Cargill Forecasts a Sizzling Start to Summer Grilling this Memorial Day

As millions of Americans mark the start of summer this Memorial Day weekend, Cargill is forecasting a strong demand for protein as grills fire up across the country. The company expects that many consumers will prioritize affordability without sacrificing taste by seeking out staples like ground beef, chicken and hot dogs.

Nearly 9 of 10 consumers say they’re ready to grill this summer, with approximately half of them planning to do so weekly. Beef (79%) and poultry (64%) remain the top choices for the grill...

The Retail Rundown: Seafood Leads Memorial Day Retail Ads; Weather Poses Challenges

Seafood leads retail protein promotions heading into Memorial Day weekend, accounting for 28.7% of total featured protein ad volume. Pork follows at 25.9%, with beef at 21.3% and chicken at 19.3%.

Egg feature volume is virtually absent amid sluggish retail demand. Warmer weather is prompting a shift toward fruit and cereal for breakfast, while elevated, though easing, shelf prices continue to dampen consumer interest, according to Expana.

Within the seafood category, fresh and frozen fillets represent the largest share of advertised items at nearly 28%. Raw shrimp...

ANALYSIS: Labor Day Looms, Will Coarse Grinds Maintain Their Momentum?

With Labor Day in view, we figured it would be an appropriate time to highlight some of the movement seen within coarse grinds. Coarse grinds, 81% more so, have been a true outperformer this year as consumers continued to opt for more cost-conscious beef options. When looking at the chart above you can see UB’s Coarse 81% grind price is up nearly 38% on the year at $3.35/lb. and nearly 41% over the 5-year average during the same period...