Golden State Foods Promotes Mariana Manole to Senior Vice President, Global FSQR 

Golden State Foods (GSF), one of the largest diversified suppliers to the foodservice and retail industries, is pleased to announce the promotion of Mariana Manole to senior vice president, global Food Safety, Quality, and Regulatory Affairs (FSQR), as well as the appointment of Steve Ross as senior vice president, operations, Liquid Products North America (LPNA).

Based in Conyers, Georgia, Manole will serve as GSF’s chief quality leader, responsible for ensuring all worldwide manufacturing facilities and distribution centers meet food safety laws, federal, state, and local regulatory...

Wingstop Inc. Reports Fiscal First Quarter 2024 Financial Results

Wingstop Inc.today announced financial results for the fiscal first quarter ended March 30, 2024.

Highlights for the fiscal first quarter 2024 compared to the fiscal first quarter 2023:

• System-wide sales increased 36.8% to $1.1 billion
• 65 net new openings in the fiscal first quarter 2024
• Domestic same store sales increased 21.6%
• Domestic restaurant AUV increased to $1.9 million
• Digital sales increased to 68.3% of system-wide sales
• Total revenue increased 34.1% to $145.8 million
• Net income increased 83.5% to $28.7 million, or $0.98 per diluted...

Ventura Foods to Acquire DYMA Brands

Ventura Foods, a food manufacturing and innovation company specializing in custom and branded products for restaurants and retailers, has reached an agreement to acquire DYMA Brands.

Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, DYMA Brands is a leader in liquid portion control and bulk condiments, seasonings, and dry blend mixes for the foodservice industry. It has more than 500 employees and operates manufacturing facilities in Bremen, Georgia; Duluth, Georgia; Bondurant, Iowa; and Visalia, California.

All DYMA Brands employees and manufacturing locations will be acquired as part of the transaction. The DYMA Brands company will...

Impossible Foods Offers Best-Selling Impossible™ Chicken From Plants at Whole Foods

This month, Impossible Foods is bringing its fan-favorite Impossible™ Chicken From Plants to select Whole Foods Market locations in the US, expanding consumer access to delicious, nutrient-dense meat from plants that’s better for the planet.

Starting May 2024, Whole Foods Market shoppers can enjoy the No. 1 chicken-from-plants product in the US, Impossible Chicken Nuggets, which are described as tasting as good or better than animal chicken nuggets in a consumer taste test.2 Impossible Chicken Nuggets will be...

The Retail Rundown: Maximizing May’s Buying Occasions

The grocery sector is maximizing several buying occasions this month as the change in weather and outdoor grilling season breathes new life into the meat case.

May brings about a seasonal shift as daily life bustles with spring activities like sports and outings—boosting the supermarket's convenience and snack food sections. Busy families will also frequent the deli counter more often and turn to quick dinners and frozen options for weekday meals.

Retailers are currently highlighting holiday items for Cinco de Mayo this Sunday. The upcoming holiday, which commemorates the anniversary of Mexico’s...

Subway Sale to Roark is Complete

Transaction signals next phase of Subway’s journey, capitalizing on three years of growth

Subway®, one of the world’s largest restaurant brands, today completed its previously announced sale to affiliates of Roark.

The acquisition comes on the heels of Subway’s three exceptional years of sales growth and positive global net restaurant growth for the first time since 2016. The brand has continued to innovate in 2024, with the introduction of Subway Sidekicks, a hot new menu category, and a fresh lineup of signature wraps, served on a new lavash-style flatbread...

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 36 dairy operations across nine 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. Urner Barry is closely monitoring the situation...

Noelle O'Mara Named Executive Vice President of Conagra Brands

Conagra Brands, Inc. today announced the appointment of Noelle O'Mara as executive vice president & president, New Platforms and Acquisitions effective May 6.

In this role, O'Mara will have responsibility for identifying and scaling new organic growth platforms and acquisitions. This work will span strategy, product innovation, commercialization, synergy capture, and in-market execution.

"Noelle's leadership and track record of delivering results will be instrumental in advancing Conagra's ambition to further scale emerging brands while delivering an ambitious innovation and growth strategy," said Sean Connolly, president and chief executive officer, Conagra Brands...

USDA Confirms Detection of Avian Influenza in Dairy Cattle in Colorado

Yesterday, the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) confirmed a detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in dairy cows in Northeast Colorado. This is the first detection of avian influenza diagnosed in cattle in Colorado. Detections of HPAI in dairy cattle have occurred in eight other states.

On Monday, April 22, the Colorado State Veterinarian’s office received a notification of a dairy herd demonstrating clinical signs consistent with HPAI in cattle. Samples submitted to the Colorado State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory tested presumptive positive for HPAI on April 24, and were confirmed by the USDA's National Veterinary Services Laboratory on April 25.

INTERVIEW: Six Months On, France’s World-First HPAI Vax Campaign Seen as Successful

Early April marked six months since French authorities, along with the country’s poultry sector, embarked on an ambitious effort to vaccinate every commercially-raised duck on the mainland against highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The decision made it a global pioneer; although HPAI vaccines had been used in non-exporting countries to protect food security, no major exporter has done so, and the world has been closely watching the experiment. As an industry representative told Feedinfo last year, “We’re a bit like the guinea...

802 VT Frozen Recalls Frozen Meat Pizza Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens

802 VT Frozen, a Newport, Vt. establishment, is recalling approximately 8,221 pounds of frozen meat pizza due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product contains soy, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.

The frozen meat pizza item was produced from April 25, 2023, through April 25, 2024. The following product is subject to recall [view labels]:

• 17.8-oz. cardboard box containing “802 VT Frozen MEAT!!! CRISPY WOOD-FIRED...

USDA Finalizes Policy to Protect Consumers from Salmonella in Raw Breaded Stuffed Chicken Products

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) today announced its final determination to declare Salmonella an adulterant in raw breaded stuffed chicken products when they exceed a specific threshold (1 colony forming unit (CFU) per gram or higher) for Salmonella contamination.

This final determination is part of FSIS’ broader efforts to reduce Salmonella illnesses associated with the raw poultry supply in the United States. FSIS intends to address Salmonella contamination in other raw poultry products later this year...

ANALYSIS: Chicken Cold Storage, Cracking Open the Freezer Doors

The latest Cold Storage Report generally aligns with the monthly movement observed over the past five years, while also shining light on the notable reduction in year-over-year (YoY) inventory holdings. Total public warehouse stocks through the end of March hit 763.7 million pounds, which represents a 10.5% retreat from a similar period back in ’23. This coincides with the relatively well-accounted-for supply state on the street, along with the negative impact that disease and low hatchability continue to have on the production front...

ANALYSIS: Boneless Ribeye Prices Reflecting a Cautious Approach

Ribs have been tough items to get a pulse on this year as spending, production, and sentiment have all seen notable shifts in the past year. Uncertainty surrounding available cattle supplies and consumer willingness to spend on beef has prompted the market to take a much more cautious approach to the market and even more so around ribs. Urner Barry’s Choice Boneless Ribeye quote currently sits at $9.15/lb. compared to $10.23/lb. last year, which is about 10% lower...

Makers of HORMEL® NATURAL CHOICE® Reintroduce Chicken and Roast Beef to Portfolio of Deli Products

The makers of the HORMEL® NATURAL CHOICE® brand, a trusted name in deli products and maker of 100% natural*, completely delicious deli meat, are excited to reintroduce two items to its appetizing lineup of deli options: Deli Roast Beef and Rotisserie Seasoned Deli Chicken Breast. These varieties join a wide-ranging portfolio of 100% natural* deli products, with no nitrates or nitrites added**, and no preservatives.

"We work hard to ensure that every product we provide is completely...

Properly Prepared Beef Remains Safe; Meat Institute Calls For Guidance to Protect Workers 

As the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a nationwide order including requiring lactating dairy cows to test negative for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) before interstate transport, the Meat Institute today said that properly prepared beef remains safe to eat and called for USDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to provide worker safety guidance specific to beef processors to ensure workers are protected from infection.

“USDA and CDC are working overtime to understand the spread of the virus...

USDA Issues FAQ on Federal Order Requiring Bird Flu Testing in Dairy Cattle

On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a Federal Order requiring mandatory testing of lactating dairy cattle for bird flu before interstate movement. Effective Monday, April 29, 2024, the order also mandates reporting positive influenza A test results in livestock to USDA’s Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). 

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) causes less severe illness in cattle than in poultry, in which the virus is typically fatal, but remains a concern for livestock and humans who come into contact with infected animals...

Domino's® is Tipping Customers Who Tip Their Delivery Drivers

Domino's Pizza Inc. brought you Carryout Tips. Now the largest pizza company in the world, known for its value innovation, is launching You Tip, We Tip – a promotion that tips customers who tip their delivery drivers, beginning April 29.

"Domino's drivers have been hustling to deliver hot, delicious pizzas since 1960, and we love that customers have been tipping them for their great service since day one," said Kate Trumbull, Domino's senior vice president – chief brand officer. "But these days, everywhere you...

ConSup North America Inc. Recalls Ready-To-Eat Sliced Prosciutto Product

ConSup North America Inc., a Lincoln Park, N.J. firm, is recalling approximately 85,984 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) sliced prosciutto ham product produced in Germany without the benefit of equivalent inspection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The RTE sliced prosciutto ham item was produced on various dates from Sept. 25, 2023 through March 6, 2024. The following product is subject to recall [view labels]:

• 5.29-oz. plastic packages containing “Stockmeyer PROSCIUTTO Product of GERMANY” with lot...

ANALYSIS: Tightening Turkey Production Trends

Given the relatively serene state of the turkey market here in early Q2, market participants are keeping their eyes trained on the stats as they refine their expectations for the road ahead. When it comes to supply-facing variables, disease remains a top consideration, and with good reason. In just the first four months of the year, about 346 thousand commercial turkeys have been impacted by HPAI. Although this figure represents only a small fraction of the industry’s annual production potential, it is one part of a more complex scenario currently unfolding on the supply...

ANALYSIS: Export Volume Challenges for Mexican Beef End Cuts

Throughout 2024, beef export levels from Mexico to the United States have been relatively low compared to previous years. This trend is largely attributed to the exchange rate, as the strength of the Mexican peso against the dollar has led to higher prices of Mexican items. Consequently, even though there is sustained demand for Mexican beef in the US, Mexican producers have been constrained in their ability to allocate beef for export, since sales in the Mexican domestic market are more profitable. This situation is particularly evident with end cuts...

USDA Actions to Protect Livestock Health From Highly Pathogenic H5N1 Avian Influenza

To further protect the U.S. livestock industry from the threat posed by highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza, USDA is sharing a number of actions that we are taking with our federal partners to help us get ahead of this disease and limit its spread.

Today, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced a Federal Order requiring the following measures, effective Monday, April 29, 2024:

Mandatory Testing for Interstate Movement of Dairy Cattle

• Prior to interstate movement, dairy cattle are required to receive...

Hormel Foods Announces Retirement of Jeff Grev, Vice President of Legislative Affairs

Hormel Foods Corporation, a Fortune 500 global branded food company, today announced that Jeff Grev, vice president of legislative affairs, will be retiring after a 40-year career with the company. Chad Randick, director of strategy and current lead of the company's transformation and modernization initiative, will succeed Grev as vice president of legislative affairs.

As vice president of legislative affairs, Randick will assume responsibility for overseeing all state and federal legislative affairs, and regulatory affairs.

"Chad's deep knowledge of our business and leadership experience in finance, sales...

The Retail Rundown: Abundance of Springtime Eating Occasions

There is an abundance of springtime eating occasions and grocers are gearing up for a triathlon of sorts with Cinco De Mayo, Mother’s Day, and Memorial Day fast approaching.

The produce section and the meat case are expected to benefit from Cinco de Mayo as those celebrating load up on beef, pork, and chicken for a variety of dishes like tacos, fajitas, burritos, and carnitas. These dishes are often accompanied by fixings like guacamole and salsa, boosting sales of avocadoes, mangoes, and more...

Grocer Lowers Prices on Essential Basket Staples, Asking Customers to "Compare & Save" Versus National Brands

All customers will have access to new giant savings on Giant brands with hundreds of new lower prices. They simply need to look for the "Compare and Save" tags on items in every aisle. The Flexible Reward promotion allows customers to earn 2x the points on Giant brand item purchases. These points can then be redeemed for grocery savings, gas savings or unique product offerings during future trips.

"At Giant Food, we have always offered great savings to our customers through our...

2 Feared Dead After Cargo Plane Crashes in Alaska

A Douglas DC-4 cargo plane crashed in the central Alaska Tuesday, killing two people onboard, local authorities said.

The plane took off in the morning from Fairbanks International Airport and crashed about 11 km from there, catching fire on a steep hill on the bank of the river and sending "a large plume of smoke," The Associated Press reported, quoting Alaska State Troopers as saying.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) was sending investigators to the site, said Clint Johnson, chief of the NTSB's Alaska...

Analysis: Dollar to Peso Currency Conversion Impact on the U.S. Pork Bone-In Ham Market

Following the Easter holiday and into early April, the US 23/27 bone-in ham market displayed a fully steady to firm tone, with the majority of buying interest coming from the Mexican market. The Urner Barry weekly average price for bone-in hams for the week of April 8^th, 2024 was the second highest on record for the month of April, dating back to 1981. This price was only exceeded during the 2014 Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDv) outbreak, reflecting the tight supply...

Perkins Restaurant & Bakery Is in Its Prime With Weeklong Juicy Deals in Honor of National Prime Rib Day

National Prime Rib Day is April 27, and Perkins Restaurant & Bakery®, a leading family-dining restaurant brand known for its homestyle meals and breakfast-all-day, is making it prime time all week long. Leading up to National Prime Rib Day, from April 22 to April 26, guests can visit a participating Perkins to enjoy 27% off all Prime Rib entrées. The deal gets even juicer on National Prime Rib Day as guests will enjoy a Buy One, Get One...

Performance Food Group and Industry-Leading Partners Unveil Sustainable Distribution Center

Advanced Energy Machines, FreeWire, GridMarket and Volvo Trucks North America played key roles in facility transformation

In recognition of Earth Day 2024, Performance Food Group Company (PFG) (NYSE: PFGC), Advanced Energy Machines (AEM), FreeWire Technologies, GridMarket and Volvo Trucks North America, partnered to hold a special open house event at PFG’s Gilroy, CA facility to show how the companies have collaborated to help create a sustainable distribution center model of the future.

PFG is committed to mitigating its carbon footprint and being responsible stewards of the environment...