Restaurant Brands International Reports Second Quarter 2021 Results

Restaurant Brands International reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2021.

José E. Cil, Chief Executive Officer of Restaurant Brands International Inc. ("RBI") commented, "We are encouraged by the momentum across our business – including sales increases driven by quality menu items, rapid adoption of our digital channels by our guests and an acceleration in new restaurant openings around the world by our franchisees who believe strongly in our brands and business model."

Cil continued, "We also announced an increase in our share buyback authorization to $1 billion over the next two years, demonstrating our confidence in the...

Tyson Fresh Meats Leader Testifies About Beef Industry at Senate Hearing

Shane Miller, group president of Tyson Fresh Meats, the beef and pork unit of Tyson Foods, testified about the beef industry during a hearing held today by the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary. Below is Miller’s written testimony:

Chairman Durbin, Ranking Member Grassley, members of the Judiciary Committee, thank you for inviting me here today.

I proudly represent Tyson Foods, a company based in Springdale, Arkansas, and founded nearly a century ago by John W. Tyson, who started this business trucking chickens to markets across the Midwest...

Bloomin' Brands Announces 2021 Q2 Financial Results and Strong Operating Margin Expansion

Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. reported results for the second quarter 2021 (“Q2 2021”) compared to the second quarter 2020 (“Q2 2020”).

CEO Comments

“Q2 represented another quarter of strong results. We are well positioned to grow sales and capture additional market share,” said David Deno, Chief Executive Officer. “We are making great progress improving margins, increasing cash flow and retaining off-premises sales as dining rooms have reopened. Our sales momentum has...

Albertsons Reports First Quarter Fiscal 2021 Results

Albertsons Companies reported results for the first quarter of fiscal 2021, which ended June 19, 2021.

First Quarter of Fiscal 2021 Highlights

- Identical sales decreased 10.0%; on a two-year stacked basis identical sales growth was 16.5%
- Sustained digital sales levels; on a two-year stacked basis digital sales growth was 276%
- Net income per Class A common share of $0.78; two-year CAGR of 212%
- Adjusted net income per Class A common share of...

Nathan's Famous Doubles the Number of Ghost Kitchens Worldwide Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Nathan’s Famous doubled the number of ghost kitchens worldwide since June 2020. The brand opened its 223th ghost kitchen, bringing the brand’s presence to over 18 countries across the globe. This rapid growth of ghost kitchens comes from the development of a new brand, Wings of New York, as well the revival of the Arthur Treacher’s brand.

"We are proud to announce that we have doubled our ghost kitchens across the globe,” states James Walker, Senior Vice President, Restaurants. “We could not have done this without...

UNFI Announces Appointments of Sandy Douglas and Jack Stahl 

United Natural Foods announced the appointment of J. Alexander (Sandy) Miller Douglas to the role of Chief Executive Officer and a member of its Board of Directors effective August 9, 2021. Mr. Douglas is a proven, customer-focused, strategic leader who brings a broad background and expertise in distribution, sales, marketing, and e-commerce as the Company’s new CEO. Mr. Douglas was selected after an extensive search to replace Mr. Steven Spinner, who earlier announced his retirement as CEO and who will concurrently retire from the Board, both effective August 9, 2021. Mr. Spinner will continue to provide Management and Board advisory services to UNFI through a transition period for up to one year after his retirement.

Mr. Douglas most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of Staples, Inc., leading the North American business-to-business distribution platform’s strategic transformation and guiding the Company throughout...

Taco Bell Celebrates Year of Digital Acceleration by Spicing Up Rewards Program

The Taco Bell Rewards program celebrates a successful first year with more digital innovations and in-restaurant experiences for its fans. In true Taco Bell fashion, the brand is rejoicing in the biggest way possible and giving away free tacos for a year to one hundred lucky winners.

Taco Bell Rewards and the Taco Bell app have never been more rewarding. Now, the brand is expanding its digital capabilities, allowing fans to earn points on purchases made in-restaurant, through drive-thrus, and on digital kiosks. The additional access points make it easier to...

Greater Omaha Packing Recalls Raw Beef Products Due to Possible E. Coli 0157:H7 Contamination

Greater Omaha Packing, an Omaha, Neb. establishment, is recalling approximately 295,236 pounds of raw beef products intended for non-intact use that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The raw beef products intended for non-intact use were produced on July 13, 2021.

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 960A” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were distributed to further processors in Illinois...

NovoNutrients Scaling Up with Project Funding Plus $9M in Equity

NovoNutrients, an alternative proteins company that uses industrial carbon dioxide emissions, cheap hydrogen and naturally occurring microbes to create high-grade proteins for human and animal consumption, today announced a $4.7 million raise led by Hong Kong-based global venture firm, Happiness Capital.

NovoNutrients previously raised $4.3 million in venture backing, as well as a multiple of that in non-dilutive, corporate project funding commitments. NovoNutrients will use the project funding to complete its industrial pilot program, which captures CO2 emissions, at an oil and gas... 

Quick 'N Eat Angus Beef Patties and New Burger Product Lines Now Sold in U.S. Walmart Locations

Quick 'N Eat is introducing authentically flame-grilled beef patties to frozen, fully cooked meat aisles at Walmart locations across the country.

The rapidly growing producer of affordable, high-quality beef products has also extended its products within the fully cooked burger category, including an all-new turkey burger. Now available at...

Vejii Holdings Signs Agreement with UNFI

Vejii Holdings Ltd. announced that as of July 15 it has entered into an agreement with United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI), the largest publicly traded grocery distributor in the United States and Canada.

Under the terms of the agreement the company expects to greatly improve overall margin based on a tiered discount structure. This agreement will improve reliability and consistency of supply to over 5000 products across 200 categories.

"The customer shopping experience is our number priority. Having a strong relationship with...

Experts Agree: Livestock Markets Not Broken; Affected by Supply and Demand

With cattle futures reaching new multi-year highs this week, The North American Meat Institute today submitted testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee underscoring the supply and demand fundamentals of beef and livestock markets and opposing further government intervention that will result in unintended consequences.

“Industry experts, market participants and economists testifying before three different congressional committees in the past two months have found that beef and cattle markets have behaved predictably given supply and demand pressures,” said Julie Anna Potts, President and CEO of the North American Meat Institute...

Yum! Brands Reports Second Quarter Results

Yum! Brands, Inc. reported results for the second-quarter ended June 30, 2021. Worldwide system sales excluding foreign currency translation grew 26%, with 23% same-store sales and 2% unit growth. Second-quarter GAAP EPS was $1.29, an increase of 91% over the prior year quarter. Second-quarter EPS excluding Special Items was $1.16, an increase of 41% over the prior year quarter.

DAVID GIBBS COMMENTS

David Gibbs, CEO, said “Our strong second-quarter results, led by record unit development and 23% same-store sales growth are a testament to our iconic brands, world-class talent, and best-in-class franchisees. I’m proud that each of our divisions reported positive same-store sales growth on a 2-year basis, a step up...

USDA Statement on Confirmation of African Swine Fever in the Dominican Republic

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory has confirmed African swine fever (ASF) in samples collected from pigs in the Dominican Republic through an existing cooperative surveillance program.

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has numerous interlocking safeguards in place to prevent ASF from entering the United States. Pork and pork products from the Dominican Republic are currently prohibited entry as a result of existing classical swine fever restrictions. Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is increasing inspections...

Hesse Enterprises Acquires Ideal Meat & Provisions

Hesse Enterprises announced the acquisition of Ideal Meat & Provisions, Inc. located in Northridge, California. The new entity will assume the name Ideal Meat, LLC.

“We are proud to bring Ideal Meat & Provisions into the HEI Family of Companies. Larry Vad and his team have always excelled at producing the highest quality of products and delivering on customer expectations, staple ideals for all Hesse Enterprise Companies. We will build on those strengths to grow Ideal Meat to...

HelloFresh Market Launches in U.S., Expanding Beyond Weeknight Dinners to Everyday Essentials

HelloFresh announced the launch of HelloFresh Market, an online store offering customers a range of add-ons, from quick meals to pantry essentials. The Market gives customers a convenient way to get breakfast options, ready-to-heat meals or everyday items – such as fresh produce, snacks, desserts, sides, spice blends, grocery essentials, and more – delivered to their doorstep simply by adding them to their weekly HelloFresh order. The range of Market offerings will be rolling out to all customers across...

Zoglo's Incredible Food Corp. Announces 12 New Products into the Canadian Retail Market

Zoglo's Incredible Food Corp. announced the introduction of 12 new plant-based food products from its Incredible™ product line into the Canadian retail market. The new products are designed to provide customers with plant-based alternatives for existing consumer favourites such as shawarma, meatballs, chicken tenders and strips.

"We are very pleased to be expanding our product line in Canada and look forward to Zoglo's continuing to...

Pork Quarterly Q3 2021: Looking for Growth Amid Uncertainties

Great volatility in Chinese hog and pork prices is rippling through the global market. China’s slaughter rates were unexpectedly high in Q2, pushing pork production up 35.9% YOY in 1H, according to official data. The sudden supply increase resulted in a sharp price decline and negative results in both farming and trading in 1H, pointing to low pork imports into China in Q3. While we expect hog and pork prices to rebound in Q3, the estimated high frozen pork inventory will impose a lot of downward pressure on prices. We expect the slowdown of imports in the coming months will reduce full year imports from 2020’s record levels by 10% to 20%. This will lead to a redistribution of pork trade in the global market and could place downward pressure on pork prices in exporting regions.

PODCAST: UK Beef Chats Episode 26

This week on UK Beef Chats, market expert Mike Nesbitt discusses labor shortages, pandemic pressure on the supply chain, and elevated prices.

PODCAST: UK Beef Chats Episode 25

This week on UK Beef Chats, market expert Mike Nesbitt discusses how different parts of the supply chain are mitigating elevated prices and supply issues. Also covered are notable trends in the imports market.

McDonald's Reports Second Quarter 2021 Results

McDonald's Corporation announced results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2021.

"Our performance is a continued demonstration of the broad-based strength and resiliency of our business as global comp sales in the second quarter increased nearly 7% over 2019. For 65 years, we've created iconic experiences for billions of people around the world. Along the way, we've always focused on following our customers' needs, finding the most convenient and engaging ways for them to enjoy McDonald's. It's clear that...

Consumer Confidence Relatively Unchanged in July

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index was relatively unchanged in July, following gains in each of the prior five months. The Index now stands at 129.1 (1985=100), up from 128.9 in June. The Present Situation Index—based on consumers’ assessment of current business and labor market conditions—rose from 159.6 to 160.3. The Expectations Index—based on consumers’ short-term outlook for income, business, and labor market conditions—was virtually unchanged at 108.4, compared to 108.5 last month.

Consumer confidence was flat in July but remains at its highest level since February 2020 (132.6),” said Lynn Franco, Senior Director of Economic Indicators at The Conference Board. “Consumers’ appraisal of present-day conditions held steady, suggesting...

Sweet Earth Foods Debuts New Plant-Based Breakfast Bowls and Reformulated Deli Slices Nationwide

Plant-based foods innovator Sweet Earth Foods is announcing the nationwide launch of their new heat-and-eat Breakfast Bowls and reformulated, ready-to-eat Deli Slices. As consumers return to on-the-go busy lifestyles, these prepared meal and plant-based protein offerings provide quick plant-based solutions.

The three new Sweet Earth Breakfast Bowls meet this demand and are inspired by classic regional scrambles, all while offering between 17 - 20 grams of plant protein and three to five grams of fiber in every bowl. New flavors found in the frozen meals section include...

Dr. Praeger’s Launches Four New Products Nationwide at Whole Foods Market

Dr. Praeger’s Sensible Foods announced the introduction of four new products to Whole Foods Market shelves nationwide.

Beginning in August, Whole Foods shoppers can find Dr. Praeger’s Cauliflower Veggie Burger, Perfect Burger, Original Chick’n Littles and Spinach Littles Value Pack on shelves at their local Whole Foods. These new products join an existing array of Dr. Praeger’s products that Whole Foods customers have been purchasing for years, including the California Veggie Burger, the brand’s #1 selling SKU at Whole Foods and the brand’s Perfect Sliders, introduced last year...

Yum! Brands Annual Global Citizenship & Sustainability Report Shows Company's Commitment to Growth

Yum! Brands, Inc. released its annual Global Citizenship & Sustainability Report, highlighting the Company’s strategic investments in socially responsible growth, risk management and sustainable stewardship of its people, food and impact on the planet. Yum! and its KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and The Habit Burger Grill brands made progress in critical areas including climate action, food safety and creating greater equity and opportunity across its system.

“2020 marked a turning point for communities and businesses around the world, as the pandemic deepened existing societal issues and inequalities"...

Sysco Partners with SAVRpak to Ensure Meals Stay Fresh and Crisp in Transit

Sysco Corporation announced an exclusive partnership that will deliver SAVRpak’s patented food preservation technology to independent and local chain restaurants nationwide. Through their agreement, Sysco will add SAVRpak “freshness packs” to its Cutting Edge Solutions platform, making this technology immediately available to order.

Developed by an aerospace engineer, SAVRpak is a frozen, peel-and-stick patch that removes moisture from the air of a food container, thereby keeping it away from the meal and...

McDonald’s Creates Customer Experience Team; Names Manu Steijaert Global Chief Customer Officer

McDonald's Corporation announced the creation of a new Customer Experience team to transform the way customers engage with the McDonald’s Brand. This team brings together the Company’s Data Analytics, Digital Customer Engagement, Global Marketing, Global Restaurant Development and Restaurant Solutions, enabling McDonald’s to create an unparalleled customer experience at each physical and digital customer touchpoint.

To lead the new team, McDonald’s has promoted Manu Steijaert to the newly created role of Executive Vice President and Global Chief Customer Officer, effective August 1. Steijaert will report to...

ADM Fastens Growth of Global Alternative Protein Platform with Planned Acquisition of Sojaprotein

Global nutrition leader ADM announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire Sojaprotein, a leading European provider of non-GMO soy ingredients.

Established in 1977, Serbia-based Sojaprotein has sales into 65 countries, offering a wide array of non-GMO vegetable protein ingredients for an extensive list of European and global customers in the meat alternative, confectionary, protein bar, pharmaceutical, pet food, and animal feed segments. The company had more than...

Tyson Foods Integrating the Five Domains Animal Welfare Framework Across Global Operations

Tyson Foods is evolving its approach to animal welfare by integrating a new welfare framework across its global operations, known as the Five Domains.

Tyson’s Office of Animal Welfare plays an important role in ensuring the company’s vision for animal welfare becomes a reality: to be the world leader in animal welfare through compassionate care based in sound science. Part of being a leader means being open to creative thinking, innovation, and evolving knowledge and practices. The Five Domains, as devised by Professor David Mellor and colleagues...

Taco Bell Unveils Latest Menu Round-up

After putting the finishing touches on its new streamlined menu to make room for new innovations, Taco Bell has unveiled its latest menu offerings that will be available nationwide or for testing in select markets.

Since Nacho Fries first launched in 2018, Taco Bell has reimagined the beloved menu item multiple times with innovations. This time, Nacho Fries will be joined by the new Loaded Taco Fries.

The latest fry innovation features...

Top Notch Jerky Recalls Beef Jerky Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens

Top Notch Jerky LLC., a Sugar City, Idaho establishment, is recalling approximately 107 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) beef jerky due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product contains anchovies, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.

The RTE buffalo-style flank steak beef jerky items were produced July 12, 2021. The following products are subject to recall...

Del Taco Restaurants, Inc. Reports Fiscal Second Quarter 2021 Financial Results

Del Taco Restaurants reported fiscal second quarter 2021 financial results for the 12-week period ended June 15, 2021 and provided a business update.

Management Commentary

John D. Cappasola, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer of Del Taco, commented, “We generated outstanding revenue and profitability growth during the second quarter as we leveraged our top-line momentum across all key cost inputs. Top-line growth was characterized by system-wide comparable restaurant sales growth versus 2020 in the high teens, representing...

Canada’s Restaurant Count Declined by 5,000 Units in 2020

Before the pandemic, Canada’s restaurant count held steady at 66,000 units since 2016, but then 2020 happened, and the industry lost 5,000 units, a decline of -8%, reports The NPD Group. Independent restaurants lost 3,000 units, representing the bulk of the slide, according to NPD’s ReCount®2020 restaurant census, which tracked Canadian restaurants opened as of December 2020.

The restaurant categories hardest hit by closures are those that relied heavily on customers’ regular day-to-day routines, such as shopping, working, or schooling... 

C&S Wholesale Grocers Purchases Albertsons' Frozen Contract With Burris Logistics

C&S Wholesale Grocers, Inc., an industry leader in supply chain solutions and wholesale grocery supply in the United States, has purchased Albertsons' frozen service contract from Burris Logistics.

"C&S's legacy is innovating ahead of market trends and this agreement is the next step in our transformation journey. It will further strengthen our service with Albertsons in the frozen product, as well as support a new relationship with Albertsons' mid-Atlantic division," said Rick Cohen, Chairman, C&S Wholesale Grocers...

UB Executive Conference: Early Bird Pricing Ends Friday!

Urner Barry’s Executive Conference is taking place September 26-28^th, 2021, at The Venetian in Las Vegas!

Book now to take advantage of Early Bird pricing, which will end on Friday, July 23^rd. From now until Friday, you can save $200 on the registration fee so click HERE to reserve your spot at the discounted rate.

The Executive Conference is the must-attend event of the year for the protein industry. The show features unparalleled networking opportunities, insights from flagship companies in the sector, incredible keynotes, analysis, and more...

Urner Barry Insights to Host Spotlight on Foodservice Recovery July 27-28

The road to recovery in foodservice has been a long one. Restaurants across the country and the globe had never before experienced a disruptive event quite like COVID-19. Now, as lockdown measures are increasingly lifted and the industry is looking at a return to more normal business operating conditions, it is imperative we take a look at market dynamics impacting the foodservice sector.

On July 27^th and 28^th, Urner Barry will host a COMTELL Insights Spotlight on The Road to Recovery in Foodservice. The online event will feature two live sessions, two podcasts, and two in-depth analysis pieces—all available within the COMTELL platform...

Tyson Foods Joins McDonald’s in Mutual Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Tyson Foods announced that it has joined the McDonald’s Mutual Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (MCDEI). Tyson’s employee base is enormously diverse, with more than 50 languages spoken by team members across the company’s U.S. business. Today’s announcement follows the company’s longstanding and publicly stated commitment to diversity, also a part of its core values.

As an early adopter of the MCDEI, Tyson Foods will continue to advance diversity, equity and inclusion by committing to actions like setting representation goals, conducting education and training, increasing...

Domino's Pizza Announces Second Quarter 2021 Financial Results

Domino's Pizza announced results for the second quarter. Global retail sales increased 21.6% in the second quarter, or 17.1% excluding foreign currency impact. U.S. same store sales grew 3.5% during the quarter versus the year-ago period, continuing the positive sales momentum in the Company's U.S. stores business. The international business also posted strong results, with same store sales growth of 13.9% during the quarter. The second quarter marked the 110th consecutive quarter of international same store sales growth and the 41st consecutive quarter of U.S. same store sales growth. The Company had second quarter global net store growth of 238 stores, comprised of 35 net U.S. store openings and 203 net international store openings.

"I am very pleased with our strong global retail sales and store growth momentum during the second quarter, which demonstrated the power of our investments in...

Packaged Facts: The Future of Grocery 

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many aspects of consumer behavior and daily life. In 2020, many consumers were suddenly faced with more time at home.

• Office workers and those with jobs that can be done from home began to work from home full-time.
• Many schools and daycares closed, meaning that students and children were now spending their days at home.
• Restaurants, cafeterias, and other foodservice operations closed to dine-in service in many areas.
• With these changes, families across the U.S. were eating at home more often, cooking more, and sometimes feeding more people than usual throughout the day. As a result...

Instacart Announces Next-Gen Fulfillment Initiative for North American Retailers

Instacart, a leading online grocery platform in North America, unveiled the first phase of the company's next-generation fulfillment initiative designed to bring automated technology solutions to retailers across the U.S. and Canada. As part of the new initiative, the company announced it has signed a multi-year strategic deal with Fabric as a fulfillment automation partner. With Instacart next-gen fulfillment, the company will integrate leading software and robotics solutions with Instacart's proprietary technology and growing shopper community to create new e-commerce services for retail partners and an even faster, more effortless online grocery shopping experience for customers.

As part of Instacart's new next-gen fulfillment initiative, the company will pair Fabric software and robotics with...

Urner Barry Releases July Emerging Plant Protein Report

According to the latest USDA WASDE, the outlook for 2021/22 U.S. rice this July is for slightly larger supplies along with lower domestic use, higher exports, and larger ending stocks. All rice production was reduced 2% to 199.3 million cwt. NASS reported that the severe drought in California reduced medium and short grain area. The all rice yield was also lowered based on...

Uber and Costco Kick Off Grocery Delivery Pilot in Texas

Uber Technologies have entered a delivery pilot with 25 locations across the state of Texas where Costco members could have their groceries delivered within hours, if not minutes, with Uber and Uber Eats. Over the coming weeks, 7 additional Costco warehouses will be available to Uber users via Uber and Uber Eats mobile apps. The minimum order amount is $35 and delivery is free for Uber Pass and Eats Pass holders. This is Uber's first pilot with a food wholesaler in the United States.

Today's news follows Uber's recent announcement of their first national grocery partnership in the US, with Albertson's Co., which more than doubled the availability of Uber's grocery offering with...

Atlantic Natural Foods Launches Plant Based Foods for Foodservice Operators

Atlantic Natural Foods, the leading shelf-stable manufacturer of Loma Linda® brand foods, announced the introduction of its plant based offering for foodservice operators. Called Modern Menu by Loma Linda, the new foodservice line features a complete assortment of industrial-size, meatless meal options, including the company's award-winning Chili, Taco Filling, Sloppy Joe, Southwest Bowl and TUNOTM, which can be used in a variety of foodservice applications. Providing quick prepare-and-serve convenience, Modern Menu products are available at an affordable cost, substantially lower than comparable proteins.

"Today's value-driven consumers continue to seek sustainability on restaurant menus," said J. Douglas Hines, founder and chairman of Atlantic Natural Foods. "Based on...

The Online Grocery Market Nearly Tripled in 2020

The U.S. food and beverage industry has been impacted heavily by COVID-19. In 2020, more consumers than ever before were deciding to order food and beverage items online to avoid grocery shopping in crowded stores, where they might be exposed to the COVID-19 virus. As reported by Packaged Facts' new report The Future of Grocery: Online Grocery, Meal Kits, & Direct-to-Consumer Food, the online grocery market nearly tripled in 2020.

Packaged Facts projects that online sales of food and beverages will...

OZO Expands Line of Plant-Based Proteins in Frozen and Fresh Aisle

Colorado-based Planterra Foods is expanding its portfolio of plant-based products in the fresh and frozen category by launching a variety of new items for families to have more options of convenient plant-based meals at home. Available now, consumers can add the OZO™ Frozen Nuggets (10.6 oz), plant-based Chicken Patties (4, 2.5 oz patties), and Italian Style Meatballs (12-1 oz meatballs) as well as fresh Smokehouse Burgers (2-4 oz patties) and plant-based Ground Turkey (12 oz) to their plant-based rotation of OZO™ meals.

These new OZO™ products offer a spin on plant-based proteins in the categories of chicken, turkey and beef, with bold flavors for delicious meat-free possibilities stored...

Chipotle Announces Second Quarter 2021 Results

Chipotle Mexican Grill reported financial results for its second quarter ended June 30, 2021.

Second quarter highlights, year over year:

• Revenue increased 38.7% to $1.9 billion
• Comparable restaurant sales increased 31.2%
• Digital sales grew 10.5% and accounted for 48.5% of sales
• Operating margin was 13.0%, an increase from...

NPPC Urges Congress To Address Comprehensive Labor Reform

The U.S. pork industry is suffering from a labor shortage that could increase production costs and consumer food prices if not addressed through visa reform to provide better access to the foreign-born workers on which it depends, according to National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) President Jen Sorenson, who testified today before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

U.S. pork production is a year-round effort, requiring a hardworking and dedicated workforce on farms and in processing plants. Pork producers offer jobs with good pay and benefits...

NPD: Addressing Safety, Changes in Workplace, and Digital are Key to Recovery for Europe Foodservice

According to the latest report from The NPD Group, COVID-19 Foodservice Sentiment Study: Europe, a large part of the European^* population expects to return to dine-in restaurants as soon as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, with 93% stating they have either already returned to restaurants or expect to be returning to restaurants before the end of the year. But while many consumers expect to go back to dining occasions comparable to what they were doing before the pandemic, one-quarter of them expect...

CBP Agriculture Specialists Prevent Smuggled Animal Products from Entering United States

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agriculture Specialists (CBPAS) issued 246 emergency action notifications during the second quarter of 2021. Emergency Action Notifications (EAN) alert trade entities of non-compliance with Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) regulations. The EAN provides options for phytosanitary actions that must be taken to prevent the entry of plant pests, prohibited plant products, or animal products capable of introducing foreign animal diseases.

During the inspection of rail containers in International Falls, Minnesota, CBPAS intercepted more than 18,500 pounds of smuggled animal products. The animal products were seized because...

Kroger Names New Head of Investor Relations

Kroger announced Rob Quast has been promoted to Head of Investor Relations.

"Rob is a seasoned financial professional and respected leader within Kroger," said Gary Millerchip, Kroger's chief financial officer. "Rob's experience will be invaluable as we continue to share our strategy for delivering strong and sustainable total shareholder returns with our investment community."

Quast joined Kroger in 2013 as a financial manager in the corporate accounting department. In 2017, he was promoted to director of insurance and claims where he was...

Animal Agriculture Organizations Launch Ambitious New Protein PACT

Twelve organizations representing farmers and companies who make the vast majority of America’s meat, poultry, and dairy, as well as animal feed and ingredients, today (Monday) unveiled the Protein PACT for the People, Animals, and Climate of Tomorrow - the first joint initiative of its kind designed to accelerate momentum and verify progress toward global sustainable development goals across all animal protein sectors.

The Protein PACT has been submitted to the UN Food Systems Summit as a sustainability game changer, and sustainable livestock and poultry production will be featured...

Portillo's Announces Confidential Submission of Draft Registration Statement for Proposed IPO

Portillo's Hot Dogs, LLC ("Portillo's") today announced that Portillo's, Inc. has confidentially submitted a draft registration statement on Form S-1 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") relating to a proposed initial public offering of its common stock. The number of shares to be offered and the price range for the proposed offering have not yet been determined. The initial public offering is expected to take place after the SEC completes its review process, subject to market and other conditions...

Wienerschnitzel Offers Five Reasons to Celebrate National Hot Dog Day

Let's be frank, hot dogs are delicious. On July 21st, to celebrate the creation of this national culinary delight on National Hot Dog Day, Wienerschnitzel is offering five tasty Chili Dogs for only $5 (+tax)! The Chili Dog is one of the chain's most popular menu items and features a tasty grilled hot dog in a fresh, steamed bun topped with its world famous Chili Sauce.

"For 60 years, Wienerschnitzel has been cooking up delicious hot dogs," says Doug Koegeboehn, Chief Marketing Officer for Wienerschnitzel...

Cargill and Ecolab Support Emerging Technologies Across Food Supply Chain

Cargill and Ecolab today announced the latest class of entrepreneurs to join the Techstars Farm to Fork Accelerator, a three-month, mentorship- driven program that engages early-stage entrepreneurs changing the face of the global food system. The 11 startups in the 2021 Techstars program are utilizing technology to drive innovative solutions in areas such as the future of food retail, food safety, and workforce development and management.

The food value chain is one of the last major industries to completely modernize, but the latest technologies are having a major...

Moran Foods Announces Two New Appointments to Board of Directors

Moran Foods, premier wholesale grocery distribution company and parent company to U.S.-based discount grocery chain Save A Lot, today announced that Fred Boehler, President and Chief Executive Officer of Americold Logistics, and Mike Motz, Chief Executive Officer for Staples U.S. Retail, have been appointed to the Company’s Board of Directors as Independent Directors, effective immediately.

“Fred and Mike join the Board at an exciting time for Moran Foods as we continue our expansion and transition to a wholesale business model,” said Kenneth McGrath, Chief Executive Officer, Moran Foods... 

7-Eleven Celebrates National Hot Dog Day All Month Long With $1 Hot Dogs

National Hot Dog Day is approaching on July 21, and 7-Eleven wants Americans to "Seize the Dog" (Latin: Carpe Canis). The world's largest retailer will celebrate the humble frankfurter by offering its beloved Quarter-Pound Big Bite 100% beef hot dog for just $1 at participating stores. And because July is National Hot Dog Month and when 7-Eleven® stores sell the most hot dogs, the promotion will go on the entire month of July—that's just how we roll...

Uber Accelerates National Grocery Availability Across the U.S.

Today, Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: UBER) announced that its on-demand and scheduled grocery delivery is now available to Uber and Uber Eats customers in over 400 cities and towns across the U.S., including major markets like San Francisco, New York City, and Washington DC. This marks Uber’s first major grocery expansion in the U.S., more than doubling the availability of the offering this week, and accelerating its grocery rollout this year with a 1,200-store partnership with the Albertsons Companies, Inc. (NYSE: ACI)...

Green Dining Table, Inc. Recalls Frozen Pork Dumplings Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens

Green Dining Table, Inc., an Alhambra, CA establishment, is recalling approximately 183,330 pounds of frozen pork dumplings due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product contains milk and coconut, known allergens, which are not declared on the product label. 

The frozen pork dumplings were produced between March 22, 2021 and July 14, 2021. The following products are subject to recall [view labels here]...

Restaurant Sales Grew in June as Industry Recovery Continues

Restaurant sales continued to grow in June as consumers looked for a much-needed night out, according to the National Restaurant Association.

For the month, eating and drinking places netted $70.6 billion in total sales on a seasonally adjusted basis, per preliminary data from the U.S. Census Bureau. That total was a 2.3% rise from May’s volume and is the fifth increase in the first half of the year.

The Association said that sales in June were $4.4 billion (6.6%) above pre-pandemic levels in 2020...

Publix Named Among Fortune’s Best Workplaces for Millennials

Publix has been recognized by Fortune as one of the Best Workplaces for Millennials for the sixth consecutive year, ranking No. 76 out of 100 in the large companies category.

“Millennials are the largest age group in the workforce today and represent over one-third of our team at Publix, so we are keenly focused on creating a diverse, vibrant workplace where they can build successful careers,” said Publix Vice President of Human Resources Marcy Benton. “We are pleased they recognize our efforts, especially during the pandemic, and...

White Castle Expands Retail Food Manufacturing Plant in Vandalia, Ohio

White Castle broke ground today on the expansion of its retail food manufacturing plant in Vandalia, Ohio. The plant, now named "The House That Bill Built" in honor of former president and CEO Bill Ingram, supplies packaged Sliders to retailers, large and small, in all 50 states.

"Our retail division has been growing steadily over the past 10 years, and we saw huge growth last year as people cooked and ate at home more during the pandemic," said Lisa Ingram, president and CEO of White Castle and daughter of Bill...

NRF: June Retail Sales Increase as Recovery Continues

Retail sales saw solid growth during June, increasing in most categories on a monthly basis and across the board on a yearly basis as the recovery from the coronavirus pandemic continued, the National Retail Federation said today.

“Continued growth in June retail sales shows enduring strength in the American consumer,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “Heading into the back-to-school season, we expect record sales as families purchase electronics, shoes and backpacks for in-person learning this year. However, as the drop in monthly auto sales indicates, retailers are...

USDA Announces Livestock, Poultry Producer Assistance for COVID-19 Related Losses

Livestock and poultry producers who suffered losses during the COVID-19 pandemic due to lack of access to processing can apply for assistance, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

U.S. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the Pandemic Livestock Indemnity Program (PLIP) in remarks at the National Pork Industry Conference in Wisconsin Dells, WI.

PLIP is part of the USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative. Producers can apply for assistance on losses and the cost of depopulation and disposal through the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) starting on July 20...

Smithfield Foods to Host Nationwide Hiring Event on National Hot Dog Day

Smithfield Foods, Inc. today announced it will host its first national hiring campaign on National Hot Dog Day, July 21. The Virginia-based food company will offer walk-in hiring events at 47 of its U.S. locations and conduct on-the-spot job interviews for up to 2,500 hourly positions across the company's facilities, farms and distribution centers. In celebration of National Hot Dog Day, event attendees will receive a coupon for a free pack of Nathan's Famous^® hot dogs...

In-Store Research Focuses on Ground Pork Placement

National Pork Board and partners launched a Checkoff-funded research project to understand how ground pork’s placement in the meat case influences purchases.

Making a Difference in the Meat Case

Ground pork continues to grow in popularity with consumers. National Pork Board (NPB) launched a Checkoff-funded test and learn research project with Hy-Vee and Iowa Pork Producers Association. The goal is to understand how ground pork’s placement in the meat case can impact and encourage additional purchases.

Retailers Benefit from Higher and More Frequent Spending in their Stores...

C&S Wholesale Grocers Enters Into A Definitive Purchase Agreement With Piggly Wiggly Midwest

C&S Wholesale Grocers, Inc., an industry leader in supply chain solutions and wholesale grocery supply in the United States, has entered into a definitive agreement with Piggly Wiggly® Midwest with the intent to purchase the Wisconsin-based wholesaler. Piggly Wiggly® Midwest operates corporate stores and services independent franchisees under a chain-style program. Since 1911, Sheboygan, Wisconsin has been the home to Piggly Wiggly® Midwest's headquarters where it has its corporate offices and two of its distribution centers. A third distribution center...

NCBA Notes Introduction of Misguided Agriculture Bill from Senator Booker

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) noted the introduction of misguided legislation entitled the Farm System Reform Act by Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Congressman Ro Khanna (D-CA). NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane gave the following response.

“In the past week, Democrats in Washington have put forward two starkly different proposals for strengthening the future of American cattle farmers and ranchers. One of these paths, namely the recent announcement from Secretary Vilsack, offers...

Giant Food is Now Accepting EBT Payments on Online Pickup and Delivery Orders

Giant Food announced that individuals and families using SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits now have the option to pay with an EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card when placing online orders for Giant Pickup and Giant Delivers throughout Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware.

The new user-friendly experience offers customers the option to add their EBT card to their account on Giantfood.com and begin shopping using their SNAP funds. While browsing online aisles, SNAP customers can sort products to show eligible items and a "SNAP Eligible" label will appear within...

Johnsonville Rolls Out Sausage Strips Nationwide 

Rolling out to grocery stores nationwide this summer are Johnsonville Sausage Strips - a new product line of fully cooked smoked sausage that looks and cooks like bacon, but is sausage.

After a successful launch in 2020 among Midwest consumers, Johnsonville Sausage Strips are now available to consumers nationwide at additional U.S. retailers including...

Urner Barry Releases July Soy & Wheat Protein Report

Average all-wheat prices increased $0.42/bu from April while average soybean prices increased as well by $0.90/bu. July front month futures decreased from May’s rates. CBOT wheat front month futures reached $6.28/bu in July, a decrease of $0.39 from June. Also, CBOT soybeans totaled...

JBS Releases 2020 Sustainability Report 

JBS USA, a leading global food company and the majority shareholder of Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation released its 2020 Sustainability Report: Celebrate Your Foodprint, which includes new aggressive global targets and completion of its 2020 sustainability goals. The report transparently details the company’s sustainability actions across its global operations in North America, the UK, Continental Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

“Our sustainability promise is stronger than ever, as we deliver on our goals and continue to raise the bar for more sustainable food production,” said Andre Nogueira, JBS USA CEO. “We have established a new vision...

Ruby Tuesday Introduces Libby’s BBQ for Summer

Ruby Tuesday has announced the addition of Libby’s BBQ with a new feature menu this summer. Originally crafted in the Ruby Tuesday kitchen as a delivery-only concept, Libby’s BBQ offers smoky, tender, saucy BBQ entrees and is now available to order at all Ruby Tuesday locations for dine-in, Ruby TueGO and delivery for a limited time only.

Now through September, Ruby Tuesday guests can try Libby’s BBQ entrees starting at $9.99. The all-new Libby’s BBQ menu includes tender, smoked beef brisket and...

SpartanNash to Open New Micro-Fulfillment Center to Better Serve Online Grocery Shoppers

Grocery retailer and distributor SpartanNash announced plans to open its first SpartanNash Micro-Fulfillment Center, located at 5199 68th St. SE in Caledonia, Mich. The 55,000-square-foot facility will hold 16,000 products and pick and pack Fast Lane orders for 24 Ada Fresh Market, D&W Fresh Market, Family Fare and Forest Hills Foods stores throughout West Michigan, primarily in the Grand Rapids and Holland area.

“Fast Lane has been a tremendous value-add for our store guests as the pandemic heightened the importance of safe, efficient grocery shopping, pickup and...

Kroger Announces Leadership Changes

The Kroger Co. announced the retirement of Steve McKinney, senior vice president of retail divisions, after more than 40 years of distinguished service, effective August 7. McKinney will be succeeded by Valerie Jabbar, currently group vice president of center store merchandising.

Steve McKinney, Senior Vice President, Announces Retirement

McKinney began his career with Kroger in 1981 as a clerk for Florida Choice Supermarkets, a former Kroger banner. While there, he advanced to store manager, buyer and...

Tiv Ta’am Group, MeaTech Sign Letter of Intent for Cell-Cultivated Meat Production

Tiv Ta’am, an Israel-based food company involved in the production, marketing and importation of meat and seafood, signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with cultivated meat technology manufacturer MeaTech to develop cell-cultivated meat products.

The LOI is expected to lead to cooperation on research, the establishment of a production facility for cultivated meat products, as well as granting distribution and marketing rights to Tiv Ta'am (including possible exclusive rights on jointly developed products), in Israel and around the globe...

7-Eleven Expands Mobile Checkout Feature to Thousands of US Stores

7‑Eleven, Inc. has expanded its new Mobile Checkout contactless shopping solution to an additional 2,500+ stores across the U.S. Using the 7‑Eleven app, customers can quickly scan items and pay for purchases without ever standing in a checkout line. Mobile Checkout is now available in more than 3,000 participating 7‑Eleven stores in 32 states including Washington, D.C.

The frictionless shopping experience is a benefit of 7‑Eleven's award-winning 7Rewards® loyalty program where members (rather, more than 50 million of them) can earn and redeem points on product purchases and receive...

Little Caesars to Offer Plant-based Pepperoni 

Little Caesars is launching the Planteroni Pizza, made with the new Field Roast Plant-Based Pepperoni, to many of its stores across the United States.

The new pizza option will be available at Little Caesars locations in the cities and suburbs of Los Angeles, New York City, Miami, San Francisco, Portland, Oregon, and the chain’s hometown of Detroit. Customers can choose from a regular Planteroni™ Pizza for $8.49, a Slices-N-Sticks product consisting of half Planteroni™ Pizza and half cheesy breadsticks for $8, or add Field Roast™ Plant-Based Pepperoni as a topping on any custom pizza...

U.S. Restaurant Industry Recovery Will Depend on Strength of Key Dayparts

The U.S. restaurant industry has shown remarkable resiliency, having lost as much as 35% of visits at the beginning of the pandemic, but still has a ways to go to get back to pre-pandemic levels, reports The NPD Group. Total restaurant visits were down -6 percent in May 2021 compared to May 2019 but were up +23% from a year ago, recovering from a -23% decline in May 2020. The key to the industry’s recovery will be the strength of each daypart. Each daypart — morning meal, lunch, dinner, and P.M. Snack — will recover differently depending on the new rhythms of home, school, and work-life, according to NPD’s continual tracking of the U.S. foodservice industry.

Visits, online or physical, at morning meal, which includes the breakfast and A.M. Snack periods, were down -5% in May 2021 compared to May 2020, and for a pre-pandemic view, down...

Baja Fresh Adds Impossible Foods to Menus Nationwide

Baja Fresh Mexican Grill, the fast-casual Mexican food chain, is launching three new menu options featuring Impossible™ meat made from plants. The lineup of Impossible™ dishes will be available at participating stores nationwide.

The three Impossible™ varieties include:

• Impossible™ Taco Combo – three tacos with...

PODCAST: UK Beef Chats Episode 24

This week on UK Beef Chats, Market Report Mike Nesbitt discusses the rise of dead weight prices, shortage of cattle influencing the UK beef market, and plans to remove social distancing restrictions in the UK.

Urner Barry's Reporter Summer 2021 Issue Released; Read It Online For Free Now

REPORTER: As Plant-Based Demand Skyrockets, Innovators Think Beyond the Burger

This article was originally featured in the Summer 2021 Edition of Urner Barry's Reporter magazine.

There is no doubt that burgers and sandwiches are the most popular items ordered by consumers when dining out. In fact, according to the NPD Group, burgers were included in 13.5% of all restaurant orders in the year ending 2020, which translates into 7 billion servings of burgers. Chicken sandwiches were included in 6.7% of all restaurant orders in the U.S., which amounts to 3.5 billion servings. With that in mind, it comes as...

Grubhub Doubles Down on Its Commitment to Supporting Restaurants with The Grubhub Guarantee

Grubhub, a leading U.S. food-ordering and delivery marketplace, announced the Grubhub Guarantee, the company's newest feature promising diners on-time delivery and the lowest price relative to competitors, or Grubhub will make it right with Grubhub Perks for free food.

In a study of thousands of consumers, Grubhub looked at what mattered most to diners, and on-time delivery came in as one of the top factors when choosing a food delivery platform. With the Grubhub Guarantee, Grubhub is standing behind on-time delivery and lowest price in order to facilitate...

REPORTER: Protein Markets Continue to Battle Container Shortages, Logistical Hiccups

This article was originally featured in the Summer 2021 Edition of Urner Barry's Reporter magazine.

"It's really bad. There is no other way to characterize it."

CNBC editor and author Lori Ann LaRocco provided a bleak but accurate representation of the shipping container issues impacting businesses over the past year in her latest interview on Urner Barry’s Market Digest Podcast.

The shortage of shipping containers has been well-documented during the pandemic, and weather incidents and the massive Suez Canal jam...

Subway is Giving Away One Million Sandwiches

Subway restaurants are giving away one million six-inch subs on July 13 to guests who visit their local Subway from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. local time. At participating restaurants, the first 50 guests who come in and request a free sub will receive one 6" Turkey Cali Fresh, which features many of Subway's signature new ingredients like smashed avocado, BelGioiso® fresh mozzarella and new deli-sliced thin turkey, all on Subway's new Hearty Multigrain bread.

To prepare for the sampling event, nearly 11,000 Subway restaurants across the country will close the evening of...

NCBA Thanks President Biden, Secretary Vilsack for Taking Steps to Strengthen Beef Supply Chain

President Biden signed an Executive Order which initiates several federal rulemakings and commits $500 million to expanding processing capacity in the beef industry. The National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) thanked President Biden and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Vilsack for acting rapidly to address key concerns impacting cattle and beef producers.

NCBA welcomed the announcement of rulemakings to improve the accuracy of the "Product of the USA" beef label and implement...

Planterra Foods Accelerates Plant-Based Food Technologies with MycoTechnology Agreement

Planterra Foods, an innovative plant-based protein start-up company based in Colorado, announced a Master Collaboration Agreement with MycoTechnology, a food ingredient company focused on moving food forward by infusing human ingenuity with the intelligence of nature. The agreement was designed to strengthen the ingredient partnership between the two Colorado-based companies as they plan to accelerate development technologies to improve the quality of plant-based proteins.

Over the past year, Planterra's brand of OZO™ plant-based products have been made with MycoTechnology's pea and rice protein fermented by...

USDA Announces $500 Million for Expanded Meat and Poultry Processing Capacity

The USDA announced it intends to make significant investments to expand processing capacity and increase competition in meat and poultry processing to make agricultural markets more accessible, fair, competitive, and resilient for American farmers and ranchers. This is one of several key steps that USDA will take to increase competition in agricultural markets, pursuant to President Biden’s Executive Order on promoting competition and as part of USDA efforts to build a more resilient supply chain and better food system. Together, USDA’s actions will help farmers, ranchers, farmworkers and consumers all get a fair shake.

Specifically, USDA announced its intent to invest $500 million in American Rescue Plan funds to expand meat and poultry processing capacity so that farmers, ranchers, and...

Smithfield Foods Names Shane Smith President and Chief Executive Officer, Succeeding Dennis Organ

Smithfield Foods announced it has appointed Shane Smith, a two-decade veteran of the company and, most recently, its chief strategy officer, as president and chief executive officer, effective immediately. Mr. Smith will succeed Dennis Organ, who is stepping down for personal reasons.

Prior to becoming chief strategy officer, Mr. Smith served as executive vice president of Smithfield's European operations. In this capacity, he spent much of the last decade in Europe, overseeing the company's...

After Twelve Months of Consecutive Rise, the FAO Food Price Index Fell in June

The FAO Food Price Index (FFPI) averaged 124.6 points in June 2021, down 3.2 points (2.5 percent) from May, but still 31.5 points (33.9 percent) higher than its level in the same period last year. The decline in June marked the first drop in the FFPI following twelve consecutive monthly increases. The drop in June reflected declines in the prices of vegetable oils, cereals and, to a lesser degree, dairy prices, which more than offset generally higher meat and sugar quotations.

The FAO Cereal Price Index averaged 129.4 points in June, down 3.5 points (2.6 percent) from May but still 32.7 points (33.8 percent) above its June 2020 value. After reaching their highest level in May since January 2013, international maize prices dropped by...

Blue Apron Sets New Sustainable Packaging Goals

Blue Apron announced a new sustainable packaging goal for its meal kit boxes of 100% recyclable, reusable or compostable by the end of 2025. The company also strives to use 75% post-consumer recycled content, by weight, in its meal kit boxes by the end of 2025.

By establishing these goals, Blue Apron is the first major meal kit company in the United States to announce time-bound targets around packaging goals.

“With these new goals, we are building on our history of sustainability through food waste reduction, packaging improvements, and ingredient standards,” said Linda Findley Kozlowski, Blue Apron’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “We estimate that our meal kit packaging is currently...

North American Meat Institute Creates Industry-Wide Food Safety Equipment Design Principles

The North American Meat Institute released new industry-wide “Food Safety Equipment Design Principles” for all equipment used in meat and poultry establishments to address food safety hazards.

“Collaboration from all aspects of sanitation, design, engineering and production contributed to the development of the Principles,” said Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts. “They will serve as a valuable resource benefitting the entire industry as...

Retail Cargo Continues to See Double-Digit Increases Over 2020 as Supply Chain Disruptions Continue

Imports at the nation’s largest retail container ports are continuing to show double-digit growth over last year as strong consumer demand keeps up its momentum, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

“The year-over-year growth we saw this spring was off the charts because the comparisons were against a time when most stores were shut down due to the pandemic,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said. “But we’re continuing to see strong growth even as we enter a point when stores had begun to reopen last year. That’s a sign of the...

Prestage Farms to Construct $150 Million Processing Facility in South Carolina

The South Carolina division of poultry and pork firm Prestage Farms is set to make a $150 million investment to construct a new processing facility in Kershaw County.

The new plant, located at the Governor’s Hill Industrial Park in Camden, will create 292 new jobs and will be the second facility in the county for Prestage.

The South Carolina Department of Commerce said the new operation will process poultry products using state-of-the-art technology and high levels of automation. The facility will utilize...

Maple Leaf Foods Releases 2020 Sustainability Report

Maple Leaf Foods, a leading North American producer of high-quality, sustainable meat and plant-based proteins, announced the release of its 2020 Sustainability Report, highlighting the company's key initiatives, milestones and accomplishments in 2020 on its journey to become the most sustainable protein company on earth.

Throughout the challenges of 2020, Maple Leaf Foods remained committed to leading in sustainability, born out of a recognition of the enormous and essential role that the protein industry plays in nourishing billions of people, and the resources required to create nutrient-dense foods. While prioritizing the health and safety of its employees and the stability of its food supply, the company championed a more...

US Food Retail: Where Did Consumers Go During Covid-19? 

While the fact that food retailers have benefited enormously from stay-at-home orders and restaurant closures is hardly news, a deeper look into credit/debit card transactions reveals their different impacts across food retail categories in both brick-and-mortar and online environments. We translated these data points into six learnings from the most eventful year in the food industry in generations, as well as into insights as to how players can sustain the momentum in a post-Covid economy.

- Online is the big winner, but summer may bring a temporary halt. Recent data indicates a likely temporary halt to this expansion in Q2 2021, as cases...