Boar's Head Provisions Co. Recalls RTE Liverwurst And Other Deli Meat Products 

Boar's Head Provisions Co., Inc., a Jarratt, Va., establishment, is recalling all liverwurst product produced by the establishment that is currently available in commerce because it may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The company is also recalling additional deli meat products that were produced on the same line and on the same day as the liverwurst and, therefore, may be adulterated with L. monocytogenes. The company is recalling approximately 207,528 pounds of products...

ANALYSIS: Record Price Gap Between Pork 72 Trimmings and Boneless Beef 90s in July

The monthly price spread between UB pork 72 lean trimmings and UB boneless beef 90s in July has increased to $2.92/lb, the largest spread ever recorded since data collection began in 1985. Pork trim can sometimes substitute for beef trim in hot dog production, offering a cost-effective option when domestic boneless beef prices are high in least-cost formulations.

Before the 4th of July, pork trim supplies were readily available, but prices have remained full steady post-holiday 

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 172 dairy operations across 13 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...

ANALYSIS: Boneless Ribeye Prices, A Mid-Year Report Card

With the dog days of summer here, let’s check in on how boneless ribeyes faired through the first half of the year. When looking at last year’s trends, boneless ribeyes just about feel in-line with the overall trend but failed to match last year's price points by quite a considerable margin. For example, Urner Barry’s Choice LTL boneless ribeye quote traded around $9.40/lb. through the month of April this year compared to $10.50/lb. last year, about a 10% decrease year-over-year...

The Retail Rundown: Competition for Ad Space Intensifies

As the final full week of July comes to a close, the retail sector is promoting at-home eating during the dog days of summer, a time when protein consumption typically drops due to the heat and fewer major retail buying occasions.

Competition for ad space is heating up, with seafood and pork leading the way, each capturing 25.8% of retail buying opportunities this week. Beef follows with 22.4%, unchanged from the previous week. Chicken has increased to 17.7%, up from 16.4% last week. Eggs account for 4.5%, with most feature activity...

ANALYSIS: Dog Days of Summer Bite Beef Market as 0x1 Strip Prices Plummet

The dog days of summer are here, and strips have so far seen typical seasonality take hold. Much like in years past, prices for many of the higher-value middle meats, such as 0x1 strips, see prices adjust lower as demand wanes amid the hottest days on the calendar. Consumers find it difficult to grill steaks during frequent heatwaves. The current week has been the catalyst for this move as since July 8, our quotation for Choice...

Penn State Tests Dairy Herd for Bird Flu in Support of State Surveillance Effort

Animal health experts in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences have announced that — out of an abundance of caution — they will test the University’s dairy herd for highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI, under a voluntary state testing program.

The announcement comes amidst an outbreak of bird flu that has affected dairy cattle in more than a dozen states since March. As of July 19, the virus had not been found in Pennsylvania dairy herds, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and state animal...

The Retail Rundown: Grocers Vie with Foodservice During Peak Travel Season

Summer is usually the peak demand period for foodservice, as warmer weather encourages vacation plans and out-and-about activities. As more consumers embark on trips, spending is typically increased at restaurants and bars.

Data released by the U.S. Census Bureau on Tuesday showed that restaurant business rose 0.3 percent last month, likely supported by the summer travel season. Overall retail sales in June remained unchanged from May, outpacing expectations for a decline. Stock futures climbed following the stronger-than-expected data, sending the Dow Jones Industrial Average to... 

Cargill Invests $1 Million in Research on Methane Reduction in Cattle

Cargill, a global food and agriculture leader, has issued a $1 million grant to Colorado State University to help fund the university’s AgNext research program. The contribution will support cutting-edge research aimed at promoting sustainable animal agriculture practices and reducing the environmental impact of the beef industry.

“Working closely with industry partners like Cargill, researchers and producers, AgNext is helping develop innovative, scalable solutions that move the livestock industry toward a more sustainable future,” said Dr. Kim Stackhouse-Lawson, director of AgNext and Co-Pl...

AW Farms Recalls Ready-To-Eat Hot Dog Products Produced Without Benefit of Inspection

AW Farms, an Argillite, Ky., establishment, is recalling approximately 6,900 pounds of hot dog 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 ready-to-eat hot dogs were produced on various dates since approximately May 30, 2024, and have a shelf-life of 45 days. The following products are subject to recall [view labels]:

• 10-lb. boxes containing two 5-lb. vacuum-packed packages containing “FRENCH CITY FOODS 6” ...

ANALYSIS: 1H 2024 in Review, Australia’s Beef Industry Navigates Surge in US Exports 

For a relatively small, cattle producing country, Australian beef is heavily traded. In fact, it's on the podium for one of the world's most traded this year. Australia's beef industry in the first half of 2024 has navigated a dynamic landscape reshaped by global market shifts and regional challenges. This period has been marked by significant export expansions to the world’s largest beef market, the US. Despite facing challenges in Asian markets due to evolving consumer demand dynamics, Australia continued to position...

Taylor's Sausage, Inc. Recalls Ready-To-Eat Landjaeger Sausage Products 

Taylor's Sausage, Inc., a Cave Junction, Ore., establishment, is recalling approximately 74 pounds of ready-to-eat Landjaeger sausage products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product contains soy, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.

The shelf-stable, ready-to-eat Landjaeger sausages were produced on Dec. 8, 2023, and packaged on Dec. 19, 2023. The following products are subject to recall:

• 14.4 oz. vacuum-packed packages containing...

ANALYSIS: Peeled Knuckles Defy Seasonal Trends Fueled by Lean Beef Demand

Back in April, we highlighted how record-high prices of 90% boneless beef had a massive impact on several items within the boxed beef complex, most notably, peeled knuckles. That trend has moved on through the summer as prices for peeled knuckles have reached their highest point in history, aside from 2020, when the COVID pandemic was in full swing.

At present, Choice peeled knuckles sit at $4.00/lb., this is roughly 21.8% higher than at this time last year...

The Retail Rundown: Dog Days Dull Buying Occasions

Holiday retail meat clearance last week was reported as mostly positive albeit a bit scattered due to varying weather conditions across the country. This week, extreme heat and record temperatures are expected to persist in the Western and Eastern U.S.

The sweltering conditions that typically accompany the dog days of summer make it challenging for retail to capture regular meat purchases. The egg case also typically sees fewer purchases around this time of year as consumers opt for cold breakfasts like cereal and fruit...

ANAlYSIS: Brazilian Beef Exports Reach Record Highs in H1 2024 Amid Currency Depreciation

Brazilian beef exports reached unprecedented volume in the first half of 2024, totaling 1,139,166 metric tons (MT), a substantial 29.1% increase from the 882,197 MT exported during the same period last year. Just in June, export figures hit 192,567 MT, reflecting a 9.2% decrease from May's 211,976 MT and nearly similar to the same period last year’s 192,688 MT, reflecting only a 0.1% drop.

China remains the top destination for Brazilian beef, absorbing nearly half of the total volume shipped in H1 2024...

ANALYSIS: Australia's 1H 2024 Beef Exports Grew 25.7% Y-o-Y, June Volumes Highest Since 2019

Australia’s beef and veal exports surged to 601,408 mt in the first half of 2024, data from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (DAFF) indicated. This marked a robust 25.7% increase compared to the same period last year.

Year-to-date (YTD) volumes grew by 123,030 mt buoyed by high Australian production levels. This growth underscores the timely outcome of herd rebuilding efforts initiated since 2021.

This export increase has primarily been fuelled by a supply shortage in the US caused by ongoing...

May Beef Export Value Highest in 11 Months; Pork Exports Below Year-Ago

The value of U.S. beef exports topped $900 million in May, the highest since June 2023, according to data released by USDA and compiled by USMEF. Pork exports posted another solid performance in May, but were below last year in both volume and value.

May beef exports totaled 110,133 metric tons (mt), down 5% from a year ago but the second largest of 2024. Beef export value reached $902.4 million in May, 3% above last year and the highest in 11 months. For January through...

Dakota City Tyson Currently Closed Due to Gas Leak

Late into the Sunday evening hours, a car struck the walls of a Gas-Insulated Substation just behind the Tyson Foods processing plant in Dakota City, Nebraska causing a major gas leak at 164th Street and North 20th Street. 

At approximately 8:30am Monday, Dakota City Fire lowered gas levels, and the vehicle was removed from the building. 

According to a source, the leak has led to halt in operations at Tyson and other neighboring businesses.

Expana will continue to provide updates on this developing story as details become available...

ANALYSIS: New Zealand’s Beef Sector Intensifies US Market Push, May 2024’s Exports Surge 26.0% M-O-M

The New Zealand beef industry is increasingly targeting the lucrative US market to capitalize on the high demand resulting from supply shortages. New Zealand’s exports in May 2024 were recorded at 57,202 mt, the highest in-month level since the 2015 drought year of 57,538 mt, data from Stats NZ indicated.

On a monthly basis, exports jumped 26.0% or by 11,796 mt. Year-on-year, the country’s beef exports grew 4.9% or 2,659 mt...

Training Program Underway in Colombia to Boost U.S. Red Meat Sales in Foodservice

The four-city, six-month-long training program, which addresses operational and marketing issues, will help restaurants become more profitable with U.S. pork, beef.

Decision-makers in Colombia’s foodservice sector turned out last month for the third phase of a comprehensive training program for U.S. pork and beef that took place on consecutive days in Medellin, Bogota, Cartagena and Cali. For the four cities, 135 participants from 65 companies with 694 points-of-sale participated in the training sessions, which focused on butchery analysis and technical specifications...

ANALYSIS: Lower Tenderloin Prices Weigh Down Loin Primal Value Amid Grilling Season

Loins typically garner the bulk of attention at this point on the calendar within the boxed beef market. Grilling season is in full swing and the 4th of July holiday is on the horizon. In 2024, we have seen the loin operate in quite a different fashion when compared to last year. As of June 24, Urner Barry’s Choice loin beef cutout value sits at $4.25/lb., roughly 10% below the same time last year. While a few items are lagging behind last year’s levels...

ANALYSIS: China’s May 2024 Beef Imports Soar 30% YoY; Consumer Shifts from Pork

China’s May 2024 beef imports rebounded from last month, rising 4.5% m-o-m or 10,048 mt to 234,449 mt, the latest General Administration of Customs People's Republic of China data indicated.

On a yearly basis, volumes soared 30.7% (55,053 mt), primarily driven by a hike in Brazilian imports. Exports to China was previously suspended in 2023 over Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) issues.

Year-to-date (YTD) figures stood at 1.23 million mt, a decline of 23.6% or 234,589 mt compared to the same period last year...

Trade Barriers Removed from Exports of French and Irish Beef to Republic of Korea

French and Irish beef producers will once again be able to export beef to the Republic of Korea, thanks to the European Commission’s efforts to negotiate the removal of local restrictions on EU beef.

In a significant development for the European beef industry, the Republic of Korea has officially opened market access for beef from France and Ireland. This positive result follows consistent representations made by the Commission, including through direct outreach by Commission Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis...

Hard Rock Cafe's World Burger Tour Competition Lets Guests Try Five New, Culturally Inspired Burgers 

Starting tomorrow, in honor of Hard Rock International Founders' Day, Hard Rock Cafe® locations around the world will debut five locally developed, culturally inspired burgers on the menu for the limited-time return of the World Burger Tour competition. Things are heating up this summer at Hard Rock Cafes where guests can enjoy:

• Bengaluru Burger: 7 oz steak burger, American cheese, sweet & spicy pickled mayo, black bean corn salsa, roasted jalapeno, guacamole, shredded lettuce - a creation of Hard Rock Cafe Bengaluru, India...

FSIS Issues Public Health Alert For Not-Ready-To-Eat Pork And Beef Bacon Products

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for not-ready-to-eat pork and beef bacon products due to levels of sodium nitrite that exceed the regulatory limit. FSIS is issuing this public health alert to ensure that consumers are aware that this product should not be consumed. A recall was not requested because the affected product is no longer available for purchase.

The dry cured pork and beef bacon items were...

ANALYSIS: Grilling Season Heats Up as CAB Bone-In Strip Prices Reach Year-High

As we head towards Father’s Day weekend, the Certified Angus Beef® market has witnessed some uplift around many of the cuts that are favorites during grilling season. The bone-in 1x1 shells are no exception. Since about mid-April, bone-in strips have witnessed a steady climb and have even surpassed levels seen this time of year. From April 22, prices have jumped by 17% in what has developed into a more traditional spring run-up...

April Pork Exports Largest in Nearly Three Years; Beef Exports Also Trend Higher

April exports of U.S. pork reached the highest volume and value since May 2021, according to data released by USDA and compiled by USMEF. It was also a robust month for U.S. beef exports, which were the largest in 10 months and valued at just under $900 million.

Fueled by a record performance in leading market Mexico, pork exports totaled 277,910 metric tons (mt) in April, up 14% from a year ago and the fifth largest on record. Export value climbed 18% to $778.8 million

ANALYSIS: The Domino Effect, Herd Reduction Impacts Beef Markets

As we begin to work through the back half of the year, there have been quite a few interesting trends to unfold through the first 6 months within the boxed beef markets. It is no secret that the U.S. beef herd has been in a contraction phase for some time within both the fed and non-fed sectors of the beef market. This has become most evident when you look at cow & bull slaughter figures year-to-date, which are down nearly 10% already...

ANALYSIS: Brazil's Beef Exports Reach Record Highs in May, China's Shares Decline

Brazil has achieved a historical record in beef exports as of May 2024, exporting an unprecedented 211,976 MT of beef. This represents an increase of 1.9% from the previous month and a surged 25.9% when compared to the same period last year. On a YTD basis, the total volume is up by 16.7%.

China remains the leading importer, purchasing 97,876 MT of Brazilian beef in May. However, this figure is slightly lower than April's 101,023 MT ,a 3.1% decrease,  and corresponds to an 11.8% decline compared...

ANALYSIS: Australia's May 2024 Meat Exports Soar to Record Highs

Australia’s May 2024 total meat exports hit a record high, reaching a total of 200,188 mt of meat, including beef/veal, mutton, lamb, and pork, data from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (D.A.F.F) indicated. Volumes surpassed record highs last seen in October 2019 at 189,895 mt.

Volumes on a year-on-year basis jumped 22.0% or 36,122 mt. Exports grew 9.6% or 17,441 mt after a 4-month consecutive rise.

The country’s beef/veal exports for May 2024 jumped 24.5%...

South American Meat Inc. Recalls Frozen Raw Beef Products Imported Without Import Reinspection.

South American Meat Inc., also known as 5Gogi LLC, an importer located in Commerce, Calif., is recalling approximately 20,111 pounds of various eligible frozen raw beef products that were not presented to FSIS for import reinspection upon entry into the United States, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The various frozen raw beef items were imported from Uruguay on or around March 17, 2024. The following products are subject to recall... 

ANALYSIS: Inside Skirts Cool Off After Hot Spring

Back in March, we highlighted the Certified Angus Beef® inside skirts and the contra seasonal moves witnessed leading into the spring. It appeared that buyers did their work earlier in 2024 amid reduced slaughter levels seen at that point. As we check back in on that item, it does confirm that buyers were in fact early to the draw this year, and prices have come down to just about the levels seen at this point last year. The item has lost roughly 9.85% of its value...

Moderate Growth Expected for Mexican Meat Production in 2024

Comecarne, the Mexican Meat Council, has estimated that Mexican meat production will maintain moderate growth in 2024, influenced by potential disruptions in the supply of livestock feed and impacts of climate on grain and forage production.

In the previous year, total meat consumption in Mexico reached 10.3 million tonnes, including pork, beef, and chicken. This marked a 4.9% increase compared to the end of 2022, positioning Mexico as the sixth largest meat consumer globally.

According to Comecarne, the rise in consumption is largely attributed to lower consumer prices and increased...

Meats by Linz Weeks Away From Opening New Indiana Facility

Meats by Linz has crossed state lines with an investment into an expanded space in Hammond, Indiana. 

The company spent $38 million for its 120,000 square foot facility which broke ground about two years ago and is set to start business this summer.

This family business was founded in 1963 and started as a local butcher shop that supplied meat to fine Chicago restaurants. 

It moved into its Calumet City, Illinois facility in 2004. Later, it opened the family's Angus ranch in Crown Point, Indiana in 2013 and....

ANALYSIS: Australian Beef Imports Maintain the Top Spot

The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service's weekly report on Imported Meat Passed for Entry in the U.S. by Country sheds light on the ongoing dynamics in the beef import market. With domestic 90% Fresh Chemical Lean prices remaining historically high (Chart 1), it is no surprise that the volume of fresh beef boneless trimmings imported to the U.S. has reached levels unseen since 2015. Year-to-date (YTD) import shipments are pegged at 253,464 metric tons (MT), 31% above the 10-year average...

ANALYSIS: Coarse Grinds Heat Up as Warmer Weather Ignites Grilling Season

As the Memorial Day holiday has come into view, coarse grinds have begun to showcase some seasonality which have been largely absent previously. Data shows 81% of coarse grinds increased nearly 27% year-to-date, 7% below the 5-year average. This is partially skewed due to the years of COVID-19 in the mix, particularly in 2020.

As weather has improved across the United States, grinds have slowly reappeared in the spotlight, encouraging buyers with incentives to return to the market as grilling season is set to begin...

ANALYSIS: Global Price Overview - 90% Trimmings

Urner Barry offers comprehensive beef price coverage across the world’s largest markets. This analysis evaluates 90% trimmings, a major ingredient for manufacturing beef products widely traded in different global regions.

To access the full range of Urner Barry's market insights, refer to our prices and market commentary. This includes coverage for U.S. Choice, Select, and Ungraded Boxed Beef, as well as U.S. Boneless Beef markets. We also provide coverage for U.S. imported beef sourced from Australia, New Zealand, Central America, Uruguay, Argentina, and Brazil, all the above are updated twice daily...

ANALYSIS: China’s Beef Imports Hit Lowest in April Since Start of 2024 Amid Sluggish Demand

China’s April 2024 beef imports plummeted to its lowest point since the start of the year, shedding 7.7% month over month or 18,718 mt to 224,402 mt, the latest General Administration of Customs People's Republic of China data indicated.

By virtue of its population, China is the world's second largest beef market after the US, with most of the growth led by affluent urbanites. In recent years, the beef market has been further boosted by the rapid growth of the 'quick commerce' sector, which 

American, Mexican, and Canadian Cattle Producers Sign Joint Statement Raising Brazilian Beef Concern

Today, leaders of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), Confederación Nacional de Organizaciones Ganaderas (CNOG), and Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) signed a joint statement to continue advocating for greater oversight of emerging lab-grown proteins, protecting cattle from animal diseases, and promoting the sustainability of the cattle industry. This action builds on the recent statement signing with Cattle Australia and furthers the international partnerships between cattle producers.

“The signing of this joint statement is an important step that unites cattle producers across North America...

Pizza Hut Enters the Burger Business with New Cheeseburger Melt

Starting today, Pizza Hut is entering the burger business with a better way to burger. Introducing the new Cheeseburger Melt, a parmesan-crusted thin crust Melt folded and loaded with beef, applewood-smoked bacon, onions, mozzarella, and cheddar, served with Burger Sauce on the side. The savory, cheesy, crunchy menu item ditches the bun (say goodbye to soggy bun burger deliveries) and brings together a medley of flavors for those craving a cheeseburger all wrapped into a crispy thin crust. With this handheld, Pizza Hut has cracked the code...

ANALYSIS: Brazilian Beef Export Volumes Show a Robust 25% Monthly Growth in April

Despite the general sentiment of a softened market from key export destinations for the Brazilian beef, exports in April demonstrated a significant upturn, with total fresh beef exports reaching 208,053 MT, a 25.1% increase from previous month’s 166,303 MT. The significant rebound in export figures from March have surprised some stakeholders given the persistent talk about a subdued demand and pressured prices. Particularly from the Chinese market, a major trading partner of Brazil.

April’s overall market undertone diverged by some means from the increased export figures...

ANALYSIS: Factors Influencing Mexican Ribeye Export Levels

The Mexican market has recorded its lowest export levels to the US in the last five years during 2024, primarily due to the strength of the peso in the exchange rate and increased demand in the Mexican domestic market. Despite this, the limited availability of materials in the USA has sustained interest in Mexican ribeyes.

Throughout the year, export price trends have mirrored those in the US market, particularly with select-type materials. Notably, this cut has shown remarkable price stability, maintaining consistent demand and demonstrating robust performance in the first quarter of...

McDonald 's Cooperating with Chinese Regulator After Reported Food Issues

White Castle, home of The Original Slider® and America's first fast-food hamburger restaurant, is recognizing National Slider Day on May 15 by treating Cravers to a complimentary Original Slider. No purchase is necessary. Customers will simply use a digital coupon available on White Castle's social media channels or enter the code SLIDERDAY on the app to redeem the offer.

Cravers visiting White Castle on National Slider Day on May 15 will receive a complimentary Original Slider.

White Castle introduced National Slider Day in May 2015 to honor the...

OLM Food Solutions Introduces Hot Stuff Kitchen Stuffed Bites

Performance Food Group company addresses need for quality, on-the-go snacks

OLM Food Solutions, a Performance Food Group company, is excited to announce the expansion of its snack offerings with Hot Stuff Kitchen Stuffed Bites. This product line pairs hearty portions of classic flavors with various doughs, from flaky pastry to buttermilk biscuits, which offers home-style taste and on-the-go convenience.

Created to meet America's growing demand for convenient, tasty snacking options, Stuffed Bites is designed with operational efficiency and market appeal in mind...

ANALYSIS: Global Price Overview– Beef Knuckles

Urner Barry offers comprehensive beef price coverage across the world's largest markets. This analysis examines a popular cut, the knuckle, which is traded in different global regions. The report explores market conditions and price trends for knuckles, a round cut utilized in various applications such as processed steak items, ground beef production and for slicing and dicing.

To access the full range of Urner Barry's market insights, refer to our prices and market commentary. This includes coverage for U.S. Choice, Select, and Ungraded Boxed Beef, as well as U.S. Boneless Beef markets...

Analysis: Rising Demand for U.S. Boneless Pork Butt in South Korea

Upon analyzing the USDA's year-to-date export data, there is a noteworthy increase of 70.6% in total weekly U.S. pork export volumes to South Korea compared to this same period last year. These exports have primarily consisted of pork butt items.

Conversely, year-to-date total beef exports to South Korea have decreased by 5.4% from the previous year. Elevated U.S. beef prices have led to a reduction in weekly export volumes to South Korea.

With dwindling pork supplies in the European market and high U.S. beef prices...

ANALYSIS: Insights into Non-Fed Slaughter

The quotation for 90% Fresh Chemical Lean Beef Trimmings exceeding $3.00 per pound has historically been a rare occurrence, happening only four times prior to this year: in September 2014, January 2015, late Spring 2020, and early Fall 2023. However, since the start of February, prices have remained above this mark for 14 consecutive weeks as seen in Chart 1 below.

Chart 1. UB Beef Trim 90%

One significant factor driving these historically high prices is the slowing rate of cow and bull slaughter in the U.S. According to the...

Burger King® Celebrates 70 Years With a New Birthday Pie Dessert and a Week Full of Delicious Deals

HAPPY 70th BIRTHDAY, BK! Burger King® is inviting Guests to celebrate its milestone birthday with an all new and festive dessert – the Birthday Pie Slice. Available for a limited-time at participating restaurants nationwide starting May 13, the new Birthday Pie Slice features a creamy birthday cake flavored pie-filling in a cookie crumb crust topped with rainbow-colored sprinkles, cake bites, and whipped topping.

The party doesn’t stop there! Burger King is best known for the...

Brazilian Feed and Animal Protein Industries Face Disruptions Amid RS Worst Flood in History

Recent catastrophic rainfall across Rio Grande do Sul (RS), has caused what some are referring to as the worst floods in the history of Brazils most southern state. The city of Porto Alegre recorded alarming numbers where in just three days, 260 mm accumulated, equivalent to more than two months of precipitation.

Approximately 534,000 homes and businesses are without electricity, according to the Ministry of Mines and Energy. The National Municipalities Confederation noted financial damages surpassing R$ 559.8 million (Approximately $110 million)​​... 

ANALYSIS: Tenderloin Prices Defy Springtime Expectations

Tenderloins have witnessed contra seasonal price movement ahead of, and throughout the traditional spring buying period. Urner Barry’s Choice Tenderloin quote entered 2024 at very similar levels seen at the onset of 2023, roughly $15.85/lb. Fast forward to the present and the item sits at $12.63/lb., a 20% drop in value through the first five months. At this point last year, tenderloins sat at $16.23/lb., about 22% above the current range and above the February trough. The item presently is also just shy of sitting 4% below the...

Freddy's Launches Pretzel Bacon BBQ Steakburger & Chicken Sandwich 

Fast-casual restaurant concept Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers® announced today the return of its Pretzel Bacon BBQ Steakburger with the addition of a Pretzel Bacon BBQ Chicken Sandwich, as well as its new Freddy's Frost lineup, including Lemon Cream and Orange Cream. The limited-time offers are available May 8 through July 2 at all Freddy's locations nationwide via drive-thru, in-restaurant dining, and pickup or delivery through the Freddy's mobile app and at https://freddys.com.

Freddy's returning Pretzel Bacon BBQ Steakburger is made with two premium quality steakburger...

Knock Dinner out of the Park with Beef

Spring means baseball and softball, and it also means the kickoff to summer grilling season. This year, the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. brand, funded by the Beef Checkoff, is excited to announce the perfect partnership between beef and baseball/softball as a proud partner of the Little League® World Series.

A favorite at the ballpark and at home, beef makes dinner easy. As the official sponsor of the Perfect Home Plate with Little League, the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. brand will make mealtime even easier with delicious, balanced recipe...

ANALYSIS: Australia's April Beef/Veal Exports Surge, Narrow Miss from 2015’s Record Highs

Australia’s beef/veal exports for April rose a whopping 46.2% year-on-year to 105,367 mt (33,304 mt increase), narrowly missing record highs last seen in 2015, data from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (D.A.F.F) indicated.  

Industry players initially anticipated that Australia would break its April export beef/veal record this year. However, the latest Monthly Australian Meat Export figures fell short by 7,916 mt to surpass the previous record set at 113,283 metric tons, primarily due to lower volumes to key customer China...

Cargill Meat Solutions Recalls Ground Beef Products Due to Possible E. coli O157:H7 Contamination

Cargill Meat Solutions, a Hazleton, Pa., establishment, is recalling approximately 16,243 pounds of raw ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The raw ground beef items were produced on April 26-27, 2024. The following products are subject to recall [view labels]:

• 2.25-lbs. plastic-wrapped trays containing "93% LEAN 7% FAT ALL NATURAL LEAN GROUND BEEF" with lot code 117 and establishment number "EST. 86P"...

ANALYSIS: Boneless Ribeye Prices Reflecting a Cautious Approach

Ribs have been tough items to get a pulse on this year as spending, production, and sentiment have all seen notable shifts in the past year. Uncertainty surrounding available cattle supplies and consumer willingness to spend on beef has prompted the market to take a much more cautious approach to the market and even more so around ribs. Urner Barry’s Choice Boneless Ribeye quote currently sits at $9.15/lb. compared to $10.23/lb. last year, which is about 10% lower...

Makers of HORMEL® NATURAL CHOICE® Reintroduce Chicken and Roast Beef to Portfolio of Deli Products

The makers of the HORMEL® NATURAL CHOICE® brand, a trusted name in deli products and maker of 100% natural*, completely delicious deli meat, are excited to reintroduce two items to its appetizing lineup of deli options: Deli Roast Beef and Rotisserie Seasoned Deli Chicken Breast. These varieties join a wide-ranging portfolio of 100% natural* deli products, with no nitrates or nitrites added**, and no preservatives.

"We work hard to ensure that every product we provide is completely...

ANALYSIS: Export Volume Challenges for Mexican Beef End Cuts

Throughout 2024, beef export levels from Mexico to the United States have been relatively low compared to previous years. This trend is largely attributed to the exchange rate, as the strength of the Mexican peso against the dollar has led to higher prices of Mexican items. Consequently, even though there is sustained demand for Mexican beef in the US, Mexican producers have been constrained in their ability to allocate beef for export, since sales in the Mexican domestic market are more profitable. This situation is particularly evident with end cuts...

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...

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...

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...

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: 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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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: 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...