Publix Named Among Fortune’s Best Workplaces for Women

Publix has been recognized by Fortune as one of the Best Workplaces for Women, ranking No. 29 out of 100 companies on the 2020 list.

“We are honored to be recognized by Fortune as a best workplace for women,” said Publix Director of Communications Maria Brous. “Our inclusion on the 2020 list reflects Publix’s commitment to create a diverse culture that makes us stronger as a company.”

In a survey conducted by Great Place to Work, women were asked about experiences in their workplace based on their ability to reach their full potential and how their gender shapes those experiences. Great Place to Work then analyzed trends based on an organization’s size, industry and region...

The Whopper Is Now Free of Colors, Flavors and Preservatives From Artificial Sources

Today, Burger King^® restaurants are proud to announce the Whopper^® sandwich now features no colors, no flavors and no preservatives from artificial sources in all markets across the United States. It’s the Whopper^® and nothing but the Whopper. The milestone is one of various efforts and substantial changes Burger King has made to its menu to promote real food and high-quality ingredients for its guests. In the U.S., 85% of the Burger King permanent food menu is now free of colors, flavors, and preservatives from artificial sources, and the brand is striving to achieve 100% by the beginning of next year...

USDA to Provide Additional $14 Billion to Farmers and Ranchers Impacted by the Coronavirus

President Donald J. Trump and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced up to an additional $14 billion dollars for agricultural producers who continue to face market disruptions and associated costs because of COVID-19. Signup for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP 2) will begin September 21st and run through December 11, 2020.

“America’s agriculture communities are resilient, but still face many challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. President Trump is once again demonstrating his commitment to ensure America’s farmers and ranchers remain in business to produce the food, fuel, and fiber America needs to thrive,” said Secretary Perdue...

Papa John's Announces Plans For New Global Headquarters in Atlanta 

Papa John’s International, Inc. (NASDAQ: PZZA) today announced plans to open a new global headquarters in the Metro Atlanta, GA region, where menu innovation; marketing; customer experience; HR; diversity, equity and inclusion; communications; and development functions will be located. IT, supply chain, and legal teams will remain in the Louisville, KY headquarters. Papa John’s also maintains a headquarters office outside of London, UK, where its international operations are managed.

Papa John’s new headquarters in Metro Atlanta is a key element of a broader reorganization of corporate functions, reflecting the company’s ongoing transformation into a brand and culture that can effectively and efficiently deliver on the company’s purpose, values and strategic business priorities...

NCBA & PLC Hail Legislation To Modernize ESA

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and the Public Lands Council (PLC), this week celebrated the introduction of critical legislation that will modernize the Endangered Species Act (ESA) for the first time in close to 30 years.

Introduced by Senator and Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW), John Barrasso (R – Wyo), the Endangered Species Act Amendments of 2020 will improve the existing law by strengthening state and local partnerships, incentivizing voluntary conservation efforts undertaken by ranchers and other land owners, and defend the ESA’s delisting process for animals that have successfully recovered and no longer need protection...

Plant-based Protein Labeling Legal Battle Heats Up in Oklahoma

Upton’s Naturals Co, a plant-based protein producer, and the Plant Based Foods Association are suing the state of Oklahoma for its ‘Meat Consumer Protection Act’ which will come into effect on November 1 and force products to print a label the size of the brand name stating that the product is plant-based.

Upton’s argues the Act is infringing on the company’s first amendment rights, per a complaint filed to a U.S. District Court. This is the second time the parties have taken...

ANALYSIS: Chicken Slaughter--A Familiar Trend Emerges

With Q4 at our doorstep, this week we thought it would be a great opportunity to check in on the  slaughter stats to investigate how the average weights of chickens and the distribution of them relative to headcount, is stacking up to the high bar set in 2019...

Urner Barry's Reporter Fall 2020 Issue Released; Read It Online For Free Now

A brand new issue of Urner Barry's Reporter is out! Volume 15, Number 4 features a preview of Urner Barry's upcoming Executive Conference and Global Protein Summit, set to take place from October 6-9, 2020. Check out interviews with some of the speakers from our epic online event, including Scott Rasmussen, John Manzella, Fernando Machado and more! Click here to read.

Not a subscriber? Sign up for free! Click here to subscribe to Urner Barry’s Reporter, the quarterly newsmagazine for the food industry professional. 

Hormel Partners with Papa Murphy's Pizza to Launch New Plant-Based Pepperoni Style Topping

Hormel Foods, the makers of Hormel^® Pepperoni, America's No. 1 selling pepperoni brand* and the maker of the Happy Little Plants^® products, are introducing new Happy Little Plants^® pepperoni style topping at select Papa Murphy's locations across the country.

ANALYSIS: As Temperatures Rose, So Did Turkey Export Tonnage

Following three consecutive month-over-month reductions in total turkey export tonnage, July bucked the trend with outward volume increasing by 9.5 million pounds or 25.2% above...

Good Food Institute’s Alison Rabschnuk Talks About the Growing Demand for Alternative Proteins

The plant-based food industry has not been immune to the impacts of COVID-19. Just like those in poultry, beef and seafood, the shutdown of the foodservice industry forced those in the plant-based world to shift their focus to retail. Fortunately for them, plant-based proteins have seen a significant jump in retail sales growth.

According to Alison Rabschnuk, Director of Corporate Engagement of the Good Food Institute, a non-profit that provides strategic support for companies working on plant-based and cultivated meat products...

NCBA Supports Disaster Relief Resources For Cattle Producers

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) today released the following statement to highlight federal programs that are available for cattle producers across the country who are being impacted by wildfires, hurricanes, drought, and other natural disasters. NCBA also supports local assistance efforts that allow producers, communities, and the public to support affected producers:

"The wildfires and hurricanes that have plagued the country these last few weeks are significant disasters that are hurting cattle producers in multiple ways. From flooded operations, burned rangeland, decreased forage due to drought, and smoke inhalation risks for cattle and producers alike, this is a trying time for producers..."

NRF: August Retail Sales Grow as Pandemic Recovery Continues

Retail sales continued to recover from the coronavirus pandemic in August, showing a gradual improvement from July and larger gains year-over-year, the National Retail Federation said today.

“While August retail sales numbers were a bit mixed, we believe the consumer is resilient and is in good shape as we head into the holiday season,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “Over the past several months, consumers have responded well to federal relief measures that have supported the recovery, so it comes as no surprise that they would take a pause on spending as some of these programs tapered off at the end of July..."

Willow Tree Poultry Farm, Inc. Recalls Ready-To-Eat Chicken Salad Products

Willow Tree Poultry Farm, Inc., an Attleboro, Mass. establishment is recalling approximately 6,890 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) chicken salad products due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The products may contain walnuts, a known allergen, which are not declared on the product labels. 

The RTE chicken salad product labeled as “Classic Chicken Salad” may actually contain “White Meat Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad” and was produced on Sept. 2, 2020. The following product is subject to recall: [View Labels (PDF Only)...

Sweet Earth Foods Launches Plant-Based Bacon Cheeseburger in Foodservice 

Sweet Earth Foods, a Nestlé brand and award-winning plant-based food innovator, announced the launch of their Plant-Based Triple Play, a fully plant-based bac'n cheezeburger to debut in foodservice.

The launch will debut at The University of Massachusetts Dining Program, which is the largest collegiate dining program in America and a recognized leader in campus food quality, nutrition, and innovation.

To celebrate National Cheeseburger Day (September 18th), they'll feature the Sweet Earth Plant-Based Triple Play in their Amherst location's dining halls, take-away, through...

ANALYSIS: Pork Trim Point Per Lean Comparison

Late seasonal domestic demand, export interest, lighter hog weights, and diminished availability of boning line workers have been noted as...

Cargill to Advance Regenerative Farming Practices 

Cargill is supporting farmer-led efforts to adopt practices and systems foundational to regenerative agriculture practices across 10 million acres of North American farmland over the next 10 years.

The initiative will focus primarily on row crop rotations that include corn, wheat, canola and soybeans and other staple crops. Cargill expects these regenerative agriculture practices to benefit the long-term profitability and resiliency of farmers while simultaneously advancing the company's progress against its science-based climate commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in its global supply chains by 30 percent per ton of product by 2030. The initiative will also...

Study Sheds Light on U.S. Consumer Preferences on Conventional and Alternative Protein Products 

In the past six months, players within the plant-based protein industry have been dazzled by the performance of their alternative burgers, patties, nuggets, and sausages. As reported by the Good Food Institute (GFI) overall plant-based product sales increased to a peak of... 

Dunkin' Delivery with DoorDash Now Available at 3,500 Restaurants Nationwide

Dunkin' and DoorDash have teamed up to make delivery available at approximately 3,500 Dunkin' restaurants across the country, with further expansion planned over the coming months. To officially kick off the relationship, DoorDash is treating guests with a special offer. Starting September 15 through September 21, consumers that spend $10 or more on Dunkin' through DoorDash will be eligible for a free 25-count box of Munchkins and a $0 delivery fee.

According to Brandy Blackwell, Director of New Business, Delivery & Catering, for Dunkin' U.S., "Dunkin' guests know they can count on us to offer the most convenient ways to enjoy their favorite coffee and...

Cracker Barrel Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year Fiscal 2020 Results

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store reported its financial results for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 ended July 31, 2020 and provided an update regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company's business.

Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2020 Highlights

• Dining room service gradually returned during the first two months of the quarter, and by the end of June, substantially all dining rooms were open at varying levels of reduced capacity.
• Comparable store restaurant and retail sales both improved sequentially each month during the quarter. Comparable store restaurant sales decreased...

PODCAST: Go With the Grain – Glenn Smith on Feed Ingredients

Glenn Smith, Director of Feed Ingredient Procurement at Wayne Farms, returns this week to Market Digest! Laura and Glenn discuss the increased demand for protein items as...

Adapt and Move Fast: A Q&A with Restaurant Brands International CMO Fernando Machado

We caught up with Fernando Machado, Global CMO at Restaurant Brands International, to talk about his perspective on the pandemic and foodservice impacts ahead of his much-anticipated appearance at Urner Barry’s upcoming Executive Conference and Global Protein Summit, broadcasting exclusively online October 6-9, 2020. Fernando’s focus is infusing Burger King, Popeyes and Tim Hortons with purpose, improving product quality, overall sustainability, modernizing design, and inspiring the organization around tech, digital and brand development...

SpartanNash Announces New President and CEO

SpartanNash Company announced that it has hired Tony B. Sarsam as President and Chief Executive Officer. Sarsam will assume that role and join the Board of Directors, effective September 21, 2020. Interim President and CEO Dennis Eidson will continue in his role as Chairman of the Board and will serve as Executive Chairman for a period of thirty days to ensure a smooth transition with Sarsam.

Sarsam is an accomplished CEO who has a unique blend of consumer products and supply chain expertise in the food industry, which positions him especially well to lead SpartanNash Company. Sarsam most recently served as CEO of Borden Dairy Company, Inc. where he led business growth and positive trends in a challenging industry. He successfully led Borden through its recent restructuring and...

PepsiCo Announces Senior Leadership Appointment

PepsiCo, Inc. announced that Athina Kanioura has been appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer. She will report to Chairman and CEO Ramon Laguarta.

In this new role, Kanioura will lead PepsiCo's end-to-end strategy to win both as a total company and in key markets, including the company's digitalization and data strategy. She will also lead company-wide transformation—ensuring that PepsiCo's scale is leveraged as the company focuses on accelerating growth and identifying areas of cost efficiency and optimization.

"Athina is a highly talented leader who will bring a cross-functional, technology-driven approach to...

NAMI Responds to Washington Post Article on OSHA Citations 

The Washington Post article discussed below was not featured on Urner Barry's sites. 

The North American Meat Institute (Meat Institute) today said the Washington Post missed the real story regarding the Occupational and Safety Health Administration’s (OSHA) citations of two meat packing companies related to COVID-19:

Kim Kindy of the Washington Post has written a story critical of OSHA’s citations of two meat packing plants. We agree OSHA deserves criticism, but for different reasons. OSHA’s citations against Smithfield Foods and JBS Foods are both confusing and revisionist.

Kindy neglects to look at the timeline. Let us review...

100,000 Restaurants Closed Six Months into Pandemic

Six months following the first shutdown of restaurants for the coronavirus pandemic, the restaurant industry is in limbo. According to a new survey released by the National Restaurant Association, nearly 1 in 6 restaurants (representing nearly 100,000 restaurants) is closed either permanently or long-term; nearly 3 million employees are still out of work; and the industry is on track to lose $240 billion in sales by the end of the year.

The survey, which asked restaurant operators about the six-month impact of the pandemic on their businesses, found that overwhelmingly, most restaurants are still struggling to survive and don't expect their position to improve over the next six months. The findings include...

US Foods Fall Scoop Helps Restaurant Operators Stay On Point With Evolving Off-Premise Trends

US Foods Holding Corp. announced the launch of Fall Scoop 2020, titled “On Point With Off-Premise – Designed To Make It.” This special edition of Scoop features 14 products designed to address trends within off-premise dining such as labor-saving products perfect for DIY meal kits and products that will help ease diner safety and hygiene worries, including tamper-evident packaging and sanitation items.

“The restaurant environment has changed immensely with the surge in off-premise dining, and the ability for restaurant operators to adapt with creativity, labor savings and safety in mind is...

White Castle Introduces the Crave Clutch

White Castle is once again disrupting how customers transport its famous Sliders. The restaurant is adding yet another unique container – the Crave Clutch – to its lineup of iconic packaging. The colorful clutch makes its debut in all White Castle restaurants and will be available for a limited time. It's the first new package since White Castle introduced the 100-count Crave Crate in 2004.

Holding 20 Sliders of any variety, the Crave Clutch sits nicely between the classic 10 Sack and the 30-Slider Crave Case, making it the perfect choice for family meals and small gatherings. That's especially helpful now as people spend more time at home or outdoors in response to...

Colorado-Based Planterra Foods' Brand, OZO, Named the Plant-Based Food Choice of The Denver Broncos

Colorado's number one sports team and rising innovative local start-up, Planterra Foods, announced a three-year partnership with OZO, the Plant-Based Food Choice of the Denver Broncos. News of the two distinguished Colorado entities joining forces comes just in time for the Broncos' season opener against the Tennessee Titans, taking place tonight at 8:20 p.m. MST.

"At Planterra Foods, our goal is to provide delicious, clean and nutritious plant-based protein choices for everyone to experience, from vegans to flexitarians to meat-eaters. With our Colorado roots and focus on sourcing the heart of our products locally, it was very natural for us to team up with the Denver Broncos as we also share similar values in...

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Cattle Slaughter

China and Japan Suspend Pork Imports from Germany Following African Swine Fever Case 

According to the German Food and Agriculture Ministry, China and Japan have suspended imports of pork and live pigs from Germany after a case of African swine fever was confirmed in a wild boar near the Polish border in the eastern state of Brandenburg, Germany. This comes as South Korea banned imports of German pork last week.

Pork imports of 40,230 tons from Germany last year accounted for about 3.3% of Japan's total imports of pork, the ministry reported. Japan did not import any live pigs last year, down from six in 2018. China's ban on imports comes as the country deals with its own spread of the disease. German pork exports to China total about...

Beyond Meat Introduces Beyond Meatballs at Grocery Stores Nationwide 

Beyond Meat announced that Beyond Meatballs will be rolling into grocery stores nationwide starting this week. With more consumers looking for nutritious options that are delicious and easy to prepare, Beyond Meatballs are conveniently pre-seasoned with a signature blend of Italian spices, pre-rolled and ready to cook.

Beyond Meatballs will be launching at grocery stores nationwide including Whole Foods Market, Stop & Shop, Sprouts, Harris Teeter, Kroger, Albertsons, and others by early October. Sold in the fresh meat section with a suggested retail price of $6.99 for 12 meatballs, Beyond Meatballs have...

Cher-Make Sausage Company Recalls Fully Cooked Meat Sausage Products 

Cher-Make Sausage Company, a Manitowoc, Wis. establishment, is recalling approximately 429-lbs of fully-cooked meat sausage products due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced. The product contains milk (cheese), which is not declared on the packaging label.

The product labeled as “Old Fashioned Wieners” may contain cheddar wieners product. The product was produced on July 23, 2020. The following products are subject to recall...

Amazon Hiring 100,000 New Employees Across the U.S. and Canada 

Amazon continues to provide opportunities for regular full-time and part-time jobs in its fulfillment and logistics network as it expands its footprint to better serve customers in communities where they live. The company announced that it is hiring an additional 100,000 regular employment opportunities throughout the U.S. and Canada on top of the 33,000 Corporate and Technology jobs announced last week. The roles offer a starting wage of at least $15 per hour, and in select cities Amazon is offering sign-on bonuses up to $1,000 to new hires. On top of Amazon’s minimum $15 wage, the company offers full-time employees industry-leading benefits, which include health, vision and...

ANALYSIS: ASF Reported in Germany; A Look at German Pork Exports

An African Swine Fever case has been identified and confirmed in one wild boar in Schenkendöbern, Brandenburg, Germany on...

NAMI Issues Statement on OSHA Citation Related to COVID-19

The North American Meat Institute released the following statement from Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts regarding an Occupational and Safety Health Administration (OSHA) citation related to COVID-19.

“While the meat and poultry industry remains vigilant working with many government agencies to stop the spread of COVID-19, OSHA engages in revisionism.

“The meat and poultry industry’s first priority is the safety of the men and women who work in their facilities. Notwithstanding inconsistent and sometimes...

Sysco Introduces ‘Foodie Solutions’ to Help Customers Approach Foodservice During COVID-19 Pandemic

As foodservice operators continue to navigate the coronavirus pandemic and states begin to lift restrictions like indoor dining, Sysco has launched Foodie Solutions, a platform created to support foodservice operates during this time.

Through perspective from supporting restaurants and operators across the U.S. Sysco identified essential tools to help customers respond quickly to the changing environment and new trends that have developed during COVID-19 shutdowns.

“Foodie Solutions’ comprehensive suite of toolkits is designed to help operators drive traffic..."

Kroger Reports Second Quarter 2020 Results and Updates Full-Year 2020 Guidance

The Kroger Co. reported its second quarter 2020 results, provided a Restock Kroger progress update on the three-year transformation plan, and shared a COVID-19 response update.

Comments from Chairman and CEO Rodney McMullen

"Each day I'm inspired by the work our incredible associates do to bring to life our purpose, to Feed the Human Spirit. I am proud of our dedicated associates who are serving our customers when they need us most. Our top priority is to provide a safe environment for associates and customers and as the pandemic continues, we will continue to rise to meet the challenge.

Customers are at the center of everything we do and, as a result, we are...

Foodservice Focus Shifts With No Tailgating, Spectators as Football Season Kicks Off

Most NFL fans won’t be firing up their grills in the parking lots or purchasing sandwiches while cheering their favorite teams this year.

At the same time, fans who typically head out to their favorite sports bar or restaurant to catch the game, may not have the opportunity or feel safe due to COVID-19 restrictions and concerns.

Early in the pandemic, family deals and other large portioned offerings were popular among restaurants. Similar deals are being revived as favorite...

ANALYSIS: Q4 Wing and Tender Performance Dependent on Price and Seasonality

It is certainly a relief to have our daily lives slowly returning to something we might recognize as normal. There is no doubt that is the case for...

Imports Spike as Economy Continues Recovery and Retailers Stock Up for Holidays

Imports surged to unexpected high levels this summer and may have hit a new record as the U.S. economy continues to reopen and retailers stock up for the holiday season, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

“It’s important to be careful how much to read into these numbers after all we’ve seen this year, but retailers are importing far more merchandise for the holidays than we expected even a month ago,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said. “Some of these imports are helping replenish inventories that started to run low after...

White Castle Launches Craver Nation Loyalty Program 

White Castle has launched its first loyalty program, Craver Nation. The program will provide valuable discounts and special offers to customers based on their individual purchase history at White Castle restaurants. Members will receive a free combo meal with four Original Sliders, a small order of fries and a small soft drink when they sign up.

"No two customers are quite alike, which is why we're offering a personalized experience that's not based on points or the number of purchases, but instead on their individual preferences at White Castle," said Lisa Ingram, president and CEO of White Castle and fourth generation family member. "We're looking forward to providing these special offers and...

Postmates Becomes Official On-Demand Food Delivery Partner of The NFL

The National Football League and Postmates, have entered into a multi-year sponsorship agreement making Postmates the first official on-demand food delivery partner of the NFL. Postmates is also an official sponsor of NFL premier events including the Super Bowl, Pro Bowl and Draft, to name a few.

"People across the country aren't just ready to order their favorite gameday foods, they are eagerly awaiting the return of football. While most fans won't be able to physically go to the game, this partnership with the NFL allows us to bring the gameday experience, and...

Weekly Unemployment Claims Remain Elevated

The U.S. Labor Department reported 884,000 first-time filings for unemployment claims, unchanged from the previous week's revised level. For the week ending August 29, the advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 9.2%, an increase of 0.1 percentage point from the unrevised rate the week before. Continuing claims from those filing for at least two weeks rose from the week prior, reaching 13.385 million. That is an increase of 93,000 from last week's report and an indicator that job improvement through the summer may be tailing off as fall begins.

For the week ending September 5, the 4-week moving average was 970,750, a decrease of 21,750 from the previous week's revised average. Claims under the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program continued to rise, increasing more than...