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

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

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

The Retail Rundown: September's Seasonal Shifts

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

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

ANALYSIS: Chicken Cold Storage Chills Out in July: Stocks Dip from Last Year

Despite July’s modest 1.5% uptick in cold storage holdings when compared with June, at 757.1 million pounds, chicken inventory levels still managed to close the month at the third-lowest seasonal level realized in at least a decade.

When compared with 2023, total warehouse stocks retreated by a significant 10.5%, or 88.5 million pounds. This ongoing slump in frozen holdings aligns closely with this year’s generally consistent level of buying engagement, especially for key lines such as boneless breasts, along with a cumulative downturn in overall...

USDA Releases Updated Guideline to Strengthen Substantiation 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today the availability of an updated guideline that makes recommendations to strengthen the documentation that supports animal-raising or environment-related claims on meat or poultry product labeling. Today’s action builds on the significant work USDA has already undertaken to protect consumers from false and misleading labels and to implement President Biden’s Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American economy.

“USDA continues to deliver on its commitment to fairness and choice for both farmers and consumers, and that means supporting transparency and high-quality standards...

Chipotle Teamsters Hold Day of Action Throughout Michigan to Demand Fair Contract

Members of Teamsters Locals 243, 247, 332, 337, 406, and 1038 picketed and leafleted outside of Chipotle restaurants in Lansing and Detroit on Monday to demand a fair contract from the fast casual behemoth. Chipotle workers at one of the chain's Lansing restaurants are represented by Local 243.

"These hardworking Teamsters aren't going to back down from a fight for fair wages, increased safety standards, a fair process for scheduling, and protection from retaliation," said Scott Quenneville, President of Local 243. "Chipotle is a multibillion-dollar enterprise...

Diverse Crop Rotations Reduce Risk of Crop Loss Under Poor Growing Conditions

Researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) are responding to the increasingly uncertain climate. The warmer and more unpredictable weather has been a source of instability on U.S. farms. ARS agroecologists turned to history for a solution to this challenge, which inspired them to better understand the benefits of crop rotations.

Growing a sequence of different crops in rotation has been practiced for millennia. Crop rotations can rebuild soil health, fight pests and diseases, and spread-out risk of various pests and crop disease... 

Circana Research Reveals 86% of Eating Occasions Sourced from Home Over Past Year

Despite easing inflation, ongoing economic challenges drive shifts in consumers’ eating patterns both in and away from home

Circana™, a leading advisor on the complexity of consumer behavior, recently released a new report providing a complete view of food and beverage consumption trends, both at home and away from home. The 39th annual report, “Eating Patterns in America,” highlights a growing trend toward at-home dining over the past year, with 86% of eating occasions sourced from home. While retail volumes show modest growth...

FCPT Announces Acquisition of 19 Bloomin’ Brands Restaurant Properties for $66.4 Million

Four Corners Property Trust, a real estate investment trust primarily engaged in the ownership and acquisition of high-quality, net-leased restaurant and retail properties, is pleased to announce the acquisition of 19 Bloomin’ Brands restaurant properties comprising of 20 total restaurants (10 Outback Steakhouse restaurants and 10 Carrabba’s Italian Grill restaurants, including one dual-tenant property with both concepts) for a purchase price of $66.4 million. The 19 properties are located across 10 states (AZ, FL, GA, KY, LA, NC, NV, PA, SC, and TN)...

Checkers & Rally's Launches Best-Ever Value Meal Deal - New 5 for $5

Checkers & Rally's, the drive-thru restaurant brand known for craveable food at irresistible value, is offering its best-ever meal deal. Now value seeking customers can get everything they love in a complete meal deal including returning classic Cheese Double Burger or the fan-favorite Spicy Chicken Sandwich, 8-piece Chicken Bites, fries, soft drink plus an Apple Pie, all for only $5!

"We're excited to introduce our best-ever meal deal, the new Checkers & Rally's 5 for $5...

ANALYSIS: Counting Chicken Eggs

Broiler hatcheries are setting an impressive number of eggs this year. In fact, cumulative sets not only stand 1.49% above a similar period in 2023, but they currently reside at a record high. Egg sets are also 3.33% higher than the 5-year average. While some of this increase is being felt on the chicks placement side of the equation, the rate of placements is not nearly as efficiently as it has been in the past.

This year's cumulative average hatchability rate is 79.2%, which is down from both...

Canadian Agricultural Supply Chain Fears Amid Rail Labor Dispute

Crucial agricultural supply chains are under threat across North America after a rail labor dispute in Canada led to a shutdown of freight traffic on the country's two largest railways. Agriculture industry executives are fearing a succession of devastating economic blows and are already estimating their losses.

Canadian National Railway (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) locked out nearly 9,300 workers after midnight local time on Thursday 22 August, after multiple rounds of talks ultimately failed to clinch a late deal with the Teamsters union...

FMI Research: Shoppers Feel in Control of Their Grocery Spending

Consumers are adapting their shopping strategies to include more flexibility as they attempt to control their grocery spending heading into the fall, according to the latest survey conducted by FMI – The Food Industry Association and The Hartman Group. The report, U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends 2024: Return to Routine, provides a crucial snapshot of how shoppers are finding value and evolving their grocery shopping habits in the current economic environment.

While shoppers report continued concerns regarding inflationary pressures on food and other consumer categories...

Kroger Files Motion to Enjoin the FTC's Administrative Merger Challenge

The Kroger Co. today filed a motion for preliminary injunction in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio, against the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) administrative proceeding challenging the company's merger with Albertson's Companies, Inc. The company argues that by proceeding in its administrative tribunal, in addition to the separate action in federal court, the FTC is violating Constitutional protections.

The motion details how the FTC's administrative proceeding against the merger clearly violates the Constitution in two areas:

• First, the FTC violates Article II of the Constitution because...

Circana Reports on the Future of Dinner: Quick Meals and Invested Occasions Define Consumer Habits

Circana™, a leading advisor on the complexity of consumer behavior, today released insights from its Future of Dinner report, revealing that U.S. consumers source 81% of their dinners at home and most often enjoy dinner with others. While Gen X prefers dinners that require minimal preparation and few ingredients, Gen Z consumers increasingly invest in special occasion dinners as they hone their kitchen skills, while also seeking no-prep dinner solutions. In fact, half of all dinners are ready in 15 minutes or less...

The Retail Rundown: Leaping Towards Labor Day

Labor Day weekend, often viewed as the unofficial end of summer, is just two weeks out. Many families are seizing the opportunity for one last vacation, boosting foodservice spending.

For some students, summer break has already concluded, and back-to-school shopping for essentials like breakfast and lunch items is in full swing. Among retailers, Labor Day is recognized as the final major grilling event of the year, marking the last big push to promote barbecue favorites.

Last week, boneless skinless chicken breasts were featured at $4.43 discounted, 18 cents above...

Hormel Foods Announces Retirement of Deanna Brady, Executive Vice President, Retail, after 28 Years 

Hormel Foods Corporation, a Fortune 500 global branded food company, today announces the retirement of Deanna Brady, executive vice president, Retail, at the end of the fiscal year on Oct. 27, 2024. During nearly three decades of distinguished service to Hormel Foods, she successfully led teams across both the foodservice and retail lines of business and served as a key architect of the company's results-driven, high-performing culture.

The company also announces the return of John Ghingo, who will join Hormel...

Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer, McDonald's USA

Today, McDonald’s Chairman and CEO Chris Kempczinski announced that Tiffanie Boyd, who currently serves as Senior Vice President, Chief People Officer for McDonald’s USA, has been promoted to Executive Vice President & Global Chief People Officer, effective August 19, 2024.

In this role, Tiffanie will oversee the company’s human resources operations around the world, including Talent Management, Talent Acquisition, Total Rewards, Learning & Development, DEI, Culture and Organization Effectiveness.

"Tiffanie is an exceptional HR leader who understands that great people are the bedrock of the McDonald's business...

Perdue Foods LLC, Recalls Frozen, Ready-To-Eat Chicken Breast Nugget and Tender Products 

Perdue Foods LLC, a Perry, Ga. establishment, is recalling approximately 167,171 pounds of frozen, ready-to-eat chicken breast nugget and tender products that may be contaminated with foreign material, specifically metal, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The frozen, ready-to-eat chicken breast nugget and tender items were produced on March 23, 2024. The following products are subject to recall [view labels]:

• 22-oz. (1.38-lbs.) vacuum-sealed plastic packages containing...

July Retail Sales Reveal a Summer Vacation From Discretionary Spending, Reports Circana

Total U.S. retail sales across the combined view of discretionary general merchandise and consumer packaged goods (CPG) continued on the path toward a state of equilibrium in July. During the four weeks ending August 3, 2024, overall sales revenue remained level with the same four weeks last year, and unit demand declined 1%. While both food and beverage and non-edible CPG sales revenue increased 1%, with generally flat year-over-year unit performance, discretionary sales remained challenged, with a 3% decline in dollars and a 2%...

Bob Evans Farmhouse Kitchen Introduces Flavorful Fall Menu and “Dinner for 2” Deal

Today, Bob Evans Farmhouse Kitchen™ has announced the launch of new seasonal fall offerings with warm and inviting flavors. Embracing the essence of fall with ingredients sourced from family farms, Bob Evans invites guests to savor the taste of the season. The new menu offerings, ranging from Bob Evans Famous Sausage Chili to Hot Caramel Apple Cider and more, include farm fresh produce, tried-and-true recipes, and a touch of farmhouse tradition.

Additionally, launching system-wide, guests at Bob Evans can take...

ANALYSIS: Unseasonal Summer for Chicken

Whether or not you have experienced a seasonally "normal” summer thus far in terms of temperature and precipitation is wide-ranging depending on the part of the world you are in. Across the U.S. chicken market though, we can see that from the week of June 24th through today, some of the lines haven’t been sticking to a “seasonal script.” This analysis primarily focuses on jumbo tenders, jumbo whole wings, and jumbo boneless breast meat. Quotations for all these items have been well above the 5-year averages, with tenders, wings, and...

The Retail Rundown: Multiple Factors Fuel Promotions; CPI Update

As we reach mid-August, grocery stores are transitioning their end caps from summer displays to game-day essentials, gearing up for the NFL regular season. At the same time, circulars are packed with barbecue items for the upcoming Labor Day weekend along with back-to-school essentials as some regions are already welcoming students back to class.

This week, seafood continues to dominate, representing about 28% of total protein volume in retail buying opportunities. Pork follows with a 23.4% share, while beef captures...

Chipotle Announces CEO Departure

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. today announced that Brian Niccol, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, has accepted the role as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Starbucks and will be leaving the Company effective August 31, 2024. Niccol has served as Chipotle's CEO since 2018 and as Chairman of the Board since 2020.

Chipotle's Board of Directors has appointed Scott Boatwright, Chief Operating Officer, as Interim CEO. Boatwright joined Chipotle in 2017 and has been instrumental in driving restaurant operations for the company's more than 120,000 employees and over 3,500 restaurants. He also led the integration...

KFC® Expands $5 Value Menu to Offer Customers More Options - Choose from Three Taste of KFC Deals

KFC is rolling out brand-new $5 deals to its Taste of KFC menu to deliver finger lickin' good value and make KFC affordable for everyone. Starting today, the Taste of KFC Deals menu features three $5 offers:

• NEW DEAL – KFC Chicken Nuggets: Enjoy eight chicken nuggets hand-breaded with KFC's Original Recipe, Secret Recipe Fries and your choice of two sauces.
• NEW DEAL – Famous Bowl with KFC Chicken Nuggets: Famous...

It's Back: Chick-fil-A Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich Returns

Chick-fil-A® is bringing back the brand's best-selling seasonal offering of all time – now with a spicy option for Guests to enjoy. Starting August 26, 2024, the Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich will return to menus nationwide along with the new Spicy Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich, available for a limited time at participating restaurants.

And that's not the only fan-favorite making a comeback this season. After a 13-year hiatus – and countless calls for its return – the Banana Pudding Milkshake is making its way... 

ANALYSIS: Chicken Export Volumes in June

Total chicken exports from the U.S. for the month of June were mostly unchanged with only a miniscule 0.3% increase. This is in comparison to the 5-year average month-over-month (MoM) decrease for this period of -5.2%. Much of this may be attributed to improved economies for several countries compared to the past 5 years, as well as changes to HPAI trade restrictions.

The top five export destinations for the U.S. in June were Mexico, Cuba, Canada, Taiwan, and the Philippines. In the past five years, Mexico has... 

Layne’s Chicken Fingers Reports Strong Midyear Momentum: 11% Same-Store Sales Growth 

Layne’s Chicken Fingers, the Soon to be Famous™ chicken finger franchise, continues to grow in 2024. With a focus on strategic expansion and operational excellence, Layne’s has experienced an 11% increase in same-store sales compared to the prior year and double-digit growth in customer traffic.

“Layne’s has always been committed to delivering exceptional quality and service, and these numbers reflect our dedication to maintaining that standard as we grow,” said CEO Garrett Reed. “Our decision to concentrate on opening new stores and...

KFC Heats up the Sauce Battle with the Release of Three New Saucy Nuggets Flavors

The sauce battle is heating up, as KFC debuts three new mouthwatering Saucy Nuggets flavors that are sure to make your taste buds happy. Starting Monday, August 12, KFC's NEW Honey Garlic, Chipotle Ranch and Mango Habanero sauces will join the lineup alongside fan-favorites Korean BBQ and Honey BBQ, offering a craveable flavor for every palate.

• NEW Chipotle Ranch – A bold flavor with a mildly spicy and smoky blend of chipotle peppers and creamy ranch. Into a classic with a twist...

Church’s Texas Chicken® Gives Guests What They Want with New Rewards Program

500 Lucky Guests Will Win FREE Chicken for a Year Simply for Signing Up—More Rewards, More Chicken

Church’s Texas Chicken®, one of the largest quick-service chicken restaurant chains in the world, is launching its new rewards program, REAL REWARDS™. The REAL REWARDS program is a huge new benefit for guests that rewards them each time they make a purchase in-store, online or via the mobile app. And to kick things off, Church’s Texas Chicken will be... 

JBS to Quadruple Production in Saudi Arabia with New Plant

The new facility will solidify the company’s strategy in the region to expand its production of value-added products

JBS, one of the largest food companies in the world, is set to quadruple its production capacity in Saudi Arabia with the opening of a new plant in the country this November. With a $50 million investment, the new facility in Jeddah will focus on producing chicken nuggets, creating 500 jobs.

With over 30 years of experience exporting poultry to Saudi Arabia, JBS recently opened a...

ANALYSIS: Keeping Up With the Chickens

Issues with livability and hatchability have plagued the broiler industry over the past couple of years. In a theoretically perfect world, if the number of eggs set is increased, in approximately three weeks, chicks placed will increase, and in another six to eight weeks or so, more chickens will be harvested. However, if we look at the data, this doesn't appear to be the case.

Broiler-type pullet chicks placed have been down compared to the previous year every month in 2024, with a total decrease of 4.42% year-to-date (YTD)...

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...

Taco Bell Introduces the Cheesy Street Chalupas: A Flavorful Homage to Street Tacos 

Taco Bell is introducing the new Cheesy Street Chalupas, a menu item that fuses inspiration from street tacos with Taco Bell flavors and Quesalupa-inspired cheesy chalupa shells. The Cheesy Street Chalupas are street-sized and served as a bundle of two, featuring traditional street taco ingredients – like fresh onions and cilantro – remixed with premium proteins, all wrapped in chalupa shells that have been stuffed with melted mozzarella and pepperjack cheeses. Fans can enjoy their choice of slow-roasted Cantina chicken or grilled...

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... 

Roy Rogers Partners with Mike’s Hot Honey® for Chicken and Waffles

Roy Rogers® Restaurants, the iconic western-themed quick-service restaurant chain, is partnering with Mike’s Hot Honey® to bring guests its limited-time menu item, Chicken and Waffles. The sweet and savory dish includes crispy, golden chicken and fluffy, warm waffles, drizzled with the sweet heat of Mike's Hot Honey and topped with powdered sugar.

“We knew that Mike’s Hot Honey was the perfect choice to take our new Chicken and Waffles offering to the next level and introduce a new...

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...

FSIS Announces Recall on Frozen Ready-To-Eat Chicken Products, Possible Listeria Contamination

The United States' Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced the recall of approximately 2,010 pounds of frozen ready-to eat chicken products. 

Ontario, Canada based company, Al-Safa US LLC, says items could have been adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes. These items were produced on June 5, 2024 then imported to the U.S. on June 13 and June 21. The recall includes:

• 12.1 oz carboard box package containing "Al Safa Halal Charcoal Grilled Chicken Seekh Kebab Grilled, minced, Chicken Patty Kebab".  "NOV 30 25"...

ANALYSIS: Checking In On Chicken Headcount

Ending off the month of June, cumulative chicken headcount is down by approximately 2.18% with about 94.3 thousand fewer birds produced when compared to a similar period in 2023. Although total headcount continues to retreat on a year-over-year (YoY) basis, a glance at the individual size categories reveals a shift in overall weight distribution.

The number of small (4.25 lbs/down) and jumbo (7.76 lbs/ up) broilers crossing the line has risen by 1.56% and 2.08%, respectively, while birds within the medium (4.26-6.25 lb) range have retreated 6.37%...

Celebrate with Krispy Krunchy Chicken® on July 6!

Get ready to heat up your summer with the ultimate crunch! National Fried Chicken Day is July 6 and Krispy Krunchy Chicken®, one of the fastest-growing hot food concepts in the convenience store business, is here to satisfy your craving for the best fried chicken around with an exceptional offer starting at just $5.99 at participating Krispy Krunchy® locations. Celebrate this delicious holiday with Krispy Krunchy's® "Your Choice" Meal Deals and gather your fried chicken-loving friends to indulge in this unbeatable deal while it lasts...

ANALYSIS: Chicken Wings Bucking Historical Trends

Anyone dealing in the wholesale chicken wing market is acutely aware of the rarefied air the industry is breathing these days. Not since the dizzying heights of 2021 have wholesale values soared as they do now, defying historical trends and seasonal expectations. Recent market feedback continues to paint a surprisingly robust picture, which suggests the current undertone may not be shifting just yet.

The shadow of 2021 looms large, a year marked by such astronomical prices that drove buyers away, taking nearly two years for demand to recover...

Intense High Temperatures in India Having Little Impact on Meat Demand

Intense high temperatures (≥48 °C) were recently reported across India, which is expected to affect Indian poultry and livestock. Suresh Deora, Chairman CLFMA India, stated that the summer season does affect the Indian poultry and livestock market, but the effect is usually minimal (1-2% drops seen in the past), as farmers, breeders, and traders are well accustomed to handling it.

However, this summer season, there has been a higher number of days with maximum temperature (up to 48 °C) compared to...