Little Caesars® Debuts New Pizza Creation Inspired by Gotham City's Caped Crusader

Little Caesars, home of the HOT-N-READY® and the Crazy Calzony™, is partnering with the all-new film The Batman to bring fans of the legendary comic book character for a global promotion featuring a one-of-a-kind new product, The Batman Calzony. The Batman is coming to theaters in North America March 4 and internationally beginning March 2, 2022.

The Batman Calzony is created by combining a pizza lover's own dynamic duo: calzone and pizza. This bat-shaped product features a tantalizing...

Pilgrim’s Announces Significant Wage Increase in Mayfield, Kentucky

Pilgrim’s, a leading global food company and the largest employer in Graves County, Ky., today announced a $4.5 million annualized wage increase for team members at its Mayfield production facility to help support the local community recently impacted by a devastating tornado. The $2 per hour pay increase will elevate starting wages to $16.50 per hour at the Mayfield facility.

“The community of Mayfield has suffered through an incredibly challenging time and as a critical employer in the county, Pilgrim’s is committed to help bring back Mayfield stronger..."

Kraft Heinz Announces Leadership Team Transitions

The Kraft Heinz Company announced today the appointment of Andre Maciel as Executive Vice President and Global Chief Financial Officer, effective March 2, 2022. Maciel will succeed Paulo Basilio, who will step down on March 1, 2022, as part of a planned transition and will remain with the Company as a strategic advisor through August 2022. Basilio remains a partner at 3G Capital. Additionally, Yang Xu will move to Senior Vice President, Global Head of Corporate Development. These transitions happen at a moment of strength for the Company, as Kraft Heinz enters the next...

TGI Fridays Credits Digital Innovation, Craveable Menu for Industry-Leading Performance

TGI Fridays®, the world's first and most recognized casual bar and grill, today announced its year-to-date financial results with 41 consecutive weeks of same-store sales growth versus pre-pandemic numbers in 2019 and double-digit growth in the back half of 2021. This industry-leading performance is driven by its digital channels, where year-to-date sales volumes are up 290 percent compared to 2019; new revenue streams through virtual restaurants; and continuing to offer the craveable food guests have come to love...

Five Guys Enterprises Renews Its Food Safety Partnership with ComplianceMate

Five Guys, an international restaurant chain founded in 1986, has renewed its agreement with CM Systems LLC and its ComplianceMate food safety software through 2025. Unlike other QSR concepts, Five Guys does not use frozen meat in its burgers. All food is cooked fresh, and the storage of ingredients within Five Guys' refrigerators is very closely monitored for quality and food safety.

Jim Gibson, Vice President of Food Safety and Quality Assurance for Five Guys, says, "ComplianceMate continues to prove itself to be the best solution for all of our..."

New Organization Launches Promoting Women in the Meat and Poultry Industry

Meat and poultry industry leaders from all sectors have come together to create the Women’s Meat Industry Network (WMIN) to educate, develop, promote, and retain women working in the industry.

“I am very proud to be in the company of a distinguished and talented group of women working in the meat and poultry industry who want to share their knowledge with other women pursuing careers in our fields,” said Heidi Buske, Chair of WMIN. “I look forward to WMIN providing a more formal support system that...”

This Week in Retail: Wintry Weather Boosts Protein Sales

While major buying occasions are sparse in January, wintry weather helps support sales at the meat case this month as consumers stock up on protein for hearty, comfort food recipes.  At present, the National Weather Service is calling for significant winter weather in the Southern and Eastern U.S.

Buying opportunities for seafood and beef have dominated the protein complex so far this year. Seafood narrowly beats out beef for first in buying opportunities this week, claiming 28% of total ad volume. Beef accounts for 26%. 

Retail feature prices for most beef roast cuts—popular with cold-weather cooking—are higher than year-ago levels. Bottom round averages $4.98 per pound, a 15% YoY increase. 80% lean ground beef is up $1.04 per pound, or 37.4%, from last year at $3.82 per pound on average.  

Pork makes up 24% of total ad volume this week. Hams are featured at competitive price points since retailers are looking to clear out excess inventory after the holidays...

C3 Appoints Former Overstock CPO as Chief Product and Technology Officer to Accelerate Innovation

C3 (Creating Culinary Communities), the leading global food tech platform founded by visionary Sam Nazarian, has today announced the appointment of Vikram Raghavan as Chief Product and Technology Officer. Raghavan's extensive expertise will bolster C3's product and technology departments, forging an exciting new path ahead by accelerating the company's prowess in data science, digital marketing, and eCommerce.

Conceptualized in 2019, C3 experienced accelerated growth this past year as the hospitality industry saw massive digital adoption. Raghavan was driven to C3 after observing the pandemic's...

ANALYSIS: Jumbo Wings: Keeping an Eye to the Sky

During NFL playoff season, which is now upon us, wing marketers would typically be gearing up as they prepare for one of the busiest quarters of the year...

Stop & Shop and Flashfood Team Up to Reduce Food Waste and Save Customers Money on Groceries

Stop & Shop, a neighborhood grocer with more than 400 stores throughout the Northeast, today announced it is rolling out Flashfood to its Pawtucket and Providence, RI, stores following a successful pilot. Flashfood is a digital marketplace that strives to eliminate food waste at the retail level by connecting consumers with discounted food nearing its best by date. As a result of the program’s impact to date, Flashfood has diverted 30 million pounds of food from ending up in landfills throughout the U.S. and Canada...

North American Meat Institute to House Judiciary: Meat & Poultry Industry not to Blame for Inflation

The North American Meat Institute (Meat Institute) today said consumers saw increased meat prices in 2021 because of labor shortages, greater consumer demand, supply chain problems and other factors experienced by most sectors of the economy.

“Inflation is hurting consumers by erasing the wage gains workers received due to the tight labor market and the pandemic,” said Julie Anna Potts, President and CEO of the North American Meat Institute. “It is no wonder the Biden Administration and some members of Congress would rather hold press..."

PlantPlus Foods Expands Americas play via Completion of Sol Cuisine Acquisition

PlantPlus Foods, LLC, the new generation of plant-based foods and a joint venture between a leading global food solutions and nutrition company, ADM, and one of the leaders in the protein sector, Marfrig, is proud to announce its portfolio expansion in North America with the completed acquisition of Sol Cuisine Ltd. (“Sol Cuisine”) following the recent announcement of their acquisition of DEW Drink Eat Well, LLC (“Hilary’s”). These strategic acquisitions further position PlantPlus Foods as an industry enabler in the plant-based space as the...

ANALYSIS: November Turkey Exports: A Polarized Plunge

Closely aligned with what market input has indicated recently, November’s export tally was relatively subdued with most trade destinations reducing their imports of US turkey when compared to October...

Popeyes® Brand Arrives in India as Part of Continued International Growth

Today, the Popeyes® brand and Jubilant Foodworks Limited (JFL), India’s leading food service company with a strong legacy of introducing and growing international brands in the country, are excited to open the first restaurant in Bangalore, India, in the city's hot spot of Koramangala.

“We are very excited to work with Jubilant Foodworks Limited to officially introduce Indian guests to the Popeyes® experience and our iconic Louisiana style chicken with its unique blend of spices and flavors,” said David Shear, President RBI International, parent company...

Urner Barry Releases January Soy & Wheat Report

In the latest WASDE report, the USDA stated that the outlook for 2021/22 U.S. wheat this January is smaller supplies, reduced domestic use, lower exports, and higher ending stocks. Seed use was unchanged at 66 million bushels, reflecting the latest estimated seed use for winter wheat plantings in the fall of 2021 reported by NASS. Projected ending stocks were raised by 30 million bushels to 628 million, down 26% from last year and the lowest level since 2013/14. The season average farm price was raised $0.10/bu to $7.15/bu based on NASS prices and expectations for prices in the remainder of the marketing year.

Globally, the 2021/22 wheat outlook is for stable supplies, decreased consumption, reduced exports, and increased stocks. Production increases in Argentina and...

Wienerschnitzel Franchise Inks 20-Unit Development Deal to Enter Arkansas

Wienerschnitzel, the world’s largest hot dog franchise, is proud to announce the signing of an exclusive development agreement with Tejas Dogs, LLC, to build 20 new Wienerschnitzel restaurants throughout Arkansas over the next 12 years. The Tejas Dogs agreement follows a separate 20-unit announcement by the brand in 2020 to develop throughout Louisiana and paves the way for Wienerschnitzel to further expand its iconic quick-service footprint throughout Southern and Midwestern states. There are already plans to begin building three stores in northwest Arkansas to jumpstart the development schedule...

Campbell Named One of the World’s Most Sustainable Corporations

Campbell Soup Company today was named as one of the 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World by Corporate Knights, a media and research company that produces rankings and financial product ratings based on corporate sustainability performance. Ranked number 89, Campbell is one of 23 U.S. companies, and one of only two U.S. food companies, included in the Global 100.

“At Campbell, we are committed to building a more sustainable and resilient food system,” said Stewart Lindsay, Campbell’s Vice President, Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability. “This recognition is a..."

TGI Fridays® is Playing Guests' Jams with New Remixed and Remastered Fan-Favorite Classics

Back by popular demand, TGI Fridays®, the world's most recognized bar and grill, is re-introducing fan-favorite appetizers, drinks, and entrées with a NEWstalgic twist – answering the requests of guests from around the globe.

Fridays™ asked its guests which menu items they missed most, those that take them back to a moment in time, much like a favorite song – and the votes are in! Fridays is throwing it back with a new limited-time, Remixed and Remastered menu, featuring a medley of...

Real Good Foods' Frozen Enchiladas are Now Available in All Costco Regions Across the U.S.

The Real Good Food Company, Inc., an innovative, high-growth, branded, health- and wellness-focused frozen food company, today announced its best-selling, nutritious Grande Chicken Enchiladas are now available in all Costco regions beginning on January 22.

Our Enchilada platform is made 100% Grain Free, and with a much different macronutrient profile than others available on the market. With only 2g net carbs and 20g protein per serving, Real Good Foods Grande Chicken Enchiladas are nutrient dense and made from real food...

Wholesale Plant-Based Protein Producers Seizing Upon Market's Insatiable Appetite for Vegan Options

The market for plant-based protein supplies is set to grow at a near-double-digit pace over the next 6-7 years, according to a new report from Meticulous Research. Accelerated by a CAGR of 9.7%, the plant-based protein market is expected to hit $23.4 billion by 2028. Another report from Market Research Future goes even further, predicting the market will grow by 10.2% CAGR through to close to $38 billion by 2027. While much of the media attention has focused on product...

New Year, New Subs: Subway® Starting Fresh with More Menu Updates

Subway is ringing in the new year with another menu update for sandwich lovers to sink their teeth into in 2022. Starting today, the world's largest sandwich brand is debuting two brand new subs alongside the return of five fan-favorite menu items, back by popular demand.

Brand New Sandwiches
Subway hasn't slowed down since the launch of its Eat Fresh Refresh in July 2021, steadily adding new crave-worthy subs and signature exclusives to its U.S. menu. The newest additions include:

Baja Turkey Avocado...

Meijer Commits to 50 Percent Carbon Emission Reduction Goal by 2025

Midwestern retailer Meijer announced today an ambitious goal to reduce absolute carbon emissions by 50 percent by 2025. Rooted in the company's mission to be a good neighbor, Meijer integrates environmental sustainability into daily operations and is committed to continual improvement through smart decisions and innovations that benefit customers and the broader community.

"At Meijer, we believe in taking responsibility for the well-being of the world around us," Meijer President & CEO Rick Keyes said. "We are reducing carbon emissions not only because it makes good business..."

Slate Grocery REIT Announces Distribution for the Month of January 2022

Slate Grocery REIT, an owner and operator of U.S. grocery-anchored real estate, announced today that the Board of Trustees has declared a distribution for the month of January 2022 of U.S.$0.072 per class U unit of the REIT ("Class U Units"), or U.S.$0.864 on an annualized basis.

Holders of Class U Units may elect to receive their distribution in Canadian dollars and should contact their broker to make such an election.

Holders of class A units of the REIT (“Class A Units”)...

Kroger Announces 10 Food Trend Predictions for 2022

The Kroger Co., America's largest grocery retailer, today announced its 2022 Food Trends Report, which predicts emerging food trends, consumer behaviors and popular items for the year ahead. This fourth-annual report centers on the continued dominance of at-home meals, powered by convenience, affordability, social gatherings, and the desire for sustainable and nutrient-rich food items.

Kroger's 2022 Food Trends Report is thoughtfully curated by Kroger's food experts – from Our Brands product developers to culinary specialists. The report contains 10 top trends that will influence consumer food purchases in 2022...

KPOP Foods Acquired by Leading Korean Food Retailer Wooltari USA

KPOP Foods, a vibrant Korean food startup that launched out of UCLA Anderson and debuted through Kickstarter in 2017, announced today its acquisition by Wooltari USA, a leading retail and online grocer of premium Korean food products. KPOP Foods will continue as a wholly owned subsidiary and will have enhanced capabilities through Wooltari USA in product development, sourcing, and operations to expand its distribution and services.

Since its founding, KPOP Foods has significantly grown thanks to adding celebrity chef Chris Oh as its Head of Product, becoming a top seller...