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...

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...

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... 

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...

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...

United States' Department of Agriculture Shuffles Leadership

Several key staff appointments and promotions have been made by the United States' Department of Agriculture (USDA) on July 17.

Promotions

Eric Deeble, who was the Deputy Assistant Secretary for the office of Congressional Relations, has been promoted to Deputy Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs.

Cindy Long will uphold her position as Deputy Under Secretary for Food and Nutrition Service after serving as Administrator for the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)

After nearly three years as Senior Advisor for Climate in the Office of the... 

The Retail Rundown: Grocers Vie with Foodservice During Peak Travel Season

Summer is usually the peak demand period for foodservice, as warmer weather encourages vacation plans and out-and-about activities. As more consumers embark on trips, spending is typically increased at restaurants and bars.

Data released by the U.S. Census Bureau on Tuesday showed that restaurant business rose 0.3 percent last month, likely supported by the summer travel season. Overall retail sales in June remained unchanged from May, outpacing expectations for a decline. Stock futures climbed following the stronger-than-expected data, sending the Dow Jones Industrial Average to... 

Walmart's Grocery Network Transformation: The Next Steps on Our Supply Chain Modernization Journey

In the last several years, something has become very clear: Walmart customers love options. From the strength of our delivery business to our innovative aisles in-store and online, we’re witnessing shoppers make use of every opportunity to save money and live better.

As customers change the way they shop, we’re taking steps to build even more trust with them, ensuring the things they want – and need – are on shelves faster than ever before. To do that, we've been investing... 

The Retail Rundown: Dog Days Dull Buying Occasions

Holiday retail meat clearance last week was reported as mostly positive albeit a bit scattered due to varying weather conditions across the country. This week, extreme heat and record temperatures are expected to persist in the Western and Eastern U.S.

The sweltering conditions that typically accompany the dog days of summer make it challenging for retail to capture regular meat purchases. The egg case also typically sees fewer purchases around this time of year as consumers opt for cold breakfasts like cereal and fruit...

Vertical Cold Storage Adds 10th Facility to Network

Vertical Cold Storage, a developer and operator of temperature-controlled distribution centers sponsored by real estate investment firm Platform Ventures, has entered into a purchase agreement to acquire the frozen distribution center from Dothan Warehouse in Dothan, AL. The Dothan facility focuses on poultry for export markets and is located close to several interstate highways, enabling less than one day delivery to the ports of Jacksonville, FL; Mobile, AL; New Orleans, LA; Panama City, FL; and Savannah, GA. The operation employs 40...

Gen Z Discovers Costco , Sam's Club and the Joy of Buying Groceries in Bulk

With food prices still high, shoppers look for ways to team up with roommates, neighbors and family

Young adults are battling sticker shock at the grocery store by supersizing their groceries. They are turning to bulk purchases, splitting their food costs with friends, roommates, family and neighbors.

Shoppers in their 20s and 30s are trying to fight higher prices by joining warehouse-store giants such as Costco and Sam's Club.

Generation Z shoppers represent the fastest-growing member group at Walmart-owned Sam's Club...

The Retail Rundown: Retail Segment and Temperatures Heat Up Ahead of Holiday

The retail segment is heating up for the July 4^th holiday, as are the temperatures across the country.

Scorching heat along with the holiday falling on a Thursday could dampen this year’s cookouts. Residents in the south-central and West Coast are in the midst of a dangerous and record-breaking heat wave, with blistering temperatures forecast to extend into next week.

Meanwhile, severe weather including flash flooding and strong wind gusts is possible over the next few days across the Plains and Midwest, according to the National...

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. Announces Acquisition of Egg Production Assets of ISE America, Inc.

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. today announced the Company has completed the acquisition of substantially all the assets of ISE America, Inc. and certain affiliates (“ISE”) for approximately $110 million. Cal-Maine Foods is funding the acquisition with available cash on hand. The acquired ISE assets include commercial shell egg production and processing facilities with current capacity of approximately 4.7 million laying hens, including 1.0 million cage-free, and 1.2 million pullets, feed mills, approximately 4,000 acres of land, inventories and an egg products breaking facility...

Michael Foods Inc. Recalls Fair Meadow Foundations Liquid Egg Products 

M.G. Waldbaum dba Michael Foods Inc., a Gaylord, Minn. establishment, is recalling approximately 4,620 pounds of liquid egg products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product contains dairy (milk), a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.

The liquid egg breakfast blend formulation items were produced June 11, 2024. The following products are subject to recall:

• 32-oz. paperboard carton containing “FAIR MEADOW Foundations WHOLE EGG...

Vital Farms is Building Its Next World Class Egg Washing and Packing Facility in Seymour, Indiana

Vital Farms is Building Its Next World Class Egg Washing and Packing Facility in Seymour, Indiana

Second facility opening in 2027 will support family farmers, create new jobs and is a critical part of brand's journey to achieve at least $1 billion in annual net revenue by 2027

Vital Farms, a Certified B Corporation that offers a range of ethically produced foods nationwide, today has announced plans to expand its resilient supply chain with a second world-class egg washing and packing facility...

Walmart Cooks Up Savings This July Fourth With Basket of Cookout Essentials for Eight, Priced Under $50

It’s officially summer and with the changing of the season comes warm weather, barbecues and time spent outdoors with friends and family. At Walmart, customers don’t have to worry about spending more to enjoy their favorite summertime gatherings with loved ones. Walmart is proud to offer its Every Day Low Prices all summer long, from the big celebrations like Fourth of July to all the little moments in between.

This year, The National Retail Federation has reported that consumers... 

Grubhub Partners with Albertsons Companies for Nationwide Grocery Delivery

Grubhub and Albertsons Companies, Inc. have partnered to bring nearly 1,800 Albertsons Cos. stores to Grubhub's Marketplace for delivery including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw's, ACME and Tom Thumb. Availability is based on delivery locations through the Grocery section on the Grubhub app and website.

"We're pleased to grow our grocery offering with Albertsons Cos., one of the leading grocery retailers in the U.S., and give customers the opportunity to conveniently place their grocery orders within Grubhub," said Craig Whitmer, vice president of new verticals at Grubhub... 

Perkins Restaurant & Bakery Reintroduces Itself as Perkins American Food Co.

Clearly, Perkins isn’t stuck in its ways, but it is grounded in its roots. The brand is opening its doors to welcome guests to Perkins American Food Co., where modern American hospitality is reimagined to both take you back and move you forward. The humble pancake house from 1958 in the heartland of the Midwest is now a leading family dining brand with nearly 300 locations across the United States and Canada. It is now refashioned for the consumer of today and was announced... 

Mintec Rebrands as Expana, Unifying Group Identities into a Singular Market Intelligence Powerhouse 

Leading a New Era of Market Intelligence with Expana Rebrand 

Mintec, the Global Price Reporting Agency (PRA) and Market Intelligence company with over 200 years of combined heritage and expertise, has transformed into Expana. This shift consolidates a diverse portfolio of products and brands under one dynamic identity, marking a pivotal moment in the industry. The launch of Expana reflects their mission to provide an integrated solution that brings together its diverse capabilities under one brand. 

Expana emerges as the leader in providing comprehensive agrifood commodity market intelligence to businesses worldwide. By integrating renowned brands like Mintec, Urner Barry, Tropical Research Services, Feedinfo, and Stratégie Grains, Expana sets a new standard for innovation and insight delivery. 

"Our journey to Expana embodies a commitment to innovation, and unparalleled market intelligence," said Spencer Wicks, CEO of Expana. "This rebranding...

Farmers to Get Subsidised Egg-Laying Hens

Egg-laying hens will continue to be provided to farmers at a subsidised rate under the Rawalpindi Poultry Research Institute programme as per the directions of the provincial Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Dairy Development.

During his visit to the Institute, Minister Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani stated, "We are committed to supporting our farmers and promoting the poultry industry in the province.

Resuming this programme will help reduce the cost of production for farmers and increase egg production, making eggs more affordable for consumers."...

Grupo Palacios, World’s Leading Producer of Spanish Omelets, Partners With Hen-Less Egg Pioneer EVER

Grupo Empresarial Palacios Alimentación (“Palacios”) – the world’s largest producer of string chorizo and Spanish omelets and Spain’s leading producer of frozen desserts – announced they have formalized a commercial agreement with The EVERY Company (“EVERY”), a trailblazer in crafting highly functional ingredients without the use of animals. This partnership marks a significant milestone for the food industry as Palacios will incorporate EVERY Egg™, the world's first chicken egg created without hens, into its flagship Spanish omelets and into the research and development of new products.

ANALYSIS: Shell Egg Market Stabilizes Following Four-Week Rally to Mid-June Record Highs

Thursday marked the conclusion of a four-week rally in the US shell-egg market, during which Urner Barry’s benchmark Midwest large quotation surged by 63.4%, reaching $2.68 per dozen, an unprecedented high for mid-June. This surge reflects robust retail demand outstripping constrained supply in an unseasonably strong market.

Traditionally, summer sees a dip in egg demand as seasonal preferences shift, but competitive everyday prices have been a strong lure for consumers grappling with inflation and tight budgets...

The Retail Rundown: Raising the 'Steaks' for Father’s Day

The Memorial Day and July 4^th holidays are popular burger occasions, whereas Father’s Day is typically geared toward steak consumption. Fittingly, grocers have upped the feature volume for steaks ahead of the upcoming holiday weekend.

Steaks currently make up 43.3% of total retail buying opportunities within the beef complex, up from 37.7% the week prior. Ground beef ads also saw a week-over-week advance, now holding 35.3% of beef’s total retail activity. Feature activity for roasts has eased as fewer households utilize their ovens during the hotter weather.

Perdue Farms Announces Perry Aulie as President of Perdue AgriBusiness

Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned U.S. food and agricultural company, is pleased to announce the appointment of Perry Aulie as President of Perdue AgriBusiness, effective July 1, 2024. Aulie succeeds Scott Fredericksen, who is retiring from the Maryland-based company.

Aulie, currently the Senior Vice President of Value-Added Products, has been with Perdue AgriBusiness since 2019. Under his leadership, the Value-Added Business has seen sales triple over the past four years, driven by his innovative approach and commitment to addressing the dual challenges of climate...

ADM Animal Nutrition Further Expands Recall of Feed Products

Archer Daniels Midland's animal feed unit expanded Monday a previously announced recall of products to include 67 new lots.

ADM Animal Nutrition's recall was announced on March 30 and expanded on April 11, and covered chicken, swine and rabbit feed products. The latest expansion includes feed products for horses, lambs, goats, cattle and llamas.

The lots may contain elevated levels of magnesium, sodium, calcium, chloride and/or phosphorus and may harm cattle, chickens, swine, goats, and other animals, the company said. ADM said no illnesses have been reported to date...

PODCAST: Agri-Food for Thought Ep 10 - Bird Flu: The Saga Continues

ANALYSIS: Strong Market for Yolk Leads to Over-Production of Whites in the EU

Historically, in the EU, egg white and yolk prices have behaved rather independently. However, since September 2023, brisk demand for yolk has yielded more whites than producers can find an outlet for, which slightly impacted both market prices.

In the last three years, the price of liquid egg white has been following the same trend as egg white powder. Due to post-COVID inflation, severe HPAI outbreaks, and the invasion of Ukraine, the costs of feed, shell eggs, and energy in the EU surged...

Meijer Makes Healthy Foods More Accessible for SNAP Participants

As part of its ongoing commitment to expand access to healthy foods, Midwest retailer Meijer is now accepting the use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits on its Meijer app, providing a more convenient option for customers to pay for groceries like fresh produce and milk.

The new payment capability was unveiled across all of its Midwest stores last week, enabling SNAP participants to pay for their Meijer app orders using an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. The enhancement represents the latest way Meijer is increasing access to healthy...

The Retail Rundown: Focus Shifts to Next Big Cookout Event

Shoppers welcomed the unofficial start of summer over the Memorial Day weekend with grilling go-tos including hamburgers, ribs, and chicken parts. Circana data indicates ground beef sales totaled nearly $82.9 million last week, up from $68.4 million the week prior and outpacing $77.1 million during the same week in 2023. Beef ribeye also saw increased sales week-over-week, earning $32.3 million with distribution (the number of UPCs selling within the given aggregate) totaling 90,781—up from 87,175 the week prior...

Transaction Represents 88th Acquisition for Leading Distributor of Foodservice Packaging

Transaction Represents 88th Acquisition for Leading Distributor of Foodservice Packaging and Janitorial Sanitation Products

Imperial Dade, a leading North American distributor of foodservice packaging supplies, industrial products, and janitorial supplies, today announced the acquisition of Regional Distributors, Inc. (the “Company”). The transaction represents the 88th acquisition for Imperial Dade under the leadership of Robert and Jason Tillis, Chairman and CEO of Imperial Dade, respectively. Financial terms of the private transaction were not disclosed.

David and Tracy Scalen founded Regional Distributors in 1994 and operate with ‘Service Beyond Expectations’ and are...

ANALYSIS: US Egg Prices Soar as Production Hits Eight-Year Low Due to HPAI Outbreaks

Over the past two weeks, U.S. shell egg prices have soared by 45%, largely due to the ongoing spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), more commonly known as bird flu. The bird flu has been spreading across the US since February 2022—though not consistently. The first outbreak of last year didn’t occur until the last day of October, ending a ten-month stretch with no new cases. Since then, 28.7 commercial layer and pullet operations have been affected...

Hargett Hunter Appoints Scott Taylor CEO of New Full-Service Restaurant Platform

Hargett Hunter announced today that 30-year hospitality industry veteran Scott Taylor has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of its newly created full-service restaurant platform, Cherry Bounce Hospitality. Taylor joins the leading private equity firm after serving in C-level executive positions at Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux, Beef ‘O’Brady’s and the University of Florida.

Taylor will oversee the full-service brands Trudy’s Authentic Tex-Mex, Cajun Steamer Bar & Grill and Live.Eat.Surf Restaurants as he builds out the new platform...

U.S. Department of Agriculture Announces Key Staff Appointments and Promotions

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the names of individuals who hold senior staff positions in Washington, D.C.

Crestina Martinez has been appointed Colorado State Director for Rural Development

Martinez previously served as Director of Strategic Outreach & Advocacy at Xcel Energy where she developed and implemented strategic outreach and advocacy initiatives centered on environmental justice, energy equity, and Tribal relations. Martinez also has experience as Adams County Director of Long-Term Recovery & Major Initiatives where she led the development of strategies for equitable economic and health recoveries from... 

Cracker Barrel Elects Cheryl Henry to Board of Directors

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® today announced that Cheryl Henry, 50, has been elected to the company's Board of Directors, effective immediately. Ms. Henry is replacing director William Moreton, who will step down from the Board for personal reasons effective May 28, 2024. Despite his departure, Mr. Moreton will continue to serve as an advisor to the Board and to management through the end of calendar 2024.

Ms. Henry is the former President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairwoman of Ruth's Hospitality Group, Inc., a fine-dining restaurant company operating...

BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc. Announces First Quarter Fiscal 2024 Results

BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc., today announced its financial results for the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2024.

“During the first quarter, we delivered strong increases in membership, traffic and unit volumes. This resulted in revenue growth and market share gains in our clubs and at our gas stations. Our merchandising improvements and digital conveniences, grounded in delivering compelling value, are resonating with our members. We are also growing our footprint and remain on track for 12 new club openings this year,” said Bob Eddy...

US Foods Announces the Passing of Board Chair Robert Dutkowsky; Appoints David Tehle as Board Chair

US Foods Holding Corp., one of the largest foodservice distributors in the United States, announced today that Board Chair, Robert “Bob” Dutkowsky unexpectedly passed away today in his home in Florida at the age of 69.

“It is with a very heavy heart that I announce Bob’s passing,” said Dave Flitman, Chief Executive Officer. “Bob was a steadfast leader of our Board, trusted mentor to me and thought partner to our esteemed Board members. He provided sound advice and counsel, and contributed...