showcasing thinly sliced steak, a breakthrough in snacking options. The revamped packaging not only captivates with its enticing food photography but also emphasizes the remarkable benefits of Stryve’s products, including its significantly higher protein content compared to traditional beef jerky, as well as its preservative-free and zero-sugar formula.

Chris Boever, CEO stated “We are...