Cargill Predicts Food Trends for 2020
Consumers connection to their foods is driving change across supply chains throughout the food system. When considering the protein industry, innovation, convenience, nutrition, transparency, and sustainability are leading to new practices and products. Cargill has provided 10 trends influencing what, how, and the way consumers are expected to eat in the year 2020.
1. Growing appeal of protein
U.S. consumers have a growing appetite for protein, with 55% of U.S. households saying high protein is an important attribute to consider when buying food. In fact, 65% of consumers often or always think about protein in their diets and...
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Sysco Announces U.S. Launch of Sysco Simply Plant-Based Burger Patty
Sysco Corporation, the leading global foodservice distribution company, announced the launch of its Sysco Simply Plant-Based Meatless Burger Patty, a Sysco brand exclusive product. This innovative burger is now available to the company’s customers in the majority of its U.S. markets.
This plant-based burger is the latest offering from Sysco Simply, the company’s lifestyle brand designed to help foodservice operators meet growing consumer demand for flexible and customized menu choices. The Sysco Simply burger is a vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO soy patty with 18 grams of plant-based protein per serving, helping foodservice operators...
Retailers Welcome Phase One Trade Deal with China but Say Remaining Tariffs Must End
The National Retail Federation welcomed the signing of a “phase one” trade agreement between the United States and China but said work remains to be done to end the trade war between the two countries.
“NRF strongly supports the administration’s efforts to address China’s unfair trading practices but we hope this is the first step toward eliminating all of the tariffs imposed over the past two years,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “The trade war won’t be over until all of these tariffs are gone. We are glad to see...
VIDEO: Phase One Trade Agreement with China; Chicken Weights Analysis
Industry Applauds Senate Ratification of the USMCA
The Senate passed the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, by a bipartisan vote of 89-10. The USMCA will advance United States agricultural interests in two of the most important markets for American farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness. The agreement builds upon existing markets to expand U.S. food and agricultural exports while supporting food processing and rural jobs. Canada and Mexico are the first and second largest export markets for U.S. food and agricultural products, totaling more than $39.7 billion food and agricultural exports in 2018, supporting 325,000 American jobs. Now, the USMCA will be heading to President Trump's desk for his signature.
Sonny Perdue, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, said, "We’ve long waited for this day and now USMCA will finally head to the President’s desk. The passage of USMCA is great news for America’s farmers and ranchers. With Congressional consideration now complete...
Krave Launches New Plant-Based Jerky and Pork Rinds
Krave continues to expand its portfolio of high-quality, better-for-you snacks with two new crave-worthy products: KRAVE Plant-Based Jerky and KRAVE Pork Rinds. Hitting store shelves nationwide in January 2020, the new products deliver the same quality-without-compromise inherent to the KRAVE brand while catering to the evolving dietary needs and on-the-go snacking occasions consumers experience every day.
As KRAVE's first departure from meat products, KRAVE Plant-Based Jerky is perfect for flexitarians and those looking to incorporate more plant-based foods into their diets. KRAVE Plant-Based Jerky features a taste and texture similar to that of KRAVE Gourmet Meat Cuts but is made from...
NPD Group: Holiday Cheer Spurred Transaction Gains for Quick Service Restaurants in December
Quick service restaurant (QSR) chains, which represent the bulk of industry transactions, had four consecutive weeks of transaction increases in the retail month of December (December 2 through January 5) and were the primary contributor to the total industry gains in the month, reports The NPD Group. Casual dining chains, on the other hand, began the month stable but saw transaction declines in the last three weeks of the month. Midscale/family dining chains, despite a drop in the last week, finished the month flat, according to NPD’s CREST Performance Alerts, which provides a rapid weekly view of chain-specific transactions and...
Western Ranchers Welcome BLM Action to Improve Grazing Regulations
Western ranchers welcomed a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Notice of Intent (NOI), which appeared in today’s Public Inspection and will publish in the Federal Register on January 21st, announcing that the agency is preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on new grazing regulations. The NOI opened a public comment period and announced that in-person scoping meetings will be held across the West.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for BLM permittees to set the record straight,” said Dr. J.J. Goicoechea who chairs the NCBA Federal Lands Committee and PLC’s Grazing Regulations Working Group. “We have endured Bruce Babbitt’s ‘Range Reform’ for over 25 years—and the land, native grasses, and...
Cranswick Releases Financial Results
Cranswick plc released an unscheduled trading update.
Current trading
The Group’s Adjusted Profit Before Tax (under IFRS16, pre-exceptionals) for the year ending 31 March 2020 is now expected to be higher than current market forecasts.
The interim results announcement dated 26 November 2019 stated the Group had delivered a robust performance, in a competitive UK market. That performance, and market backdrop, in the UK continued...
Burger King Adds the Impossible Whopper to the 2 for $6 Lineup
Burger King restaurants are jazzing up the popular 2 for $6 promotion, now with the Impossible Whopper sandwich. Available for a limited time only, guests can choose between the Impossible Whopper, Spicy Crispy Chicken, Crispy Chicken and Whopper sandwich.
“We are excited to offer our guests a plant-based product like the Impossible Whopper as part of our 2 for $6 promotion,” said Chris Finazzo, President, North America, Burger King Corporation. “This unbeatable deal gives friends and family a new reason to come in and try the Impossible Whopper and other BK favorites at an amazing value.”
Burger King restaurants rolled out the Impossible Whopper sandwich with a patty made from plants nationwide last year following...
What the Trade Agreement with China Means for the Meat and Poultry Industry
The Phase One economic and trade agreement signed by the United States and China on January 15, 2020, will provide U.S. exporters of beef, pork, and poultry, as well as live breeding cattle with expanded access to China’s rapidly growing market.
Market Overview: As incomes rise in China, demand for protein in diets increases as well. Chinese demand for imported beef, pork, and poultry is growing at a rapid rate, made more acute due to domestic pork supply constraints in China as a result of the ongoing outbreak of African swine fever. When China partially re-opened its market to U.S. beef and beef products in 2017, following a 13-year ban, many unscientific restrictions remained, including...
VIDEO: Pork Sustainability Report; Turkey Breast Meat Analysis
CFIA Increasing Canada's Preparedness for African Swine Fever
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is pleased to announce that the University of Saskatchewan's Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization-International Vaccine Centre (VIDO-InterVac) will work with African swine fever (ASF), further supporting Canada's preparedness strategy by increasing research capacity.
This complements ongoing collaborations between the CFIA and VIDO-InterVac aimed at developing and testing vaccines and antivirals for ASF – a deadly and fast spreading viral disease that is killing millions of pigs worldwide and could...
Industry Reacts to Phase One Trade Agreement with China
President Donald Trump signed a Phase One trade agreement with China today. The agreement says that China will increase purchases of U.S. manufacturing, energy, and agricultural goods and services by at least $200 billion over two years. As part of the deal, the Trump Administration scrapped tariffs initially set to take effect in December, and agreed to cut tariffs on $120 billion in products to 7.5%. However, tariffs on another $250 billion in Chinese goods will remain in place for now. Steven Mnuchin, Treasury Secretary, stated a second phase could include more tariff relief.
The National Cattlemen's Beef Association applauded the signing of the deal with China, saying the agreement will lay the groundwork for American-produced beef to be highly competitive in the world's most populous market. “The Phase One Agreement with China will be a game changer for the U.S. beef industry. For many years, Chinese consumers have been...
Beyond Meat and Roquette Announce Multi-Year Pea Protein Supply Agreement
Beyond Meat, a leader in plant-based meat, today announced a multi-year pea protein supply agreement with Roquette, a global leader in plant-based ingredients and a pioneer of plant proteins. The supply agreement builds on a longstanding partnership that began approximately ten years ago, and significantly increases the amount of pea protein to be supplied by Roquette to Beyond Meat over the next three years as compared to the amount supplied in 2019.
Ethan Brown, Beyond Meat’s Founder & CEO commented, “This latest contract with Roquette reflects Beyond Meat's commitment to further scaling the plant protein supply chain as global demand for our products continues to rise. Along with our supply chain partners, including Roquette, we are driving innovation and...
Certified Angus Beef: Consumer Demand, Ample Supply Spur Growth
For a mature brand, sales growth, particularly over several consecutive years, is far from guaranteed. Sure, having a high quality product helps. But sustained success takes intention, a focus on shared goals, and commitment from the entire community behind the brand, said John Stika, president of Certified Angus Beef LLC.It’s a recipe for achievement that succeeded once again for the Certified Angus Beef brand in fiscal 2019. For the 13th year in a row, the brand saw record global sales. It was also the 15th consecutive year of sales growth.
The brand’s global network of nearly 19,000 licensed processor, foodservice and retail partners marketed 1.25 billion pounds of product, a 3.1% increase—or an additional...
Pork Industry Releases New Sustainability Report
The pork industry released its new sustainability report, Commit and Improve: Pig Farmers’ Approach to Sustainability, and updated website, porkcares.org. The report and website share firsthand accounts and data supporting pig farmers’ progress toward sustainability through the We CareSM ethical principles.
“As pig farmers, we are committed to producing safe food, protecting the environment and caring for our pigs by following the six We Care ethical principles,” said David Newman, president of the National Pork Board and a pig farmer representing Arkansas. “These new resources were developed to share relevant information and...
Joint Statement of the Trilateral Meeting of the Trade Ministers of Japan, the US, and the EU
Mr. Kajiyama Hiroshi, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, Ambassador Robert E. Lighthizer, United States Trade Representative, and Mr. Phil Hogan, European Commissioner for Trade, met in Washington, D.C. on 14 January 2020.
On industrial subsidies, the Ministers discussed ways to strengthen existing WTO rules on industrial subsidies and agreed upon the following:
1. The current list of prohibited subsidies provided for in Article 3.1 of the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (ASCM) is insufficient to tackle market and trade distorting subsidization existing in certain jurisdictions. Therefore, new types of unconditionally prohibited subsidies need to be added to the ASCM. These are...
TGI Fridays Kicks Off 2020 with Dinners for Two Starting at $20
TGI Fridays has announced it's kicking off 2020 by giving people the opportunity to get together more often, starting with its launch of Fridays Feast. Beginning January 13, guests can visit their favorite local Fridays and enjoy a complete three-course meal for two (two apps + two entrees + two desserts) starting at just $20. This menu offering is a delicious and affordable solution for guests who resolved to have more affordable together time with friends and family.
"We are excited to invite guests to come together over Fridays Feast," said Cindy Syracuse, TGI Fridays vice president of marketing. "Fridays knows a delicious meal at a great price offers a valuable opportunity for...
National Retail Federation: Growing Emphasis on Convenience for Today’s Consumers
Today’s consumers increasingly prioritize convenience when it comes to purchases, and expect retailers to continue to offer innovative ways to save them time and effort, according to the latest issue of the Consumer View report released today by the National Retail Federation.
“Time is a precious commodity for today’s consumers,” NRF Vice President for Research Development and Industry Analysis Mark Mathews said. “Shoppers are busier with commuting to work, dealing with family obligations or catching up on schoolwork, among other things. Naturally, convenience factors are playing a larger role in their shopping experience.”
According to the report, 83 percent of consumers say convenience while shopping is more important to them now compared with five years ago. While consumers overwhelmingly opt for...
Chlorine-Washed Chicken and Hormone-Treated Beef Ban to Remain After Brexit
Chlorine-washed chicken and hormone-treated beef will not be allowed into the UK under any trade deal with the US, the Environment Secretary has told the BBC’s Countryfile program.
In an exclusive interview, Theresa Villiers told presenter Tom Heap that the current EU ban on such imports will be carried over into UK legislation following Brexit.
Ms Villiers said: “We will not be importing chlorinated-chicken. We will not be importing hormone-treated beef. Both of those are...
Giant Food Stores Unveils $114 Million Strategic Growth Plan
GIANT Food Stores plans to invest $114 million over the next 18 months – building on last year’s success of its two new brands GIANT Heirloom Market and GIANT DIRECT. Investments include an innovative GIANT DIRECT ecommerce fulfillment center, two new stores and remodeling for 35 existing stores.
The omni-channel fulfillment center will be GIANT’s largest and support its ecommerce brand GIANT DIRECT, which has experienced double-digit growth since its launch last year.
The center will provide more capacity, better distribution and room to grow home delivery and...
Impossible Foods CEO Criticizes Meat Industry; Intends to Replace Animals for Food Production
Pat Brown, CEO of Impossible Foods, criticized the meat industry in a recent interview, calling it "the most destructive technology on Earth by far." Brown added that the company's ultimate goal is to completely replace animals as a form of food with plant-based products by the year 2035. Impossible Foods currently offers a plant-based beef burger, and a new sausage product will be offered at various Burger King locations across the United States for testing this month. The company also announced that it will introduce ground pork and sausage, but there is no word on availability at this time. With beef and pork alternatives becoming readily available to consumers, Brown stated that poultry options are on the way as well.
Brown claims that Impossible Foods is so important because of the impact the meat industry has on the environment. However, testifying on behalf of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association at a U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee hearing on climate change in May, Kansas cattle producer Debbie Lyons-Blythe delivered a clear message...
VIDEO: Organic Consumers Demographics; Russia to Remain Primary Crab Supplier
North American Meat Institute Issues Statement on USDA’s Proposed Rule for Meat and Poultry Markets
The North American Meat Institute (Meat Institute) made the following statement regarding the United States Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service proposed rule on meat and poultry markets:
“We will review the proposed rule and work to ensure livestock producers have a variety of tools available to market their animals and to ensure meat and poultry markets remain competitive,” said Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts. “Any rule must protect marketing agreements between packer/processors and livestock producers, which provide stability to the industry and benefits consumers with lower prices and...
U.S. Per Capita Availability of Red Meat, Poultry, and Seafood on the Rise
After falling from 148.6 pounds in 2004 to 133.5 pounds in 2014, the per capita supply of red meat, poultry, and fish/shellfish available for Americans to eat after adjusting for losses rose to 143.9 pounds in 2017. Red meat (beef, pork, veal, and lamb) accounted for 51 percent of 2017’s 143.9-pound total, compared with 42 percent for poultry (chicken and turkey) and 7 percent for fish and shellfish.
ERS calculates per capita loss-adjusted food availability in a given year by taking per capita supplies of food available for human consumption and adjusting for some of the spoilage, plate waste, and other losses in grocery stores, restaurants, and homes to more closely approximate consumption. Over 2015-17, beef had the...
CHART: Industry Expectatons for Weekly Cattle Slaughter
Sysco Announces Senior Leadership Changes to Accelerate Next Phase of Development
Sysco Corporation announced today that Tom Bené will be stepping down from his roles as president and chief executive officer effective January 31, 2020. Tom will stay on with Sysco as an executive advisor until March 1, 2020, to be available to assist with a smooth and orderly transition of leadership for the Company. The board of directors has unanimously elected Kevin Hourican as the Company’s new president and chief executive officer, starting on February 1, 2020. Kevin most recently served as executive vice president of CVS Health and president of CVS Pharmacy and is a proven business leader with...
Gen Z and Millennial Consumers Naturally Favor Organic Foods and Beverages
The prevailing demographic of organic consumers skews in two directions. Most obvious are consumers who are upscale (including higher educational attainment and household income). Less obvious are younger adult consumers of the Gen Z (ages 18-24) and Millennial (ages 25-39) generations, reveals Packaged Facts in the new market research study Eating Trends: Generational Food, the final report in a five-part Eating Trends anthology.
“Millennials and younger members of Generation X tend to be the biggest users of organic foods, and much more likely than average to agree that they especially look for...
Wingstop Appoints Mahesh Sadarangani as Chief Operating Officer
Wingstop Inc. announced the appointment of Mahesh Sadarangani as Chief Operating Officer, previously Wingstop’s Senior Vice President of Channel Strategy, effective immediately. In his new role, Mahesh will be responsible for domestic operations and will continue reporting to Charlie Morrison, Chairman and CEO. Mahesh is replacing Larry Kruguer, who resigned on December 26, 2019.
With more than 20 years of operational leadership experience, Mahesh joined Wingstop in July 2019 from CEC Entertainment, the parent company for Chuck E. Cheese and Peter Piper Pizza. Most recently, Mahesh served as Chief Administrative Officer of CEC Entertainment and President of the Peter Piper Pizza brand leading strategy, revenue management, supply chain, and operations. Previous executive roles include...
Despite Gradual Slowing of Job Growth, Labor Market will Still Feel Tight in 2020
The US economy added 145,000 jobs in December, and previous months were revised down slightly. The unemployment rate remained at 3.5 percent. This month's job growth was in line with The Conference Board's view that the labor market appears to be in a healthy state.
Job creation was mainly concentrated in the services sector as well as in construction, while the decline of 12,000 jobs in manufacturing shows that this part of the economy is still weak. However, easing trade tensions between China and the US may help to further improve business confidence in 2020, as The Conference Board reported earlier this week.
With this month's increase in employment, the labor market ended 2019 on solid footing. In 2019, the unemployment rate reached its lowest point since the late 1960s and job growth was...
VIDEO: Retail Imports Settle; Movers of the Week
Walmart Opens Case-Ready Facility in Thomasville, Creates 200 Local Jobs
Walmart announced the opening of a case-ready facility that is part of the company’s new Angus beef supply chain. Governor Brian Kemp joined Walmart executives today to celebrate the opening of the company’s 201,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility in Thomasville, GA. Walmart began construction on the facility in August 2018. It is operated by FPL foods and brings 200+ jobs to Georgia.
“Today, we celebrate 200 new jobs for talented Georgians,” said Gov. Kemp. “Walmart has a long history in Georgia, I am thrilled that the company selected Thomasville as the location for this facility. It’s a vote of confidence...
African Swine Fever Detected in Romania
According to the World Organization for Animal Health, approximately 24,600 pigs are to be culled and 11 deaths have already occurred after African swine fever was found on a farm in Braila, Romania. Authorities confirmed the presence of the disease at a farm located in the town of Gulianca. Immediate precautions were taken and all pigs were quarantined, but outbreaks remain in other parts of the county. African swine fever has affected many farms in Braila. In 2018 and 2019, over...
ANALYSIS: Variety Meat Exports to Mexico See an Impressive Increase in Value YoY
According to data released by the USDA and compiled by the USMEF, November exports of beef were below the previous year's large totals. However, in Mexico, exports increased...
Retail Imports Settling Down After Year of Tariff Surges
After a year of fluctuations driven by the uncertainty of the trade war with China, volume at the nation’s major retail container ports is expected to return to its usual seasonal patterns during the first few months of 2020, according to the Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.
“We’ll be more confident after we see the Phase One agreement signed, but right now 2020 looks like it should be back to what used to be normal,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said. “We’ve been through a cycle of imports surging ahead of expected tariff increases – some of which got delayed, reduced or canceled – and falling off again afterward. That’s not good for retailers trying to manage...
VIDEO: November Red Meat Exports; Chicken WOG Analysis
World Food Prices Continue Rising in December
World food prices rose for the third consecutive month in December, as a strong rally in vegetable oil prices drove the FAO Food Price Index to its highest level in five years.
The FAO Food Price Index averaged 181.7 points during the month, a 2.5 percent increase from November and the highest level since December 2014.
For 2019 as a whole, the index - which tracks monthly changes in the international prices of commonly-traded food commodities - averaged 171.5 points, some 1.8 percent higher than in 2018 but...
Ranchers Approve of NEPA Changes
President Trump announced noteworthy changes to the National Environmental Policy Act that would make it easier for federal agencies to approve infrastructure projects. NEPA was first introduced in 1970 to create and maintain conditions under which humans and nature can coexist, and has not undergone changes since 1986. Ranchers must be reviewed under NEPA for many reasons, but most common examples include renewal of a term grazing permit, construction of range improvements, or for eligibility to participate in USDA programs. However, due to litigation, outside pressure, and an abundance of caution, these costly processes can be further delayed. These delays create...
NPD Group: Most U.S. Consumers Read the Nutrition Facts Label
Food companies with annual sales of at least $10 million began following the federal government’s updated nutrition facts labeling rules on January 1. Since the majority of consumers, nearly 90%, do read the labels, it’s an important information source for them, reports The NPD Group.
The top two items consumers look for on the labels are sugars and calories, both of which had an update with the new labeling rules. Fifty-seven percent of consumers who read nutrition facts labels look for sugars, and 45% of adults say they look at the nutrition facts label to find information on calories, according to NPD’s Health Aspirations and Behavioral Tracking Service. On the new label, calories are...
Tofurky Announces New Plant-Based Burger
Tofurky announced its new beef-style burger is now available in over 600 Target locations in the U.S. The new Plant-Based Burger by Tofurky is crafted using a combination of soy protein, vegetable protein, and wheat gluten and lightly seasoned with salt, onion, garlic, and black pepper. It can be found for an SRP of $5.99 in the produce section.
In addition to offering a tasty yet versatile flavor profile, the new burgers are created with Tofurky’s usual focus on the planet. The burger’s soy base claims a more sustainable footprint (given the ability to use all parts of the bean) when compared to pea protein, found in competitive products. Its two-patty packs will use sturdy, recyclable cartons that tout...
H-E-B Dethrones Trader Joe’s as Top U.S. Grocery Retailer in the 2020 Retailer Preference Index
Dunnhumby today released the third annual dunnhumby Retailer Preference Index (RPI), a comprehensive, nationwide study that examines the $700 billion U.S. Grocery market. For the first time, H-E-B was rated the top U.S. grocery retailer bumping Trader Joe’s from the top spot which...
On The Border to Offer Tacos Featuring Beyond Meat
On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina is giving taco lovers a new tasty, plant-based protein option with endless opportunities.
On The Border is the first brand in its category to offer Beyond Beef, a delicious plant-based ground meat from Beyond Meat, in enchiladas, nachos and even unlimited Beyond Meat Tacos as part of its Endless Tacos offer.
Available from Jan. 6 to March 8, On The Border guests can try the all-new Beyond Meat Taco – featuring 100% plant-based ground Beyond Beef seasoned exactly like On The Border's seasoned ground beef, topped with...
McDonald’s Expanding Trials of Plant-Based Burger in Canada
McDonald’s announced the trial of its Beyond Meat burger has expanded to more locations in Canada as it attempts to gain feedback on its new plant-based menu item.
The burger will be available in 52 restaurants in Southwestern Ontario, starting on January 14. The sandwich, dubbed, “P.L.T.” for plant, lettuce, tomato was introduced to test markets last September in 28 restaurants in Ontario and nearby regions.
“The initial test of the P.L.T. allowed us to learn more about guest demand and how to integrate this new menu item into restaurant..."
VIDEO: Kroger Launches Plant-Based Meats; Turkey Market Analysis
REPORTER: For Some, Marketing Animals A Tougher Job Than Raising Them
For some livestock and poultry producers, marketing animals successfully in today’s business environment has proven to be a tough job—at times perhaps even more so than...
Where Food Comes From Launches BeefCARE Sustainability Standard
Where Food Comes From, Inc. announced the launch of BeefCARE, the beef industry’s most comprehensive third-party verified sustainability program.
The launch follows recognition of the new BeefCARE program by the US Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, the multi-stakeholder initiative developed to advance and support continuous improvement in sustainability in the US beef value chain.
BeefCARE, the Company’s first ever sustainability offering for the beef industry, is a voluntary third-party program that verifies sustainability practices in beef production related to animal husbandry, environmental stewardship and...
Walmart’s Alphabot is Helping to Revolutionize Online Grocery Pickup and Delivery
In Salem, New Hampshire, a Walmart supercenter is rolling into the future. Alphabot, a first-of-its-kind piece of tech, is now fully operational and working with associates. Its goal? To revolutionize the online grocery pickup and delivery process for associates and customers.
Developed exclusively for Walmart by startup Alert Innovation, Alphabot helps to enable quicker, more efficient order picking. The system operates inside a 20,000-square-foot warehouse-style space, using autonomous carts to retrieve ambient, refrigerated and frozen items ordered for online grocery. After it retrieves them, Alphabot delivers the products to...
November Pork Exports Shatter Previous Records; Beef Exports Trail 2018
U.S. pork exports posted the best month on record in November, easily reaching new highs in both volume and value, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). November exports of U.S. beef were below the previous year’s large totals.
Pork exports surged to 259,812 metric tons (mt) in November, up 26% year-over-year and 11% above the previous high set in July 2019. Export value was $712.7 million, up 32% from a year ago and breaking the previous record (also from July 2019) by 14%. These results pushed January-November exports 7% above...
Albertsons Companies Reports Third Quarter Results
Albertsons Companies, Inc. reported results for the third quarter of fiscal 2019, which ended November 30, 2019.
Third Quarter of Fiscal 2019 Highlights
Kroger's Simple Truth Brand Launches Emerge: Plant Based Fresh Meats
The Kroger Co., America's favorite grocer, announced today the launch of Simple Truth Emerge: Plant Based Fresh Meats. An expansion of Simple Truth – America's largest natural and organic brand – Simple Truth Emerge is a line that offers fresh burger patties and grinds at more affordable prices. Available exclusively at Kroger Family of Stores, Simple Truth Emerge joins the Simple Truth Plant Based collection introduced last year, offering vegan chocolate chip cookie dough, oat milk, sour cream, deli slices, sausage and other products.
The Simple Truth Plant Based collection was first announced, including a sneak peek of Simple Truth Emerge, last September at the Good Food Conference in San Francisco, where Gil Phipps, Kroger's vice president of Our Brands, spoke on...
NPPC: Impossible Pork is Impossible; Violates Labelling Law
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) today called Impossible Foods’ naming convention for its plant-based products designed to mimic real pork a brazen violation of labelling law. Citing law that prohibits the use of words that redefine pork as it has been known by consumers for centuries, Dr. Dan Kovich, director of science and technology for the National Pork Producers Council, issued the following statement:
“What’s impossible is to make pork from plants. This is a brazen attempt to circumvent decades of food labelling law and centuries of precedence. Any adjective placed in front of the word pork can...
NPPC Applauds Senate Committee Approval of USMCA
Today, the U.S. Senate Finance Committee approved the U.S.-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) trade agreement, which once implemented will provide much-needed certainty to U.S. pork producers.
“We thank Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) for making USMCA passage a top priority and we thank those members of the committee who support this important trade deal,” said National Pork Producers Council President David Herring, a hog farmer from Lillington, N.C. “USMCA will allow the U.S. pork industry to maintain long-term, zero-duty market access to two of our largest export markets.
“We now urge Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) to schedule a vote on the floor...
Burger King Tests the Impossible Croissan’wich
Burger King restaurants announces today it is testing the new Impossible Croissan’wich sandwich. Starting late January in select test markets across the U.S. market, BK guests can now get the same breakfast Croissan’wich sandwich they know and love with a plant-based patty. The all-new, limited-time-only Impossible Croissan’wich features a toasted croissant, egg, cheese and a seasoned plant-based sausage from Impossible Foods. This test makes Burger King the first restaurant to test Impossible Sausage made from plants on a breakfast sandwich.
Participating Burger King restaurants in Savannah, GA, Albuquerque, NM, Montgomery, AL, Lansing, MI and Springfield, IL will be testing the Impossible Croissan’wich. The Impossible Croissan’wich is made with...
GrubMarket Completes Two New Acquisitions to Kick-Off Their Rapid Expansion Plans in 2020
GrubMarket today announced it has completed the acquisitions of Eating with the Seasons Inc and EJ Food Distributor Inc, two highly-reputable food companies with established customer bases across Northern California. Eating with the Seasons was founded in 2000 by Pat Herbert, a fourth generation farmer. His business originally consisted of offering weekly boxes of his farm's fresh and seasonal bounty. Two years later, Pat's daughter Becky Herbert, left her job in publishing to help market and promote the farm's produce, and through her innovative thinking and operational excellence, she created one of the nation's first customizable produce boxes for Eating with the Seasons. Since then, Becky has developed...
Perdue Farms Launches New Direct-to-Consumer E-Commerce Website in Centennial Year
With nearly half or more of all shoppers buying perishables such as meat, produce and dairy items online*, Perdue Farms has launched a new e-commerce website that will offer a selection of its family of brands for sale directly to consumers at PerdueFarms.com.
The site will initially offer an assortment of frozen items across some of Perdue Farms' most popular brands including PERDUE, Niman Ranch, Coleman Natural, Sonoma Red and Skagit Red, with plans to add additional offerings over time as demand increases.
"As both online shopping and the demand for convenience show no signs of slowing down, we felt it was important to be in this space," said David Zucker, Perdue Farms senior vice president of e-commerce and new ventures. "We're excited that this is the first time we've been able to offer...
Cargill Reports Fiscal 2020 Second-Quarter Results
Cargill today reported results for the fiscal 2020 second quarter ended Nov. 30, 2019. Key measures include:
“We saw very good execution from our global teams throughout the quarter, as they focused on delivering...
REPORTER: Brexit Uncertainty: A Shadow Over Agri-trade
A tug of war between those in favor of an exit and those who wish to remain within the single market regime has showed little sign of easing. More than three years since the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union the “divorce” process remains in limbo.
WHAT NEXT?
Despite Boris Johnson’s exit attempts, the UK’s membership was yet again extended until January 31, 2020.
Much of what happens next will be determined by a snap election set for December 12, 2019. Provided there are nomore delays, the UK exits...
REPORTER: Sustainability: The Deciding Factors For Consumers
The ways in which foodservice is delivering on brand promises to consumers are widening as sustainability is becoming increasingly important. While Nielsen expects shoppers to spend up to $150 billion on sustainable products by 2021, sustainability is starting to drive gains in categories from resource management to product packaging. On a global scale, 81% of consumers feel that it is “extremely” or “very” important that companies implement programs to improve the environment. Meanwhile, 70% of shoppers would “definitely” or “probably” change their consumption habits to reduce their personal impact on the environment...
Little Caesars Partners with DoorDash for Delivery
Customers can now get the value and convenience, and Crazy Bread they appreciate from Little Caesars in a whole new way: delivery. Further differentiating the company from its pizza chain peers, Little Caesars offers the same every day menu price whether pick-up or delivery and regardless of quantity -- bringing much needed affordability to delivered pizza. So, whether you want a single pizza or enough to feed a game-day crowd, Little Caesars is now geared up to deliver extreme value from thousands of stores throughout the United States. Delivery service is available for the full menu and during all store operating hours.
"We've seen such expensive and complex pricings throughout the pizza industry, and we think it's crazy!" said David Scrivano, President & CEO for Little Caesars. "Some chains require a minimum purchase to get their deals, or...
CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Cattle Slaughter
Aramark Names Thomas Ondrof as Chief Financial Officer
Aramark, a $16 billion global leader in food, facilities management and uniforms, announced today that Thomas Ondrof will join the Company as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, effective January 7, 2020, succeeding Steve Bramlage who will remain with the Company until April 3, 2020 in the role of Executive Advisor to assist in this transition.
Ondrof previously served as Chief Financial Officer with Performance Food Group, a $23 billion foodservice distributor. Prior to PFG, Ondrof spent 24 years at Compass Group North America, where he served in a variety of financial and...
Yum! Brands to Acquire The Habit Restaurants
Yum! Brands, Inc. and The Habit Restaurants, Inc. announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement pursuant to which Yum! Brands will acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of The Habit Burger Grill for $14 per share in cash or a total of approximately $375 million. The board of directors of The Habit Burger Grill, acting on the recommendation of a special committee composed of non-executive independent directors, has unanimously approved the transaction.
The acquisition of The Habit Burger Grill will add an award-winning fast-casual concept with a loyal fan-base to Yum! Brands, the world’s largest restaurant company in terms of units and parent of the KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell global brands. Founded in California in 1969, The Habit Burger Grill offers...
VIDEO: Chicken Wings Analysis; Movers of the Week
REPORTER: One Year Update on African Swine Fever
August marked the one-year anniversary of when the world became aware of the African Swine Fever outbreak in China. Just since this May, African Swine Fever has spread to...
REPORTER: Beyond the Surface: Interview with Chuck Muth of Beyond Meat
It doesn’t seem likely that a phone call could pull a person straight out of retirement. But in the case of Chuck Muth, that’s exactly what happened. When the opportunity to spearhead the growth of publicly traded Beyond Meat came knocking—he answered. Chuck recently gave an interview for Urner Barry’s Market Digest Podcast, and he had a lot to say about the whirlwind that he’s experienced as the Chief Growth Officer of Beyond Meat and the brand’s explosive expansion...
Packaged Facts: Affluent Consumers Favor Fresh, Local, and Simple Food Brands
The 42 million affluent food shoppers with household incomes of $150,000 or more exercise an outsize influence on the U.S. food industry, reports Affluent Food Shoppers, a market research report by Packaged Facts. Where affluent consumers grocery shop, how they grocery shop, and which food and beverage products and brands they purchase cause them to have a disproportionate impact on the bottom line of brick-and-mortar supermarkets and grocery stores.
When it comes to brand preference, many brands that are popular among affluent food shoppers share certain specific characteristics. Natural and organic brands garner much of the attention, but...
USDA Proposes to Reapportion Cattlemen’s Beef Board Membership
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is proposing to adjust membership on the Beef Promotion and Research Board to reflect shifts in cattle inventory levels since the last board reapportionment in 2017, as required by the rules governing the board.
Under the proposal, total board membership would increase by two members, from 99 to 101, and would include the following changes...
Kettle Cuisine Midco, LLC, Recalls Ready-To-Eat Soup Products
Kettle Cuisine Midco, LLC, a Lynn, Mass. establishment, is recalling approximately 200 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) lentil and beef soup products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The products contain egg and wheat, known allergens, which are not declared on the product label.
The RTE lentil and beef soup items were produced on Dec. 12, 2019. The following product is subject to recall...
Pollo Tropical Launches New Vegan Menu Items Featuring Beyond Meat
Starting today, Pollo Tropical is taking its bold flavors beyond chicken with the launch of a Vegan Tropichop and Wrap featuring a "picadillo" made with Beyond Meat.
The Vegan Tropichop gives guests a new way to enjoy one of their most popular menu items. This Tropichop includes your choice of White or Brown Rice, Pollo Tropical's famous Black Beans, and the picadillo made with Beyond Beef, all topped with sautéed peppers and onions. The Vegan Wrap also features Beyond Beef, your choice of rice, plus black beans and Pollo Tropical's sweet plantains wrapped in a tortilla. These options are launching at $4.49 and $4.09 respectively.
Pollo Tropical partnered with Beyond Meat to develop these plant-based options that are...
REPORTER: Packing Plant Fire Causes Loss of Capacity, Leading to Record Margins
Boxed beef margins pierced through record levels driven by the reaction to the Tyson Food’s Holcomb, Kansas plant fire late Friday, August 9, 2019, and closure of the facility for an extended, unknown period. Before we expand on that...
REPORTER: A 2020 Vision of Food Trends
As we bring in the new year, food trends from the previous decade are expected to expand while fresh concepts will emerge. Shifting demands for flavor innovation and health are steering menus to reflect sustainable ingredients, proving the prioritization of social responsibility is influencing the industry to respond creatively. Workforce trends are also underway, as global economic factors and labor concerns gain steam, and consumer behaviors are impacted. As these developments connect, they are predicted to create a lasting impression on the foodservice industry in the new year and going forward...
New Year Brings Minimum Wage Increase to More Than 20 States
In July the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation to raise the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour by October 2025. But the New Year is also bringing a minimum wage increase. Beginning January 1, minimum wage will increase in 21 states, as well as 26 cities and counties.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, the minimum wage increase will affect 6.8 million workers across the country. A breakdown per state can be found below:
Alaska – Increase from $9.89 to $10.19Arizona – Increase from $11 to...
Chipotle Innovates Lifestyle Bowls
Chipotle Mexican Grill announced today that it's rolling out a Supergreens salad mix nationally this week. Made of hand-cut romaine, antioxidant-rich baby kale and crisp baby spinach, Supergreens will replace the existing romaine-only salad base. This is Chipotle's second new menu item added in the last four months, following the successful launch of Carne Asada in September 2019. Chipotle has also made its grilled, Adobo chicken Whole30 compliant by switching the oil in its marinade, keeping the same great taste, but providing guests with specific dietary goals more options.
Chipotle was the first in the fast-casual industry to offer preconfigured, diet driven Lifestyle Bowls last year, which aided its digital sales growth to hit a $1B milestone recently. Statistics have shown that less than 25% of people stay committed to their new year's resolutions after 30 days, and...
Consumer Confidence Index Dipped in December
The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index decreased marginally in December, following a slight increase in November. The Index now stands at 126.5 (1985=100), down from 126.8 (an upward revision) in November. The Present Situation Index – based on consumers’ assessment of current business and labor market conditions – increased from 166.6 to 170.0. The Expectations Index – based on consumers’ short-term outlook for income, business and labor market conditions – decreased from 100.3 last month to 97.4 this month.
“Consumer confidence declined marginally in December, following a slight improvement in November,” said Lynn Franco, Director of Economic Indicators at The Conference Board. “While consumers’ assessment of current conditions improved, their expectations declined, driven primarily by...
Performance Food Group Company Completes the Acquisition of Reinhart Foodservice
Performance Food Group Company announced that it has completed the acquisition of Reinhart Foodservice, L.L.C. (Reinhart). With the close of the transaction, PFG is now positioned as one of the largest distributors in the U.S., with approximately $30 billion in annual net revenue and nearly 25,000 talented associates. PFG continues to expect to generate approximately $50 million of annual run-rate cost synergies in the third full fiscal year following today’s close. This is anticipated to result in low single-digit Adjusted Diluted EPS accretion in the first full fiscal year and low double-digit accretion expected in the third full fiscal year.
“We are excited to close the acquisition and welcome Reinhart’s many talented associates to the PFG family of companies,” said George Holm, PFG Chairman, President & CEO. “The Reyes family has built a strong business and...
J&J Distributing Recalls Salad Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens
J&J Distributing, a St. Paul, Minn. establishment, is recalling approximately 136 pounds of ready-to-eat salad products that contain meat due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The products contain pine nuts (tree nut), a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.
The ready-to-eat salad products that contain meat were produced on various dates from December 21, 2019 through December 27, 2019. The following products are subject to recall...
Research and Markets: Global Meal Kit Market Report
According to Research and Markets, the global meal kit market is expected to surpass $15.5 billion by the end of 2025. In the United States and Europe, the demand for meal kits is observed. The global food processing meal kit market is expected to grow significantly during the forecast period. The main factors driving the global market for meal kits are the world's rising working professional, a growing urban population, an increasing tendency to reduce food waste, and the availability of fresh food items.
The United States holds the major share in the global meal kit market, with a digital boom creating positive impacts. Subscription models and ordering meals online is growing tremendously due to...
VIDEO: Meal Kit Purchases on the Rise; Federal Court Dismisses Fishermen's Challenge
REPORTER: Export Sales and Processing Capacity Critical Issues for U.S. Pork, Beef Industries
Looking back on the events of 2019 makes it clear just how important export sales and having adequate processing capacity are for the U.S. pork and beef markets.
The cattle markets were rolling along through the spring and into the summer with one of the strongest demand periods in recent years. Then, in early August, news of a fire at a plant in Kansas, and predictions that the damage was extensive enough to likely keep the facility from resuming cattle harvest operations the balance of the year, led...
REPORTER: 2019 Snapshot of Beef Varieties
The arrival of summer weather was somewhat delayed in 2019—disappointing news for some but supportive conditions for the beef varieties market. Beef varieties trend during the cold months—and...
URNER BARRY HOLIDAY SCHEDULE
URNER BARRY HOLIDAY SCHEDULE: Urner Barry will be closed on Wednesday, January 1, 2020 in observance of New Year's Day. From all of us here at UB, we wish you and yours a safe and happy holiday!
Axel Schwan Joins Global Leadership Team at Restaurant Brands International
Restaurant Brands International CEO Jose Cil announced that Axel Schwan will join the global leadership team of the company. Mr. Schwan was appointed the Regional President of Tim Hortons for Canada and the US in October.
"I am very proud to welcome Axel to the leadership team. I have worked closely with him in Europe, the U.S. and now in Canada and he has proven himself to be a valuable leader of our Tim Hortons business, as well as a strong leader of people and teams," said Mr. Cil.
Axel Schwan will add the Latin America region to his accountabilities. Other international Tim Hortons locations and...
VIDEO: Chicken Cold Storage; Movers of the Week
VIDEO: Digital Grocery Business Study; Canada Lobster Exports to China
Winsight's Digital Maturity Benchmark Study Ranks Grocery's Top Retailers
Digital is sparking change in every market segment, and grocery is no exception. Evolving customer demand—coupled with continued increases in competition—is driving the business forward, forcing grocers to upgrade their digital capabilities if they are to thrive in a highly challenging business environment.
That's the overarching takeaway from the inaugural Grocery Digital Maturity Benchmark study, which was conducted by Incisiv and Winsight Grocery Business. The report provides the industry's first global assessment of grocery retailers' digital performance and identifies...
Performance Food Group Company Receives FTC Approval for Acquisition of Reinhart Foodservice
Performance Food Group Company announced that it has received approval from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to acquire Reinhart Foodservice, L.L.C. (Reinhart). PFG now expects to close the transaction on or about December 30, 2019, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the remaining closing conditions.
“We are pleased to receive FTC approval to move forward with our acquisition of Reinhart Foodservice,” said George Holm, PFG Chairman, President & CEO. “This transaction builds upon our strong distribution platform and will provide us with greater overall scale and a diverse customer base, including independent customers. We expect this transaction to enhance our ability to help...
JBS' Seara Alimentos Completes Acquisition of Cold Cuts Business Frigorífico Marba
JBS S.A., communicates to its shareholders and the market in general, in accordance with the terms of the Brazilian Securities and Exchange Commission Instruction no. 358, dated January 3, 2002, that its subsidiary Seara Alimentos Ltda. ("Seara") concluded on December 20, 2019 the purchase of Frigorífico Marba Ltda. ("Marba"), under the terms of the Agreement to Purchase and Sell Quotas and Other Covenants signed on November 6, 2019.
The transaction had previously been approved by the Brazilian anti-trust authority, among other conditions that are...
Empirical Foods to Open New Ground Beef Facility in Kansas
South Dakota-based Empirical Foods announced plans to construct a new ground beef facility in Garden City, Kansas, adding that the investment is the largest in the company's 40-year history.
It said in a statement that the new plant, which Empirical will begin constructing in the first quarter of 2020, will supplement its existing production facility in South Sioux City, Nebraska and more than double the company’s current ground beef capacity.
“Demand for Empirical’s lean ground beef requires us to significantly increase our processing capacity to...
VIDEO: USDA Monthly Cold Storage Report; Farmed Salmon Retail Features
Ahold Delhaize Announces the Nomination of a New Member to Its Supervisory Board
Ahold Delhaize today announces the nomination of Frank van Zanten for appointment to Ahold Delhaize’s Supervisory Board, effective April 8, 2020.
Frank van Zanten, a Dutch national, is Chief Executive Officer of Bunzl plc, the FTSE100 specialist international distribution and services group. Additionally, he serves as a non-executive director of Grafton Group plc.
Ahold Delhaize is also announcing that Jacques de Vaucleroy will retire at the end of his current mandate after 4 years at Ahold Delhaize and...
Nielsen: Top 5 Factors that Impacted Online Grocery Businesses in 2019
As we close the book on 2019, brick-and-mortar drove the vast majority of grocery sales—particularly for fresh food—yet e-commerce maintained its meteoric rise.
This push-and-pull between the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry’s brick-and-mortar foundation and e-commerce growth engine didn’t lure shoppers completely out of stores but encouraged them to dabble. Considering three-fourths of American adults buy both online and offline, grocers can better activate the levers to meet consumers where they are and encourage grocery shopping on their e-commerce platforms.
Understanding the factors that drove shoppers online purchase decisions in 2019 will help...
Chipotle Debuts New Restaurant Design to Support its $1 Billion Digital Business
Chipotle Mexican Grill announced today that it's testing a new restaurant design to better support its billion-dollar digital business. The evolved design will be trialed in four new restaurants of the following types: an urban store front, a standalone restaurant with a Chipotlane and an endcap unit with a Chipotlane, in Chicago, Cincinnati, and two locations in Phoenix.
Additionally, the new restaurant design will be trialed in two retrofits in Newport Beach and San Diego. As part of its stage gate process, Chipotle will assess the performance of each restaurant for transactions, guest feedback, and ability to incorporate future menu innovations, among other metrics, before...
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