Big Mac Goes Big Tech, with a Few Hiccups
When McDonald’s first opened for business in the 1940s, its workers stood at physical counters, its burgers and fries were listed on paper menus, and its customers paid cash to its human cashiers.
How quaint.
Today technology so infuses every aspect of McDonald's business that it would only be a slight exaggeration to call it a tech company that happens to sell burgers.
McDonald's mobile app; its human-less, order-taking kiosks; its digitized menus that change based on trends, the weather and more; and even its generative AI - together...
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Podcast: Agri-Food for Thought Ep 7 - Meet Us in Las Vegas for the 48th Executive Conference
Join us at the 48th annual Executive Conference in Las Vegas, April 14-16! Featuring special guests: Russ Whitman and Chris Fastiggi.
Europe Looking Towards Air Freight Solutions Due To Continuing Attacks in Red Sea
As Houthi terrorists continue to attack in the Red Sea, shipping and logistics companies also continue to provide updates on what the developments mean for cargo.
U.S. Central Command confirmed on March 12 that between 2 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. Sanaa time, Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists “fired one close-range ballistic missile from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen toward USS Laboon in the Red Sea.” The U.S. government agency revealed that the missile did not impact the vessel, and that there...
Domino's® is Giving Basketball Fans a Slam Dunk of a Deal
Domino's Pizza Inc., the largest pizza company in the world, is celebrating college basketball's biggest month by offering customers 50% off all menu-priced pizzas ordered online today through March 24.
"Domino's is making an assist to customers for a slam dunk of a deal," said Christopher Thomas-Moore, Domino's senior vice president – chief digital officer. "What's better than enjoying delicious pizza while cheering on your favorite team? Enjoying delicious pizza when it's half off!"
The 50% off deal is available on menu-priced pizzas ordered through...
Randall Foods Announces Completion of Executive Team Buildout
Randall Foods (the "Company"), a value-added provider of ground beef, poultry, beef, and pork protein solutions and a portfolio company of Highview Capital, today announced the completion of its executive team buildout that includes both external appointments and internal promotions.
Randall Foods is the combination of Randall Foods and WilMar Meat from a transformational merger in 2022. Now integrated, Randall Foods serves as a critical partner to grocery retail and foodservice customers. It assists customers by solving their greatest protein needs through...
Kroger Delivers Convenience and Fresh for Springtime Travelers
The Kroger Co. is sharing quick and easy spring break travel prep ideas, delivering fresh products, friendly service and affordable prices directly to customers' destinations.
"Whether you're planning a road trip to visit family and friends, gearing up for relaxation on the beach or seeking thrills at your favorite theme park, we look forward to connecting more customers to Kroger Delivery," said Rebekah Manis, Senior Director, Kroger Delivery Fulfillment Centers. "Our service enables us to meet our customers' needs during special moments like family vacations, providing exceptional friendly service from...
Hardee’s Franchisee Shows Commitment to Greater Triangle Region with New Menu
Hardee’s franchise owner operator Boddie-Noell Enterprises has a longtime presence in the greater Triangle area of North Carolina and recently made it even bigger with new menu choices at its 72 restaurants in the region, new Hardee’s openings and multi-million-dollar renovations across all locations.
Local Hardee’s are debuting new menu choices, featuring the Hand-Breaded Chicken TendersTM Platter and crinkle-cut fries. The Platter includes choice of three or five tenders and dipping sauce, combined with new crinkle-cut fries, slaw, toast and a beverage...
Qdoba Announces Appointment of Jeremy Vitaro as Chief Development Officer
QDOBA, America's #2 restaurant brand in the Mexican fast-casual category, today announced that Jeremy Vitaro has joined the company as Chief Development Officer and Head of International. Vitaro brings more than 20 years of development experience and is responsible for QDOBA's asset light development strategy, including new restaurant growth, system remodeling, refranchising, acquisition, prototype design, and real estate and construction.
"We are thrilled with Jeremy's decision to join the QDOBA leadership team," said John Cywinski, CEO of QDOBA and Modern Market Eatery. "QDOBA is an...
Meat Institute, FMI Announce 2024 Leaders of Tomorrow Program Winners
To kick off the 2024 Annual Meat Conference, the Meat Institute and FMI – The Food Industry Association announced 10 winners for the 2024 Leaders of Tomorrow Program.
The winners are: Kaylee Russell, Tyson Foods; Michael Yeater, Albertsons Companies; Tammy Gonzales, Cargill; Mike Van Drie, SpartanNash Co.; Nicole Koch, Seaboard Foods; Liz Holt Welnhofer, Pre Brands; Hillary Niblock, Superior Farms; Marie-Pier Labarre, Cascades; Zachary Stadler, Associated Wholesale Grocers; and Jennifer Hicks, Mitchell Grocery Corp.
“These 10 Leaders of Tomorrow proved themselves to be rising stars in...
Astral Foods Sells Minority Interest in Quantum Foods
South Africa's largest integrated poultry producer, Astral Foods, has sold its 9.8% interest in Quantum Foods to Country Bird Holdings (CBH) for ZAR 141.7 million (approximately $7.6 million), effective from 5 March.
Chris Schutte, CEO of Astral, expressed that the unsolicited offer from CBH was welcome, as it was never intended to be a long-term investment.
He also stated in the same announcement: “At the time Astral acquired the 9.8% equity stake in Quantum during June 2020, there were unmitigated risks the...
ANALYSIS: January Chicken Exports Off to a Strong Start
Although it may not be immediately evident based solely on the data, chicken export movement kicked off the year with quite a bang. Despite a 3.4%, or 21.6 million pound, year-over-year (YoY) reduction in total outward tonnage, January’s closing tally of 608.7 million pounds, was enough to position seasonal export figures at the third highest level realized in three decades.
Much like the annual comparisons, the month-over-month (MoM) figures also brought with them a modest reduction of 3.4%, or 21.6 million pounds...
Taco Bell Launches New Cantina Chicken Menu Nationally to Shake up the Daytime
Taco Bell, the brand synonymous with late night, is tackling misconceptions that cheesy, crunchy, spicy cravings can only be satisfied late-night. Introducing the all-new, elevated Cantina Chicken Menu; including five new menu items: The Cantina Chicken Soft Taco, Cantina Chicken Crispy Taco, Cantina Chicken Burrito, Cantina Chicken Quesadilla, and Cantina Chicken Bowl. Select items of the Cantina Chicken Menu are now available* to Taco Bell Rewards members and the full menu will be available to all fans on March 21...
TGI Fridays® Cures Busted Bracket Blues with Free Wings for Defeated Game Day Fans
Just in time for college basketball's biggest tournament of the year, TGI Fridays® is ensuring fans finish the season with a win – especially if their team does not. As fans chase after the elusive – and potentially impossible – perfect bracket, TGI Fridays is serving the ultimate rebound for anyone with a losing bracket. Turning L's into W's, the iconic dining chain is offering free wings as a consolation to every fan with a busted bracket.
Available all day, every day from the tournament tip-off...
Bellisio Foods Expands Fast-Growing Boston Market Frozen Retail Portfolio
Bellisio Foods, one of the nation's largest, most trusted frozen food companies, announced expansion of their frozen retail brand, Boston Market At Home, with the introduction of comfort-inspired Boston Market Sides, new entrees and an innovative snacking format.
"Boston Market At Home has been serving favorite comfort tastes in convenient frozen meals to local grocery stores for years," said Nicole Grimmius, Vice President of Marketing and Innovation at Bellisio Foods. "Bellisio is now expanding to offer consumers even more delicious options."...
Taylor Farms Pacific Recalls Kroger Brand Ready-To-Eat Apple Walnut With Chicken Salad Bowl Products
Taylor Farms Pacific, a Tracy, Calif. establishment, is recalling approximately 19,976 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) apple walnut with chicken salad bowl products due to misbranding and undeclared wheat allergen, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product may contain wheat, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.
The RTE apple walnut with chicken salad bowl products were produced from Feb. 28, 2024, through March 9, 2024. The following products...
Deliveroo Guides For Higher Earnings, Positive Free Cash Flow
Deliveroo guided for further growth in its core earnings this year after its 2023 results were better than expected.
The food-delivery company expects its adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization—a metric that strips out exceptional and other one-off items—to be between 110 million and 130 million pounds ($141 million-$166 million) in 2024, it said Thursday. It guided for positive free cash flow for the year, and expects its gross transaction value to grow between 5% and 9%, with a first quarter...
DoorDash Expands Food Access for SNAP Customers With New Grocery Partners
Every day, millions of consumers look for affordable ways to set the table with their favorite dishes. Today, DoorDash (NASDAQ: DASH), the local commerce platform, is proud to expand its SNAP/EBT payment offering with additional grocers to make fresh food accessible to more people. Since launching support for SNAP/EBT payments in 2023, over 1.1 million consumers have added their SNAP/EBT cards to DoorDash. Consumers can order SNAP-eligible groceries using their SNAP benefits through our platform from over...
Navis Food Partners Announces Partnership with Prime Source Foods
Prime Source Foods, a center-of-the-plate distributor based in Londonderry, NH, announced today that it joined Navis Food Partners, a partnership of independent foodservice distributors in the Northeast. Prime Source Foods is a large independently owned, center-of-the-plate food distributor in New England and eastern New York.
The acquisition of Prime Source Foods strengthens Navis Food Partners’ presence in the protein category as well as its geographic service footprint in New England. Together with City Line Distributors, Navis Food Partners now covers northern...
Krystal Breaks Ground in North Carolina With New Design
Krystal Restaurants LLC, the original quick-service restaurant chain in the South, announces a strategic expansion into North Carolina, marking a pivotal step in the brand’s plans to expand across the United States. The new builds will boast a sleek and contemporary design and cater to consumers’ on-the-go dining desires. The location is projected to open in Fall 2024.
“We are proud to bring our standout business model and our innovative restaurant design to the state of North Carolina,” said Josh Kern, CEO of...
USDA Identifies 2024 Food for Progress Priority Countries
USDA, through its administration of the Food for Progress Program, helps developing countries and emerging democracies modernize and strengthen their agricultural sectors. U.S. agricultural commodities donated to recipient countries are sold on the local market and the proceeds are used to support agricultural, economic, or infrastructure development programs.
Food for Progress has two principal objectives: to improve agricultural productivity and to expand trade of agricultural products. For Fiscal Year (FY) 2024, Food for Progress (FFPr) anticipates awarding seven new cooperative agreements, for projects of three- to five-years in duration...
Cargill Shares Outcome of the World’s First Wind-Powered Ocean Vessel’s Maiden Voyage
Cargill today revealed exciting results of the six-month test period of the Pyxis Ocean, underscoring the potential for the wind assisted propulsion technology in moving the shipping industry toward renewable energy use. The MC Shipping Kamsarmax vessel retrofitted with two WindWings® -large solid wind sails developed by BAR Technologies - - has achieved performance consistent with what was predicted which is equivalent to an average of 3 tonnes of fuel per day.
“We are encouraged by the results and have learned a great deal about...
Packaging Redesign for the HORMEL® NATURAL CHOICE® Brand Provides New Look, New Feel
The makers of the HORMEL® NATURAL CHOICE® brand have always prioritized the development of 100% natural1, delicious deli products that provide nourishment for consumers. Today, the brand team is unveiling a packaging redesign that delivers a refreshed logo, a TRUETASTE® Commitment and a reduction of packaging materials used.
The HORMEL® NATURAL CHOICE® line of deli products has a new look. In addition to a newly designed logo, the brand's food-forward redesign is also supported by lighter packaging...
The Retail Rundown: Seeing Green
Grocers and foodservice establishments alike are seeing green ahead of what is expected to be a record-setting St. Patrick’s Day for spending.
According to an annual survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics with the National Retail Federation, consumers plan to spend an average of $44.40 per person on the holiday coming up on Sunday, March 17th, amounting to a record $7.2 billion in collective spending—up from $6.9 billion in 2023.
The top spending categories are food and beverages—sláinte! And with the holiday falling on a weekend this year...
Market Force Study Reveals America's Top Grocers, and What Feeds Consumers Choice of Where to Shop
Market Force's newest syndicated research covering grocery retailers suggests that consumers are still focused on pricing and promotions, but that slowing inflation has allowed them to also choose grocers based on convenience, cleanliness, and variety of merchandise available. H-E-B, Fry's, King Soopers, Brookshire Grocery and Food Lion rank at the top of consumer preference, receiving the highest proportion of consumer spending across 40+ grocery brands named in the study. Interestingly, "loyalty" to a grocery brand, doesn't necessarily translate to higher...
February CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor Numbers Show Consumers Continued Spending in February
Retail sales continued to grow in February, building off solid gains from January, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor, powered by Affinity Solutions, released today by the National Retail Federation. Click here to access February’s retail data.
Total retail sales, excluding automobiles and gasoline, were up 1.06% seasonally adjusted month over month and up 6.3% unadjusted year over year in February, according to the Retail Monitor. That compared with a decrease of 0.16% month over month and an increase of 2.34% year over year in January...
Roy Rogers Unveils Savory Wild Dill Chicken Sandwich and Pickle Fries; Brings Back Mint Chip Shake
Roy Rogers® Restaurants, the iconic western-themed quick-service restaurant chain, is thrilled to announce the launch of two brand new menu items – the Wild Dill Sandwich and Pickle Fries, complemented by the return of the Mint Chocolate Chip Shake and Ice Cream. These mouthwatering options will be available for Roy Rogers loyalty customers to order online, or via Roy's Rewards App starting March 12, and in participating locations beginning March 14.
The Wild Dill Sandwich features a hand-battered and breaded...
Statement by Secretary Vilsack on the President’s Fiscal Year 2025 Budget
Budget Enhances Economic Prosperity for Millions of Americans Living in Rural Areas
The Biden-Harris Administration today released the President’s Budget for Fiscal Year 2025. Following historic progress made since the President took office—with nearly 15 million jobs created and inflation down two-thirds—the Budget protects and builds on this progress by lowering costs for working families, protecting and strengthening Social Security and Medicare, investing in America and the American people, and reducing the deficit by cracking down on fraud, cutting wasteful spending, and making the wealthy...
Another 38 Brazilian Slaughterhouses Can Export Meat to China
Number of license issuances in a single advertisement is the highest ever recorded in history
In the year in which Brazil celebrates 50 years of diplomatic relations with China, another 38 Brazilian meat processing plants were authorized to sell meat to the Asian country, according to a statement from the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) sent to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Map) this Tuesday ( 12) .
38 licenses were granted, including eight chicken slaughterhouses, 24 cattle slaughterhouses, a beef thermoprocessing establishment and five...
Campbell Completes Acquisition of Sovos Brands, Inc.
Campbell Soup Company today announced it has completed the acquisition of Sovos Brands, Inc. (“Sovos Brands”) for $23 per share in an all-cash transaction, which represents a total enterprise value of approximately $2.7 billion.
“This important milestone in Campbell’s history adds several market-leading and scaled premium brands to our company,” said Campbell’s President and CEO Mark Clouse. “It accelerates Campbell’s successful strategy and provides a substantial runway for sustained profitable growth. An enhanced Meals & Beverages division paired with our differentiated...
Chicken Al Pastor is Back: Chipotle Reintroduces One of its Most Popular Menu Innovations
Chipotle Mexican Grill today announced it is bringing back Chicken al Pastor to restaurants around the world for a limited time starting today. Back by popular demand, Chicken al Pastor levels up any go-to Chipotle order with a sophisticated flavor profile and elevated taste.
Sweet Heat Sizzles at ChipotleChicken al Pastor debuted in March 2023 as Chipotle's first global menu innovation, delighting fans in the U.S., Canada, U.K., France and Germany with a new flavor that quickly became a fan favorite...
Friendly’s New Spring Menu Has Fun (and Food) for the Whole Family
Springtime means new beginnings – a new season, new flowers, and new delicious items on the Friendly’s menu. It’s the perfect place to celebrate spring with family, creating memorable moments with craveable dishes and happy endings.
Beginning Wednesday, March 6, these new menu additions are available at all Friendly’s locations:
Turkey Wrap
Healthy and delicious, this wrap features sliced, fresh turkey breast with mild cheddar, diced applewood smoked bacon for a crunchy kick, spring mixed greens, diced tomato and Ranch dressing wrapped up in a soft flour tortilla...
USDA Finalizes Voluntary “Product of USA” Label Claim to Enhance Consumer Protection
Today, at the National Farmers Union Annual Convention, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the finalization of a rule to align the voluntary “Product of USA” label claim with consumer understanding of what the claim means. Secretary Vilsack also announced USDA is awarding $9.5 million to 42 projects through the Local Meat Capacity grant program to expand processing options for the meat and poultry industry and new actions to ensure...
Restaurants Are Raising Prices in California as Pay Rises. One Chain Isn’t.
At least one restaurant chain plans to hold the line on what it charges customers even as others are raising prices in California because of the state's minimum-wage boost for fast-food workers.
Mediterranean-style restaurant chain Cava says its recent growth will allow it to absorb the higher labor costs without lifting menu prices. And with a smaller footprint in California than other chains that have said they would raise prices, Cava may not feel as much pain from higher labor costs...
Jack in the Box Inc. Announces Retirement of SVP, Chief Supply Chain Officer Dean Gordon
Jack in the Box Inc. announces the retirement of SVP, Chief Supply Chain Officer Dean Gordon after 15 years at the organization.
Gordon joined the Company in February 2009 and has been pivotal in driving its growth and success. He has been Senior Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer since November 2019. During his tenure, Gordon has spearheaded numerous cost savings initiatives and built invaluable relationships with the Company’s franchise owners, suppliers, and vendor partners that propelled Jack in the Box Inc...
Import Cargo Returning to Normal After Red Sea Disruptions
With the supply chain adjusting to ongoing Houthi rebel attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, inbound cargo volume at the nation’s major container ports remains on track to show year-over-year increases through the first half of 2024, according to the Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.
“Retailers continue to work with their partners to mitigate the impact of disruptions from the Red Sea and Panama Canal restrictions,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said...
National DCP Announces 2024 Board of Directors Officers
National DCP (NDCP), the $3 billion supply chain management company serving Dunkin' franchisees, has announced its 2024 Board of Directors Officers. An active working board committed to advancing the needs of fellow Dunkin' franchises, NDCP's Board members are elected by their peers within a designated regional area (Series).
National DCP's 2024 Board Officers include:Sanjay Jain, Chairman of the Board – Jain, owner of a large network of Dunkin'/Baskin Robbins stores in Queens and Long Island, New York, was re-elected Chairman of the Board for a historic third year...
Q4 Trends Report: Catering Orders Surge with New Digital Ordering Channels, Food & Alcohol Insights
Toast, the all-in-one digital platform built for restaurants, today announced its Q4 2023 Restaurant Trends Report, providing insight into the overall state of the U.S. restaurant industry through an analysis of aggregated data from selected cohorts of restaurants and in select U.S. metropolitan areas on the Toast platform, which serves approximately 106,000 restaurant locations as of December 31, 2023. Read more details about our methodology below.
This report looks into catering and large event transactions on the Toast platform, trends in...
Salm Partners, LLC, Recalls Johnsonville Polish Kielbasa Turkey Sausage Products
Salm Partners, LLC, a Denmark, Wis., establishment, is recalling approximately 35,430 pounds of Johnsonville turkey kielbasa sausage that may be contaminated with foreign materials, specifically pieces of rubber, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
The turkey kielbasa sausages were produced between Oct. 30-31, 2023. The following products are subject to recall [view labels]:
Circana Report Reveals Private Brands Surge Amidst Inflation
Supporting shoppers by investing in innovation and promotions is key for retailers.
Circana™, the leading advisor on the complexity of consumer behavior, today released a new report on the state of private brands (also referred to as store brands or private labels). Despite high inflation, private brands have experienced growth, surpassing $217 billion in sales in the United States market. The report, “CPG Private Brands Update,” provides an update on the store brand landscape, and identifies retailer opportunities to increase demand for their own brand and private brand...
Freddy's Launches New Kids Meals Featuring Mascot FredHead and Friends
Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers® is thrilled to announce the launch of its exciting new Kids Meals featuring a delightful cast of characters led by its new lovable mascot, FredHead. The new Kids Meals are now available to order at Freddy's locations nationwide via drive-thru, in-restaurant dining, and pickup or delivery through the Freddy's mobile app and at https://freddys.com.
Freddy's Kids Meals come complete with a delicious selection of kid-friendly options: Single Cheeseburger, Hot Dog, or Chicken Tenders, with a side choice of shoestring fries or applesauce...
ANALYSIS: Headwinds at the Broiler Hatchery
If there is one resounding theme which has been glaringly apparent throughout our market canvassing efforts recently, it is the fact that there is an underlying lack of chicken production making the rounds. While the call from traditional purchasing channels remains consistent, spot outreach efforts themselves aren’t necessarily any stronger than what historic seasonality would suggest here in early March. As touched on in last week’s analysis, year-over-year (YoY) reductions in frozen inventory levels, along with lighter-than-anticipated live weights, and a 3% dip in cumulative headcount when...
America's Low-Price Leader ALDI Expands Footprint Nationwide with 800 New Stores by the End of 2028
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Sugar Foods Acquires Concord Foods
Sugar Foods (“Sugar Foods” or “the Company”), a food company serving prominent foodservice, grocery, retail and restaurant brands, today announced the acquisition of Concord Foods (“Concord”). With the strategic acquisition of Concord’s complementary resources, capabilities and expertise, Sugar Foods will be positioned to deliver enhanced innovations and an expanded suite of services to its customers. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
Founded in 1968, Concord Foods is a leading supplier of custom ingredients and retail food products, serving nationally recognized supermarkets, food service operators and food manufacturers...
United Natural Foods Names Giorgio Matteo Tarditi President and Chief Financial Officer
United Natural Foods, Inc. (the “Company” or “UNFI”) today announced that Giorgio “Matteo” Tarditi has been named President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective April 15. He succeeds John W. Howard, UNFI’s current Chief Financial Officer, who will leave the Company following a transition period.
Sandy Douglas, CEO and President of UNFI, said: “Matteo is a proven executive who, over the course of his more than 26 years at GE, served as CFO for seven business units, including Renewable Energy and Energy Connections as externally reported segments...
PERDUE® Launches ‘The Wing Sleeve’ to Help Chicken-Loving Basketball Fans Avoid Elbow Fatigue
College basketball’s most exciting month is underway, and PERDUE®, the number-one brand of fresh chicken in the U.S., is making sure fans can enjoy even more of its new Air Fryer Ready™ Crispy Wings at home.
Introducing The Wing Sleeve, a limited-edition compression sleeve designed for those clutch moments when your wing game is strong, but your arm isn’t, it will help prevent fatigue caused by performing a repetitive wing-eating motion...
USDA Announces Next Major Step in Promoting Competition in Agriculture and Advancing Opportunities
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the finalization of Inclusive Competition and Market Integrity Under the Packers and Stockyards Act. The final rule will be effective 60 days following publication in the Federal Register. The final rule Inclusive Competition and Market Integrity Under the Packers and Stockyards Act (the Inclusive Competition Rule) establishes clearer, more effective standards under the Packers and Stockyards (P&S) Act for prohibited practices relating to discrimination, retaliation and deception in contracting...
The Retail Rundown: Hopping Towards the Holiday
Seafood maintains its lion’s share of total feature volume with 37% this week, up from 28.6% the week prior. At present, 42% of seafood features stem from the fresh/frozen fillet category as retailers look to capture sales from Lent observers.
Tilapia and salmon have the greatest percentages of feature volume within the fillet category. With prices comparable to or below year-ago levels, retailers were keen to give the two species a larger chunk of circular real estate.
Fresh salmon, the top seller within the finfish category last week, retailed at...
Full Moon® Launches New Artisanal Sausage Slices
Today, Full Moon®, the brand known for its human-grade dog food and jerky treats, announced the launch of its Artisanal Sausage Slices, giving pets the fresh from the deli experience they deserve. Created for devoted pet owners who prioritize their own health, wellness and quality food, these snackable treats will help them do the same for their furry friends.
Like all Full Moon® products, Artisanal Sausage Slices are made using 100-percent human-grade ingredients sourced responsibly from family farms, meaning they look, smell, and taste just like the...
Whole Foods Market to Open Smaller Format Stores as Part of Ongoing Expansion
Whole Foods Market announced today that it is introducing a new, quick-shop store format designed to provide customers in urban neighborhoods a quick, convenient shopping experience with easier access to the fresh, high-quality offerings they expect from Whole Foods Market. The new format, called Whole Foods Market Daily Shop, will initially launch on the Upper East Side in Manhattan with additional locations in New York City to follow. The first store, located at 1175 Third Avenue, is expected to open this year...
CJ Foods Manufacturing Beaumont Corporation Recalls Trader Joe’s Chicken Soup Dumplings
CJ Foods Manufacturing Beaumont Corporation, a Beaumont, Calif., establishment, is recalling approximately 61,839 pounds of steamed chicken soup dumpling products that may be contaminated with foreign materials, specifically hard plastic from a permanent marker pen, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
The steamed chicken soup dumplings were produced on Dec. 7, 2023. The following products are subject to recall [view labels]:
New Research Identifies Opportunities for Aligning on Consumer Eating Occasions
Insights revealed today from FMI – The Food Industry Association, Oliver Wyman and Circana demonstrate new opportunities for food industry trading partners to cater to shoppers’ expanding definitions of value. The research, Finding Growth for Food & Beverage at Retail: Winning Eating Occasions throughout the Day, supports go-to-market strategies and ways in which grocers can attract more shopper relevance regarding needs, experiences, tastes, rewards, health – and especially convenience.
Mark Baum, senior vice president of industry relations and chief collaboration officer, FMI said, “The research showcases how food and...
Publix Reports Fourth Quarter and Annual Results for 2023
Publix’s sales for the three months ended Dec. 30, 2023, a 13-week quarter, were $14.7 billion, a 4% decrease from $15.3 billion in 2022, a 14‑week quarter. Excluding the additional week in the fourth quarter of 2022, sales for the fourth quarter of 2023 would have increased 2.8%. Comparable store sales for the three months ended Dec. 30, 2023 increased 0.4%.
Net earnings for the three months ended Dec. 30, 2023 were $1.2 billion, compared to $1.3 billion in 2022, a decrease of 7.8%...
Texas Roadhouse, Inc. Appoints Jane Grote Abell to Board of Directors
Texas Roadhouse, Inc. announced today that Jane Grote Abell has been appointed to the Company’s Board of Directors. This increases the size of the board to nine members.
Ms. Abell is currently the Executive Chairwoman of the Board of Directors and Chief Purpose Officer for Donatos Pizza, a Columbus, Ohio based premium pizza concept with over 460 locations in 29 states.
Jerry Morgan, Texas Roadhouse Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We are excited to have Jane join our Board of Directors. With over 30 years in the restaurant...
It's Not Pizza It's Chizza- KFC Brings the Global BestSeller to U.S. Menus For the First Time
From the fried chicken chain that brought you the Double Down, KFC has done it again – pairing the unexpected to create another mouthwatering meal. Starting Feb. 26 for a limited time, KFC is introducing the international smash hit, Chizza ("cheet-za"), to KFC menus in the U.S.* It's not pizza, it's Chizza: two 100% white meat Extra Crispy™ fried chicken filets topped with zesty marinara sauce, melty mozzarella cheese and crispy pepperoni...
ANALYSIS: Assessing January's Freeze in Latest Turkey Cold Storage Report
While day-to-day spot market developments have been fairly limited here in late February, turkey market participants still have plenty on their minds. In addition to the ongoing threat of disease and its impact on production and export throughput, the recently released Cold Storage Report has raised a couple of eyebrows. The latest reading through the end of January brought with it a 4%, or 12.5 million pound, year-over-year (YoY) uptick in total warehouse inventories. Coming in at 302.1 million pounds, January’s closing tally hit the highest...
ANALYSIS: January's Cold Storage Movement Maintains Seasonally-Enhanced Stride
The most recent Cold Storage figures help to confirm some of the supply-side indications which have remained evident throughout our canvassing efforts over the past month. Coming in at 831.6 million pounds, total frozen warehouse stocks through the end of December retreated on a year-over-year (YoY) basis by 6.5%, or 57.9 million pounds. This closely coincides with the weekly slaughter data where early-year holiday and weather-related plant downtime contributed to significant reductions in overall production.
When compared with December, outward movement came in 5%...
The Wrap Battle Heats up as Burger King® Introduces New Fiery Buffalo Flavor to Royal Crispy Wraps
Burger King is bringing the heat to its fan-favorite wraps with an all-new Fiery Buffalo Royal Crispy Wrap. Starting March 7, the fiery flavor will be available for Guests to try alongside the existing lineup of Royal Crispy Wraps that launched on menus nationwide last August – including Classic, Spicy and Honey Mustard.
The new Fiery Buffalo Royal Crispy Wrap features crispy white meat chicken breast fillet coated in a spicy Buffalo glaze and a creamy...
Podcast: Agri-Food for Thought Ep 6 - Record High Cattle Prices, Feat. Special Guest
Scott Ferguson Steps Down From US Foods Board of Directors, Noting Confidence in Company Leadership
US Foods Holding Corp. , one of America’s largest foodservice distributors, today announced that Scott Ferguson, Founder and Managing Partner, Sachem Head Capital Management LP has stepped down from the company’s Board of Directors effective Feb. 28, 2024. Ferguson has been a member of the Company’s Board of Directors since March 2022.
“US Foods has made impressive progress over the past few years, and I am confident that the company is positioned for further success under the strategic leadership of CEO Dave Flitman,” said Ferguson...
FDA, Industry Actions End Sales of PFAS Used in US Food Packaging
Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is announcing that grease-proofing materials containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are no longer being sold for use in food packaging in the U.S. This means the major source of dietary exposure to PFAS from food packaging like fast-food wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, take-out paperboard containers and pet food bags is being eliminated.
PFAS are a diverse group of thousands of chemicals that resist grease, oil, water and heat. The FDA has authorized certain PFAS for limited...
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® Announces Return of Easter Heat n' Serve Favorites
To celebrate Easter, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® is announcing new meal offerings to help create a delicious home-cooked meal experience. Guests can enjoy new items like the Hot n' Ready Easter Ham and Turkey Family Dinner and a Heat n' Serve French Toast Bake or traditional favorites like the Easter Heat n' Serve Ham or Prime Rib meals.
"This Easter, let Cracker Barrel do the homestyle cooking," said Cracker Barrel Vice President of Culinary Thomas Yun...
Standard Meat Company Names Promotions
Standard Meat Company Co-President and CEO Ben Rosenthal announced the appointment of Trever Schatschneider to the position of Director of Information Technology at the historic, family-owned firm, and the elevation of long-time SMC management team members Taylor Stephenson and Heather Irby to Senior Director, Business Development and Senior Director, Human Resources and Safety, respectively.
Founded in 1935 and headquartered at the iconic Stockyards in Fort Worth, Standard Meat Company (SMC) is a meat processing and packaging firm with plants in Dallas, Fort Worth, Saginaw, and Ponder, Texas...
Illinois Senator Proposes Cage-Free Law
Illinois State Senator and Chairperson of the Senate's Agriculture, Commerce and Economic Development Committee, Linda Holmes, proposed a bill that prohibits intense confinement of egg laying hens and the sale of eggs from caged hens.
Senate Bill 3655 has been referred to the Senate Committee on Assignments and would be enforced by the Illinois Department of Agriculture.
The bill would require farm owners to offer hens the usable floor space per hen required as outlined in the 2017 edition of the United Egg Producers' Animal Husbandry Guidelines for U.S. Egg-Laying Flocks...
Perdue Farms Welcomes Todd Tillemans as New Chief Commercial Officer to Drive Growth and Innovation
Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned U.S. food and agricultural products company, today announced Todd Tillemans as its new Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). With a steadfast commitment to delivering excellence in customer service and a focus on providing high quality great tasting innovative products, Tillemans’ appointment signifies Perdue’s dedication to meeting evolving customer and consumer expectations.
In this role, Tillemans will spearhead the company’s long term growth strategies, overseeing the marketing and sales of Perdue’s esteemed...
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Nurture Life Ready-To-Eat Chicken Meal Product
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for Nurture Life’s Chicken Parm with Super Veggie Spaghetti meal products due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen. The product’s spaghetti component contains egg white, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label. FSIS is issuing this public health alert to ensure that consumers with an allergy to egg are aware that this product should not be consumed...
Hormel Foods Announces Katie Clark as Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer
Hormel Foods Corporation, a Fortune 500 global branded food company, announced Katie Clark has been appointed to the role of senior vice president and chief communications officer.
In this role, Clark will oversee the company's global communications, including external media relations, internal communications, global impact communications and corporate reputation. Clark will report directly to Jim Snee, chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer at Hormel Foods.
"I am delighted Katie is joining us at Hormel Foods. She is an impressive leader with...
The Retail Rundown: Plenty to Munch on in March
Baseball, basketball, briskets, and the list goes on! Retailers have their sights set on spring demand with March just around the corner. Next month brings several buying opportunities and a refresh for the retail food landscape following the February slump.
Just a little over two weeks out is St. Patrick’s Day on March 17th. Bar and foodservice establishments are expected to benefit from patrons out and about for the holiday, which falls on a weekend this year.
Consumers in the U.S. also celebrate the holiday with corned beef, which is made...
The Wendy's Company Names Matt Spessard Chief Information Officer
The Wendy's Company (Nasdaq: WEN) announced the appointment of Matt Spessard as Chief Information Officer. He will report to President and Chief Executive Officer Kirk Tanner and serve on the Wendy's Senior Leadership Team. Spessard will succeed Kevin Vasconi who has served as Chief Information Officer since October 2020.
Spessard has served as Senior Vice President, Global Chief Technology Officer for The Wendy's Company since August 2022. In this role, he was accountable for establishing the Wendy's System global technology vision and leading technological innovation...
Nathan’s Famous Continues International Expansion in 2024
Nathan’s Famous, Inc., the American tradition serving New York favorites for more than 100 years, announces their continued international expansion in 2024. The brand, which recently opened virtual kitchens in Belgium and France, multiple full-service franchised restaurants in Mexico City, and two franchised restaurants and a food truck in Egypt in 2023, currently operates in 19 countries globally. Through master franchise relationships in Brazil, United Kingdom, Egypt, and Ukraine, the brand plans to open brick and mortar franchised locations and sub-franchised locations in Brazil by the end of 2024...
JSI Store Fixtures Launches New Line of Environmentally Friendly Refrigerated Displays
JSI Store Fixtures, an LSI Industries Inc. company (Nasdaq: LYTS), shipped its first order of refrigerated retail displays featuring environmentally friendly R290 refrigerant this month. JSI’s standalone refrigeration systems are a mainstay in the U.S. grocery market. The new R290 is a propane-based system that provides customers with an alternative product that is a non-toxic, zero ozone-depleting refrigerant with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 3, compared to common HFC Refrigerant having a GWP rating greater than 1,400.
“Interest in this product is very high...
Roy Rogers Restaurants Introduces Refranchising Program
Roy Rogers Restaurants® is introducing a refranchising program as part of its franchise growth strategy in Maryland and Virginia. The new program empowers potential franchisees to join the long-time brand by acquiring existing corporate stores before establishing independent locations.
As a proof of concept, Multi-Unit Franchisee Mohammad Haque touts the success of a recently acquired existing store, expanding Haque’s regional footprint in the Alexandria, VA. marketplace. This unit is his sixth with Roy Rogers.
“I was looking to grow my portfolio in an existing market, to tap into a..
Kroger Responds After FTC Decision to Block Albertsons Merger
On Monday news broke that the Federal trade Commission (FTC) would be challenging Kroger’s acquisition of Albertsons. The FTC said that the potential merger would “eliminate competition and raise grocery prices for millions of Americans, while harming tens of thousands of workers.” Now, Kroger has responded.
“Kroger’s business model is to take costs out of the business and invest in lowering prices for customers,” the company stated. “Kroger has reduced prices every year since 2003, resulting in $5 billion invested to lower prices and a 5% reduction in gross...
UK's M&S to Raise Store Workers' Pay By 10.1%
British clothing and food retailer Marks & Spencer said on Tuesday it would give around 40,000 store workers a 10.1% pay increase from April 1, a move that reflects the rise in the government-mandated minimum wage.
M&S said customer assistants will see their pay rise from 10.90 pounds ($13.83) an hour to 12 pounds an hour - ahead of the government's national living wage, which will increase by 9.8% to 11.44 pounds an hour, taking effect from April.
The pay rise will be noted by the Bank of England...
Pilgrim’s Pride Reports Profitable Year-End Results in 2023
During 2023, commodities were exceptionally volatile as markets began at near record lows given supply and demand imbalance and availability of other proteins combined with unsettling consumer sentiment. Throughout the year values gradually returned to more seasonal levels, while cost inflation remained elevated compared to historical standards.
“While our business faced a unique set of challenging conditions in 2023, we persevered as our team members maintained a leadership mindset and elevated their focus and execution of our strategy. As a result, we demonstrated an ability to drive profitable growth even under the most difficult circumstances as our sales and adjusted EBITDA strengthened throughout the year and showed increased momentum as we entered 2024,” said Fabio Sandri, Pilgrim’s CEO.
In the 4th quarter, the U.S. portfolio continued to...
The Cheesecake Factory Reports Results for Fourth Quarter of Fiscal 2023
The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated (NASDAQ: CAKE) today reported financial results for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, which ended on January 2, 2024.
Total revenues were $877.0 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 compared to $892.8 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022. The fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 included 13 weeks compared to 14 weeks in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022. Excluding the impact of the additional week in fiscal 2022, which contributed approximately $78.4...
Mars and Unreasonable Group Announce Unreasonable Food™ To Transform Sustainability
Through its snacking division, Mars and Unreasonable Group today announced the beginning of a three-year partnership: Unreasonable Food™. Unreasonable Food seeks to become the world's premier global initiative focused on supporting rapid growth companies positioned to re-define our food systems - ensuring a more regenerative, inclusive, and equitable future of food for all.
This partnership will support the Mars Net Zero Roadmap and Mars Snacking's sustainability journey, while also delivering a more agile and forward-looking snacking business for Mars, dedicated to serving a just and sustainable...
USDA Under Secretary Alexis Taylor to Lead Historic Native Nations Agribusiness Trade Mission
U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis M. Taylor will lead an historic agribusiness trade mission to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, from June 17-20, 2024. This USDA mission will be the first of its kind, specifically highlighting products made and produced by tribal agribusinesses.
USDA is excited the trade mission will highlight the reinvigoration of historic agricultural trade networks amongst Native Nations across the United States and Canada. Participants will be tribal producers with the Made/Produced by American Indians...
USDA and University of Georgia Break Ground on New Agriculture Research Facility in Tifton, Georgia
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) hosted a groundbreaking ceremony today for the new state-of-the-art research facility housing the Southeast Watershed Research Laboratory and the Crop Genetics and Breeding Research Unit.
This new research facility will include a new 31,000 square foot building on the UGA Tifton campus. ARS and university employees’ research will advance climate-smart agricultural research ranging from water resources...
Campbell Names Anthony Kyles Chief Customer Officer of Meals & Beverages
Campbell Soup Company today announced the appointment of Anthony Kyles as Chief Customer Officer, Meals & Beverages, effective March 4, 2024.Kyles will lead the U.S. retail sales team for Campbell’s soups, meals, sauces and beverages, driving growth across the Meals & Beverages division with the company’s retail customers. He will be responsible for profitably growing an iconic portfolio of brands, including Campbell’s, Chunky, Pacific Foods, V8, Prego, Pace, Swanson and SpaghettiOs. He will join the Campbell Leadership Team and will report to Mick Beekhuizen, Campbell’s Executive Vice President and President, Meals &...
US Foods CHEF’STORE Continues Steady Growth With Five New Store Openings Planned in 2024
US Foods Holding Corp. (NYSE: USFD) – one of America’s leading foodservice distributors – announced today its plan to open five new CHEF’STORE® locations in 2024. The new stores will be in Beaverton, Ore.; Hampton, Va.; Hickory, N.C.; Sandy Springs, Ga.; and Virginia Beach, Va. The new locations are expected to open in the second half of 2024. CHEF’STORE offers a one-stop-shop for restaurant operators, food industry professionals, community groups and at-home chefs to quickly stock up or replenish ingredients and...
The Retail Rundown: Finalizing February’s Features
Retailers are finalizing their February features while actively preparing for spring demand, which is bolstered by seasonal factors like warmer weather along with holidays including St. Patrick’s Day and Easter.
Retail features are shifting from red meat and poultry towards seafood as Lenten observers begin the 40 days of fasting and reduced meat consumption.
The seafood complex continues to hold the top spot within total protein features, accounting for 37% this week. Beef follows with 21% of retail buying opportunities, while pork closes in at 19%. Chicken claims almost 16% of ad space, nearly...
Ahold Delhaize USA Names Marc Stolzman Chief Sustainability Officer
Ahold Delhaize USA today announced that Marc Stolzman has been named the Chief Sustainability Officer for Ahold Delhaize USA, reporting to JJ Fleeman, CEO of Ahold Delhaize USA. In this role, Marc will oversee all aspects of health and sustainability for the U.S. businesses, including strategy and goal setting, in alignment with Ahold Delhaize global sustainability ambitions and commitments, as well as all U.S. regulatory, compliance and financial reporting.
“As one of the largest food retailers on the East Coast, we are committed to being a sustainable retailer...
Kinzie Capital Partners Announces the Acquisition of Arctic Industries
Kinzie Capital Partners LP (“Kinzie”), a Chicago-based private equity firm, announces the acquisition of Arctic Industries (“Arctic” or the “Company”), a national manufacturer and distributor of temperature control and cold storage solutions. The transaction, completed in partnership with Arctic’s management, marks an exciting new chapter for the Company as it sets the stage for further market expansion throughout the country.
Founded in 1981, Arctic operates through two business groups, Arctic’s walk-in group serving the foodservice and industrial markets with custom designed walk-in coolers and freezers and Store...
ANALYSIS: December Chicken Export Volume Reaches New Seasonal Altitude
Judging by the year-end numbers, chicken export movement concluded 2023 under a relatively robust backdrop, especially when considering the ongoing global trade complications related to HPAI. At 645.2 million pounds, total outbound tonnage during December not only surpassed the previous year by 7.4%, or 66.1 million pounds, but also hit a record seasonal high.
The cumulative data, however, tells a slightly different story of how the year played out. Between January and December, total export volume retreated by 4.2% when compared with the previous year...
Restaurant Brands International Inc. Introduces Five-Year Growth Outlook
Restaurant Brands International Inc. Chief Executive Officer, Josh Kobza, and Executive Chairman, Patrick Doyle, today shared their confidence in the long-term global growth outlook for Tim Hortons, Burger King, Popeyes and Firehouse Subs.
Mr. Kobza provided guidance for investors that the company expects to achieve a minimum of 40,000 restaurants, $60B in system-wide sales and $3.2B in Adjusted Operating Income by 2028 by delivering average annual results over the next five years of 3% plus comparable sales...
New FMI Report: Food Industry Committed to Health and Well-Being Initiatives
Most food industry companies are operating with established nutrition, health and well-being strategies to meet increased shopper focus on healthy eating
As Americans’ interest in nutrition and healthy eating has increased in recent years, companies across the food industry have implemented numerous initiatives to support consumers’ health needs and priorities, according to FMI – The Food Industry Association’s new Food Industry Contributions to Health and Well-Being 2024 report. The survey, conducted in October 2023, includes insights from both retailers and product suppliers...
Taco Bell Unveils the Cheesy chicken Crispanada: A Bold Innovation with Mexican-Inspired Flavors
From the masterminds of the Taco Bell test kitchen comes the Cheesy Chicken Crispanada. The brand's take on the iconic empanada is set to hit menus nationwide for a limited time starting February 15, bringing with it a fusion of craveable flavors.
Taco Bell's commitment to push the boundaries of food creativity and innovation is grounded in its fusion-first ethos, creating a synergy where beloved flavors and forms come together to produce something entirely new. The Cheesy Chicken Crispanada is a testament to Taco Bell's...
US Foods Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2023 Earnings
US Foods Holding Corp., one of the largest foodservice distributors in the United States, today announced results for the fourth quarter and full fiscal year 2023.
Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2023 Highlights
Cleveland-Cliffs to Idle Weirton Tinplate Facility Following Unfavorable ITC Ruling
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. announced today that it will be indefinitely idling its tinplate production plant located in Weirton, West Virginia in April 2024. The need to idle the Weirton plant is a direct result of the unanimous decision issued by all four members of the International Trade Commission (ITC) negating the implementation of anti-dumping and countervailing duties on tin mill products calculated by the Department of Commerce. A WARN notice is being issued today to approximately 900 impacted employees...
Fratelli Beretta USA, Inc. Recalls Ready-To-Eat Charcuterie Meat Products
Fratelli Beretta USA, Inc., a Mount Olive, N.J. establishment, is recalling an undetermined amount of ready-to-eat (RTE) meat charcuterie products containing Coppa that may be under processed, which may have resulted in possible contamination with foodborne pathogens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
The RTE Coppa products have various best by dates. The products subject to the recall and the product labels can be viewed here.
The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST...
Mintec Completes Fourth IOSCO Accreditation for Proprietary Agrifood Prices
Mintec and leading brands, Urner Barry and Feedinfo complete the latest IOSCO accreditation for proprietary agri-food commodity prices.
Mintec has successfully completed an independent review of its proprietary food ingredient and agricultural commodity price assessment process for a fourth consecutive year. The International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) review encompassed 66 assessments for the company as a whole (including owned brands Urner Barry and Feedinfo) across the agri-food supply chain. Mintec achieved 41 Type 2 and 25 Type 1 assurances across its...
ANALYSIS: December Turkey Exports Leave Room For Interpretation
While Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been slow to relinquish its ugly grasp on the turkey industry, December’s ending export figures didn’t deviate too far from the established seasonal course.
As 2023 came to a close, total outbound volume hit 42.1 million pounds. So what does this mean for market participants? Sentiment is highly dependent on one’s vantage point. On one hand, December’s export tally marks a significant 43.1% advance when compared to the year prior. On the opposite hand, it is important to bear in mind that 2022’s sweeping...
The Retail Rundown: Surf and Turf Promotions for Valentine's Day
It's Cupid's Day and love is in the air for the foodservice sector as consumers celebrate with an evening out and a special meal.
Following the Super Bowl craze, the balance of this month is generally lackluster for retail. However, increased demand for premium cuts of meat and seafood helps to lift overall protein sales, especially for restaurants and fine dining establishments.
Various restaurant chains were showcasing Valentine's Day promotions last weekend and continue to offer special deals for the upcoming weekend including prix fixe menus for two.
Consumers planning...
Biden Calls on Snack Companies to Stop 'Shrinkflation" Rip-Offs
U.S. President Joe Biden on Sunday called on snack companies to stop shrinkflation, which is when businesses cut product sizes but keep prices the same, describing the practice as "a rip-off."
"Some companies are trying to pull a fast one by shrinking the products little by little and hoping you won't notice," Biden said in a video posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, ahead of Super Bowl LVIII.
"Give me a break. The American public is tired of being played for...
National Restaurant Association Calls on the FTC to Exclude Restaurants from “Junk Fees” Rule
In comments they call the proposal unwarranted and unlawful, and highlight significant unintended consequences for consumers
In comments submitted to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regarding its Unfair or Deceptive Fees Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the National Restaurant Association and the Restaurant Law Center (Law Center) called for the Commission to exclude the restaurant industry from the final rule. In the comments, the groups highlight that the proposed rule’s blanket prohibition on “hidden” and “misleading” fees as applied to the restaurant industry is “unwarranted, unlawful...
Melting Pot Announces Franchise Growth Incentive
On the heels of another strong year of unit-level sales growth and system-wide remodeling efforts, Melting Pot, a 93-unit experiential dining fondue franchise, has launched a franchise growth incentive, designed to help the brand meet the growing customer demand, as shown through limited Open Table reservation availability in major markets.
Franchise Growth Incentive | Expires July 1, 2024
A candidate or current Melting Pot franchise owner that is approved may execute a new restaurant franchise agreement, paying only a $5,000 franchise fee per unit (discounted from $45,000 * – with a...
Podcast: Agri-Food for Thought on Valentine's Day and "Hot" Cocoa Prices in 2024
Jamie and Simon gear up for Valentine's Day with insights on consumer spending and the price tag on the food products they love. Featuring special guest, Andrew Moriarty! Listen Now.
CDFA Issues New Proposition 12 Guidance Document on Certificates
The California Department of Agriculture's (CDFA) Animal Care Program has issued a new guidance document to aid stakeholders in distinguishing between the various certificates issued for Proposition 12 compliance.
Proposition 12 (2018) went fully into effect on January 1, 2024. The law prohibits the sale of shell eggs, liquid eggs, whole pork meat, or whole veal meat in California from animals that fail to comply with specific standards for freedom of movement, cage-free design, and specified minimum floor space.
The Supreme Court upheld Proposition 12...
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert For Ready-To-Eat Poultry Products
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for ready-to-eat (RTE) poultry burrito products containing Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulated dairy products that have been recalled by Rizo-Lopez Foods, due to concerns that the products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. FSIS is issuing this public health alert to ensure that consumers are aware that these products, which bear the USDA mark of inspection, should not be consumed...
Commercial Broiler Flock in Nebraska Tests Positive for Bird Flu
A commercial broiler flock of 102,000 birds in Gage County, Nebraska recently tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The detection was confirmed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture on February 6, marking the first outbreak in a commercial flock for the state since November 2022.
Several small WOAH poultry and non-poultry operations in Nebraska were affected by HPAI between December 2022 and December 2023.
“Nebraska hasn’t had any reported cases of HPAI for a few months so while we are disappointed, we are not surprised, to see another case...
ANALYSIS: Honing Chicken Production Expectations
As we inch closer toward mid-Q1 and with springtime just over a month away, chicken market participants have quite a lot to think about when it comes to the road ahead. While factors such as disease, export volume, cold storage, and consumer spending habits are among several topics “du jour”, production and supply expectations are also top of mind for many. One report which provides some insight into the future supply potential of the chicken industry is the USDA’s Weekly Broiler Hatch Report. As our chart illustrates, year-over-year (YoY)...
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