Casey's Announces Agreement to Acquire 198 CEFCO Convenience Stores

Casey’s General Stores, Inc. , one of the leading convenience store chains in the United States, today announced an agreement to acquire Fikes Wholesale, Inc., owner of CEFCO Convenience Stores (“CEFCO”), in an all-cash transaction for $1.145 billion. The purchase price includes tax benefits valued at approximately $165 million for a net after-tax purchase price of $980 million.

Fikes Wholesale, Inc. and CEFCO Convenience Stores began as a single “filling station” in Cameron, Texas in 1952 and has grown to be a respected operator...

American Egg Board Names Bill Winkelman Vice President of Industry Affairs & Engagement

Nick Jones Director of International Marketing, Erica Mirth Manager of Content & Design

The American Egg Board (AEB) today announced it has named Bill Winkelman vice president of industry affairs and engagement, Nick Jones director of international marketing and Erica Mirth manager of content and design. These important placements reflect key strategic priorities for the egg industry and the national checkoff organization.

“The success of our industry rests with people, and the American Egg Board is continuing to deepen its bench strength with the experienced...

Boar's Head Provisions Co. Recalls RTE Liverwurst And Other Deli Meat Products 

Boar's Head Provisions Co., Inc., a Jarratt, Va., establishment, is recalling all liverwurst product produced by the establishment that is currently available in commerce because it may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The company is also recalling additional deli meat products that were produced on the same line and on the same day as the liverwurst and, therefore, may be adulterated with L. monocytogenes. The company is recalling approximately 207,528 pounds of products...

ANALYSIS: Record Price Gap Between Pork 72 Trimmings and Boneless Beef 90s in July

The monthly price spread between UB pork 72 lean trimmings and UB boneless beef 90s in July has increased to $2.92/lb, the largest spread ever recorded since data collection began in 1985. Pork trim can sometimes substitute for beef trim in hot dog production, offering a cost-effective option when domestic boneless beef prices are high in least-cost formulations.

Before the 4th of July, pork trim supplies were readily available, but prices have remained full steady post-holiday 

ANALYSIS: Keeping Up With the Chickens

Issues with livability and hatchability have plagued the broiler industry over the past couple of years. In a theoretically perfect world, if the number of eggs set is increased, in approximately three weeks, chicks placed will increase, and in another six to eight weeks or so, more chickens will be harvested. However, if we look at the data, this doesn't appear to be the case.

Broiler-type pullet chicks placed have been down compared to the previous year every month in 2024, with a total decrease of 4.42% year-to-date (YTD)...

PODCAST: Agri-Food for Thought Episode 11 - Tech and Weather Events Threaten Supply Chains

Technological and severe weather events have the potential to impact supply chains around the globe. Join Jamie and Simon as they cover the latest developments in the food and agriculture space. Featuring special guest, Heather McGuire Doyle...

Five Suspected Newcastle Disease Cases Test Negative in Brazilian Poultry

On 21 July, the Minsitry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA) ruled out three potential new cases of Newcastle disease in poultry after testing additional samples taken from animals near where the first case was confirmed on 17 July. On 24 July, two further analyses of suspected cases within the Newcastle Disease protection zone revealed negative results.

"The negative results reinforce that the confirmed outbreak is an isolated sanitary event and that there are no signs of spread around the commercial farm where...

Meati Expands Its Leadership Bench

Meati, makers of mycelium superfood cutlets and steaks sold nationwide, today announced the addition of two new leaders who will help Meati reach its vision to bring one of the healthiest foods on the planet to kitchen tables all around the world.

The new additions include John Bortells, chief commercial officer, and Becky O’Grady, board member. Both bring a passion for Meati’s mission and deep practical expertise scaling brands to national success.

As CCO, Bortells will be focused on driving revenue and expanding Meati’s market. He will oversee sales, marketing and customer experience...

Del Taco Continues its Southeast Surge, With Record-Breaking First-Week Sales for New Market Openings

Del Taco, the nation’s second largest Mexican quick-service restaurant by number of units, today announced continued new market sales momentum with three consecutive new store openings in Port Orange, FL, Tallahassee, FL, and Chesapeake, VA with each one setting the new company record for first week sales.

“We are incredibly proud of the success of our recent store openings, each shattering previous sales benchmarks,” said Tom Rose, Del Taco Brand President. “This is a testament to the dedication of our team and the...

HPAI H5N1 Virus in Dairy Cattle – What We Know

In March 2024, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) A (H5N1), commonly referred to as bird flu, was confirmed in domestic U.S. livestock for the first time in a dairy operation in Texas. Since then, the virus has spread to 172 dairy operations across 13 states, raising widespread uncertainty throughout the dairy and livestock markets. Industry participants have raised concerns about the outbreak's potential impact on consumer perception and demand for dairy and meat products, though government agencies reiterate that the national food supply remains safe. Expana is closely monitoring the...

Department of Defense Backs Off Feeding Lab-Grown Protein

Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) confirmed that efforts to prevent ultra-processed, lab-grown protein from showing up in the diet of the American armed forces were successful, following news that the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) is not pursuing lab-grown protein projects for human consumption.

“NCBA was the first and only cattle group to uncover this stream of DoD funding that could go toward lab-grown protein projects, and we were the first and only group to fight back,” said NCBA President and...

ANALYSIS: Boneless Ribeye Prices, A Mid-Year Report Card

With the dog days of summer here, let’s check in on how boneless ribeyes faired through the first half of the year. When looking at last year’s trends, boneless ribeyes just about feel in-line with the overall trend but failed to match last year's price points by quite a considerable margin. For example, Urner Barry’s Choice LTL boneless ribeye quote traded around $9.40/lb. through the month of April this year compared to $10.50/lb. last year, about a 10% decrease year-over-year...

ANALYSIS: China’s 1H Beef Imports Grew 17% YOY; June 2024 Figures at 13-Month Low

China’s 1H beef imports gained 17% year-on-year (y-o-y) amounting to 1,438,837 metric tonnes (mt) or 1.43 million mt, the newly released General Administration of Customs People's Republic of China data indicated.

The world’s second largest economic powerhouse continued to source beef primarily from South America, with Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay accounting for a substantial 73.4% (1.05M mt) of its supplier base. The Oceanic regions, including Australia and New Zealand, represented 15.0% (216,300 mt), while the United States contributed just 4.8%... 

ANALYSIS: Decreased turkey production doesn’t always mean increased prices...

As we look back on the past six months of production data, it becomes clear that the turkey industry is on a trajectory to harvest much fewer birds at the end of this year and the beginning of next year than it did in 2023. When it comes to the number of eggs in incubators and poults placed, '23 was by no means a stellar year. In fact, the year-to-date (YTD) total of eggs in incubators was about 2.0 million eggs short of the cumulative 10-year average...

Cal-Maine Foods Names Judd Stevens as Vice President, Operations 

The Nation's leading producer and distributor of shell egg, Mississippi based Cal-Maine Foods, has named a new Vice President of Operations, Judd Stevens.

Stevens has been with the company for over two decades and most recently led the company's Wharton County Foods, LLC as General Manager. He will assume the role of his predecessor, Tim Thompson, effective July 23.

He has managed several other locations for the company in Texas, Florida and Mississippi as well as having served as President of The Texas Poultry... 

Kellanova Moves to Accelerate Global Brand Growth, Expanding Partnership with Interpublic Group

Kellanova (formerly Kellogg Company and maker of Pringles®, Cheez-It®, Pop-Tarts® and more) today announced it is expanding its partnership with Interpublic Group ("IPG"). The announcement comes after an extensive evaluation of Kellanova's global agency model to accelerate brand portfolio growth and support the company on its journey to be a global snacking powerhouse. The move advances Kellanova's Differentiate, Drive and Deliver strategy and the growth ambitions the company has for its stable of iconic brands.

As a result of the process... 

U.S. Pork Industry Fuels American Jobs and Economic Growth: New Report Unveiled

The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) released a new economic contribution report detailing the significant impact America’s pig farmers have on the United States’ agricultural and overall economy. The report highlights the pork industry’s value chain contributions and trends in production and industry structure.

“America’s pork industry is a vital pillar of our nation’s agricultural economy, contributing over $62 billion annually and supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs across the country,” said NPPC President Lori Stevermer, a pork producer from Easton, Minn. “Producers are committed to delivering...

Red Lobster Has A New Owner In Fortress Credit Corp.

Say hello to Red Lobster’s new owner: RL Purchaser, a stalking horse bidder composed of Red Lobster lenders and controlled by Fortress Credit Corp.

The fate of seafood restaurant chain Red Lobster has been hanging in the balance since Thai Union announced late last year that it would be exiting its minority investment in the restaurant. Financially struggling due to losses related to COVID, and then the Ultimate Endless Shrimp promotion, Red Lobster ended up shuttering locations before filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection this...

The Retail Rundown: Competition for Ad Space Intensifies

As the final full week of July comes to a close, the retail sector is promoting at-home eating during the dog days of summer, a time when protein consumption typically drops due to the heat and fewer major retail buying occasions.

Competition for ad space is heating up, with seafood and pork leading the way, each capturing 25.8% of retail buying opportunities this week. Beef follows with 22.4%, unchanged from the previous week. Chicken has increased to 17.7%, up from 16.4% last week. Eggs account for 4.5%, with most feature activity...

Armanino Foods Reports Highest Quarterly and Q2 YTD Sales and Profits in Company’s History

Armanino Foods of Distinction, Inc. reported its highest quarterly and Q2 YTD sales and profits ever for the second quarter ending June 30, 2024. Armanino continued its profitability streak for the 84th quarter in a row

Net sales for the second quarter of 2024 were $17,481,452 compared to $15,036,330 for the same period last year, an increase of 16%. Income before taxes for Q2 2024 was $5,113,685 compared to $2,692,706 for the same quarter in 2023, an increase of 90%...

ANALYSIS: Dog Days of Summer Bite Beef Market as 0x1 Strip Prices Plummet

The dog days of summer are here, and strips have so far seen typical seasonality take hold. Much like in years past, prices for many of the higher-value middle meats, such as 0x1 strips, see prices adjust lower as demand wanes amid the hottest days on the calendar. Consumers find it difficult to grill steaks during frequent heatwaves. The current week has been the catalyst for this move as since July 8, our quotation for Choice...

Applebee's Celebrates National Chicken Wing Day with To Go Deal

Applebee’s – home of America’s Favorite Boneless Wings – is celebrating National Chicken Wing Day on July 29 with a mouthwatering deal for To Go or Delivery. On July 29, when guests buy one order of either Boneless Wings or Classic Bone-In Wings, they will receive a second order of wings of their choice for FREE when ordered on Applebees.com or the Applebee’s mobile app using promo code WINGDAY24.*

This year on National Chicken Wing Day, chicken wing lovers can mix...

Penn State Tests Dairy Herd for Bird Flu in Support of State Surveillance Effort

Animal health experts in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences have announced that — out of an abundance of caution — they will test the University’s dairy herd for highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI, under a voluntary state testing program.

The announcement comes amidst an outbreak of bird flu that has affected dairy cattle in more than a dozen states since March. As of July 19, the virus had not been found in Pennsylvania dairy herds, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and state animal...

New Breakfast Deal Starting at $4.99 Promises Exceptional Value at Perkins American Food Co.

Perkins American Food Co.™, formerly Perkins Restaurant & Bakery®, is launching America's best value breakfast, with the launch of its new Great American Trio, starting Friday, July 19. Enjoy the 5 Under $5, 6 Under $6, and 7 Under $7, all featuring Perkins famous buttermilk pancakes, crispy Applewood smoked bacon, and perfect eggs prepared your way. The best news? Perkins serves breakfast all day, every day, so you can dig into America's best value breakfast any...

Cracker Barrel Appoints Sarah Moore as New Chief Marketing Officer

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® is pleased to announce the appointment of Sarah Moore as its Chief Marketing Officer, effective Monday, July 22.

Moore's nearly 20 years of hospitality experience is a perfect match for the strong hospitality focus of Cracker Barrel. Her strategic experience in marketing, brand building, and guest engagement will be strong assets to Cracker Barrel as it evolves, taking what is beloved and differentiated about the brand and building on it.

A longtime fan of Cracker Barrel, she join...