HPAI H5N1 Virus in Dairy Cattle – What We Know

In March 2024, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) A (H5N1), commonly referred to as bird flu, was confirmed in domestic U.S. livestock for the first time in a dairy operation in Texas. Since then, the virus has spread to 300 dairy operations across 14 states, raising widespread uncertainty throughout the dairy and livestock markets. Industry participants have raised concerns about the outbreak's potential impact on consumer perception and demand for dairy and meat products, though government agencies reiterate that the national food supply remains safe. Expana is closely monitoring the...

Bob Evans Launches All-New Breakfast Value Menu Starting at $5.99

Bob Evans Farmhouse Kitchen™ is excited to announce the launch of their all-new breakfast value menu, "Sunrise Savers," debuting today, October 3. The new breakfast menu gives guests high-quality, farm fresh dishes at affordable prices – putting more food on your table for less. The Sunrise Savers menu features an array of wholesome, delicious dishes, ranging from farmhouse classics to brand new dishes designed with flavor and value in mind.

"At Bob Evans Farmhouse Kitchen, our goal is to excite our...

O’Charley’s Rolls Out the Red Carpet with New V.I.P. Menu and Expanded Core Menu Featuring Prime Rib

O’Charley’s Restaurant + Bar is excited to announce the launch of its new Value Inspired Plates (V.I.P.) menu on September 23. With 15 budget-friendly items all priced at $12.99 and under, guests can enjoy incredible flavors and great value without breaking the bank. Who says being a V.I.P. has to come with a big price tag?

As a V.I.P., you’re invited to indulge in a variety of delicious dishes that deliver both value and flavor...

A.1. Enters the Dairy Aisle with Bold New Innovation: Steakhouse Butter

This fall, A.1., the brand known for its iconic steak sauce, is going beyond the condiment aisle with the debut of A.1. Steakhouse Butter. Marking the brand’s first innovation outside the sauce bottle in more than five years, A.1. Steakhouse Butter provides the perfect combination of delicious authentic steakhouse-inspired flavors and a buttery, creamy texture elevating grill enthusiasts’ favorite meals.

From cowboy butter to garlic butter, millions of food enthusiasts are crafting viral butter-based recipes to give their...

Flora Food Group Announces Acquisition of New Facility in Southwestern Kansas

Flora Food Group B.V., global branded food champion, today announced the purchase of a manufacturing facility located in Hugoton, Kansas. This facility closed earlier this year under its previous owner.

The facility will serve as the hub for Flora Food Group’s creams and cream cheeses products for the U.S. and Canada and across the rest of the Americas region over time, while its existing New Century, KS facility will continue to serve as the U.S. hub for Flora Food Group’s butters and spreads products...

Cracker Barrel Reports Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2024 Results

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. today reported its financial results for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 ended August 2, 2024. In 2024, the fourth quarter and fiscal year included an additional operating week ("53rd week") compared to fiscal 2023.

Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2024 Highlights

• The Company reported total revenue of $894.4 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, representing an increase of 6.9% compared to prior year quarter total revenue of $836.7 million 
• Total revenue for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 includes...

General Mills Announces Agreements to Sell Its North American Yogurt Business to Lactalis and Sodiaal

General Mills, Inc. (NYSE: GIS) today announced that it has entered into definitive agreements to sell its North American Yogurt business to Lactalis and Sodiaal, two leading French dairy companies, in cash transactions valued at an aggregate $2.1 billion USD. Following the completion of the transactions, the U.S. and Canadian businesses will operate independently, with Lactalis acquiring the U.S. business and Sodiaal acquiring the Canadian business. The proposed transactions are expected to close in calendar 2025, subject to receipt of requisite regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.

The divestitures encompass the U.S. and Canada operations of several yogurt brands including...

U.S. Dairy Councils Partner with Tackle Hunger to Provide Dairy Foods to Families in Need

With the continued increase in health disparities directly related to food insecurity in America, regional dairy councils across the nation announce a year-long collaboration with Tackle Hunger, to provide a fundraising opportunity for those who want to help their local food charity gain access to dairy foods like milk, cheese and yogurt. Milk is one of the most requested yet least donated items in food charities due to its perishability and refrigeration needs, but you can help change that with Tackle Hunger's innovative donation map...

USDA Releases Updated Guideline to Strengthen Substantiation 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today the availability of an updated guideline that makes recommendations to strengthen the documentation that supports animal-raising or environment-related claims on meat or poultry product labeling. Today’s action builds on the significant work USDA has already undertaken to protect consumers from false and misleading labels and to implement President Biden’s Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American economy.

“USDA continues to deliver on its commitment to fairness and choice for both farmers and consumers, and that means supporting transparency and high-quality standards...

FMI Research: Shoppers Feel in Control of Their Grocery Spending

Consumers are adapting their shopping strategies to include more flexibility as they attempt to control their grocery spending heading into the fall, according to the latest survey conducted by FMI – The Food Industry Association and The Hartman Group. The report, U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends 2024: Return to Routine, provides a crucial snapshot of how shoppers are finding value and evolving their grocery shopping habits in the current economic environment.

While shoppers report continued concerns regarding inflationary pressures on food and other consumer categories...

Vital Farms Hires Joe Holland as Chief Supply Chain Officer

Vital Farms, a Certified B Corporation that offers a range of ethically produced foods nationwide, has hired Joe Holland as Chief Supply Chain Officer (CSCO)beginning on September 1, 2024. Mr. Holland’s proven track record of driving operational excellence for high-impact consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies will help the company continue to raise the standards across the food industry. He will lead Vital Farms’ diversified supply chain team, including its award-winning egg washing and packing facility, Egg Central Station (ECS), in Springfield, Missouri, its forthcoming...

Kroger Files Motion to Enjoin the FTC's Administrative Merger Challenge

The Kroger Co. today filed a motion for preliminary injunction in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio, against the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) administrative proceeding challenging the company's merger with Albertson's Companies, Inc. The company argues that by proceeding in its administrative tribunal, in addition to the separate action in federal court, the FTC is violating Constitutional protections.

The motion details how the FTC's administrative proceeding against the merger clearly violates the Constitution in two areas:

• First, the FTC violates Article II of the Constitution because...

Vertical Cold Storage Completes Purchase of Dothan Facility

Vertical Cold Storage, a developer and operator of temperature-controlled distribution centers sponsored by real estate investment firm Platform Ventures, finalized the acquisition of the frozen distribution center from Dothan Warehouse Investors in Dothan, Alabama. Terms were not disclosed.

“We are excited to add Dothan to our growing network of temperature-controlled distribution centers and are looking forward to partnering with them as we focus on integrating the business and serving our customers. Dothan is the third operation we’ve added to our network...

Butterworks Farm Welcomes New Owners, Expands Organic Grass-Fed Yogurt Reach

Butterworks Farm, a beloved gem in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, proudly announces its acquisition by Anthony Calderaro, Ania Kuniej, and Joseph Calderaro. This exciting transition marks a new chapter for the farm, a pioneer in grass-fed organic dairy farming since its founding by Jack and Anne Lazor in 1976.

Renowned for its 100% grass-fed organic dairy products made from the buttery, protein-rich, creamy milk of its Jersey cows, Butterworks Farm has earned a loyal customer base through its commitment to both quality products and sustainable farming practices...

Penn State Tests Dairy Herd for Bird Flu in Support of State Surveillance Effort

Animal health experts in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences have announced that — out of an abundance of caution — they will test the University’s dairy herd for highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI, under a voluntary state testing program.

The announcement comes amidst an outbreak of bird flu that has affected dairy cattle in more than a dozen states since March. As of July 19, the virus had not been found in Pennsylvania dairy herds, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and state animal...

China Welcomes US Dairy Firms Expanding in the Country, Vice Minister says

China welcomes dairy companies from all countries, including the U.S., to expand their business in the Chinese market, Vice Minister of Commerce Wang Shouwen said on Tuesday.

Wang made the remarks when meeting with U.S. Dairy Export Council President Krysta Harden, the ministry said in a statement.

The visit came days after the ministry said China may impose provisional anti-dumping measures on pork imports from the European Union as part of a year-long probe that began on June 17...

USDA Announces $12 Million in Grant Funding Available to Support Dairy Initiatives

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced $12 million in grant funding is available to support processing capacity expansion, on-farm improvements, and technical assistance services to producers through the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives (DBI). The funds will be awarded noncompetitively to the DBI Initiatives at the California State University Fresno; the University of Tennessee; Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets; and the University of Wisconsin. Through the Request for Applications (RFA), the initiatives will have an opportunity to submit proposals for this year’s funding...

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detected in Wyoming Dairy Herd

The Wyoming Livestock Board (WLSB) and the Wyoming Department of Agriculture (WDA) have received confirmation from the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) of the detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a dairy cattle herd in Wyoming. The detection was first identified in samples received by the Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory. This is the first confirmed case of HPAI in a dairy farm in Wyoming.

The Wyoming Livestock Board (WLSB) and the Wyoming Department of Agriculture (WDA) have received confirmation...