The Latest Market Briefing is Here! 

Breakdown the poultry, egg, red meat and seafood markets with exclusive analysis from UB Market Reporters

Urner Barry is the leading provider of protein market news and information in the food industry. Through daily canvasses of the trade and an unrivaled historical database, our analysts are uniquely positioned to report on the underlying conditions and significant disruptors to the market. In this Market Briefing, Urner Barry reporters outline the latest action in the commodity protein markets, highlighting seasonal factors, disruptors, and current supply and demand fundamentals...

Food and Agricultural Workers Prioritized for COVID-19 Vaccine Under Phase 1b

The devastating effects of the pandemic on food and agricultural workers were on full display during the early stage of COVID-19 in the U.S. last year. Several processing plants in the nation experienced complications related to the virus, impacting thousands of employees and upending the food supply chain.

Union representatives and the nation’s largest meat processors are pressing for food and agricultural workers to receive high priority for vaccinations. Phase 1a, the first priority group including...

Dr. Jewel Bronaugh Nominated for USDA Deputy Secretary

President Biden has nominated Dr. Jewel Bronaugh, USDA deputy secretary of agriculture. Currently, she serves as the Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture. If confirmed, Bronaugh would be the highest-ranking African American woman to ever serve in USDA.

She previously was the Executive Director of the Center of Agriculture Research, Engagement and Outreach (CAREO) at Virginia State University (VSU), where she helped expand the impact of...

Mintel: Temporary Slowdown in Meat Reduction Trend as Processed Meat Sales Boom 

The COVID-19 pandemic has proved to be a temporary setback for the flexitarian movement, with the proportion of adults limiting and not eating meat dropping back significantly in 2020 according to new research from Mintel. But as the food and drink industry recovers from the pandemic, Mintel expects that momentum will return to the plant-based industry.

Veganuary may be in full swing, but according to Mintel, the number of Brits actively limiting/reducing and not eating meat in their diet has reduced from half (51%) of all consumers in 2019 down to four in ten (41%) during 2020. Meanwhile, in search of familiar foods, sales of processed meat products, including...

Eat Beyond Adds Above Food to Its Portfolio

Eat Beyond Global Holdings Inc., an investment issuer focused on the global plant-based and alternative food sector, is announcing that it has completed an investment in Above Food Inc.

Above Food develops and distributes premium, whole plant alternatives to meat and dairy by creating nutrient-dense consumer products and branded ingredients. It uses a proprietary blend of plant proteins created from heirloom pulses and gluten free grains. Above Food brings its products to market by...

3 Plant-Based Consumer Insights for Veganuary from Packaged Facts 

Plant-based eating and sustainability are some of the top food trends affecting consumer preferences and food product launches in recent years, causing more general consumers to think about these issues, not just those following veganism or vegetarianism. We are especially reminded of this during Veganuary, the world’s largest vegan movement.

There was a notable uptick in consumer usage of plant-based foods and beverages in 2020 compared to 2019, as reported by Packaged Facts. The market research publisher reports that...

Dr. Omar Ishrak Elected to Cargill Board of Directors

Dr. Omar Ishrak, former executive chairman and CEO of Medtronic, has been elected to the Cargill Board of Directors.

"Omar’s deep international experience and strength in technology and innovation helped Medtronic sustain long-term growth during his tenure as CEO. Under his leadership, Medtronic realized their mission and purpose, introducing products that improved the lives of patients around the world. Omar has a strong record of...

Bob Evans Farms Recalls Pork Sausage Product

Bob Evans Farms, Inc. (“Bob Evans”), a Xenia, Ohio establishment, is recalling approximately 4,200 pounds of pork sausage product that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically thin blue rubber, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced.

The raw, pork sausage item was produced on December 17, 2020. The following products are subject to recall...

JBS USA And Pilgrim’s Offer $100 Bonus to 66,000 U.S. Team Members to Promote COVID-19 Vaccination

JBS USA and Pilgrim’s announced they would provide a $100 incentive bonus to any U.S. team member who voluntarily chooses to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. The new initiative is designed to encourage maximum participation in the Biden Administration’s accelerated pandemic response efforts and ensure that every JBS USA and Pilgrim’s team member who wants to get vaccinated can do so as soon as vaccines are made available.

“Throughout the pandemic, JBS USA and Pilgrim’s have adopted industry-leading measures to protect our essential frontline workers who continue to provide food for the nation,” said Andre Nogueira, chief executive officer, JBS USA. “Our goal in offering this extra pay to our team members is to...

U.S. Department of Agriculture Announces Key Staff Appointments

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

Katharine Ferguson was named Chief of Staff in the Office of the Secretary: Most recently, Ferguson served as Associate Director of the Aspen Institute Community Strategies Group. Before joining the Aspen Institute, Ferguson served in the Obama Administration as Chief of Staff for the White House Domestic Policy Council and as Chief of Staff for Rural Development at USDA. Ferguson also worked on the Senate Agriculture Committee and...

Urner Barry Presents Plant Protein Insights Webinar 

The plant protein sector is developing rapidly around the globe. Innovative and unique offerings enter the market daily under increased pressure for sustainable and nutritious alternative food options. Demand for plant protein ingredients has become an important benchmark for manufacturers, ingredient providers, startups, traditional protein suppliers, and investors interested in this space.

Join Urner Barry on Thursday, January 21, as host Laura Zinger interviews...

Michael T. Lockard to Become Weis Markets' Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Weis Markets announced Michael T. Lockard, a long-time financial retail executive, will become the Company's Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Treasurer. He will succeed Scott Frost, who is retiring.

To ensure a smooth transition, Mr. Frost will continue to serve as Chief Financial Officer until March 12, at which time Mr. Lockard will assume the role. As Weis Markets' Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Lockard will oversee the day-to-day management of the company's accounting, auditing and financial functions. He will report to Jonathan Weis, Weis Markets Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

Mr. Lockard has more than 25 years of senior-level executive experience in retail, supermarket and... 

Fueled By the Pandemic, Consumer Packaged Goods Purchases Grew 19% in 2020 Compared to 2019

As consumers hunkered down at home during most of last year, their spending on consumer packaged goods (CPG) grew an average of 19% in 2020 compared to 2019 according to the latest data from NCSolutions, a leader in advertising effectiveness for the CPG industry.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant shift in CPG purchasing habits in 2020 — not just in how much consumers spent, but on what. According to a new NCS consumer survey of more than 2,000 adults, nearly half (47%) of Americans indicated they tried...

IHOP Introduces New Signature Burritos and Bowls

IHOP introduced its latest menu innovation, Burritos & Bowls, designed with flavor combinations and easy portability in mind. Starting today, guests can select from a lineup of six different builds – in breakfast, lunch and dinner varieties – all of which can either be wrapped in a flour tortilla or served in a bowl.

The six new Burritos & Bowls flavors range from signature ingredients, like IHOP’s hickory-smoked bacon and include hash browns to hotter fare like poblano queso sauce and...

USDA Offers Additional Assistance for Certain Producers Through Coronavirus Food Assistance Program

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will provide additional assistance through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), expanding eligibility for some agricultural producers and commodities as well as updating payments to accurately compensate some producers who already applied for the program. Producers who are now eligible and those who need to modify existing applications due to these updates can contact USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) between Jan. 19 and Feb. 26. Some of these changes are being made to align with the recently enacted Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 while others are discretionary changes being made in response to ongoing evaluation of CFAP.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has left a deep impact on the farm economy, and we are utilizing the tools and monies available to ease some of the financial burdens on American producers to ensure...

NRF Says 2020 Holiday Sales Grew 8.3 Percent Despite Pandemic

Retail sales during 2020’s November-December holiday season grew an unexpectedly high 8.3 percent over the same period in 2019 to $789.4 billion, exceeding the National Retail Federation’s holiday forecast despite the economic challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, NRF said. The numbers include online and other non-stores sales, which were up 23.9 percent at $209 billion.

“Despite unprecedented challenges, consumers and retailers demonstrated incredible resilience this holiday season,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “Faced with rising transmission of the virus, state restrictions on retailers and...

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Cattle Slaughter

Contract Broiler Growers Can Begin to Apply for Federal COVID-19 Relief on January 19

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will provide additional assistance through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), expanding eligibility for some agricultural producers and commodities as well as updating payments to accurately compensate some producers who already applied for the program. Producers who are now eligible and those who need to modify existing applications due to these updates can contact USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) between January 19 and February 26.

Contract producers of broilers, pullets, laying hens, chicken eggs (breeders), turkeys and...

Nestlé Prepared Foods Recalls Not-Ready-to-Eat Pepperoni Hot Pockets Product

Nestlé Prepared Foods, a Mt. Sterling, Ky. establishment, is recalling approximately 762,615 pounds of not-ready-to-eat (NRTE) pepperoni hot pockets product that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically pieces of glass and hard plastic, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced.

The frozen NRTE pepperoni hot pockets product was produced from Nov. 13, 2020 through Nov. 16, 2020. The product has a shelf life of 14 months. The following product is subject to recall...

Sysco Releases New Foodie Solutions Toolkits

Sysco Corporation announced the addition of four new toolkits to its Foodie Solutions platform. The Valentine’s Day, Wholesome Dining, Seafood and Greatest Game toolkits are the latest in a series of carefully curated resources that reflect the best ideas from across the foodservice industry for generating additional revenue and meeting consumer expectations for a safe and memorable dining, takeout or delivery experience.

Valentine’s Day is historically one of the most popular holidays to dine out, second only to Mother’s Day. Despite the pandemic, Sysco expects it will remain...

Identity of Primary Plant-Based Food Consumers May Surprise, Reports Packaged Facts

Despite use of plant-based meat or dairy products being highest among those following vegan, vegetarian, or pescatarian diets, it's omnivores and flexitarians who make up the lion's share of consumers who eat these products due to their sheer numbers, reports market research firm Packaged Facts in the report Vegan, Vegetarian, and Flexitarian Consumers. This reveals that both the current and addressable market for plant-based products depends on omnivores and flexitarians using more of these products, especially beyond this month's Veganuary campaign encouraging people to try a plant-based diet.

"Although plant-based meat and dairy alternatives do appeal to some vegans and vegetarians, they are more targeted toward the preferences of omnivores and...

Tyson Introduces New Instant Pot Kit Options

"What's for dinner?" has taken on an entirely new meaning over the last year with more people cooking at home. New flavors of Tyson Instant Pot Kits, Tyson Instant Pot Seasoned Proteins and Tyson Oven Ready Family Size Kits are just what families need to ease the burden and cooking fatigue—protein-packed meals offering that made from scratch taste without the effort.

Cooking and preparing meals from home has increased 67-percent since COVID-19 began. After months of home-cooked meals, families are turning to prepared foods and easy prep meals as a way to...

NPPC Submits Comments on Proposed USDA Rule for Gene-Edited Livestock

For more than two years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has dragged its feet on the development of gene-edited livestock, an emerging technology with tremendous promise for livestock agriculture,causing American agriculture to fall behind in the global race to advance its development. Thankfully, under a recently proposed rule, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will have primary regulatory jurisdiction, which “will foster innovation, allow for producer access to this technology, and preserve the preeminence of American agriculture globally,” the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) wrote in comments submitted Wednesday to the agency.

Gene editing is used to make specific changes within an animal’s own genome. Gene editing will allow us to produce animals that are more disease-resistant, require fewer antibiotics and with...

Beyond Meat Unveils Plans for New Global Headquarters

Beyond Meat, Inc. announced its plans to enter a 12-year lease in a new, nearly 300,000 square foot space at 888 N. Douglas Street in El Segundo, California. The building is currently under development by Hackman Capital Partners with anticipated completion in spring 2021. The site will serve as the company’s new state-of-the-art global headquarters, making it one of the world’s largest and most technologically advanced plant-based research centers. The cutting-edge campus is slated to open in fall of this year and is a substantial increase in the company’s footprint that will support...

NRF Welcomes Necessary Aid as Biden Unveils Stimulus Plan

The National Retail Federation issued the following statement from President and CEO Matthew Shay in response to the release of President-elect Biden’s plan to combat the coronavirus and stimulate the nation’s economic recovery.

“The stimulus plan released by President-elect Biden is expansive in scope, but it serves as an encouraging signal that the new administration intends swift action to support businesses and...

Cargill Survey: At-Home Learning is Changing Parents Buying Habits as School Meals Off the Table

School lunches looked very different at the start of the  2020 school year and with most students still in an e-learning environment, parents and caretakers are preparing meals at home for children more than ever.

A recent survey from Cargill found that 7 out of 10 parents said the coronavirus pandemic had a “moderate or big” impact on their food purchasing habits.

One key behind different purchasing habits includes how breakfast and lunch preparation has become...

ANALYSIS: Pork Bellies Kicking Off 2021 with Volatility

Last year, the conversation in January for light and medium bellies focused on how depressed prices were going into 2020, with values starting the year...

Taco Bell Announces Return of Potatoes and Plans to Launch Beyond Meat Menu Items

Taco Bell is starting fresh in 2021, especially with its vegetarian fans. The brand is kicking the year off with the return of potatoes and exploring a new plant-based protein with Beyond Meat.

After a brief hiatus from menus due to Taco Bell's menu simplification efforts last year, Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes and the Spicy Potato Soft Taco will be back starting March 11. Taco Bell is also teaming up with Beyond Meat to create an innovative new plant-based protein that will be tested in the next year. Taco Bell chose to team up with...

Mintel Announces Global Food and Drinks Trends for 2021 

Mintel has announced three key trends for the global food, drink, and foodservice industries, including analysis, insights, and recommendations centred around the ‘now’ (next 12 months), the ‘next’ (18 months+), and the ‘future’ (five+ years) of consumer behavior:

• Feed The Mind: Innovative food and drink formulations will offer solutions for mental and emotional wellbeing that will create a new foundation for healthy eating.
• Quality Redefined: Brands will be challenged to respond to...

Over the Past Five Years, U.S. Consumers Added 25 Between-Meal Snacking Occasions Per Capita

Whether it’s for a nutritious treat, comfort from stress, or a quick meal, U.S. consumers increasingly turn to fruits, nuts, and ready-to-eat snack foods throughout the day, reports The NPD Group. Over the past five years, Americans added 25 between-meal snacking occasions per capita, from 505 between-meal snacking occasions per capita in 2015 to 530 in 2020, and consumption of snack foods at meals increased from 21% of eatings in 2010 to 26% in 2020, according to NPD’s Eating Patterns in America, an annual compilation of the company’s daily tracking of the who, what, when, where, why, and how of U.S. consumers’ eating behaviors.

Snacking and snack food consumption follow a daily rhythm in most U.S. households with better-for-you snack foods, like fruit or yogurt, being eaten in the morning; more savory snacks, like...

Current Restaurant Restrictions and Capacity By State

Coronavirus cases in the United States are growing. On Friday the U.S. recorded over 99,000 new cases – the highest single day total recorded by any country. With concerns rising over the upward trend in cases, restaurants across the country are beginning to see a new wave of restrictions. We're breaking down the latest restaurant news by state...

PODCAST: Time for a Toddcast - Todd Thurman of SwineTex Consulting

This week on Market Digest we are joined by founder and consultant Todd Thurman of SwineTex Consulting. Laura and Todd speak about African swine fever in China, the state of...

Grubhub Taps Devry Boughner Vorwerk as Chief Corporate Affairs Officer

Grubhub Inc., a leading online and mobile food-ordering and delivery marketplace, announced that Devry Boughner Vorwerk will be joining the company as chief corporate affairs officer, effective Jan. 19. Vorwerk will oversee brand, communications, government relations, public policy and sustainability for the company.

In the newly created role, she is responsible for developing a cohesive brand voice and fostering relationships across the industry to help drive growth and promote Grubhub's continued commitment to supporting restaurants, drivers and diners. Vorwerk will lead the company's communications and...

Walmart and HomeValet Pilot Smart Box Technology to Receive Fresh Deliveries

When Walmart launched its grocery delivery service in 2018, the company did it for one reason – customers wanted it. Since then, it’s been a lifesaver for busy families. They can simply shop their local store from anywhere and schedule a time to have it delivered right to their front door. It’s incredibly convenient.

But as Walmart's founder, Sam Walton, once said, “To succeed, stay out in front of change.” It’s why Walmart is continuously testing new technology, like drones and autonomous vehicles, to find new ways to serve customers. "Which made us think – what if we could...

QDOBA Launches New Health-Conscious Menu Offerings

Ahead of the New Year, QDOBA launched new, health-conscious creations under the Vegetarian, Keto & More category of their online menu. Introduced on December 29, the new entrées are designed to provide customers with menu options that help meet guests' dietary goals and needs, such as keto, vegetarian, low-carb, gluten-free and more. The offerings include QDOBA's recently introduced Mexican Cauliflower Mash, a low-carb alternative to rice made with fresh cauliflower that's oven-roasted in-house daily.

"With many people looking to improve their personal wellness in the New Year, we wanted to offer our guests a wide range of menu options that help them...

NPPC Campaign Showcases Pork Producer Environmental Stewardship

The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) introduced a multimedia campaign, “Farming Today for Tomorrow,” to showcase U.S. pork producers’ long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship and further reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

“For more than five decades, U.S. pork producers have embraced advancements that have allowed them to do more with less,” said NPPC President Howard “AV” Roth, a hog farmer from Wauzeka, Wisconsin. “Hog farmers have an excellent story to tell and...

Meat and Poultry Worker COVID-19 Case Rates Five Times Lower in December than May

New analysis of independent data for 2020 show that reported new COVID-19 infection rates amongst meat and poultry workers were five times lower in December than in May, while rates in the general population rocketed up by nine times in the same period.

According to data from the Food and Environment Reporting Network (FERN), the meat and poultry sector was reported to have an average of 19.91 new reported cases per 100,000 workers per...

Plumrose USA Announces Rebrand to Swift Prepared Foods

Plumrose USA, a branded packaged meat company and subsidiary of JBS USA announced that it is rebranding to become Swift Prepared Foods. This shift better aligns the heritage and future direction of the company, with a significant focus on innovation and prepared foods.

“Swift Prepared Foods represents our company’s promise to provide customers and consumers with diverse brands and a variety of food solutions,” said Tom Lopez, President, Swift Prepared Foods. “This shift positions us for success as we focus on...

Tyson Foods Partners with Matrix to Ensure Employees have Access to the COVID-19 Vaccine

Tyson Foods is partnering with Matrix Medical Network, a leading clinical services company, to ensure the company’s U.S. team members are educated about and have access to the COVID-19 vaccines.

Matrix will collaborate with Tyson Foods’ health services team to deploy mobile health clinics and expert clinical staff to support vaccine communications, administration and counseling at Tyson Foods facilities beginning in early 2021 and continuing throughout the year. Tyson Foods will provide team members with...

Nathan’s Famous Expands Through Third Party Delivery to Canada

Nathan’s Famous, Inc., announces the expansion of their menu offerings to Victoria, Canada. The menu is available to consumers through Uber Eats, DoorDash and SkipTheDishes third-party delivery only. Nathan’s Famous is offering its classic hot dog and fries as well as its expanded menu featuring premium burgers, hand-dipped chicken favorites and more.

“We are excited to bring the Nathan’s Famous menu to Victoria, Canada for the first time in the brand’s history,” said James Walker, SVP, Restaurants. “We expect the brand to resonate well with...

FreshDirect Reveals Top Food Trends for 2021; Online Grocery and Home Cooking Boom to Continue

FreshDirect, a leading pure-play online fresh food grocer serving the Northeast, announced its top food trends for 2021. This year’s predictions were curated by FreshDirect’s in-house team of food experts. As food retailers at the forefront of the industry, FreshDirect has a unique and early view of cutting-edge grocery, ecommerce, and customer trends.

“As a leading online grocer, we have a unique and unmatched ability to understand the ever-changing buying habits of our customers. Our view on past orders, as well as those placed in the future, allows us to spot changes in trends quickly and react to them in real-time. The rapid increase in demand for online grocery and the boom in...

Global Consumer Confidence Improved in Q4

Global consumer confidence increased in the fourth quarter of 2020, driven largely by an improved outlook for personal finances—which, in many regions, reflect unprecedented fiscal measures in response to COVID-19. Prospects for jobs and spending intentions saw smaller improvements in Q4, according to The Conference Board® Global Consumer Confidence Survey.

Conducted in collaboration with Nielsen, the survey found that overall global consumer confidence climbed to 98 in Q4 2020, up six points from 92 in Q2 2020. A reading below 100 is considered...

Del Taco Restaurants Announces Preliminary Unaudited Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2020 Results

Del Taco Restaurants, Inc., reported preliminary unaudited fiscal fourth quarter and fiscal year 2020 sales results for the 16 and 52 week periods ending December 29, 2020. The Company also provided a liquidity and share repurchase update and announced that its Board of Directors has authorized the initiation of a quarterly cash dividend.

Management Commentary

John D. Cappasola, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer of Del Taco, commented, “We are very pleased to report a system-wide comparable restaurant sales increase of 3.8% during the fourth quarter consisting of positive results at both company-operated and franchised restaurants. We are proud of our restaurant teams, franchisees and support center staff for...

A Look at the Pandemic’s Impact on Restaurant Jobs in 2020

The National Restaurant Association provided a look at how the coronavirus pandemic impacted employment at eating and drinking places throughout 2020.

Overall, the restaurant and foodservice sector was expected to provide 15.6 million jobs in 2020, accounting for 10% of payroll jobs in the economy. Those numbers would take a turn for the worst as the pandemic began in March.

Starting in March, millions of people were left without work as lockdowns and stay-at-home orders were implemented, leading to mass layoffs and furloughs...

Shake Shack Provides Fourth Quarter 2020 Business Update

Shake Shack Inc. announced preliminary unaudited results for the fiscal fourth quarter and the fiscal year ended December 30, 2020 ahead of presenting at the 23rd Annual ICR Conference.

“We are pleased to see trends in the fourth quarter 2020 continue to improve with Average Weekly Sales of $62,000 compared to $58,000 in the third quarter 2020, and $45,000 in the second quarter 2020. Also in the fourth quarter 2020, Same-Shack sales declined 17.4% compared to...

Albertsons Companies Reports Third Quarter Fiscal 2020 Results

Albertsons Companies, Inc. reported results for the third quarter of fiscal 2020, which ended December 5, 2020.

Third Quarter of Fiscal 2020 Highlights

• Identical sales growth of 12.3%
• Digital sales growth of 225%
• Net income per share of...

Urner Barry Expands Lamb Price Coverage with New Imported Market Report

Urner Barry, the leading provider of protein market news and information in the food industry, is pleased to announce the expansion of price intelligence in the lamb market with a new imported lamb category.

Adding to the existing series of timely, accurate and unbiased reporting on domestic lamb prices, Urner Barry will now offer coverage of lamb imported from Australia/New Zealand. This initiative provides transparency and insight into international trade flows that have the potential to impact market dynamics in the United States...

Cargill Opens Antibiotic-Free Premix Plant in Ohio 

During a virtual event for producers, customers and media, Cargill announced the opening of its new premix animal nutrition facility in Lewisburg, Ohio. The 220,000 square-foot, future-ready facility is deploying advanced technology not previously used in animal agriculture or pet food production that allows the use of less resources to produce feed, while ensuring the highest quality and traceability of its products for Cargill customers.

The Lewisburg West facility broke ground on November 8, 2018 and represents a $50 million investment in expanding Cargill’s existing feed production operations. The facility produces...

Dr. Praeger’s Launches Plant-Based Pizza Toppings

Dr. Praeger’s Sensible Foods, the family owned and operated leader in the all-natural, vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, and kosher frozen food categories for over 25 years, announces they are moving into the pizza category with three plant-based pizza toppings available for foodservice.

The Meatless Pepperoni Slices, Meatless Sausage Toppings and Chick’n Strips are all 100% vegan and kosher certified with zero cholesterol. Sold in 10lb frozen cases for foodservice, these meatless toppings are...

2020 Retail Imports May Break Record Despite Pandemic

Imports seen during 2020 appear to be headed toward a new record despite the coronavirus pandemic, and remain at high levels as 2021 begins, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

“Nobody would have thought last spring that 2020 would be a record year for imports, but it was clearly an unpredictable year,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said. “Consumers and retailers once again proved their resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges. Thanks in part to government stimulus, retail sales saw...

Giant Food Launches New Private-Label Cook-in-Bag Product Line

Giant Food, the leading greater Washington D.C. regional grocery chain, announces its new private-label Cook-in-Bag product line of convenient meal solutions that will be available at all 164 Giant stores. The new line includes fourteen different meat and seafood entrees that come pre-seasoned or marinated in an oven-ready bag, keeping preparation and clean up to a minimum.

"Our Cook-in-Bag products offer flavorful and simple meal solutions, particularly at a time when many are experiencing cooking fatigue at home," said Tonya Herring, Senior Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer for Giant Food. "These dishes allow families to explore new recipes that can be paired with...

Tyson Foods Expanding Iconic Wright Brand Bacon Plant

Tyson Foods is investing $26 million to expand production at the iconic WRIGHT® BRAND BACON facility in Vernon, Texas. Scheduled for completion by March of 2021, the expansion is expected to create 32 new jobs, bringing the total employment at the plant to more than 800.

“This project is great news for our plant, our community and our customers,” said Dane Bonfy, manager of the Wright Brand plant. “We love the Vernon community and look forward to growing our team with the additional positions and meeting the growing demand for our products.”

Hiring for these and other positions starts...

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Cattle Slaughter

November Beef Exports Largest in More Than a Year; 2020 Pork Exports Top Previous Annual Record

U.S. beef exports posted one of the best months on record in November, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). November was also a strong month for pork exports, which already surpassed the full-year volume and value records set in 2019.

“Demand for U.S. beef in the global retail sector has been outstanding and we expect this to continue in 2021,” said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “Unfortunately, foodservice continues to face COVID-related challenges. We expect a broader foodservice recovery this year, especially from mid-2021, but will likely...

Instacart Announces Finance Industry Veteran Nick Giovanni is Joining the Company as CFO

Instacart, the leading online grocery platform in North America, announced it has appointed Nick Giovanni as Chief Financial Officer, effective January 27, 2021. Giovanni will oversee finance, accounting and corporate development for the Company, and will report directly to Founder and Chief Executive Officer Apoorva Mehta. Giovanni will succeed current CFO Sagar Sanghvi and the two will be partnering together to ensure a seamless transition.

"We want to thank Sagar for all of his contributions to Instacart over the last five years. During his time at the company, Sagar helped us navigate some of our biggest business milestones while...

Maple Leaf Foods Announces Near-Term Plan to Expand Its Plant Protein Capacity

Maple Leaf Foods announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Greenleaf Foods, SPC, a leader in plant protein products, is advancing plans to increase tempeh production capacity through the acquisition and planned build-out of a food processing plant in Indianapolis, Indiana (the "Project").

Driven by growing demand for its Lightlife® tempeh products, phase 1 of the Project involves the acquisition of a 118,000 square foot plant in Indianapolis which is expected to close in early April, and the installation of tempeh production equipment with initial capacity of approximately...

U.S. Restaurant Industry Ends 2020 Making Its Way Out of the Steep Declines Caused by Pandemic

The U.S. restaurant industry closed one of the most unpopular years in history moving its way out of the steepest declines the industry has experienced since the Great Recession, reports The NPD Group. Customer transaction declines at major restaurant chains in December were down -10% compared to same period year ago, a 27-point improvement from April, the height of the shelter-at-home and restaurant dine-in closure mandates, when transactions declined by -37% from a year ago, according to NPD’s CREST® Performance Alerts, which provides a rapid weekly view of chain-specific transactions and share trends for 75 quick service, fast casual, midscale, and casual dining chains representing...

World Food Prices Rise for Seventh Month In a Row in December

World food prices rose for the seventh consecutive month in December, led by dairy products and vegetable oils, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations reported.

The FAO Food Price Index averaged 107.5 points in December, 2.2 percent higher than in November. Over the whole of 2020, the benchmark index, which tracks monthly changes in the international prices of commonly-traded food commodities, averaged 97.9 points, a three-year high and a 3.1 percent increase from 2019 although...

Albertsons Companies Debuts Automated Grocery PickUp Kiosk in Chicago 

Albertsons Companies announced that it is the first American grocer to pilot an automated and contactless grocery PickUp kiosk. The kiosk, located at one of its Jewel-Osco stores in Chicago, demonstrates continued expansion of the company’s eCommerce business and deep commitment to providing easy service through its websites and apps.

The automated, temperature-controlled kiosk, created by Cleveron, provides a contactless pickup experience. Customers who select the “Kiosk PickUp” option will be offered 2-hr time slots during which to pick up their groceries.

When customers arrive at the kiosk, they scan a code on their phone and their groceries are...

Burger King Evolves Visual Brand Identity Marking the First Complete Rebrand in Over 20 Years

Burger King is making a leap forward by introducing a completely new visual design that will be present throughout all touchpoints of the guest experience. Inspired by real and delicious food, the more modern look marks the first complete rebrand in over 20 years and will more authentically represent Burger King values. The announcement signals a commitment to digital-first expression and recent improvements to taste and food quality, through the removal of colors, flavors, and preservatives from artificial sources from menu items, as well as...

Conagra Brands Reports Strong Second Quarter Results

Conagra Brands, Inc. reported results for the second quarter of fiscal year 2021, which ended on November 29, 2020. All comparisons are against the prior-year fiscal period, unless otherwise noted. Certain terms used in this release, including "Organic net sales," "EBITDA," and certain "adjusted" results, are defined under the section entitled "Definitions." See page 5 for more information.

Highlights

• Second quarter net sales increased 6.2%, and organic net sales increased 8.1%, with significant growth in each of the
• Company's three retail segments on both a reported and an organic basis.
• Total Company operating margin increased 250 basis points to...

Smithfield Foods' President and CEO Dennis Organ Appoints New Executive Leadership Team

Smithfield Foods announced new executive leadership appointments following Dennis Organ's recent assumption of the president and chief executive officer role.

"These key leaders represent decades of collective company and industry expertise. It is a testament to our depth and strength at Smithfield that such talented individuals are within our ranks," Mr. Organ said. "Building on our guiding principles of Responsibility, Operational Excellence and Innovation, this team will...

Starbucks Announces Chief Financial Officer Succession

Starbucks Corporation announced that after a more than 35-year career in finance, Patrick Grismer has decided to retire from his position as executive vice president and chief financial officer (cfo) of the Company effective February 1, 2021. Rachel Ruggeri, senior vice president of Finance, Americas and a 16-year Starbucks partner, will succeed Grismer as executive vice president and cfo, effective February 1, 2021. Ruggeri will report to Kevin Johnson, Starbucks president and chief executive officer. Grismer will remain with the company as an advisor to Johnson through May 2, 2021, to ensure a smooth transition.

“I want to thank Pat for his leadership and his many contributions to Starbucks through this period of unprecedented change and transformative growth. He has played an important role helping...

HHS Announces $22 Billion in Funding to Support Expanded Testing, Vaccination Distribution

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced two upcoming actions by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to provide more than $22 billion in funding to states, localities, and territories in support of the nation’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as directed by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act.

Funding will provide critical support for testing and vaccination-related activities to jurisdictions before January 19, 2021...

Livekindly Collective Expands Its Brand Portfolio With the Acquisition of Iceland Foods’ No Meat

LIVEKINDLY Collective, a collection of heritage and start-up brands, announced the acquisition of No Meat, Iceland Foods’ vegan meat alternative company.

“This acquisition is very complementary to our current portfolio further strengthening our position in the frozen sector of the fast-growing plant-based meat category", says Domenico Speciale, General Manager for LIVEKINDLY Collective in the UK. "No Meat has been such an incredible success with...

Jimmy Dean Breakfast Offerings Expand with Introduction of Plant-Based Patty Sandwiches

Jimmy Dean brand, part of the Tyson Foods portfolio of brands, is meeting the growing demand for meat alternative options with the launch of two new sandwiches featuring a plant-based patty: Jimmy Dean Plant-Based Patty, Egg & Cheese Croissant Sandwich and Jimmy Dean Delights Plant-Based Patty & Frittata Sandwich.

A Breakfast Revolution

Demand for plant-based food options has grown exponentially with retail sales up 148 percent more than last year amid the on-set of COVID-19 in mid-March. By the end of 2020, a majority of Americans reported...

Survey: Meat Will Be a Key Ingredient for Americans Resolving to Eat Better in 2021

As many Americans are into week one of a new eating regimen, Applegate found that 72% of those surveyed believe meat should be part of a healthy diet and that 55% are resolving to cut back on sugar.

Despite the rising popularity of plant-based trends and lab-created “meat” substitutes, the survey found 58% of adults have no plans to consume less meat in 2021 and illustrated how consumers are seeking natural and organic meat products with...

PODCAST: Succeeding in Foodservice Through COVID-19

This week on Market Digest Laura is joined by Scott Tenner, Center of the Plate Protein Specialist, of Jacmar Foodservice. Scott discusses the importance of delivering quality ingredients to consumers, navigating...

Blue Apron Names Randy J. Greben Chief Financial Officer

Blue Apron Holdings, Inc. announced that Randy J. Greben has been named Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, effective January 6, 2021.

Greben brings more than 20 years of finance and e-commerce operations experience to his new role, including a record of implementing strategic growth and scaling initiatives. As Chief Financial Officer, he will be responsible for Blue Apron’s financial and treasury functions, reporting to President and...

NRF Chief Economist says Latest Stimulus will Help Continue Recovery from Pandemic

Economic challenges brought on by the coronavirus pandemic will continue in 2021, but stimulus legislation signed into law just after Christmas will help maintain and accelerate the nation’s ongoing recovery, National Retail Federation Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said.

“As we closed out 2020, it was an end to a whirlwind year whose challenging economic environment will almost certainly continue in 2021,” Kleinhenz said. “The coming year might be just as eventful as the economic recovery faces many uncertainties...

Britain’s Drive Thru Spend Up 45% September to November 2020

The trend for ordering food and drinks from our cars at Britain’s growing number of drive-thru restaurants soared from September to November 2020 according to global information company The NPD Group. There were 121 million visits to Britain’s 2,000 quick service restaurants (QSR) that offer drive-thru in those three months in 2020, a 14% increase on the same period last year. Spend was up 45% to £723m over this time frame, with consumers tending to place larger-than-average orders at the drive-thru window.

According to footfall analysis from NPD’s SnapMyEats data, the growth in drive-thru in these three months was a result of consumers switching from eating in and takeaway options during lockdowns and tiering, rather than...

Amazon Continues to Expand Its Transportation Fleet With Purchased Aircraft

Amazon announced its first-ever purchase of eleven Boeing 767-300 aircraft, expanding its fleet to continue to serve customers. The purchases include seven aircraft from Delta and four aircraft from WestJet, which will join the network by 2022. Amazon Air’s fleet expansion comes at a time when customers are relying on fast, free shipping more than ever.

“Our goal is to continue delivering for customers across the U.S. in the way that they expect from Amazon, and purchasing our own aircraft is a natural next step toward that goal,” said Sarah Rhoads, Vice President of Amazon Global Air. “Having a mix of both...

Grocers Begin Offering the COVID-19 Vaccine

As shipments of the COVID-19 vaccine are being sent out around the United States, grocery chains are preparing to offer the vaccine through their pharmacies. Clearance for immunizations came in December, after the FDA authorized the use of the first COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech SE. The second vaccine to be authorized was developed by Moderna, which the FDA stated can be given to people 18 years of age and older and cited the shot's high effectiveness in preventing COVID-19 in a large clinical study.

Kroger announced it will provide the COVID-19 vaccine nationwide across its 2,200 pharmacies and 220 clinics, partnering with the federal government and state health departments to administer the vaccine in accordance with...

Dunkin' Introduces New Plant-Based Breakfast Sandwich 

As the trend of Americans adding plant-based options to their diet blossoms, Dunkin' continues to give on-the-go consumers more ways to easily make plant-based food and beverages part of their day. Following the success of last year's Beyond Sausage® Breakfast Sandwich launch, the brand is beginning 2021 by adding another plant-based protein patty to its menu, teaming up with America's #1 veggie brand, MorningStar Farms®, to launch the new Southwest Veggie Power Breakfast Sandwich, a meatless sandwich that doesn't sacrifice on taste, now available for a limited time at participating Dunkin' restaurants nationwide.

The Southwest Veggie Power Breakfast Sandwich features a MorningStar Farms Black Bean Patty packed with southwest flavors, layered with...

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Cattle Slaughter

Hot Dogs and Sausages Market Expected to Reach $96.4 Billion by 2025 

According to Research and Markets, the hot dogs and sausages market are expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 4.08% over the forecast period to reach a market size of US$96.405 billion in 2025 from US$75.839 billion in 2019.

The rate at which urbanization is taking place which in turn is buttressed by globalization and rural to urban migration is facilitating the adoption of new consumption trends which have accommodated the inclusion of sausages and hotdogs among others. As of 2018, North America was the most urbanized region of the world, wherein the urban areas constituted...

Muscle Maker Grill Opens the Doors to Their First Ghost Kitchen Location

Muscle Maker, Inc. the parent company of Muscle Maker Grill, Healthy Joe’s and MMG Burger Bar, a fast-casual concept known for serving “healthier for you” meals, announced the opening of its first ghost kitchen location in the Fairmount neighborhood of the city of Philadelphia. The company will open its second location in the Girard neighborhood.

Both the Fairmount and Girard locations are centrally located near a high density of both student/university eaters as well as a large pool of corporate workers who commonly order...

REPORTER: Q3 Pork: Hot Prices and Frigid Freezer Inventories

With COVID-19 concerns continuing throughout the third quarter and into the fourth quarter of 2020, areas such as boning-line labor, foodservice and recreational activities, cold storage, and production were all affected. The Pork Carcass Cutout noted an uncharacteristic price rally between July and October 2020, increasing by around 31.6%. Looking at the past, the 5-year and 10-year averages saw declines around 12% during this timeframe, while in 2019 the cutout saw a moderate increase of 3.8% for the respective time period...

USDA Approves Maine to Accept SNAP Benefits Online

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced approval of a request from Maine to provide online purchasing of food to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) households. This approval will allow Maine to expedite the implementation of online purchasing with currently authorized SNAP online retailers with a target start date to be announced at a later time.

Maine’s SNAP participation is more than 144,000 individuals, more than 78,000 households, and totals $204 million annually in federal benefits. This announcement further demonstrates...

Courage Production Recalls Ready-to-Eat, Fully Cooked Polish Sausage Products 

Courage Production, LLC., a Fairfield, Calif., establishment is recalling approximately 1,645 pounds of Ready-To-Eat, fully cooked Polish sausage products due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The products contain milk (mozzarella cheese), a known allergen that is not declared on the product label.

The sausage products labeled as “TETON WATERS RANCH POLISH SAUSAGE,” may contain a sausage product with mozzarella cheese. The products were produced on Oct. 9, 2020. The following products are subject to recall...

REPORTER: Starting Out 2021 With a Little Bit of Luck

5, 4, 3, 2, 1... Happy New Year!

Each year we count down the clock to ring in the new year. People all over the world use the time to set new goals and life changes with the hopes of a prosperous and fortunate year ahead. And with the chaos that 2020 brought with it, it wouldn’t be too crazy of an idea for some to follow some old superstitions leading into 2021— like eating pork for luck!

Many cultures throughout the world have different food traditions that they believe to bring them...

Dietary Guidelines for Americans Solidifies the Benefits of Beef and A Healthy Diet

The National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) commends the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for finalizing the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs), which recognizes the role of lean beef in a healthy diet across all life stages and ages.

Updated every five years, the DGAs serve as the foundation for federal nutrition policy and shape the recommendations found on USDA’s MyPlate. While there is no one-size-fits-all diet, “Beef is one of Americans' favorite foods, and science consistently shows...

REPORTER: 3 Sprouting Plant Protein Brands to Watch in the New Year

2020 challenged cyclical norms across the global economy. An extended term of unwanted volatility and negative media coverage for conventional proteins became an opportunity for players in the plant protein market to thrive. Driving health and wellbeing into the focus for consumers around the globe, COVID-19 ignited a desire for increased options in food selection and further revealed preferences for sustainability and innovation. As countless entrepreneurs and investors clammer for a piece of the plant protein industry, three specialized brands have emerged with growth and...

Conagra Brands Issues Sustainability Accounting Standards Board Disclosure for Fiscal Year 2020

Conagra Brands announced the publication of its Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) metrics for fiscal year 2020. The disclosure details Conagra's ongoing focus on environmental excellence, strong governance, and safe operations. This marks the first time that Conagra has reported to the SASB framework according to the Standard for the Processed Foods industry as defined by SASB's Sustainable Industry Classification System®️ (SICS®️).

SASB is an independent, standards-setting organization dedicated to...

USDA, HHS Release Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025

Nutrition in America took a major step forward with the publication of Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025. Jointly published by the U.S. Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and Health and Human Services (HHS) every five years, the guidelines provide science-based recommendations designed to foster healthy dietary patterns for Americans of all ages – from birth through older adults. Importantly, this edition expands the guidance, for the first time including recommended healthy dietary patterns for infants and toddlers.

“At USDA and HHS, we work to serve the American people – to help every American thrive and live healthier lives through access to healthy foods and...

Anti-Meat Activist Poses as Smithfield Foods CEO on National Television 

Last week, animal activist Matt Johnson of Direct Action Everywhere, posed as the CEO of Smithfield Foods during a national television interview with Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo. On December 23, 2020, Bartiromo thought she was speaking with Smithfield Foods CEO Dennis Organ. However, she and her audience were being misled. 

During the interview, Johnson blamed animal agriculture for new infectious diseases and made false claims that the Centers for Disease Control has data proving that the livestock industry would...

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

A brand new issue of Urner Barry's Reporter is out! Volume 16, Number 1 is our first issue of 2021 and focuses on how the coronavirus pandemic is changing the way we work, shop and dine. This issue of the magazine features an interview with John Hott, the new CEO of Prestage Foods; a look at how restaurants like Taco Bell, Burger King and McDonald's are changing their layouts; and a break down of the future of grocery shopping with Amazon's new Amazon Fresh stores...

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Cattle Slaughter

HMSHost Partners with National Restaurant Association to Underscore Safety Ahead of Travel Rebound

Today, the National Restaurant Association and its ServSafe division announced that HMSHost has signed on as a participant of the ServSafe Dining Commitment program aimed at bolstering the restaurant and foodservice industry’s recovery.

When consumers see the ServSafe Dining Commitment logo, they can rest assured that the restaurant has declared its dedication to training staff in safe food handling and establishing new guidelines for safe dining. Since the pandemic began, HMSHost has been abiding by the National Restaurant Association COVID-19 Safe Operating Guidance, FDA Best Practices for Restaurants, the HMSHost Growth Plan and comprehensive COVID-19 Manager’s Guide to Associate Safety & Wellness, and the laws and guidelines of federal, state and local municipalities...

Save A Lot Announces Sale of 51 Stores to Fresh Encounter

Save A Lot, one of the largest discount grocery chains in the U.S., today announced the latest update to its wholesale model transition with the sale of its 51 company-operated stores in the Tampa, Florida market to Fresh Encounter, a current Save A Lot Retail Partner licensee. Fresh Encounter will continue to operate the stores under the Save A Lot banner.

Today’s announcement builds on the successful completion of a comprehensive recapitalization of the business and significant deleveraging of the Company’s balance sheet in early 2020...

Conagra Brands Issues Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) Disclosure for FY 2020

Conagra Brands (NYSE: CAG) today announced the publication of its Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) metrics for fiscal year 2020. The disclosure details Conagra's ongoing focus on environmental excellence, strong governance, and safe operations. This marks the first time that Conagra has reported to the SASB framework according to the Standard for the Processed Foods industry as defined by SASB's Sustainable Industry Classification System®️ (SICS®️).

SASB is an independent, standards-setting organization dedicated to improving the effectiveness and comparability of corporate disclosure on material environmental, social and governance factors. SASB's approach to standard-setting uses a process that is evidence-based and market-informed...

CLS Gourmet CL Saigon Food Company Recalls Meat Products Produced Without Benefit of Inspection

CLS Gourmet CL Saigon Food Company, a Philadelphia, Pa. establishment, is recalling approximately 128,841 pounds of various meat products that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The various raw and fully cooked meat products were produced and distributed between April 29, 2020 and December 5, 2020. The following products are subject to recall...

REPORTER: Chicago Gets Creative to Help Restaurant Industry

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

The restaurant industry has encountered its share of adversity during the COVID-19 pandemic. From lockdowns to dine-in restrictions, the industry has had to roll with the ever-changing landscape. Many restaurants have survived thus far by pivoting away from their standard way of business in favor of al fresco dining. Conventional patios, sidewalks, parking lots and even streets have been re-imagined for today’s dining customer. Outdoor dining has been an attractive way for...

REPORTER: Protein Industry Facing Logistical Hiccups During the Pandemic

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

Add logistics to the laundry list of problems the coronavirus pandemic has thrown at the protein industry.

Throughout the pandemic, the protein industry faced multiple hiccups from a logistics standpoint. Labor has been an
issue at essentially every link in the supply chain. Domestically, meat plants have dealt with outbreaks. Meanwhile overseas, labor shortages at ports have stalled shipments and, in some cases, led to product heading back stateside...

REPORTER: A Food Trend Forecast for 2021

Predicting what foods will be popular in the upcoming year is no easy task given the uncertainty surrounding
consumers due to the pandemic. The food industry particularly has become more flexible than ever this
past year, and people are eager to get back to normal. But how will COVID-19 concerns and restrictions impact food
trends in 2021?

Despite all the unknowns that exist, Technomic’s outlook for the industry remains optimistic. Optimizing the menu,
directly addressing consumer needs and concerns, investing in technology to streamline transactions, and continuing to... 

REPORTER: Are “Dark Stores” the Future of Grocery Shopping?

Grocery stores closed to the public? That may be the future as more consumers look to get their food sent right to their doorsteps.

The surge in online grocery shopping has led several top retailers to create “dark stores,” which may look like grocery stores on the outside, but are solely in operation to fulfill online and pickup orders.

Throughout the pandemic many retailers opened up dark stores to keep up with online orders, generally as a
temporary solution to consumers looking to remain at home over coronavirus fears...

USDA Announces Dr. Carrie Castille as New NIFA Director

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that President Trump has named Dr. Carrie Castille as the new, six year term director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Dr. Castille will start her new role on Monday, January 4, 2021.

“Dr. Castille is a trusted leader in economic development and public policy and has more than 20 years’ experience in the agricultural sector. Her passion for agricultural research, teaching, and...

Hormel Foods and Acclaimed Chefs Reveal Top Food Trends for 2021

Goodbye, 2020, and hello 2021! Hormel Foods Corporation, a global branded food company, is helping culinary enthusiasts around the world welcome 2021 with an exciting round-up of food trends to expect in the new year.

"It's no surprise that comfort food, sourdough bread and whipped coffee had big moments this past year, as people hunkered down and spent more time at home than ever before," said Heather Vossler, director of innovation and insights at Hormel Foods. "What's interesting is that as we all eagerly look ahead to the fresh start of a new year, we're seeing...

COVID-19 Case Rates for Meat and Poultry Workers More than 8 Times Lower than General Population

New analysis of independent data for the full month of November show that reported new COVID-19 infection rates amongst meat and poultry workers were more than 8 times lower than rates in the general population.

According to data from the Food and Environment Reporting Network (data), the meat and poultry sector was reported to have an average of 5.57 new cases per 100,000 workers per day in November. Infection rates amongst meat and poultry workers have declined steeply in the last six months, while...