Post-Summer Back to the Grind Kept U.S. Restaurant Transactions Flat in September

The post-summer back to business and school as usual kept U.S. restaurant transactions flat in September compared to year ago, reports The NPD Group. The month started out with transactions up but flattened as the month went on, according to NPD’s CREST Performance Alerts, which provides a rapid weekly view of chain-specific transactions and share trends for 73 quick service, fast casual, midscale, and casual dining chains.

Transactions at quick service restaurant (QSR) chains, which represent the bulk of industry transactions, were flat in September compared to year ago. While the full service segments of casual dining and midscale/family dining chains each saw transactions decline by 2% in the month from same period last year.

In August a well-publicized chicken sandwich war and summer travel helped to drive a 2% increase in QSR visits, while a 3% decline in full service restaurant traffic kept...

Kenosha Beef International Recalls Seasoned Beef Products

Kenosha Beef International, a Columbus, Ohio establishment, is recalling an undetermined amount of seasoned beef products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically metal shavings, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The seasoned beef items were produced on various dates from Sept. 20, 2019 to Oct. 4, 2019. The following products are subject to recall...

Sold-Out Global Protein Summit a Smash Hit in Chicago

Attendees raving about the first ever conference, applauding speakers, insights, and prime networking

The Global Protein Summit debuted in Chicago last week—with those in attendance hailing the program as timely, illuminating, and critically important. The sold-out event, hosted by Urner Barry, featured a hard-hitting lineup of expert presenters covering the biggest topics impacting the beef, pork, and poultry business.

Two days of packed content, 25 speakers, protein-specific breakouts and unparalleled networking opportunities defined this inaugural event, held at the InterContinental Magnificent Mile in the heart of Chicago. The show brought together common themes affecting the supply chain, including China, trade agreements, African Swine Fever, the economy, alternative protein competition, and what to expect as we look ahead...

Burger King Partners with Uber Eats for Delivery

All of your favorite flame grilled sandwiches from Burger King restaurants can now be delivered right to your doorstep through Uber Eats. BK guests nationwide can now place a food order, including the iconic Whopper Sandwich, with the tap of a button on the Uber Eats app.

“At Burger King restaurants, delivery is a major priority to ensure our food is available to anyone, anywhere,” said Chris Finazzo, President, North America, Burger King Corporation. “We know our guests value convenience and adding the Burger King brand to Uber Eats is another way we will meet the demands of millions of people on this platform.”

“We’re thrilled to team up with Burger King restaurants to offer their beloved menu items to...

Walmart's InHome Delivery Service Officially Launches in Kansas City, Pittsburgh and Vero Beach

Early this summer, Walmart announced InHome Delivery, its latest innovation aimed toward giving time back to families by delivering fresh groceries and everyday essentials directly into their kitchen or garage fridges. Today, for the first time ever, Walmart is thrilled to launch this new service for over 1 million customers in Pittsburgh, Kansas City (Missouri and Kansas) and Vero Beach.

The company is obsessed with simplifying grocery shopping and finding ways to make customers’ lives easier. That’s why InHome goes the extra step so that customers can live their lives without worrying about making it to the store or being home to accept a delivery.

All it takes to use the service is three simple steps...

Cracker Barrel Acquires Maple Street Biscuit Company

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. announced it has acquired Maple Street Biscuit Company in an all-cash transaction for $36 million. Maple Street Biscuit Company was founded by Scott Moore and Gus Evans in Jacksonville, FL in 2012. It currently has 28 company-owned and five franchised fast casual locations across seven states. Maple Street Biscuit Company has targeted AUVs of $1.0+ million and targeted store-level EBITDA of 17%+ of net sales. The Company plans to convert its Holler & Dash Biscuit House units into Maple Street Biscuit Company locations in the coming months. Scott Moore will remain CEO of Maple Street Biscuit Company and will report directly to Sandra B. Cochran, President and CEO of Cracker Barrel.

“The breakfast and lunch-focused fast casual category is an attractive segment, and our experience with Holler & Dash has reinforced this belief. We have long admired Maple Street Biscuit Company with...

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Slaughter 

Online Grocery Shows Global Growth 

According to ResearchandMarkets, the online grocery market is projected to grow by $354.2 billion, with the potential to grow at over 17.4%. The shifting dynamics supporting this growth makes it critical for businesses in this space to keep abreast of the changing pulse of the market. Poised to reach over $524.5 billion by the year 2025, online grocery will bring in gains adding significant momentum to global growth.

The United States is expected to maintain an 18.7% growth momentum. In Europe, Germany is projected to add over $13.6 billion to the region's size and clout in the next...

Retailers Welcome Progress on Trade, say Administration has Listened to Concerns

The National Retail Federation today issued the following statement from Senior Vice President for Government Relations David French after the Trump administration announced that a scheduled tariff hike from 25 percent to 30 percent on $250 billion worth of goods from China will not take place next week as negotiators finalize a tentative trade deal.

“Retailers are encouraged by the progress made between the United States and China and are pleased that the administration has listened to the concerns of the business community as the trade war takes an increasing toll on the American economy. The decision to delay planned tariff hikes is...

YOUBITE, LLC Recalls Pork Sausage and Turkey Sausage Products Due to Mislabeling

YOUBITE, LLC, a Camarillo, Calif. establishment, is recalling approximately 7,197 pounds of raw and ready-to-eat, pork sausage and turkey sausage products that contain either natural sheep or natural pork casings that were not declared on the product label, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The raw and fully cooked, ready-to-eat, pork sausage and turkey sausage items were produced on various dates from Oct. 9, 2018 to Oct. 9, 2019. The following products are subject to recall...

Walmart Names John Furner President & CEO of Walmart U.S.

Today, Walmart announced that John Furner will become the President and Chief Executive Officer of Walmart U.S., following a successful five years for the business segment under Greg Foran. Furner will report directly to Walmart President and CEO Doug McMillon, and the move will be effective November 1. Foran, who is taking a role as CEO at Air New Zealand Limited, will stay on with Walmart through January 31 to ensure a smooth transition.

“John has done a fantastic job at Sam’s Club, and he will continue the momentum we have in Walmart U.S.,” said McMillon. “John knows our business well, having held many different jobs in the company over more than 25 years, and he is helping transform it for the future. He has the experience and judgment to know what we should continue doing and what we should...

Cargill Collaborates to Bring Cost-Effective Global GHG Reductions to Shipping

Cargill, Maersk Tankers and Mitsui & Co. have established a strategic collaboration to accelerate the reduction of global greenhouse gases (GHGs) within shipping. All three parties recognize the urgency required to tackle the global issue of climate change and are continually driving progress in their respective lines of business. Today, they are joining forces to accelerate these efforts and propel the maritime industry towards a more sustainable future.

Together, the companies will work towards lowering maritime GHG emissions by fully exploiting existing fuel-saving technologies and exploring new technical solutions. The aim is to prove that it can make economic sense for both owners and charterers if they work more closely together to make vessels more fuel efficient, thus demonstrating that sustainable shipping can also be...

ANALYSIS: All Eyes on Chicken Production

As chicken market participants navigate through the final quarter of 2019, they turn to the stats in an effort to better assess the various market influences that they face within the current trade environment...

Cattlemen Participate in White House Event Spotlighting Federal Overreach

Two members of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) joined President Trump at a White House event spotlighting past federal overreach by the U.S. Department of the Interior and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). During the event, the President signed two Executive Orders that will provide more clarity and transparency to often-daunting and complicated federal regulatory processes.

"Today’s event at the White House demonstrates the effectiveness of our association’s efforts in having meaningful and lasting positive impacts on regulation reforms that benefit our industry, rural communities and family ranching operations," said Nevada public lands rancher J.J. Goicoechea, who participated in this West Wing event. "We stand ready and committed to...

KFC Introduces Fried Wings 

Kentucky Fried Chicken is delivering a touchdown this football season with the introduction of its new Kentucky Fried Wings™. The chicken expert's new, always hot and fresh wings are available in participating KFC U.S. restaurants today as part of the permanent menu. Making this even hotter, fans can try them out from the comfort of their own home with free delivery* on kfc.com, the fried chicken chain's new online delivery platform, Grubhub and Seamless.

Sure to be the MVP of this season's tailgate parties and more, Kentucky Fried Wings are available classic (unsauced) or tossed in your choice of three sauces: Nashville Hot, Buffalo or Honey BBQ – all so finger lickin' good, you won't even need a Wet-Nap.

Thanks to Kentucky Fried Wings, gone are the days of waiting for hot and fresh wings, or needing to call ahead with an order. Kentucky Fried Wings are...

Mercato Introduces Same-Day Grocery Delivery with Mercato Green

Mercato, the online grocery eCommerce platform for independently owned grocery and specialty food stores, announced today the launch of Mercato Green. The delivery membership program allows consumers in more than 25 states across the U.S. to receive unlimited free, same-day deliveries from their favorite local grocers. Mercato will also plant a tree for every order placed by a Mercato Green member.

There are two Mercato Green membership plans - both come with a 14-day free, unlimited trial. The Neighborhood plan covers deliveries up to three miles from the store, and the City plan covers up to 10 miles. Both plans provide a deep discount for consumers who are looking for the convenience and reliability of same-day delivery from their favorite neighborhood grocers.

Online grocery sales, estimated to reach $29.7 billion by 2021, continue to climb as many people find traditional grocery shopping - parking, waiting in checkout lines, and loading groceries - a hassle. With Mercato, consumers conveniently order...

Corn Futures Tumble, After US Makes Surprise Yield Upgrade

Corn futures tumbled, after the US unexpectedly raised its yield forecast for this year’s crop, but soybean prices gained, with the estimate for output of the oilseed cut by more than investors had expected.

Chicago corn futures for December, which had stood a little lower ahead of the US Department of Agriculture’s Wasde crop briefing, extended those losses sharply afterwards, chalking up a 3.7% loss at one stage.

The contract, one hour after the report, stood at $3.81 ½ a bushel, a drop of 3.2% on the day.

The declines reflected a surprise upgrade in the Wasde to the USDA’s forecast for the domestic corn yield this year, by 0.2 bushels per acre to 168.4 bushels per acre, while lowering expectations for consumption of the grain...

A Hard Landing for Some: US Trade Tariffs on EU Agricultural Products

On Wednesday, October 2, the WTO ruled in favor of the US in a long running trade dispute over illegal government support to European aircraft builder Airbus. It allowed the US to impose tariffs on USD 7.5bn worth of products from the EU-28. The tariffs proposed are not a broad list focused on the whole European agricultural sector, rather it targets specific countries and product categories. For example, in 2018, almost 80% of US wine imports in value terms were imported from the EU-28. Not only do US consumers favor European wines, they also have a taste for whiskies, olive oil and dairy products from the region.

Alcoholic Beverages: French and Spanish Wine Impacted Most, Followed by Scottish Single Malt Whiskies

The US accounts for around 18% of French and 12% of Spanish wine exports in value terms. Even if sparkling wines and those with over 14% alcohol content are...

Natural Grocers Expands Meat and Seafood Department

Natural Grocers recently refreshed its Meat and Seafood Department selections in all its grocery stores across 19 states. The new and improved Meat and Seafood Department features high-quality and exotic varieties of grass-fed meat, pork, poultry, fish and seafood. Customers can expect a wide variety of offerings including, bison, beef, yak, wild boar, elk, venison, lamb, pork, chicken, turkey, ostrich, cod, mahi mahi, salmon, scallops, shrimp, tuna, pollock, rockfish and sole.

"Our standards ensure that all of our meat is naturally and humanely raised and our seafood is sustainably sourced, which we believe is the best for...

ANALYSIS: Tallying Up Turkey Export Tonnage

With August marking the fifth consecutive month of YoY advancements in total turkey export volume, it’s safe to say that, so far, 2019 has proven to be...

Certified Angus Beef Brand Announces 15th Consecutive Year of Growth

For the 13th straight year, Certified Angus Beef LLC reported record sales of its signature Certified Angus Beef brand. It's also the 15th consecutive year of growth for the original brand of premium Angus beef. Nearly 19,000 processor, foodservice and retail global partners marketed 1.25 billion pounds in fiscal 2019, ending Sept. 30, a 3.1% increase over fiscal 2018.

That growth, said brand president John Stika, was made possible by "an entire community of Angus farmers, ranchers and feeders being extremely intentional over several years in how they breed, raise and care for cattle with a focus on quality."

It starts at the farm, but Stika credited everyone from gate to plate who brings...

Chipotle Enhances Animal Welfare Standards in Canada and Europe 

Chipotle Mexican Grill announced that it's signing the European Chicken Commitment, a venture that will apply even higher animal welfare standards to its entire European supply chain by 2026. Priding itself on serving food with integrity, Chipotle was an early participant in the U.S., supporting the Better Chicken Commitment since 2017 and has now extended this U.S. Broiler commitment to its operations in Canada as well.

Chipotle is committed to cultivating a better world, which means sourcing responsibly raised ingredients. For over 25 years, Chipotle has been an industry leader in exceptional animal welfare standards in the fast-casual space. As a brand started by a classically trained chef with a passion for real food, Chipotle has pioneered...

Retail Imports to See Surge Ahead of December Tariffs

Imports at the nation’s major retail container ports are expected to hit their highest level of the year again next month just before more tariffs take effect in December, according to the Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

“This is the last chance to bring merchandise into the country before virtually everything the United States imports from China comes under tariffs,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said. “Retailers are doing all they can to mitigate the impact of tariffs on their customers. The effect on prices will vary by retailer and product during the holiday season, but ultimately...

Nestlé Develops Fully Plant-Based 'Bacon Cheeseburger'

Nestlé announced today that it has developed vegan alternatives to cheese and bacon, designed to complement its existing plant-based burger patties. This makes it the first food and beverage company to develop and produce all three essential elements for a no-compromise plant-based 'bacon cheeseburger'.

This complete burger solution will first be offered to professional clients such as restaurant and foodservice operators. Nestlé's plant-based burger patties are already available to food professionals, with the full package including...

Subway Restaurants Names New Chief Marketing Officer

The Subway brand is proud to name Carrie Walsh as Chief Marketing Officer, North America, where she will be responsible for driving the brand's North America marketing and advertising strategy, as well as defining global brand standards and marketing strategies throughout Subway's international markets.

A seasoned marketing professional, Walsh joins Subway with more than 15 years of experience building brands across the restaurant, retail and CPG industries. Most recently, Walsh led marketing for Michaels Stores, the largest arts & crafts retailer in North America. Walsh also previously held the Chief Marketing Officer role for YUM! Brands Pizza Hut, where she led teams across marketing disciplines including calendar planning, menu insights and...

Carl's Jr. Launches New BBQ Cheeseburger Made with Beyond Meat 

Carl’s Jr., known for craveable menu items, is excited to expand its partnership with Beyond Meat® to launch an innovative new menu item – the Beyond BBQ Cheeseburger – available at participating restaurants beginning October 9, 2019. Drawing on the success of its Beyond Famous Star, the restaurant developed a new burger build meant to complement the Beyond Burger™ patty, while drawing on the flavors of its famed Western Bacon Cheeseburger.

The new Beyond BBQ Cheeseburger will feature some of the restaurant’s most popular ingredients including a Beyond Burger patty topped with Carl's Jr. original BBQ sauce, American cheese, crispy onion rings, all on a sesame seed bun, for an indulgent flexitarian option that turns...