USMEF Partners with Chilean Importer to Grow its Portfolio of U.S. Pork Cuts

To address reduced U.S. pork sales with a major importer in Chile, USMEF South American Representative Jessica Julca worked with the importer to develop a client database to segment its customers based on their purchasing patterns and potential needs.

“El Carnicero used to import several cuts of U.S. pork but with greater availability from competitors, they were down to importing one U.S. cut,” says Julca. “The database contains purchasing data for 211 of its customers and helps them to identify loyal customers and market opportunities...

Wakefern Launches Live Tracking for Home Delivery of Online Orders

Wakefern Food Corp., the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the United States, announced the launch of live tracking with Delivery Solutions for the delivery of online grocery orders. The cutting-edge tracking technology is available through many ShopRite and The Fresh Grocer locations, with live tracking of home deliveries offered at more than 200 stores.

The live tracking feature is a dedicated platform offered by Delivery Solutions that provides live order tracking and updates for online shoppers using home delivery. With real-time visibility features for users, live tracking offers...

Cup Noodles Introduces a Noodle Bar Experience

Cup Noodles, the original instant ramen in a cup, is unveiling a Noodle Bar experience that pairs its premium Cup Noodles Stir Fry and Cup Noodles Stir Fry Rice with Noodles product lines with craft beer selections just in time for Oktoberfest. Through a partnership with Advanced Cicerone Mandy Naglich, the brand created a Noodles + Brews Pairing Guide that thoughtfully matches each product flavor with a craft brew style based on the vibrant tasting notes and ingredients found in each cup.

"A Perfect...

Food and Ag Leader Kevin Burkum named CEO of U.S. Farmers & Ranchers in Action

The U.S. Farmers & Ranchers in Action (USFRA) Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Kevin Burkum, a senior leader in food and agriculture, has been selected as CEO of USFRA. Burkum will assume the role on Monday, October 9.

USFRA board members unanimously selected Burkum to lead the organization as it charts a new path to collaboratively address critical issues facing U.S. agriculture and global food and renewable energy systems.

“With Kevin’s leadership, the board and I are very excited about the...

White Castle Launches New Delivery Service In White Castle App, Powered by Partnership with Uber 

White Castle, the innovative company that helped make the hamburger an American household staple, is now providing delivery as an option within its White Castle app. The in-app delivery option gives Cravers the convenience of having their favorite menu items, such as a 10-sack of Original Sliders, delivered to them at the same everyday low pricing they find at their local Castle.

With this update rolled out in all of its restaurant markets, White Castle no longer relies solely on a...

HSBC to Make $1 Billion in Funding Available to Climate-Tech Startups

HSBC Holdings PLC on Wednesday said it plans to allocate $1 billion in financing to support emerging climate tech companies around the world in a push to help reduce carbon emissions.

The financing is expected to support start-ups in EV charging, battery storage, sustainable food and agriculture, and carbon removal technologies, HSBC said...

Landmark Tool Supports Meat Sector Greenhouse Gas Reduction Targets

A new tool released jointly today by the North American Meat Institute (Meat Institute) and the United Nations Global Compact Network USA (the U.S. chapter of the United Nations Global Compact) will aid meat companies of all sizes in measuring greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions – advancing the Meat Institute’s aim for 100% of its members to set science-based GHG reduction targets in line with the Paris Climate Agreement.

The tool was developed through Meat Institute member participation in the UN Global Compact Network USA’s Climate Ambition Accelerator program, a...

Christensen Farms Announces Leadership Succession

Christensen Farms President and CEO, Glenn Stolt, a 13-year veteran of the company, announced his intention to retire from his position during the latter part of 2024 and is excited to announce the promotion of Greg Howard to President, effective immediately.

“At Christensen Farms, we continue to focus on building a development-oriented culture providing advancement opportunities for our team,” said Mr. Stolt. “This announcement, albeit at the senior level of the organization, demonstrates our commitment to proactive individual and organizational development and succession planning."...

New Cracker Barrel Rewards™ Brings Guests the Rewards They Crave with the Care They Deserve

Now, every visit to Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® can be even more rewarding with new Cracker Barrel Rewards™. Members of the unique program can earn Pegs (like points) through restaurant or retail purchases and redeem them for rewards. Plus, members can enjoy more of what they love from Cracker Barrel with Birthday, Anniversary and Surprise Bonus Rewards, and one-of-a-kind digital experiences just for being a member.

Earn Pegs toward Rewards
The program is inspired by Cracker Barrel's iconic...

Jack in the Box Turns Up The Heat This Halloween With New Angry Monster Taco

Jack in the Box, Inc., home of the menu with the most variety, announces the return of the Monster Taco along with a spicy twist on the fan-favorite specialty taco – introducing the extra spooky Angry Monster Taco. Ahead of Halloween, Jack’s favorite night of the year, the Monster Taco is returning for the third year in a row in its original form alongside its spicy addition, both priced at two for $3. This spicier and never-before-tasted version of the Monster Taco...

NPPC Welcomes Meghan Cline as Director of Policy Communications

Meghan Cline has joined the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) as director of policy communications. In her role, she will focus on strategies for effectively communicating NPPC’s policy positions to a wide variety of audiences, including producers, lawmakers, the media, and consumers.

“Meghan is a welcome addition to the NPPC communications team,” said NPPC Assistant Vice President of Marketing and Communications Annemarie Pender. “Her unique blend of industry, federal government, and global corporate experience will be an asset to NPPC.”

Cline most recently served as the director of communications for...

WTI Oil Prices Dip Below $90 a Barrel Following Fed Comments

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures slipped below $90 a barrel at midweek after the Federal Reserve signaled that one additional rate hike is possible this year.

In a widely anticipated move, the central bank maintained the target range for the federal funds rate at 5-1/4 to 5-1/2 percent. Fed officials re-emphasized they are "strongly committed to returning inflation to its 2 percent objective."

The central bank has raised rates 11 times since March 2022. After peaking in June 2022 at 9.1%, U.S. inflation...

Finally, the Philly Done Right

Saucy chicken chain Zaxby’s®, is turning up the heat with its latest limited time offer – the Fried Chicken Philly. The new sandwich is an elevated twist on the original Philly cheesesteak, featuring Zaxbys’ signature fried or grilled chicken, savory garlic aioli, and a combination of melted American cheese, grilled peppers and onions served on a toasted hoagie roll. In a bold move, Zaxby’s is taking the opportunity to playfully jab at the city of Philadelphia with its new menu offering.

“Finally the Philly done right – and it took a Southern brand famous for its...

Chester's Chicken Pits Its Popular Honey Stung Chicken Bites Against New Sweet Chili Chicken Bites

It's a Battle of the Bites! Guests who stop in Chester's Chicken this fall should be prepared for a flavor showdown between the restaurant's reigning champ, Honey Stung Chicken Bites, and the new challenger, Sweet Chili Chicken Bites.

Chester's Chicken Bites Combo features eight chicken bites, the choice of two sauce flavors, a small side, and a honey butter biscuit. This Chicken Bites Combo introduces Chester's new marinated breast chunks along with a new sauce. Guests can choose chicken bites...

Panera Bread Introduces Crunch Time Ordering: New One-Swipe Ordering Solution 

Today, Panera Bread announced the introduction of Crunch Time Ordering: the ultimate one-swipe ordering option on the Panera app. Panera knows that many of its guests are always on the go and for those stressful, busy moments where mealtimes creep up on them, Crunch Time Ordering is there to solve their dinnertime dilemma. This new feature is among the first in the industry that allows guests to have their favorite meals pre-programmed to be ordered at a set date and time with just a single swipe...

Kroger Pledges to Increase Shelf Space Dedicated to Local Products

The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) announced today a commitment to make more local products available to its customers following its proposed merger with Albertsons Companies. Post-close, the combined company will increase the number of local products in its stores by 10%, which equates to at least of 30 new local products in each store.

"Local farmers, bakers and producers are important parts of our Fresh for Everyone brand promise," said Rodney McMullen, chairman & CEO, The Kroger Co. "Every local product we stock has a unique producer...

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Brings Back the Brisket Chili Cheese Fries

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit and their guests are excited for the return of a seasonal, fan favorite this fall.

Back by popular demand, the Brisket Chili Cheese Fries will be available to Dickey’s fans across the country starting September 25th. This limited time offer is a delicious collaboration of savory, pit-smoked brisket chili, melted cheese and hand cut fries. Just in time for the changing seasons, this ‘cue creation will once again have guests falling for the special menu item. This offering serves as an amazing side to any meal...

Kroger Health Announces Collaboration with Performance Kitchen® to Offer Medically Tailored Meals

Kroger Health, the healthcare division of The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), is announcing its collaboration with Performance Kitchen® to offer medically tailored meals (MTMs). This will be the first time Kroger Health is offering evidence-based, registered dietitian approved meals that will offer nutrition intervention for people who are living with various health conditions including diabetes, heart disease and cancer. MTMs are created to meet the specific needs of individuals and may significantly improve a person's overall health and wellness while providing access to nutritious foods...

Volpi Foods Announces Product Launch in Target in Midwest and Southern U.S.

Volpi Foods, the fourth-generation family-owned charcuterie company based in St. Louis, is excited to announce its new partnership with Target in the Midwest and Southern U.S. regions. The company's line of high-quality charcuterie products will now be available in Target stores, offering customers a taste of traditional Italian dry-cured meats made with Raised Responsibly™ Midwest pork and packaged in the Eco-Pack™, Volpi's eco-friendly packaging that reduces plastic use by 80%. Plus, Volpi is a WBENC-certified business, the gold standard...

The Retail Rundown: Fall-ing into Seasonal Trends

It’s the end of an era…or at least, a season. Pumpkin everything has already been underway for a couple of weeks and the fall equinox officially arrives on Saturday, September 23^rd.

Grocers are increasingly highlighting autumn retail trends consistent with indoor oven cooking, resulting in shifting feature volume from grilling cuts to cooler-weather items like roasts.

Beef roasts have seen a notable uptick in feature volume since the beginning of the month, currently claiming 22% of total beef ads. Comparatively, the roast category accounted for 14% of beef ads...

Celebrity Endorsements: A Powerful Tool for Fast-Food Franchisors

Fast-food franchisors have several tools in their arsenal to attract attention and increase sales. These include offering fun promotions on national food holidays and having lively mascots to add personality to and humanize their brands. But an undeniably effective way to attract fans (especially younger ones) to a fast-food restaurant is with a celebrity endorsement.

From Dunkin’ and Wendy’s to Burger King and McDonald’s, popular fast-food brands have enlisted the help of celebrities to sell new products and generate social media buzz. Below, we look into fast-food...

WinCo Foods Partners with Invafresh to Optimize Their Fresh Retail Operations

Invafresh, the industry leading fresh grocery platform, today announced that WinCo Foods has selected Invafresh to optimize their fresh operations across multiple departments, starting with their deli, food service and seafood divisions, to reduce shrink, improve in-stocks and deliver a fresher experience to their customers.

WinCo was looking for a solution to automate production planning to deliver optimal on-shelf availability for their customers and empower their employee owners with an easy-to-use solution to provide them with real-time, actionable data. WinCo required a solution that...

Check Yes or No … Will You Go to Homecoming With Burger King®?

Burger King wants to know, “will you go to Homecoming with me?” To celebrate the start of the school year and Homecoming (HoCo) season, Burger King is helping Guests create new traditions and lasting memories with the first-ever BK® Homecoming Meal*.

Available for a limited time at participating restaurants starting Sept. 21, the BK® Homecoming Meal aims to make it easier than ever for HoCo-goers to rule dinner and the dance floor with a sweetheart or...

Kids Own Mondays at BurgerFi® With Free Kids Meals

Starting on September 25, BurgerFi®, owned by BurgerFi International, Inc. (Nasdaq: BFI, BFIIW) ("BurgerFi"), is serving up little Fi-natics with its Kids Eat Free program. Every Monday, children ages 12 and under can enjoy a free kids meal with the purchase of an adult meal at participating BurgerFi locations, exclusively for dine-in guests.

"As children return to school, meal planning can become a bit of a juggling act for parents and caregivers. With this promotion, we aim to simplify dining choices and offer...

Corn Harvest Slightly Outpacing Year-Ago and 5-Year Avg

Corn harvest in the 18 major producing states made further progress last week and is slightly outpacing a year ago and the five-year average.

The soybean harvest is one point ahead of the five-year average. However, it is early on in the harvest season and weather-related delays could slow farmers’ progress versus historic levels in the weeks ahead.

USDA data released Monday showed corn harvest in the top 18 producing states as of Sunday, September 17 at 9%, up from 5% the previous week and 7%...

Bobak’s Sausage Adds Chicago's Favorite Flavors to Your Home Cooking

Enjoy the best of Chicago sausage in your own home as Bobak Sausage Company unveils a delectable new lineup of six sausage flavors at grocery stores in the greater Chicagoland area. Elevate your culinary adventures with the tantalizing selection of Bobak’s Maxwell Polish, Bobak’s Smoked Polish, Bobak’s Smoked Brat, Bobak’s Smoked Cheddar, Bobak’s Mild Italian, and Bobak’s Beef Polish.

The Bobak story takes root in the vibrant tapestry of Chicago's culinary history beginning in 1964 when Frank Bobak, an immigrant to Chicago from Poland, began making sausage in his Southside...

Meati Foods™ Launches Meati™ Marketplace for Consumers

Meati Foods, creator of delectable, animal-free meats crafted from the company's patented, whole-food MushroomRoot™, today launched meati™ Marketplace, a direct-to-consumer storefront designed for meati fans to get regular deliveries of the products they love and to be the first to try new products before they hit store shelves. Customers who register for the Innovation Kitchen Subscription will receive a monthly delivery of Meati’s four current products alongside at least one completely new product, delivered direct to their door. Meati Marketplace will also sell individual products...

Nathan’s Famous Introduces New Menu Item, the New York Chopped Cheese Hero

WHO: Nathan’s Famous Restaurants

WHAT: Nathan’s Famous, the American tradition serving New York favorites for more than 100 years, introduced its newest menu item, the New York Chopped Cheese Hero. Nathan’s Famous is providing its own spin on the New York’s newest trending sandwich. Made with ½ pound black angus beef, American cheese, creamy burger sauce, lettuce and tomato, all served on an artisan baguette, the Chopped Cheese Hero is available at select Nathan’s Famous locations.

About Nathan’s Famous

Nathan's is a Russell 2000 Company that currently distributes...

Direct to Empower Restaurants to Enhance and Scale Delivery Operations

Today, Deliverect, a global scale-up that integrates and accelerates online orders for restaurants and food businesses, and Uber (NYSE: UBER) announced a new global partnership to help restaurants better manage and grow their delivery operations. With Deliverect Dispatch, restaurants can scale their orders by offering fast and reliable white-label delivery powered by Uber Direct as a preferred partner.

Restaurants using both Deliverect and Uber Direct can now seamlessly manage their customers' experience from the moment they engage on their sales channel to the moment it's delivered. Whether the...

Analysis: UK Beef Prices Hold Firm Amid Tight Cattle Market

Demand for beef has been subdued throughout the summer months, but in recent weeks, market participants are seeing increased buying interest for most cuts. Prices throughout the beef complex are generally firming, with carcass cutouts moving higher for the last 3 weeks across all grades. At the same time, the cattle market is reportedly tightening, with persistent price increases noted on both prime cattle as well as cows.

Low-value steaks such as featherblades have experienced increased buying interest in recent weeks. After maintaining steady prices throughout August, PGI, UTM &...

Gopuff Launches Student FAM Membership, Offers the Subscription at 50% Off for College Students

Gopuff, the leading Instant Commerce platform, today announced the launch of its Student FAM membership. The new membership program gives college and university students full access to Gopuff FAM membership benefits at a 50% discount. Priced at just $3.99/month or $39.99/year, Student FAM members enjoy exclusive perks and access to an average of 30% lower prices on everyday essentials, all delivered within minutes.

“In 2013, we founded Gopuff in Philadelphia on our college campus with the premise of improving college students' lives,”...

DoorDash Broadens Grocery Selection with Multiple New Partners

DoorDash (NYSE: DASH), the local commerce platform, today announced multiple new grocery partners, continuing its swift acceleration in the category. From the largest national grocery partners to beloved local favorites and specialty shops, DoorDash creates more opportunities for retailers of all sizes to reach consumers online.

“We’ve made significant progress in investing in long-term partnerships with grocers of all sizes, all while remaining focused on improving quality and execution. The grocers announced today recognize DoorDash as a source of incremental growth, accelerating what we believe to be the fastest-growing platform...

FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Canned Meat Product Due to Possible Under Processing

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for canned meat product due to under processing. FSIS is issuing this public health alert to ensure that consumers are aware that this product should not be consumed. A recall was not requested because it is believed that the product is no longer available for consumers to purchase.

The canned meat item was produced by Hormel Foods Corp. Services, LLC, an Austin, Minn. establishment, on Aug. 17, 2023...

American Foods Group, LLC Recalls Ground Beef Products Due to Possible E. Coli O103 Contamination

American Foods Group, LLC, doing business as Green Bay Dressed Beef, LCC, a Green Bay, Wis. establishment, is recalling approximately 58,281 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) O103, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The raw, ground beef items were produced on Aug. 14, 2023. The following products are subject to recall [view labels]:

• Approximately 80-lb. cases containing 10-lb. plastic tubes (chubs) of "90050 BEEF...

Hofmann Sausage Company Introduces Natural Casing Bacon Cheddar Franks

Hofmann Sausage Company announces the production and distribution of Hofmann Natural Casing Bacon Cheddar Franks. This product is product line extension from the Natural Casing German Franks, Hofmann's number one selling item.

This product is made with real Wisconsin cheddar cheese and bacon plus a natural, tender lamb casing. These franks are gluten free, fully cooked, and have no added MSG. The package size is 14 ounces with 6 franks per retail pack. The first retailers to sell this product are primarily in Central New York with broader distribution to follow...

Urner Barry's Fall 2023 Reporter Issue Released; Read It Online For Free Now

Check out a brand new issue of Urner Barry's Reporter!

The fall 2023 edition of Urner Barry's Reporter magazine dives into the world of artificial intelligence and how different companies in the food space are using AI to reduce waste, increase profit and change how we operate for the better. Plus, UB's Consulting team takes a look at the impact of interest rates, and Lynn Ducharme, Vice President of Talent Strategy at Curtis Food Recruiters, previews her presentation at the Global Protein Summit...

The Fresh Market and Uber Eats Partner for On-Demand Grocery Delivery

Today, Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: UBER) announced its new partnership with Greensboro, North Carolina-based The Fresh Market, Inc to offer on-demand and scheduled delivery to customers across The Fresh Market's operating areas.

Starting today, all 161 of The Fresh Market locations will be available to shop through Uber and Uber Eats. With this new partnership customers will be able to use Uber's apps to order their Fresh Market must-haves—and discover new favorites from its highly curated and European-inspired selection—for delivery on-demand...

Hormel Workers Reject Latest Offer, Contract Extension in Place Until October

Union workers at the Hormel Foods plant in Austin, Minnesota voted to reject a final offer from the company. Voting took place last week from September 13 and 14 at the plant and UFCW union hall in Austin. 

UFCW Local 663, which represents over 17,000 retail, meat packing and processing, food preparation and manufacturing, healthcare, and other workers in Minnesota, issued the following statement on Friday: 

"This week our coworkers voted overwhelmingly to reject Hormel's final offer to us. It's simply not good enough. We stand united, and...