IHOP Introduces New Signature Burritos and Bowls

IHOP introduced its latest menu innovation, Burritos & Bowls, designed with flavor combinations and easy portability in mind. Starting today, guests can select from a lineup of six different builds – in breakfast, lunch and dinner varieties – all of which can either be wrapped in a flour tortilla or served in a bowl.

The six new Burritos & Bowls flavors range from signature ingredients, like IHOP’s hickory-smoked bacon and include hash browns to hotter fare like poblano queso sauce and...

USDA Offers Additional Assistance for Certain Producers Through Coronavirus Food Assistance Program

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will provide additional assistance through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), expanding eligibility for some agricultural producers and commodities as well as updating payments to accurately compensate some producers who already applied for the program. Producers who are now eligible and those who need to modify existing applications due to these updates can contact USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) between Jan. 19 and Feb. 26. Some of these changes are being made to align with the recently enacted Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 while others are discretionary changes being made in response to ongoing evaluation of CFAP.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has left a deep impact on the farm economy, and we are utilizing the tools and monies available to ease some of the financial burdens on American producers to ensure...

Urner Barry Presents Plant Protein Insights Webinar 

The plant protein sector is developing rapidly around the globe. Innovative and unique offerings enter the market daily under increased pressure for sustainable and nutritious alternative food options. Demand for plant protein ingredients has become an important benchmark for manufacturers, ingredient providers, startups, traditional protein suppliers, and investors interested in this space.

Join Urner Barry on Thursday, January 21, as host Laura Zinger interviews...

NTF Applauds Expanded Eligibility for CFAP 2

The National Turkey Federation (NTF) welcomed the announcement that USDA will provide additional assistance to contract turkey farmers through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP 2).

“No industry has escaped the economic challenges of COVID-19, including turkey farming families across the country,” said Joel Brandenberger, NTF president. “The announcement by Secretary Perdue...

NRF Says 2020 Holiday Sales Grew 8.3 Percent Despite Pandemic

Retail sales during 2020’s November-December holiday season grew an unexpectedly high 8.3 percent over the same period in 2019 to $789.4 billion, exceeding the National Retail Federation’s holiday forecast despite the economic challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, NRF said. The numbers include online and other non-stores sales, which were up 23.9 percent at $209 billion.

“Despite unprecedented challenges, consumers and retailers demonstrated incredible resilience this holiday season,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “Faced with rising transmission of the virus, state restrictions on retailers and...

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Cattle Slaughter

Contract Broiler Growers Can Begin to Apply for Federal COVID-19 Relief on January 19

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will provide additional assistance through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), expanding eligibility for some agricultural producers and commodities as well as updating payments to accurately compensate some producers who already applied for the program. Producers who are now eligible and those who need to modify existing applications due to these updates can contact USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) between January 19 and February 26.

Contract producers of broilers, pullets, laying hens, chicken eggs (breeders), turkeys and...

Nestlé Prepared Foods Recalls Not-Ready-to-Eat Pepperoni Hot Pockets Product

Nestlé Prepared Foods, a Mt. Sterling, Ky. establishment, is recalling approximately 762,615 pounds of not-ready-to-eat (NRTE) pepperoni hot pockets product that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically pieces of glass and hard plastic, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced.

The frozen NRTE pepperoni hot pockets product was produced from Nov. 13, 2020 through Nov. 16, 2020. The product has a shelf life of 14 months. The following product is subject to recall...

American Egg Board Names Mike Koenigs Chief of Operations and Outreach

As part of its new Strategic Vision & Five-Year Plan, the American Egg Board (AEB) announced it has named Mike Koenigs to the newly created position of chief outreach and operations officer, effective immediately.

Reporting directly to AEB President & CEO Emily Metz, Koenigs will oversee and be responsible for driving new efficiencies in the AEB’s finance and human resources functions, while unifying organizational engagement and outreach to egg producers, the food chain, allied industry, government and...

Sysco Releases New Foodie Solutions Toolkits

Sysco Corporation announced the addition of four new toolkits to its Foodie Solutions platform. The Valentine’s Day, Wholesome Dining, Seafood and Greatest Game toolkits are the latest in a series of carefully curated resources that reflect the best ideas from across the foodservice industry for generating additional revenue and meeting consumer expectations for a safe and memorable dining, takeout or delivery experience.

Valentine’s Day is historically one of the most popular holidays to dine out, second only to Mother’s Day. Despite the pandemic, Sysco expects it will remain...

Identity of Primary Plant-Based Food Consumers May Surprise, Reports Packaged Facts

Despite use of plant-based meat or dairy products being highest among those following vegan, vegetarian, or pescatarian diets, it's omnivores and flexitarians who make up the lion's share of consumers who eat these products due to their sheer numbers, reports market research firm Packaged Facts in the report Vegan, Vegetarian, and Flexitarian Consumers. This reveals that both the current and addressable market for plant-based products depends on omnivores and flexitarians using more of these products, especially beyond this month's Veganuary campaign encouraging people to try a plant-based diet.

"Although plant-based meat and dairy alternatives do appeal to some vegans and vegetarians, they are more targeted toward the preferences of omnivores and...

Tyson Introduces New Instant Pot Kit Options

"What's for dinner?" has taken on an entirely new meaning over the last year with more people cooking at home. New flavors of Tyson Instant Pot Kits, Tyson Instant Pot Seasoned Proteins and Tyson Oven Ready Family Size Kits are just what families need to ease the burden and cooking fatigue—protein-packed meals offering that made from scratch taste without the effort.

Cooking and preparing meals from home has increased 67-percent since COVID-19 began. After months of home-cooked meals, families are turning to prepared foods and easy prep meals as a way to...

NPPC Submits Comments on Proposed USDA Rule for Gene-Edited Livestock

For more than two years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has dragged its feet on the development of gene-edited livestock, an emerging technology with tremendous promise for livestock agriculture,causing American agriculture to fall behind in the global race to advance its development. Thankfully, under a recently proposed rule, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will have primary regulatory jurisdiction, which “will foster innovation, allow for producer access to this technology, and preserve the preeminence of American agriculture globally,” the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) wrote in comments submitted Wednesday to the agency.

Gene editing is used to make specific changes within an animal’s own genome. Gene editing will allow us to produce animals that are more disease-resistant, require fewer antibiotics and with...

Beyond Meat Unveils Plans for New Global Headquarters

Beyond Meat, Inc. announced its plans to enter a 12-year lease in a new, nearly 300,000 square foot space at 888 N. Douglas Street in El Segundo, California. The building is currently under development by Hackman Capital Partners with anticipated completion in spring 2021. The site will serve as the company’s new state-of-the-art global headquarters, making it one of the world’s largest and most technologically advanced plant-based research centers. The cutting-edge campus is slated to open in fall of this year and is a substantial increase in the company’s footprint that will support...

NRF Welcomes Necessary Aid as Biden Unveils Stimulus Plan

The National Retail Federation issued the following statement from President and CEO Matthew Shay in response to the release of President-elect Biden’s plan to combat the coronavirus and stimulate the nation’s economic recovery.

“The stimulus plan released by President-elect Biden is expansive in scope, but it serves as an encouraging signal that the new administration intends swift action to support businesses and...

Cargill Survey: At-Home Learning is Changing Parents Buying Habits as School Meals Off the Table

School lunches looked very different at the start of the  2020 school year and with most students still in an e-learning environment, parents and caretakers are preparing meals at home for children more than ever.

A recent survey from Cargill found that 7 out of 10 parents said the coronavirus pandemic had a “moderate or big” impact on their food purchasing habits.

One key behind different purchasing habits includes how breakfast and lunch preparation has become...

ANALYSIS: Pork Bellies Kicking Off 2021 with Volatility

Last year, the conversation in January for light and medium bellies focused on how depressed prices were going into 2020, with values starting the year...

ANALYSIS: Boneless Chicken Breasts Blaze the Seasonal Trail

Since the year’s outset, several key lines within the chicken white meat complex have experienced a considerable uptick in...

Taco Bell Announces Return of Potatoes and Plans to Launch Beyond Meat Menu Items

Taco Bell is starting fresh in 2021, especially with its vegetarian fans. The brand is kicking the year off with the return of potatoes and exploring a new plant-based protein with Beyond Meat.

After a brief hiatus from menus due to Taco Bell's menu simplification efforts last year, Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes and the Spicy Potato Soft Taco will be back starting March 11. Taco Bell is also teaming up with Beyond Meat to create an innovative new plant-based protein that will be tested in the next year. Taco Bell chose to team up with...

Mintel Announces Global Food and Drinks Trends for 2021 

Mintel has announced three key trends for the global food, drink, and foodservice industries, including analysis, insights, and recommendations centred around the ‘now’ (next 12 months), the ‘next’ (18 months+), and the ‘future’ (five+ years) of consumer behavior:

• Feed The Mind: Innovative food and drink formulations will offer solutions for mental and emotional wellbeing that will create a new foundation for healthy eating.
• Quality Redefined: Brands will be challenged to respond to...

Over the Past Five Years, U.S. Consumers Added 25 Between-Meal Snacking Occasions Per Capita

Whether it’s for a nutritious treat, comfort from stress, or a quick meal, U.S. consumers increasingly turn to fruits, nuts, and ready-to-eat snack foods throughout the day, reports The NPD Group. Over the past five years, Americans added 25 between-meal snacking occasions per capita, from 505 between-meal snacking occasions per capita in 2015 to 530 in 2020, and consumption of snack foods at meals increased from 21% of eatings in 2010 to 26% in 2020, according to NPD’s Eating Patterns in America, an annual compilation of the company’s daily tracking of the who, what, when, where, why, and how of U.S. consumers’ eating behaviors.

Snacking and snack food consumption follow a daily rhythm in most U.S. households with better-for-you snack foods, like fruit or yogurt, being eaten in the morning; more savory snacks, like...

Current Restaurant Restrictions and Capacity By State

Coronavirus cases in the United States are growing. On Friday the U.S. recorded over 99,000 new cases – the highest single day total recorded by any country. With concerns rising over the upward trend in cases, restaurants across the country are beginning to see a new wave of restrictions. We're breaking down the latest restaurant news by state...

PODCAST: Time for a Toddcast - Todd Thurman of SwineTex Consulting

This week on Market Digest we are joined by founder and consultant Todd Thurman of SwineTex Consulting. Laura and Todd speak about African swine fever in China, the state of...

Grubhub Taps Devry Boughner Vorwerk as Chief Corporate Affairs Officer

Grubhub Inc., a leading online and mobile food-ordering and delivery marketplace, announced that Devry Boughner Vorwerk will be joining the company as chief corporate affairs officer, effective Jan. 19. Vorwerk will oversee brand, communications, government relations, public policy and sustainability for the company.

In the newly created role, she is responsible for developing a cohesive brand voice and fostering relationships across the industry to help drive growth and promote Grubhub's continued commitment to supporting restaurants, drivers and diners. Vorwerk will lead the company's communications and...

JUST Egg Product to Be Served at Leading Fast-Food Chain in China

Eat Beyond Global Holdings Inc., an investment issuer focused on the global plant-based and alternative food sector, is announcing that Dicos, one of China's leading fast-food chains, has added Eat Beyond portfolio company Eat Just Inc.'s product JUST Egg to its menu at over 500 locations.

Dicos is one of the largest foodservice companies in China, with 2,600 stores across 32 provinces and autonomous regions serving 600 million consumers annually.

Dicos' conventional egg patty will be replaced with...

Urner Barry Releases January Soy and Wheat Protein Report

Following initially dismal reports on wheat consumption, the USDA recently lifted global wheat consumption estimations by 5.1 million tons to 757.8 million tons based on higher demand for feed in China. Driven by a recovering pork market, China poses a strong demand side pull on...

ANALYSIS: November’s Turkey Export Figures Paint a Mixed Picture

Last month’s uptick in in total year-over-year turkey export tonnage was short-lived, as November’s figures fell back in line with...

ANALYSIS: Shell Egg Prices Rise Amid Strong Retail Demand, Seasonal Flock Rotations

After holding steady for more than two weeks, shell egg prices got a push to the upside today amid strong retail demand and...

Walmart and HomeValet Pilot Smart Box Technology to Receive Fresh Deliveries

When Walmart launched its grocery delivery service in 2018, the company did it for one reason – customers wanted it. Since then, it’s been a lifesaver for busy families. They can simply shop their local store from anywhere and schedule a time to have it delivered right to their front door. It’s incredibly convenient.

But as Walmart's founder, Sam Walton, once said, “To succeed, stay out in front of change.” It’s why Walmart is continuously testing new technology, like drones and autonomous vehicles, to find new ways to serve customers. "Which made us think – what if we could...

QDOBA Launches New Health-Conscious Menu Offerings

Ahead of the New Year, QDOBA launched new, health-conscious creations under the Vegetarian, Keto & More category of their online menu. Introduced on December 29, the new entrées are designed to provide customers with menu options that help meet guests' dietary goals and needs, such as keto, vegetarian, low-carb, gluten-free and more. The offerings include QDOBA's recently introduced Mexican Cauliflower Mash, a low-carb alternative to rice made with fresh cauliflower that's oven-roasted in-house daily.

"With many people looking to improve their personal wellness in the New Year, we wanted to offer our guests a wide range of menu options that help them...

NPPC Campaign Showcases Pork Producer Environmental Stewardship

The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) introduced a multimedia campaign, “Farming Today for Tomorrow,” to showcase U.S. pork producers’ long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship and further reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

“For more than five decades, U.S. pork producers have embraced advancements that have allowed them to do more with less,” said NPPC President Howard “AV” Roth, a hog farmer from Wauzeka, Wisconsin. “Hog farmers have an excellent story to tell and...

Meat and Poultry Worker COVID-19 Case Rates Five Times Lower in December than May

New analysis of independent data for 2020 show that reported new COVID-19 infection rates amongst meat and poultry workers were five times lower in December than in May, while rates in the general population rocketed up by nine times in the same period.

According to data from the Food and Environment Reporting Network (FERN), the meat and poultry sector was reported to have an average of 19.91 new reported cases per 100,000 workers per...

Butterball to Invest a Total of $8.7 Million in Two Arkansas Processing Facilities

Butterball, one of the largest producers of turkey products in the United States, announced that it is investing a combined $8.7 million and creating a total of 360 new jobs within three years in two processing facilities in Northwest Arkansas. The expansion includes a $4.7 million investment in Ozark where the company will create 160 jobs and a $4 million investment in Huntsville where it will create 200 new jobs.

“Having been a longstanding employer in Arkansas through our feed mills, turkey growing operations and production facilities, Butterball appreciates the continued support from the state of Arkansas as we look to...

International Dairy Queen On Track to Meet Cage-Free Egg Commitment in 2025

International Dairy Queen Corporation (IDQ) announced it is on track to meet its cage-free egg commitment in the U.S. and Canada for shell eggs, liquid eggs and DQ® proprietary products by 2025.

“In 2016, we made a commitment to animal welfare when we announced our transition to cagefree eggs in the U.S. and Canada by 2025,” said Steve Min, Executive Vice President of Research and Development at International Dairy Queen. “As we continue to make progress toward our goal, we reduced...

Plumrose USA Announces Rebrand to Swift Prepared Foods

Plumrose USA, a branded packaged meat company and subsidiary of JBS USA announced that it is rebranding to become Swift Prepared Foods. This shift better aligns the heritage and future direction of the company, with a significant focus on innovation and prepared foods.

“Swift Prepared Foods represents our company’s promise to provide customers and consumers with diverse brands and a variety of food solutions,” said Tom Lopez, President, Swift Prepared Foods. “This shift positions us for success as we focus on...

Tyson Foods Partners with Matrix to Ensure Employees have Access to the COVID-19 Vaccine

Tyson Foods is partnering with Matrix Medical Network, a leading clinical services company, to ensure the company’s U.S. team members are educated about and have access to the COVID-19 vaccines.

Matrix will collaborate with Tyson Foods’ health services team to deploy mobile health clinics and expert clinical staff to support vaccine communications, administration and counseling at Tyson Foods facilities beginning in early 2021 and continuing throughout the year. Tyson Foods will provide team members with...

Nathan’s Famous Expands Through Third Party Delivery to Canada

Nathan’s Famous, Inc., announces the expansion of their menu offerings to Victoria, Canada. The menu is available to consumers through Uber Eats, DoorDash and SkipTheDishes third-party delivery only. Nathan’s Famous is offering its classic hot dog and fries as well as its expanded menu featuring premium burgers, hand-dipped chicken favorites and more.

“We are excited to bring the Nathan’s Famous menu to Victoria, Canada for the first time in the brand’s history,” said James Walker, SVP, Restaurants. “We expect the brand to resonate well with...

FreshDirect Reveals Top Food Trends for 2021; Online Grocery and Home Cooking Boom to Continue

FreshDirect, a leading pure-play online fresh food grocer serving the Northeast, announced its top food trends for 2021. This year’s predictions were curated by FreshDirect’s in-house team of food experts. As food retailers at the forefront of the industry, FreshDirect has a unique and early view of cutting-edge grocery, ecommerce, and customer trends.

“As a leading online grocer, we have a unique and unmatched ability to understand the ever-changing buying habits of our customers. Our view on past orders, as well as those placed in the future, allows us to spot changes in trends quickly and react to them in real-time. The rapid increase in demand for online grocery and the boom in...

Global Consumer Confidence Improved in Q4

Global consumer confidence increased in the fourth quarter of 2020, driven largely by an improved outlook for personal finances—which, in many regions, reflect unprecedented fiscal measures in response to COVID-19. Prospects for jobs and spending intentions saw smaller improvements in Q4, according to The Conference Board® Global Consumer Confidence Survey.

Conducted in collaboration with Nielsen, the survey found that overall global consumer confidence climbed to 98 in Q4 2020, up six points from 92 in Q2 2020. A reading below 100 is considered...

Del Taco Restaurants Announces Preliminary Unaudited Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2020 Results

Del Taco Restaurants, Inc., reported preliminary unaudited fiscal fourth quarter and fiscal year 2020 sales results for the 16 and 52 week periods ending December 29, 2020. The Company also provided a liquidity and share repurchase update and announced that its Board of Directors has authorized the initiation of a quarterly cash dividend.

Management Commentary

John D. Cappasola, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer of Del Taco, commented, “We are very pleased to report a system-wide comparable restaurant sales increase of 3.8% during the fourth quarter consisting of positive results at both company-operated and franchised restaurants. We are proud of our restaurant teams, franchisees and support center staff for...

A Look at the Pandemic’s Impact on Restaurant Jobs in 2020

The National Restaurant Association provided a look at how the coronavirus pandemic impacted employment at eating and drinking places throughout 2020.

Overall, the restaurant and foodservice sector was expected to provide 15.6 million jobs in 2020, accounting for 10% of payroll jobs in the economy. Those numbers would take a turn for the worst as the pandemic began in March.

Starting in March, millions of people were left without work as lockdowns and stay-at-home orders were implemented, leading to mass layoffs and furloughs...

Shake Shack Provides Fourth Quarter 2020 Business Update

Shake Shack Inc. announced preliminary unaudited results for the fiscal fourth quarter and the fiscal year ended December 30, 2020 ahead of presenting at the 23rd Annual ICR Conference.

“We are pleased to see trends in the fourth quarter 2020 continue to improve with Average Weekly Sales of $62,000 compared to $58,000 in the third quarter 2020, and $45,000 in the second quarter 2020. Also in the fourth quarter 2020, Same-Shack sales declined 17.4% compared to...

Albertsons Companies Reports Third Quarter Fiscal 2020 Results

Albertsons Companies, Inc. reported results for the third quarter of fiscal 2020, which ended December 5, 2020.

Third Quarter of Fiscal 2020 Highlights

• Identical sales growth of 12.3%
• Digital sales growth of 225%
• Net income per share of...

Urner Barry Expands Lamb Price Coverage with New Imported Market Report

Urner Barry, the leading provider of protein market news and information in the food industry, is pleased to announce the expansion of price intelligence in the lamb market with a new imported lamb category.

Adding to the existing series of timely, accurate and unbiased reporting on domestic lamb prices, Urner Barry will now offer coverage of lamb imported from Australia/New Zealand. This initiative provides transparency and insight into international trade flows that have the potential to impact market dynamics in the United States...

Cargill Opens Antibiotic-Free Premix Plant in Ohio 

During a virtual event for producers, customers and media, Cargill announced the opening of its new premix animal nutrition facility in Lewisburg, Ohio. The 220,000 square-foot, future-ready facility is deploying advanced technology not previously used in animal agriculture or pet food production that allows the use of less resources to produce feed, while ensuring the highest quality and traceability of its products for Cargill customers.

The Lewisburg West facility broke ground on November 8, 2018 and represents a $50 million investment in expanding Cargill’s existing feed production operations. The facility produces...

Dr. Praeger’s Launches Plant-Based Pizza Toppings

Dr. Praeger’s Sensible Foods, the family owned and operated leader in the all-natural, vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, and kosher frozen food categories for over 25 years, announces they are moving into the pizza category with three plant-based pizza toppings available for foodservice.

The Meatless Pepperoni Slices, Meatless Sausage Toppings and Chick’n Strips are all 100% vegan and kosher certified with zero cholesterol. Sold in 10lb frozen cases for foodservice, these meatless toppings are...

Del Taco Introduces Honey Mango Crispy Chicken

Del Taco Restaurants continues to reinvent its popular crispy chicken menu items. Meet the Honey Mango Crispy Chicken lineup, Del Taco’s sweet start to 2021. For a limited time, the new sauce flavor will be available on the following items:

• $1 Honey Mango Crispy Chicken Taco: Crispy chicken strip, crisp lettuce, freshly grated cheddar cheese, Honey Mango Sauce, in a warm flour tortilla. Available on...

2020 Retail Imports May Break Record Despite Pandemic

Imports seen during 2020 appear to be headed toward a new record despite the coronavirus pandemic, and remain at high levels as 2021 begins, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

“Nobody would have thought last spring that 2020 would be a record year for imports, but it was clearly an unpredictable year,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said. “Consumers and retailers once again proved their resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges. Thanks in part to government stimulus, retail sales saw...

Giant Food Launches New Private-Label Cook-in-Bag Product Line

Giant Food, the leading greater Washington D.C. regional grocery chain, announces its new private-label Cook-in-Bag product line of convenient meal solutions that will be available at all 164 Giant stores. The new line includes fourteen different meat and seafood entrees that come pre-seasoned or marinated in an oven-ready bag, keeping preparation and clean up to a minimum.

"Our Cook-in-Bag products offer flavorful and simple meal solutions, particularly at a time when many are experiencing cooking fatigue at home," said Tonya Herring, Senior Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer for Giant Food. "These dishes allow families to explore new recipes that can be paired with...

Tyson Foods Expanding Iconic Wright Brand Bacon Plant

Tyson Foods is investing $26 million to expand production at the iconic WRIGHT® BRAND BACON facility in Vernon, Texas. Scheduled for completion by March of 2021, the expansion is expected to create 32 new jobs, bringing the total employment at the plant to more than 800.

“This project is great news for our plant, our community and our customers,” said Dane Bonfy, manager of the Wright Brand plant. “We love the Vernon community and look forward to growing our team with the additional positions and meeting the growing demand for our products.”

Hiring for these and other positions starts...