The Retail Rundown: Valentine’s Day Brings Foodservice Gains 

The grocery segment received a boost from last weekend’s pro-football championship game, with strong movement at the meat case. According to Circana data, retail chicken wing sales ahead of the game reached about $8.7 million, up from $8.5 million the previous week. Pork ribs brought in nearly $7 million, rising from $6.7 million, while ground beef sales totaled approximately $76 million, compared to $74.7 million the prior week. 

Looking ahead, February is typically a slower month for retail and overall meat demand. However, Valentine’s... 

ANALYSIS: Australia's 1H 2024 Beef Exports Grew 25.7% Y-o-Y, June Volumes Highest Since 2019

Australia’s beef and veal exports surged to 601,408 mt in the first half of 2024, data from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (DAFF) indicated. This marked a robust 25.7% increase compared to the same period last year.

Year-to-date (YTD) volumes grew by 123,030 mt buoyed by high Australian production levels. This growth underscores the timely outcome of herd rebuilding efforts initiated since 2021.

This export increase has primarily been fuelled by a supply shortage in the US caused by ongoing...

ANALYSIS: Lower Tenderloin Prices Weigh Down Loin Primal Value Amid Grilling Season

Loins typically garner the bulk of attention at this point on the calendar within the boxed beef market. Grilling season is in full swing and the 4th of July holiday is on the horizon. In 2024, we have seen the loin operate in quite a different fashion when compared to last year. As of June 24, Urner Barry’s Choice loin beef cutout value sits at $4.25/lb., roughly 10% below the same time last year. While a few items are lagging behind last year’s levels...