Marfrig Reports Results for the Second Quarter of 2020 

Marfrig Global Foods S.A. announced its results for the second quarter of 2020. Except where stated otherwise, the following operating and financial information is presented in nominal Brazilian real, in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), and should be read together with the income statement and notes to the financial statements for the period ended June 30, 2020 filed at the Securities and Exchange Commission of
Brazil (CVM).

To improve comparisons, the results herein are identified as “proforma,” i.e., including 100% of the results of Quickfood, Várzea Grande and Iowa Premium in 2Q19.

Results described as “Continuing Operations” consider...

SpartanNash Announces Second Quarter Fiscal 2020 Financial Results

SpartanNash Company reported financial results for its 12-week second quarter ended July 11, 2020.

Second Quarter Fiscal 2020 Highlights

• Net sales growth of 9.4% to $2.18 billion from $2.00 billion in the prior year quarter, representing the seventeenth consecutive quarter of growth.
• Retail comparable store sales of 17.1% were positive for the fourth consecutive quarter, representing a continuation of trends driven by increased consumer demand related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• EPS of $0.80 per share, compared to...

ANALYSIS: Chicken Tenders: Rolling With the Punches

2020’s chicken market has been a far cry from conventional and the tender segment is no exception...

Wendy's Adds Spicy Chicken Sandwich to 4 for $4 Meal Deal

Wendy's is introducing its Spicy Crispy Chicken Sandwich to Wendy's 4 for $4. The latest addition brings the heat with a spicy all-white meat crispy patty, crisp lettuce, mayonnaise, and a warm bakery bun.

The restaurant will also be offering a Postmates code offering free 4 for $4 Meal Deals with any $10 minimum purchase for a limited time. The sandwich will be available nationwide at participating Wendy's restaurants.

The 4 for $4 Meal Deal was first introduced...

QDOBA Enhances Menu with New Signature Eats Entrees

QDOBA announced the introduction of its new Signature Eats menu that offers its guests unique chef-crafted flavor combinations, while also increasing convenience and flexibility. Now, in addition to the ability to create your own entreé through customizable options, QDOBA makes it easy to find your flavor through its set of Signature Eats recipes.

"Our new Signature Eats entrees are perfect for both first-time visitors and loyal fans," says Karin Silk, vice president of menu & off-premises at QDOBA. "The dishes feature curated combinations of our popular and freshly-prepared flavors. They are also...

Eckrich Debuts New Packaging for Deli Products in Stores Nationwide

Eckrich is introducing bold new packaging for the Deli collection which will begin rolling out in stores nationwide this month.

Through both qualitative and quantitative market research, Eckrich successfully created a design that breathes new energy into the heritage brand with a modern, approachable look, all with its key consumer top of mind. The designs feature a white background and crisp imagery, displaying the product and information in an organized, eye-catching way. The imagery also...

Red Robin Reports Results for the Second Quarter of 2020

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. reported financial results for the quarter ended July 12, 2020.

Second Quarter 2020 Financial Summary Compared to Second Quarter 2019

• Total revenues were $161.1 million, a decrease of 47.7%, primarily resulting from our operational shift in response to COVID-19, including limited occupant capacity as we reopen dining rooms, operating an off-premise only model at our restaurants with closed dining rooms, and closed restaurants;
• Comparable restaurant revenue decreased 41.4%;
• Comparable average Guest check decreased 2.9%, resulting from a 5.7% decrease from...

FAT Brands Announces Planned Acquisition of Johnny Rockets

FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc. announced that it has agreed to acquire the Johnny Rockets restaurant chain from an affiliate of private equity firm Sun Capital Partners, Inc. for approximately $25 million. The deal will be funded through cash on hand and proceeds generated from the Company’s securitization facility. The purchase is expected to be completed in September 2020. With the acquisition of Johnny Rockets, FAT Brands will have more than 700 franchised and company owned restaurants around the globe with annual system-wide sales exceeding $700 million.

Johnny Rockets was founded in 1986 with its first location on the iconic Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Known for its 1950s diner style décor, the chain serves up...

COVID-19 Forces Technomic to Revise Foodservice Industry Forecasts

With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to leave its mark on the foodservice industry, research firm Technomic announced revisions to its foodservice forecasts for 2020 and 2021.

The data Technomic shared is presented through three scenarios: Best Case, Middle Case and Worst Case. In the “Middle Case” scenario, Technomic predicts foodservice industry will grow by 21% in 2021 following the massive drop-off in sales during 20201, but sales are expected to remain 11% lower from 2019...

Bell Food Group Reports Financial Results for the First Half of 2020 

Thanks to its broadly supported business model and high productive capacity, the Bell Food Group made operational progress in the first half of 2020 in spite of the coronavirus pandemic. Organic revenue growth was 2.9 percent.

The operating result at EBIT level rose by 2.4 percent. The Bell Switzerland and Bell International business areas made a particular contribution to this growth, while the Convenience business area was affected strongly by the fallout of the coronavirus pandemic. The Bell Food Group is highlighting its commitment to sustainability and is publishing a complete Sustainability Report in accordance with...

ANALYSIS: Price Sensitivity Dictating Mexican Ham Demand

Over the years turkey thigh meat, the primary component of turkey hams, and boneless pork hams, have shared a distinct and somewhat polarized relationship with one another...

Consumers Are Eager to Dine Out and Support Local

Fatigued by cooking at home, consumers are anxious to dine at their favorite restaurants according to a new Oracle Food and Beverage study. The survey found that 59% of US and 47% of UK consumers plan to dine-out as soon as they are able. In fact, as soon as it's deemed safe to reopen, 26% of US respondents and 14% of the UK said they plan to return in the first week.

Diners are looking for reassurance on cleaning procedures and technology to reduce contact with servers. Forty percent of those surveyed in the US and 39% in the UK said they would feel safer if they could view the menu from their mobile device, while...

Kroger Ship to Integrate a Marketplace this Fall

The Kroger Co. announced Kroger Ship will expand to offer an extended ship-to-home assortment through a marketplace offering of third-party sellers powered by Mirakl, the leading software platform enabling B2C and B2B digital marketplaces.

"Our customers are increasingly turning to our e-commerce solutions provided at Kroger.com for their grocery and household essential needs. To better serve our customers, we're continuing to invest in technology that enables us to expand our digital services to deliver anything, anytime, anywhere," said Jody Kalmbach, Kroger's group vice president of product experience. "Leveraging Mirakl's best-in-class marketplace solution, we are...

215 Poultry Facilities Recognized for Exceptional Safety Performance

The Joint Industry Safety and Health Council recently recognized 215 chicken and turkey facilities with safety awards. The companies were honored in recognition of their outstanding performance through the implementation of innovative and effective employee safety and health programs.

Award consideration was based on injury statistics over three years (2017 – 2019) and an evaluation of written applications by academia and other safety experts. Sixty-one facilities received...

PODCAST: The Grocerant Guru - Steve Johnson, An Expert on Innovative Distribution in the New Normal

What can protein producers be doing to get product into new and innovative channels? Laura sat down with Steve Johnson, the Grocerant Guru, to discuss just that. With extensive research and experience with ever-changing consumer trends, Steve shares his recipes for success...

Performance Food Group Company Reports Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year Fiscal 2020 Results

Performance Food Group Company announced its fourth-quarter and full-year fiscal 2020 business results.

Fourth-Quarter Fiscal 2020 Highlights

• Total case volume declined 11.5%
• Net sales declined 2.1% to $5.8 billion
• Gross profit declined 8.7% to $639.1 million
• Net loss of $151.2 million
• Adjusted EBITDA declined...

WH Group Announces 2020 Interim Results 

WH Group Limited announced the unaudited consolidated interim results of the Company and its subsidiaries for the six months ended June 30, 2020.

Highlights

• Revenue increased by 12.2% to US$12,481 million
• Operating profit increased by 20.9% to US$925 million
• Profit attributable to owners of the Company, before biological fair value
adjustments, increased by...

Smithfield Foods' Adjusted Operating Results Swing to Loss in Second Quarter Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Smithfield Foods, Inc. announced that it has spent $350 million to protect its team members and the American food supply during the COVID-19 pandemic, causing adjusted operating results to swing to a loss in the second quarter of 2020.

At Smithfield, the first half of 2020 was "a tale of two tapes": pre-pandemic and pandemic. Prior to the onset of COVID-19 in the U.S., Smithfield delivered record results in the first quarter of 2020, which were 190 percent higher than 2019. However, the impact of the pandemic weighed heavily on the company's second quarter, pushing adjusted operating results 140 percent below...

Check Out these New COMTELL Features!

Urner Barry continues to build upon the value COMTELL offers customers with new features and improvements consistently being added to the platform.  We are excited to announce three new widgets for the COMTELL dashboard, designed to increase efficiency and expand on the amount of information available right from the homepage...

Sysco Sees Sales Drop in Fourth Quarter, Fiscal Year 2020 as COVID-19 Pandemic Impacts Foodservice

Sysco reported its fourth quarter and fiscal year 2020 financial results on Tuesday.

The company’s U.S. foodservice operations saw a 42.8% decrease in Q4 sales compared to the same period last year, totaling $6.1 billion.

Sysco also noted its gross profit decreased by 45.7% to $1.2 billion, and gross margin decreased 102 basis points to 19.1%, compared to the same period last year.

For its international foodservice business, Sysco noted a 53.4% drop in sales, totaling $1.4 billion for Q4 2020...

NPPC: COVID-19 Impact Demonstrates Need to Enhance Livestock Risk Protection Program

The National Pork Producers Council and 26 state pork associations representing thousands of American hog farmers have asked the USDA’s Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) to implement enhancements to the Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) insurance program. These changes would mitigate the impact of unexpected declines in hog values from unanticipated events like the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The COVID-19 crisis in our farm sector has demonstrated the enormous value of an enhanced LRP,” said NPPC President Howard A.V. Roth, a hog farmer from Wauzeka, Wisconsin...

Mr. Wok Foods Recalls Meat and Poultry Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens

Mr. Wok Foods, Inc., a Las Vegas, Nev. establishment, is recalling approximately 200,000 pounds of meat and poultry products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The products may contain milk, wheat, soy, peanuts, or oysters, which are known allergens. The products may also contain MSG, sesame products, or sulfites, which are not declared on the product labels. 

The frozen meat and poultry items were produced from Aug. 6, 2019 through Aug. 6, 2020. This spreadsheet contains a list of the products subject to recall...

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Cattle Slaughter

Feltman's of Coney Island Debuts At Publix Super Markets Across Southeast U.S.

The original American hot dog, Feltman's of Coney Island (est. 1867), has launched at 1,190 Publix Super Market locations across Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee.

Retail Imports to See Lowest Annual Total in Four Years

Imports at major U.S. retail container ports during 2020 are expected to see their lowest total in four years as the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the U.S. economy continues, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

“The economy is recovering but retailers are being careful not to import more than they can sell,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said. “Shelves will be stocked, but this is not the year to be left with warehouses full of unsold merchandise. The more Congress does to put spending money in consumers’ pockets and provide businesses with liquidity, the sooner we can get back to normal..."

Uber Sees Doubling in UberEats Operations as Ride Hailing Business Stays Low

On August 6, Uber Technologies Incorporated (San Francisco, CA) announced its quarterly earnings results. The company's UberEats unit remains the bright spot for the company, seeing revenue doubled to $1.2 billion as Americans continue to stay at home despite changes in restaurant operation across various states since April. This is in contrast to the ongoing sharp declines in the company's flagship ride-hailing unit as fewer riders and drivers in the US returned to the platform despite improvements in other countries where coronavirus effects are currently more muted...

Plumrose USA Announces Intention to Build $200M Ready-to-eat Facility

Plumrose USA, a branded packaged meat company and subsidiary of JBS USA, a leading American food company with the second largest pork production footprint in the world, today announced its intention to construct a new, state-of-the-art Italian meats and charcuterie production facility. The estimated $200M greenfield project will be strategically located to efficiently access raw material and leverage synergies with existing corporate assets. The investment is consistent with the company’s long-term strategy to increase its value-added and branded portfolio with innovative, on-trend products...

Public Health Alert Issued for Ready to Eat Sausage Products due to Possible Listeria Contamination

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert because Bluegrass Provisions Co., a Crescent Springs, Ky. establishment, produced sausage products that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. A recall was not requested because it is believed that all products are no longer in commerce and are past their use or freeze by dates.

The ready-to-eat smoked sausage items were produced on Apr. 22, 2020. The following products subject to the public health alert...

Papa John’s Announces Second Quarter 2020 Results

Papa John’s International, Inc. announced financial results for the three and six months ended June 28, 2020. The company also provided an update on the business impact of the global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

“Faced with an unprecedented global challenge but guided by our values and purpose, Papa John’s achieved record sales in the second quarter,” said Rob Lynch, President & CEO. “Across the U.S. and those international markets where delivery-based businesses have remained open, we have safely and successfully met...

Pork Exports Trend Lower in June but Remain on Record Pace; Another Tough Month for Beef Exports

June exports of U.S. pork fell below year-ago levels for the first time this year but exports remain on a record pace in 2020, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Beef exports were down sharply from a year ago in June, reflecting a lingering impact of a temporary slowdown in beef production combined with restrictions on foodservice and weakening economies in major import markets. June lamb exports trended higher, posting the second largest totals of 2020.

“We expected that the interruptions in red meat production would continue to weigh on June exports, but anticipated more of a rebound from the low May totals – particularly for...

Cargill Releases Annual Report

Fiscal 2020 was a year like no other. In such a challenging environment, Cargill has anchored to its purpose and values. The company exists to nourish the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable way. Despite challenges facing the food and ag system and disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic, Cargill’s FY 2020 annual report, Nourishing the World, demonstrates how the team’s resiliency and agility helped to keep supply chains moving to put food on family tables around the globe.

“The last year taught us that we are capable of so much more than we previously thought. We can move faster, with more agility, navigating a crisis while keeping our people’s wellbeing front and center,” said David MacLennan, Cargill’s chairman and CEO. “We are grateful to our employees, customers and...

Domino's Pizza Announces Staff Changes 

Domino's Pizza announced the appointment of Executive Vice President, Supply Chain Services, Stu Levy, as the Company's Chief Financial Officer, succeeding Jeffrey Lawrence, who earlier announced his intention to retire from the Company this year. Levy will report to Domino's Chief Executive Officer Ritch Allison.

At the same time, Domino's announced the promotion of Cindy Headen to Executive Vice President, Supply Chain Services, succeeding Levy. She will join the Company's executive leadership team and will report to CEO Ritch Allison. These changes will be effective August 20, 2020.

"In a relatively short period of time, both Stu and Cindy have made profound positive impacts on our Company," said Allison. "They are strong, capable leaders who are...

Restaurant Brands International Reports Second Quarter 2020 Results

Restaurant Brands International reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2020.

Jose Cil, Chief Executive Officer of Restaurant Brands International Inc. ("RBI") commented, "The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced a host of unprecedented challenges, but our proactive and coordinated response across the globe has helped drive a significant recovery in performance since March. I am so proud of our restaurant owners, our restaurant team members, and...

ANALYSIS: Stairs Going Up, Elevator Going Down

While 2020’s chicken market has certainly had its fair share of ups and downs recently, it has also brought with it...

KFC Canada Makes Plant-Based Chicken Sandwich a Permanent Menu Item 

KFC Canada announced that Plant-Based KFC sandwiches will be available permanently coast-to-coast beginning August 10. After an incredibly successful pilot with plant-based partner Lightlife in 2019, vegetarians and flexitarians everywhere can now experience KFC.

"When we tested Plant-Based KFC by Lightlife late last year, we sold over a month's worth of sandwiches in six hours," said Samantha Redman, Chief Marketing Officer, KFC Canada. "Seeing the extraordinary demand for Plant-Based KFC, we worked quickly to bring these menu items to our restaurants across Canada."

Developed in response to Canada's evolving tastes and preferences for plant-based proteins, Plant-Based KFC is made in Canada by Lightlife, a leading plant-based protein brand whose portfolio of products are available in...