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...

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...

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...

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...

The Habit Burger Grill Introduces $6 Grown-Up Meal After Discovering Adults Love Kids' Menu Savings

The Habit Burger Grill, known for its flame-fresh chargrilled Charburgers, signature sandwiches, salads, and shakes, has sponsored a study on Americans' dining habits amidst inflation. Conducted by OnePoll and surveying 2,000 adults nationwide, the study revealed a surprising trend: while 75 percent of Americans support adults ordering from kids' menus to save money, many feel too embarrassed to do so. In fact, only 20 percent reported they actually have ordered a kid’s meal for themselves...

Hormel Foods to Wow the Crowd at International Pizza Expo with its Latest Pizza-Topping Innovation

Hormel Foods takes its role as a leader in the pizza and foodservice industries seriously, and this spring, the company is once again positioned as a trend setter. Those attending next week's International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas will get to witness this expertise firsthand with the unveiling of HORMEL® Ribbon Pepperoni, the latest food-forward innovation from the pizza-topping experts at Hormel Foods.

Inspired by the pizza stylings of Windsor, Ontario — an oft-underrated pizza epicenter, where shredded...

Another 38 Brazilian Slaughterhouses Can Export Meat to China

Number of license issuances in a single advertisement is the highest ever recorded in history

In the year in which Brazil celebrates 50 years of diplomatic relations with China, another 38 Brazilian meat processing plants were authorized to sell meat to the Asian country, according to a statement from the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) sent to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Map) this Tuesday ( 12) .

38 licenses were granted, including eight chicken slaughterhouses, 24 cattle slaughterhouses, a beef thermoprocessing establishment and five...

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)...

Rapid Start for 2024 Pork Exports; Beef Export Value Above Year-Ago

U.S. pork exports raced to a great start in 2024, according to January data released by USDA and compiled by USMEF. While January beef exports were slightly below last year’s volume, export value trended significantly higher. Lamb exports were also strong in January, posting the highest value in more than four years.

Although January pork exports were led by another powerful performance in leading market Mexico, U.S. pork continued to make gains in a wide range of Western Hemisphere and Asia-Pacific destinations...

ANALYSIS: Prudent Buying Takes Hold in Boxed Beef Market as Risk Premiums Limit Forward Bookings

Through just over two months, the USDA’s Weekly 22-90 Forward Delivery Period report has showcased a significant dip in load counts when compared to recent years. For example, compared to last year, the load counts are down by 7.4% and counts are also approximately 20-percent below the five-year average.

Sellers have played an aggressive hand with pricing out front particularly in February as uncertainty continues to mount, the aggressiveness comes amid a margin battle as packers battle rising...

ANALYSIS: Australia’s Beef Exports Continued to Rise Behind Higher Output, Strong Demand

Australia’s beef/veal exports for February continued to rise, nearing levels last seen in Feb 19, up 24% m-o-m or 18,249 mt to 93,834 mt, driven by higher country output and robust demand from Asia and the US, data from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (D.A.F.F) indicated.

The ongoing upward trajectory since the start of the year is also attributed to increased processing intensity, eased export restrictions with China, and rising cattle slaughter rates.

Notably, exports to Japan reached a 52-week high at 23,794 mt...

Applegate Farms, LLC Announces Goal to Source Beef Hot Dog from 100% Certified Regenerative Beef 

APPLEGATE®, the nation’s leading natural and organic meat brand, today announced its goal to transition all of its award-winning beef hot dogs to beef raised on verified regenerative grasslands by the end of 2025. Implementing this change across its entire beef hot dog portfolio is expected to contribute to the regeneration of six million acres of grasslands, which could increase the current regenerative acreage of Applegate suppliers by more than 2,200%.

“For 37 years, Applegate has led the charge for higher standards...

ANALYSIS: Deciphering Ground Chuck Retail Prices in Today's Market

On a year-over-year basis, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) reached its COVID-era peak registering at 9.1% in June 2022. Although it has since moderated, the latest data from the USDA reveals that U.S. consumers are allocating the largest proportion of their disposable income to food since 1991, with 11.3% spent in 2022.

This heightened focus on food prices prompts a closer look at discounted Ground Chuck pricing at retail outlets. To conduct a comprehensive analysis, Circana's pricing data was adjusted to account for inflation...

ANALYSIS: Strong Quality Grade, Demand Lull, Dampens Certified Angus Beef® Rib Prices

A lull in demand and an over-performing quality grade have led to a lackluster situation within the Certified Angus Beef® (CAB) rib primal. Both bone-in and boneless product are stuck below year-ago levels. Urner Barry’s CAB Lip-On UP quote is currently listed at $10.75/lb., about 2% below this time last year. The prices have also plummeted about 17% year-to-date but sit about 18% higher than the five-year average...

MF Meats Recalls Raw Meat Products Due to Contamination by a Non-Food Grade Substance

MF Meats, a Falconer, N.Y. establishment, is recalling approximately 93,277 pounds of raw meat products, which may have been contaminated with non-food grade mineral seal oil, which is not approved for use in meat processing, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The raw meat items were produced from Nov. 26, 2023 through Feb. 16, 2024. The following products are subject to recall:

• Various weights of meat cuts and ground meat....

JBS Australia to Double Production Capacity at Dinmore Beef Facility

JBS Australia recently started a second shift at its Dinmore beef processing facility in Queensland. The company hired 300 additional staff for the expansion.

According to JBS Australia, a gradual ramp-up of production can be expected over the next 4-5 months, resulting in the site doubling its daily processing capacity.

According to JBS Australia, JBS Dinmore is the southern hemisphere’s largest beef processing plant. It accounted for approximately 10% of Australia’s total beef processing capacity when the company announced that it would invest...

M&P Production LTD Recalls Raw Lamb and Beef Samsa Products 

M&P Production LTD, a Brooklyn, N.Y. establishment, is recalling approximately 669 pounds of raw lamb and beef samsa products due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product contains sesame seeds, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.

The raw, frozen lamb and beef samsa items were produced between Jan. 2, 2024, and Feb. 22, 2024 and have a shelf-life of one year. The following products are subject to recall...

ANALYSIS: Shifting Market Dynamics Alter Trend Between Cattle and Corn Prices

Cash corn and cattle prices followed a comparable track over the past ten years. However, that tandem trend began to change starting in 2022 due to significant shifts in market dynamics for both commodities.

Omaha, US No 2 Yellow Corn prices peaked at $8.43 per bushel in June 2022, closely challenging the record hit in 2012. The rise in corn prices that year was driven in part by supply disruptions created by the Russia-Ukraine war, as Ukraine is a major supplier of grains to the world markets...

Missouri Prime Beef Packers to Close Processing Plant in April

In a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) notice to the state Monday, Missouri Prime Beef Packers announced it will close its processing plant in Pleasant Hope, Missouri due to unforeseeable business circumstances.

The plant will close on April 26, 2024, resulting in the termination of 335 full-time employees. The bulk of layoffs will impact fabrication staff. The closure may be permanent or temporary, added yesterday's letter. 

Operations at the Missouri Prime plant officially started in March 2021. The 100,000-square-foot facility was...

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ANALYSIS: Lighter Cattle Weights and Reduced Output Pull YTD Beef Production Lower

The impact of last month’s winter storms across the U.S. is illustrated in average cattle weights, which have dropped precipitously since the start of the year.

The latest USDA data indicated dressed steer weights at 909 pounds, up 1 pound from last year but 3 pounds below the week prior. Steer weights started the year at 937 pounds, a seasonal all-time high. Average dressed heifer weights were reported at 827 pounds, up 2 pounds from the week prior but 6 pounds under 2023 and down 24...

New Industry Resource Captures Culinary Evolution of the Caribbean

Developed in collaboration with local food scholars and regional chefs, the textbook is a go-to resource for educators and foodservice professionals

Honoring island traditions and promoting regional variations of local dishes are at the heart of a new USMEF marketing program to incorporate U.S. beef and pork into culinary communities throughout the Caribbean islands.

“The culinary histories of the islands are fascinating and ever-evolving,” says USMEF Caribbean Representative Elizabeth Wunderlich. “But there are no resources available that capture the multi-cultural influences...

ANALYSIS: A Closer Look at Formula vs. Negotiated Sales in the Boneless Beef Segment

In the domestic boneless beef sector, it is widely acknowledged that a significant volume of trade is conducted through formula pricing agreements. This analysis delves into this phenomenon, utilizing the volume reported by the USDA of fresh 50% lean trim as an example.

The chart above illustrates that, for the week ending 2/16/2024, 86.57% of the fresh 50% lean trim traded was priced through formulated agreements. To break this down, out of the total trade volume of 19.28M lbs.,16.69M lbs...

The Retail Rundown: Finalizing February’s Features

Retailers are finalizing their February features while actively preparing for spring demand, which is bolstered by seasonal factors like warmer weather along with holidays including St. Patrick’s Day and Easter.

Retail features are shifting from red meat and poultry towards seafood as Lenten observers begin the 40 days of fasting and reduced meat consumption. 

The seafood complex continues to hold the top spot within total protein features, accounting for 37% this week. Beef follows with 21% of retail buying opportunities, while pork closes in at 19%. Chicken claims almost 16% of ad space, nearly...

Fogo de Chão Celebrates the Return of the Porterhouse to the Churrasco Experience for a Limited Time

Fogo de Chão, the internationally-renowned restaurant from Brazil, invites guests to indulge in the premium Porterhouse cut as it returns to the Full Churrasco Experience for a limited time starting today at all U.S. locations, including Puerto Rico. The Porterhouse is an indulgent cut that includes both a New York Strip and Filet that is cooked bone-in, and served sliced tableside, delivering a juicy and rich flavor with every bite. Fire-roasted and seasoned with rock salt, the Porterhouse adds...

Podcast: Agri-Food for Thought on Valentine's Day and "Hot" Cocoa Prices in 2024

Jamie and Simon gear up for Valentine's Day with insights on consumer spending and the price tag on the food products they love. Featuring special guest, Andrew Moriarty! Listen Now. 

U.S. Pork Export Value Sets Annual Record; Strong Finish for Beef Exports

Led by a record-shattering performance in Mexico and broad-based growth in other markets, U.S. pork exports set a value record in 2023, according to year-end data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). While 2023 beef exports were below the record totals posted the previous year, December exports were the largest since August and December export value increased 10% year-over-year.

December pork exports climbed nearly 10% from a year ago to 268,399 metric tons...

Surrender to Flavor: Carl's Jr. Celebrates Free Burger Day on Feb. 12

After days of speculation, hints, and leaked messages, it's time to confirm the truth. Carl's Jr.® is celebrating big wins and bold, irresistible flavors on Feb. 12 by giving away free Western Bacon Cheeseburgers to My Rewards members for Carl's Jr. Free Burger Day, the day after the big game. Yes, that's correct, FREE.

Get prepared! Download the Carl's Jr. app and join the free My Rewards program today. On Feb. 12, My Rewards members will receive...

V&V Walsh Signs MOU With Chinese Supplier to Increase Beef and Lamb Exports

Exports of Western Australian grain-fed beef, lamb, and mutton are expected to increase thanks to a $40 million trading partnership memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by V&V Walsh with China’s High Hope Group.

V&V Walsh is Western Australia’s leading lamb and beef producer. The MOU signed with the High Hope Fresh Food division links V&V Walsh to end-users in the High Hope Group’s Jinling Hotel chain, which has 118 luxury hotels and resorts throughout China...

That's Amoré! Maggiano's Little Italy® Celebrates Valentine's Day Signatures

Maggiano's Little Italy® has announced the return of its specially-crafted Valentine's Day dine-in and carryout menus for couples and some decadent seasonal features for the month of February. As a restaurant focused on bringing people together over the joy of delicious food and drink the Italian-American restaurant is looking forward to delivering extra-special romantic offerings to its guests this holiday!

During the month of love, Maggiano's will have mouth-watering seasonal features to indulge in including a Shrimp Parmesan appetizer, Bone-in Veal Parmesan...

ANALYSIS: Stiff Competition for Lean

In conversations with cow packers across the country, a re-occurring topic of discussion is diminishing margins as they contend with higher prices to compete for animals in short supply. This sentiment is reinforced by the graph below, highlighting the USDA Weekly National Dressed Direct Cow Market (all weights), which soared to a record high of $225.19/cwt in August 2023 and has remained elevated since.

Despite the historic surge in cow pricing, the available supply continues to contract. As of the week of January 15, cow and bull slaughter declined over 16%...

U.S. Pork and Beef Nutrition Showcased at Ironman Event in Colombia

USMEF partnered with Colombian importers to promote U.S. pork and beef nutrition and product availability during an athletic competition in Cartagena. When promoting the health and nutritional benefits of high-quality U.S. pork and beef in Latin America, USMEF sometimes establishes a high-profile U.S. industry presence at targeted events in key markets. One recent event was in Colombia, where an Ironman competition brought health and nutrition-conscious athletes and families together for three days in Cartagena.

With an audience focused on nutrition and athletic performance, USMEF put...

Greater Omaha Packing Acquires Nebraska Meat and Bone Meal Company Heartland Proteins

US beef supplier Greater Omaha Packing has acquired Heartland Proteins, a purchaser and distributor of meat and bone meal for the feed industry.

Established by Keith Fulton, Heartland Proteins began operations in 2018. Its blending plant in Omaha, Nebraska became operational in January 2020. Its main supplier is Progressive Protein, the wholly owned rendering operation of Greater Omaha Packing.

According to Greater Omaha Packing, the acquisition will significantly expands its capabilities and allow the company to better serve a broader customer base for bovine-originated products...

ANALYSIS: Weather, Seasonal Demand Providing Momentum for Outside Rounds in 2024

To begin the year, outside rounds have witnessed noticeable strength, with pricing moving higher in rapid fashion. Urner Barry’s Choice Outside Round quote began the year at $2.75/lb., just slightly below levels seen at the start of 2023. However, the item has jumped by over 28 percent to $3.53/lb. in less than three weeks. As of January 15, outside rounds are 19 percent above the 3-year average.

To put this in perspective, the last time outside rounds were a...

The Fresh Market Helps Guests Create a Valentine’s Day to Remember

The Fresh Market is helping its guests pull out all the stops—from velvety roses to delectable desserts and fully prepped meals—as they plan a memorable Valentine’s Day this year.

Whether guests are looking for a romantic gift for their partner or planning a thoughtful gesture for a friend, The Fresh Market is their one-stop-shop for everything they need for the holiday, with plenty of gift ideas – including heart-shaped chocolates to fine wines and flowers that impress. The specialty fresh food retailer has extensive and...

The Habit Burger Grill Responds to Consumer Demand with the Return of the Patty Melt

The Habit Burger Grill, a culinary trailblazer famed for its chargrilled burgers, signature sandwiches, shakes, and fresh salads, is thrilled to respond to overwhelming consumer demand with the triumphant return of the Patty Melt. Set to make its annual limited-time appearance, this beloved sandwich will once again grace the menus of participating locations starting January 17.

The Patty Melt, a delicious combination of cascading caramelized onions, melty cheeses, tangy Thousand Island dressing, and two succulent chargrilled beef patties, all layered between crispy toasted rye...

November Pork Export Value Highest in 30 Months; Asia Headwinds Persist for Beef

Fueled by record performances in Mexico, Central America and Colombia, November exports of U.S. pork reached the highest value since mid-2021, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). U.S. beef exports slowed in November, recording the third lowest value of 2023. November lamb exports also trended lower.

November pork exports totaled 258,601 metric tons (mt), up 5% from a year ago and the highest in six months. Export value was up 2% to $737.4 million, the highest...

REPORTER: The Evolving Campaigns for Marketing Pork 

This article was originally featured in the WINTER 2024 Edition of Urner Barry’s Reporter magazine.

From the day we saw Mikey bravely decide to try the cereal that none of his friends would dare to try, to Clara Peller muttering “Where’s the beef;” creative marketing campaigns have been at the core of top of-mind awareness for food products for millions of consumers. However, much strategy goes into creative campaigns like the ones mentioned above. At the core of each successful campaign, it’s the existence of key elements such as identifying goals...

Major U.S. Winter Storm May Hinder Livestock Movement

Livestock producers and road crews are preparing for a major winter storm that will impact a significant portion of the country this week. 

The Plains and Midwest, where the bulk of the nation's cattle and hog-producing regions are located, could experience heavy snowfall and blizzard conditions through Tuesday. Meanwhile, damaging winds and severe thunderstorms are expected for the deep South through the Northeast today into tomorrow, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). 

Whiteout conditions due to heavy snowfall combined with severe wind gusts could...

The Retail Rundown: Consumer Sentiment Rises at Year's End

Consumer sentiment spiked at the tail end of 2023, boosted by improved viewpoints of inflation in the new year. According to the University of Michigan’s (U-M) Survey of Consumers, consumer sentiment climbed by 14% in December, reversing the declines from the previous four months.

All age, income, education, geographic, and political identification groups saw gains in sentiment in December, said U-M. The index is just shy of the midpoint between the pre-pandemic reading and the historic low hit in June 2022, added U-M.

The University of Michigan's...

The Retail Rundown: Ham Features Increase for the Holidays

The countdown to Christmas is rapidly winding down and shoppers are busy stocking up on last-minute gifts and food for visiting family and holiday gatherings.

For the second week in a row, pork features claim the top spot among protein ads this week with 28.4%. Seafood follows with 25.7% of total protein ad volume, while beef comes in third at 20.5%. Chicken retail buying opportunities declined to 8%, compared to 13.8% the previous week. Turkey features advanced to 9.7%, up about four points from last week...

Wow Bao Caps off Record 2023 with Giant Eagle Partnership

In a year marked by significant expansion of its CPG portfolio, the Asian fast-casual restaurant brand landed in more than 5,000 grocery stores across the United States

Following a series of partnerships with grocery store brands across the country, Wow Bao, the leading Asian fast-causal restaurant brand in North America and largest dumpling house in the U.S., announced further expansion of its CPG line with the addition of Giant Eagle to its grocery partners. The Pittsburgh-based grocery chain will carry two flavors of Wow Bao’s signature...

ANALYSIS: Eye of Rounds Move Sharply Lower Ahead of the Holidays

In recent weeks, the round complex has witnessed broad-based weakness and prices for multiple items within the category have moved sharply lower. Of the most notable, the choice eye of round has trimmed roughly 25 percent of its value since November 27 as supplies have simply outweighed demand. On November 27, choice eyes were $3.90/lb. Less than three weeks later, the item sits at $2.98/lb.

Now, this is not out of the norm for this time of the year...

ANALYSIS: Rib Roasts Continue to Rise

With the holidays rapidly approaching, one item on everyone’s radar has been export ribs or bone-in ribeyes. The holiday favorite has posted new all-time record highs for the month of December, with Urner Barry’s Choice quote sitting at $12.50/lb. This is about 9 percent higher than the previous all-time record high, which was recorded in 2022.

Bone-in ribeyes started their rally much earlier in the year when compared to previous years. This year’s rally began towards the end of July, where historically, procurement efforts would start up closer...

Another Record Month for Pork Exports to Mexico; Beef Exports Show Modest Rebound

U.S. pork exports posted another strong performance in October, led by record-large shipments to Mexico and broad-based growth elsewhere, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). October beef exports remained well below last year’s large totals but improved from September, led by stronger demand in Mexico and Taiwan.

October pork exports totaled 245,345 metric tons (mt), up 3% year-over-year and the largest since June, valued at $688.2 million – down 2% from a year ago....

Hormel's All-New Ultimate Pepperoni Bloody Mary Cocktail Kit

The makers of HORMEL® Pepperoni, America's No. 1 pepperoni brand*, are making the holiday season extra merry with the launch of an all-new, limited-edition** Ultimate Pepperoni Bloody Mary Cocktail Kit. Whether fans are stocking up on flavorful beverages for holiday gatherings and gift giving, or getting ready for National Bloody Mary Day on Jan. 1, the Ultimate Pepperoni Bloody Mary Cocktail Kit should be on everyone's holiday shopping list.

Beginning on Dec. 11 at 12 p.m. EST, pepperoni and Bloody Mary lovers...

Pelleh Poultry Corp. Recalls Ready-To-Eat Beef and Poultry Products 

Pelleh Poultry Corp., a Swan Lake, N.Y. establishment, is recalling approximately 708 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) beef and poultry products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The RTE beef and poultry products were packaged on various dates from October 25, 2023, through November 20, 2023. The list of products that are subject to the recall can be found here. The labels for the products subject to recall are available on the FSIS website...

Travis Kelce Launches Travis Kelce's Kitchen, a Line of Game-Changing Refrigerated Entrees

Travis Kelce, one of the greatest tight ends of all time and a staple of the Kansas City Chiefs since 2013, is taking his love for Kansas City BBQ to a whole new level. With the launch of Travis Kelce's Kitchen, his own line of flavorful refrigerated entrees, Kelce aims to share his passion for great food, especially the hearty BBQ that Kansas City is famous for. This new line features seven of his favorite dishes inspired...

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year at The Fresh Market!

The Fresh Market is making prepping for the holidays easier than ever this year, with the specialty food retailer’s prepared holiday meals available now for pre-order, a special holiday print edition of The Fresh Market Magazine, and a holiday-themed shoppable livestream featuring brand ambassador, Chef Anna Rossi. 

Whether it's a festive feast with family and friends or a small gathering, The Fresh Market offers everything guests need to create memorable and delicious meals. To make holiday shopping even more convenient, The Fresh Market also...

The Retail Rundown: Feasting on Holiday Features

Thanksgiving is here and the retail segment is teeming with all things turkeys, sides, sweets, and treats!

Fittingly, turkey leads the protein category with 31.1% of total feature volume, up from 22.5% the week prior. Pork follows with 22.8%. Seafood narrowly overtakes beef for the third spot, with 18.8%. Beef claimed 17.4%, nearly flat with last week.

Mintec recently took a look at the components that make up the traditional holiday dinner in its "Thanksgiving Dinner Index 2023" report. The index, which measures price fluctuations across key food commodities that make up a...

Urner Barry’s Market Briefing Provides Insights on Commodity Protein Markets

Urner Barry is the leading provider of protein market news and information in the food industry. Through daily canvasses of the trade and an unrivaled historical database, our analysts are uniquely positioned to report on the underlying conditions and significant disruptors to the market. In this Market Briefing, Urner Barry reporters outline the latest action in the commodity protein markets, highlighting seasonal factors, disruptors, and current supply and demand fundamentals.

Click HERE to view the latest report...

NCBA Again Strongly Opposes USDA’s Decision to Allow Paraguayan Beef Imports

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) strongly opposes the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) decision to allow Paraguayan beef imports starting next month. NCBA has repeatedly raised concerns with USDA over Paraguay’s history of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and the outdated information used to justify Paraguay’s access to the U.S. market. NCBA is concerned that USDA’s failure to use information from recent site visits in the risk assessment may pose great risk to the safety of the U.S. cattle herd...

Paraguayan Authorities Approve Health Protocol for Beef Exports to U.S.

In a notice issued Monday, Minerva Foods announced that Servicio Nacional de Calidad y Salud Animal, from Paraguay, has approved a health protocol for Paraguayan beef exports to the United States.

Minerva Foods is South America's leading beef exporter and has four plants in Paraguay. Combined, those four facilities have a slaughter capacity of 8,000 head per day. 

Only bureaucratic procedures remain before Paraguayan production units are certified and exports can be started, added the company. Once certified, these units will be added to assets in Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay....

China Issues Ban on Irish Beef After Atypical Case of BSE Confirmed

Beef exports to China from Ireland have been stopped after a case of atypical bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) was detected in a bovine animal.

In a statement seen by Irish media outlets, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) said that tests carried out at the department’s Central Veterinary Research Laboratory confirmed a case of atypical BSE on 3 November.

It is reported that the animal in question was a 10-and-a-half-year-old cow. It did not enter the food or feed chain...

Q’Delicia Recalls Ready-To-Eat Empanada Products Produced Without Benefit of Inspection

Q’Delicia, a Jacksonville, Fla. establishment, is recalling approximately 639 pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry empanada 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 meat and poultry empanada items were produced from February of 2023 to October of 2023. The following products are subject to recall [view labels]:

• 1.25-lb. and 6.25-lb. plastic bags containing “Q’Delicia DE EMPANADA BEEF” and “Q’Delicia DE EMPANADA MEAT GLUTEN FREE.”...

Sonny's BBQ Redefines BBQ Classics with BBQ Tour Inspired by Regional Flavors

Sonny's BBQ, the purpose-driven BBQ restaurant known for quality BBQ and spreading kindness in the communities they serve, introduced today the BBQ Tour Sampler, a new limited time menu offering. Inspired by the legendary flavors of some of the best barbecue in the country, Sonny's BBQ Pitmasters created this new offering as a tribute to their favorite regional barbecue styles and dishes.

The BBQ Tour Sampler features a generous helping of three proteins, each with their own unique regional flavor profile: Carolina Pulled Pork...

Bob Evans Restaurants Celebrates This Holiday Season with the Return of Farmhouse Feasts

To celebrate the Thanksgiving season, Bob Evans holiday meals allow guests to spend less time cooking and more time making memories – the true meaning of the season. For years, Bob Evans has mastered their signature Thanksgiving recipes to alleviate the burden of making a Thanksgiving meal for its guests. This year, the return of Bob Evans’ Farmhouse Feasts feature a collection of holiday meals to-go that can accommodate gatherings of any size and are packed cold, ready to heat and serve in two hours or less...

Presenting Juicy Lucy Burgers: A Mouthwatering Creation by the Visionaries Behind Barney's Beanery

Barney's Beanery, the iconic establishment known for its rich history and delectable fare, is thrilled to announce its latest culinary venture: Juicy Lucy Burgers. Born out of the tremendous success of their best-selling burger, Juicy Lucy, this new venture is set to bring the same mouthwatering delight to homes across the country with a line of premium frozen burgers.

"The Juicy Lucy burger has been our bestseller for years. We've had customers from near and far rave about it...

Cold Storage: End Sep Combined Meat/Poultry -1.3% on Mo, -7.8% on Yr

USDA monthly cold storage data released Wednesday afternoon showed combined meat and poultry stocks held in the nation's freezer warehouses at the end of September at about 2.146 billion pounds, 1.3% below the previous month and 7.8% less than a year ago.

Turkey and pork stocks were below the previous month while chicken and beef were up from their respective August figures. Turkey stocks were up from a year ago while chicken, pork, and beef were smaller. The combined stocks were 9.3% below the five-year average of...