Oregon Passes Cage-Free Egg Law 

Senate Bill 1019 has been signed into law in Oregon, requiring all eggs sold within the state border to come from cage-free facilities. Through passing this legislation in Oregon, all states on the west coast now have laws in place requiring eggs to come from cage-free hens. Similar to laws passed in California and Washington, the new law in Oregon requires that eggs produced and sold in the state come from cage-free barns that have scratching areas, perches, nest boxes, dust bathing areas, and other enrichments that allow the hens to exhibit natural behavior. These standards are based off of the United Egg Producer's Animal Husbandry Guidelines for U.S. Egg-Laying Flocks, and will go into effect by the end of 2023.

The term "egg-laying hen," addressed in the bill, applies to any female domesticated chicken, turkey, duck, goose, guinea fowl, or other species of fowl that is kept for the purpose of egg production. Egg products are included in this new law, but does include products such as...

Applebee's Offers Handcrafted Burger Deal for a Limited Time 

Applebee’s has mastered the art of crafting craveable burgers with its Handcrafted Burgers, which are made to order with premium toppings stacked high. Each burger at Applebee’s is made tastier and more flavorful with 100% fresh and never frozen ground beef, smashed on the grill to seal in the juicy goodness, and served with endless classic fries.

Leading the pack is Applebee’s own Quesadilla Burger, available for a limited-time price of only $7.99, starting today. The restaurant’s original creation is part burger, part quesadilla, piled high with Pepper Jack cheese, Applebee’s signature Mexi-ranch sauce, crispy Applewood-smoked bacon, house-made pico de gallo and shredded lettuce in a crisp, warm Cheddar quesadilla. To top it off, this limited-time deal also includes...

Denny's Features Sirloin Steak in New Limited Time Offer 

For more than 60 years, Denny's has been offering guests a variety of delicious and affordable menu items for breakfast, lunch, dinner and any time in between. And now, Denny's is dishing up even more value than ever before with its new Sirloin Steak & Eggs available starting today for only $8.99 ($10.99 in some markets), offering guests the perfect combination of breakfast and dinner for less.

For a limited time, guests can enjoy Denny's new Sirloin Steak & Eggs, featuring an expertly seasoned USDA choice sirloin steak, crispy hash browns and two fresh eggs. This winning combination is just one of many new and exciting menu items that has been added to the Denny's menu recently. 78 percent of Denny's menu has been updated to reflect new recipes, higher-quality ingredients and...

Tim Hortons to Offer JUST Egg in Canada 

Tim Hortons, which is owned by Restaurant Brands International, started offering alternative proteins earlier this year. The first plant-based item to be featured on the menu is Beyond Meat's alternative sausage for three breakfast sandwiches. The quick service restaurant recently began offering the Beyond Burger as well, the first burger to appear on the menu. Now, plant-based company JUST Egg has received its first fast-food deal with Tim Hortons.

Andrew Noyes, a spokesman for JUST, stated that "Canada is one of the most requested markets for JUST and we're excited to be able to offer our product at select Tim Hortons locations for this market test." Tim Hortons reported that the restaurant will...

ANALYSIS: US Table Egg Flock Falls 14 Million Head Over Last 3 Months

The USDA’s Monthly Chicken and Eggs report, released Tuesday July 23^rd, showed that at 327.31 million layers...

REPORTER: US Egg Prices Tracking Back Toward 2016 Lows

This article was originally featured in the Summer 2019 Edition of Urner Barry's Reporter magazine.

It seems there is never a dull year in the egg market. From diseases that rock the supply chain, promotions that excite consumers, changes in dietary guidelines, shifts in production standards, and countless other issues, markets are constantly being impacted by unexpected issues, both domestically
and abroad.

Over the last five years, the egg market has seen record highs and lows around the 2015 Avian Influenza Outbreak. Had it not been for these extremes, Urner Barry’s benchmark prices would have just broken all-time highs and lows in the last year alone. “Retail Wars” and international issues led to a record first quarter in 2018 and yet, a year later, egg prices struggled through the Easter marketing period, extending their decline...

Eggs International: How Different Nations Set Standards 

This article was originally featured in the Summer 2019 Edition of Urner Barry's Reporter magazine.

Starting in 2019, Urner Barry has “eggs”-panded its international egg reporting in the EU. While the U.S. and EU egg markets are interrelated in today’s globalized marketplace, the way eggs are prepared for retail is very different across the pond. In fact, eggs produced for U.S. supermarkets can’t be sold in the EU, and vice versa. This variation is due to differing philosophies when it comes to sanitation and disease prevention.

THE U.S.

USDA standards require that eggs be washed and sanitized to remove any dirt present on the shell. This process ensures a clean shell, but it also damages or removes the egg’s cuticle. The cuticle, also known as the bloom, is a natural covering on the exterior of the eggshell, which seals...

Ruiz Foods Products Inc Recalls Bacon Breakfast Wrap Products

Ruiz Foods Products Inc., a Denison, Texas, establishment, is recalling approximately 246,514 pounds of frozen, not ready-to-eat (NRTE) breakfast wrap products containing bacon that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically small rocks, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The frozen egg, potato, bacon and cheese wrap items were produced on Jan. 17, 2019 and Jan. 18, 2019. The following product is subject to recall...

Perdue Responds to UGA Study on USMCA

The University of Georgia recently published a study claiming the new United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement would cost some Georgia vegetable and fruit growers revenue and jobs. The sensational assertions are flat wrong. As a proud UGA alumnus, I’m here to tell you USMCA is good for Georgia’s farmers and all American agriculture.

Chapter by chapter, verse by verse, USMCA improves virtually every component of NAFTA and Georgia’s agriculture industry stands to gain significantly. It’s important to note we didn’t get all the improvements we wanted for seasonal fruits and vegetables. While we were hopeful we could make progress in the renewed NAFTA, USMCA isn’t a step backward. The UGA study assumed we lost ground, but the facts are it wasn’t ground we had to begin with. Since the inception of NAFTA more than 20 years ago, agricultural trade between our three countries has...

Sparboe Companies Announces the Sale of its New Hampton, Iowa Plant to Deb El Food Products

Sparboe Companies is pleased to announce the sale of its New Hampton, Iowa plant to Deb El Food Products. Deb El will continue to operate the New Hampton plant, which produces liquid, frozen and dried egg products. Sparboe’s shell egg division, Sparboe Farms, will continue to operate their shell egg facilities in Minnesota, Iowa and Colorado and is not part of the sales agreement.

Beth Schnell, Sparboe CEO says of the agreement “We would like to thank all of our employees in New Hampton for the years of dedication and hard work and wish them the best under new leadership. We are pleased to have partnered with another family owned company in this transaction and look forward to Deb El’s success in New Hampton. Proudly celebrating our 65th anniversary, Sparboe will continue to focus on...

Executive Conference: Egg Panel Examines Consumption, Promotions, and Exports

People are still talking about Urner Barry’s 2019 Executive Conference—the venue, (the food!), the networking, amazing speakers, and exclusive market intel. 

The final sessions on Tuesday featured Urner Barry’s Market Reporters in the highly anticipated panel discussions. These breakout sessions are exclusively designed to deliver pertinent market analysis to industry attendees. This year’s Egg Panel included Brian Moscogiuri, Randy Pesciotta, and European Egg Market Reporter Ben Leveau. The team also introduced UB’s newest Egg Market Reporter, Karyn Rispoli, to the crowd. Here are just a few highlights from the session: 

“Right now, we’re seeing the highest per capita consumption levels in recent history,” Brian Moscogiuri said. “That’s 200 eggs in a shell per person, per year!” 

In 2015, the egg industry saw...

U.S. Exports for Most Major Meat Commodities Grew in 2018

U.S. exports of beef, pork, and broilers (young chickens) were strong in 2018, driven by domestic production increases and favorable foreign demand. Compared to the previous year, beef exports increased 10.3 percent, pork exports increased 4.2 percent, and broiler exports were 4.1 percent higher than in 2017. Lamb and mutton exports were 1.5 percent lower despite stronger domestic production. Turkey exports declined 1.8 percent, with lower turkey production likely a contributing factor. Egg exports were 6.1 percent lower in 2018 than a year earlier, while production increased 2.1 percent year over year.

The ERS Livestock and Meat International Trade Data product provides monthly and annual data on U.S. meat and livestock exports and imports. The data are broken down by country and commodity and are available for cattle, beef, hogs and pigs, pork, lamb and mutton, broilers, turkeys, and eggs. An analysis of the data helps explain...

Global Poultry Eggs Market Shows Growing Prominence of Private Label Brands 

The global poultry eggs market is expected to post a CAGR of over 4% during the period 2019-2023, according to the latest market research report by Technavio.

Eggs are a popular choice of protein for a majority of the global population, as they are affordable and healthy. Moreover, egg yolks are a significant source of vitamins, minerals, and fat. They contain fat-soluble vitamin D and are naturally high in choline. Choline promotes normal cell activity, liver function, and the transportation of nutrients throughout the body. It also contributes to ...

This Week in Retail: The Rundown on Easter Features

Pork moved into the top spot this week just in time for the holiday, claiming 25.4 percent of protein feature volume. Beef came in second, scoring 23.6 percent, with seafood closely following at 23 percent. Chicken accounted for 16.2 percent. Turkey features were bumped up to 5.6 percent, compared to 3.6 the week prior.

When comparing holiday week retail prices year-over-year, we have to go back to the week of March 26^th, 2018, as Easter fell three weeks earlier last year. Looking at the retail ham complex, ham features come in at an average price of $1.66 per pound, compared to $1.86 per pound during the week leading up to Easter a year ago. That’s an 11 percent drop YOY and should...

First Look at the Commemorative Egg for the Annual White House Easter Egg Roll 

On April 22, over 30,000 families are expected to attend the annual White House Easter Egg Roll, for its 141st year. As per tradition, America's egg farmers will provide 74,000 eggs to be used for the iconic roll, decorating, and EggPops.

Also as part of the tradition, commemorative eggs have been given to the First Lady on behalf of America's egg farmers annually since 1977. Each egg is custom designed for the First Lady at the time. The handcrafted eggs have been presented to seven first ladies: Rosalynn Carter, Nancy Reagan, Barbara Bush, Hilary Clinton, Laura Bush, Michelle Obama, and Melania Trump. The design for this year's Commemorative Egg was inspired by ...

U.S. Beef, Poultry and Egg Products Gain New Market Access in Tunisia

U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced today that the government of Tunisia and the United States have finalized U.S. export certificates to allow imports of U.S. beef, poultry, and egg products into Tunisia.  This announcement follows meetings between U.S. and Tunisian officials on the safety and wholesomeness of U.S. beef, poultry, and egg products.

“President Trump continues to prioritize the opening of new markets for U.S. agricultural products, and we welcome Tunisia’s agreement to begin imports of U.S. beef, poultry, and egg products,” said Ambassador Lighthizer. “New access to the Tunisian market is an important step in ensuring that American farmers and ranchers can continue to expand their exports of U.S. agricultural products.”

“I'm convinced that when the Tunisians get a taste of U.S. beef, poultry, and eggs, they're going to want more. These products coming into Tunisia are...

Fire at Hickman's Egg Farm 

Hickman's Family Farms had a fire in barn 13 in Tonopah on Thursday. None of the employees, building trades, or firefighters were injured. Fortunately the fire was contained to the new barn due to the rapid response of on-site personnel and timely arrival of the fire department. However, it is a complete loss, but Hickman's stated that insurance will cover the majority of expenses incurred as they rebuild.

A few birds in Barn 12 may suffer from smoke inhalation, but the only production loss Hickman's will face will be from the disruption of feed, lights, and water for a short time. Hickman's is grateful the fire was contained so quickly, and thanks all involved for their teamwork and ...

Cal-Maine Foods Reports Third Quarter Fiscal 2019 Results and Announces Expansion Projects

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. (NASDAQ: CALM) today reported results for the third quarter (thirteen weeks) ended March 2, 2019.

Net sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2019 were $384.0 million, an 11.9 percent decrease, compared to $435.8 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2018. The Company reported net income of $39.8 million, or $0.82 per basic and diluted share, for the third quarter of fiscal 2019, compared to net income of $96.3 million, or $1.99 per basic and diluted share, for the third quarter of fiscal 2018. Results for the third quarter of fiscal 2018 were favorably affected by a $35.0 million, or $0.72 per basic and diluted share, discrete tax benefit related to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) tax reform legislation enacted during the period, and the subsequent revaluation of the Company’s deferred tax liabilities at the new, lower corporate tax rate.

For the thirty-nine weeks ended March 2, 2019, net sales were $1,080.6 million compared to $1,059.8 million for the prior-year period. The Company reported net income of ...

ANALYSIS: Egg Inventories Hit Record Highs

National shell egg inventories were reported by the USDA at a record 1.610 million cases Monday, March 25th, climbing 9.1% from the week prior and 20.2% when compared to 3 weeks from Easter last year...

Proposition 12 Establishes New Standards for the CA Egg Market

In November 2018, California voters passed a ballot initiative that will once again change the landscape of egg production in the state and for those around the country looking to send eggs and egg products into the area. It will establish new space requirements for egg laying hens, in addition to setting new minimum requirements for calves raised for veal and breeding pigs.

The initiative will be phased in over the next two years. It will require producers to keep egg-laying hens in cages with...

Central Valley Eggs Responds to Growth with Second Production Site

Central Valley Eggs is pleased to announce the start of their second production site in California. The first site has been at full capacity since early 2018. The next site will be in Tulare, California. Jeff Peterson, General Manager, states, “Our concept of cage free, done on an economical scale with careful attention to hen welfare is resonating with the marketplace.” He adds, “The mandated changes caused by the passage of Prop 12 will create additional opportunities as we grow our production.”

Central Valley Eggs is a partnership with Opal Foods, Western Milling and...

Cargill and Heifer Launch Hatching Hope Global Initiative 

Cargill and Heifer International have joined forces to create The Hatching Hope Global Initiative. The bold initiative aims to improve the nutrition and economic livelihoods of 100 million people by 2030 through the production, promotion and consumption of poultry.

Hatching Hope will work directly with women smallholder farmers, initially in India, Mexico and Kenya. The program helps farmers not only feed their families but also become part of the solution to bridging the global food and nutrition security gap, while boosting local economies and providing nutrition education.

“We believe that the key to ending hunger and poverty is for farmers to be able to earn a living income,” said Pierre Ferrari, president and CEO of Heifer International. “Through Hatching Hope, we’re investing in smart, resourceful women farmers, working with them to improve...

Sonic Puts an Egg on It with the All-New Brunch Burger

SONIC® Drive-In brings you brunch on-demand any time with the new limited-time Brunch Burger. Made with a 100-percent pure beef patty topped with melty cheese, crispy bacon, and a perfectly fried egg, served on a bakery-soft brioche bun, this glorious combination of breakfast and lunch with a side of medium crispy Tots is available all day for just $2.99*.

For the extra-hungry brunch fan, SONIC also offers the Bigger Brunch Burger that doubles the beef, available a la carte for $4.99*. Guests can even take their brunch all the way by ...

White Castle Lures Cravers with Limited-time 3 for $3 Value Deal

White Castle, America's first fast-food hamburger chain, is giving fans even more power to pick their Crave with the new 3 for $3 value deal. With "Threedom to Choose," customers can now mix and match any three sliders out of five tasty varieties for only $3 at restaurants across the country. White Castle also announced the return of the Seafood Crab Cake Slider and Shrimp Nibblers®, available at most White Castle restaurants for a limited time beginning February 25.

White Castle's bold new 3 for $3 value deal gives customers the "Threedom to Choose" any three sliders out of five hot and steamy options for just $3. Customers will have their choice from the Seafood Crab Cake Slider, the Bacon Cheese Slider, the Sausage, Egg and Cheese Waffle Slider, the Fish Slider or the Chicken Ring Slider. The new "Threedom to Choose" deal is available for ...

PODCAST: Market Correction in the Egg Sector?

This week's segment features Brian Moscogiuri, giving great insight into trends and happenings in the egg market. We discuss market corrections, supply situation, exports, and of course, IPPE 2019!

Eggland's Best Celebrates First-Of-Its-Kind Patent for Production of a Better Egg

Eggland's Best (EB), the nation's #1 egg, is pleased to announce that the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) has granted a first-of-its-kind patent only to Eggland's Best for its method of producing a better shell egg. This patent, A Method for Production of a Verified Enriched Shell Egg, confirms that Eggland's Best shell eggs are produced in a method that enriches their nutritional content.

Eggland's Best's patented method of production and verification ensures that every EB egg has superior qualities including high nutritional content, a reduced risk of Salmonella Enteritidis (SE), and other exceptional egg and shell qualities. This patent demonstrates and verifies that the EB process is superior, resulting in the highest quality egg...

BFREPA Finds Gross Imbalance in Egg Supply Contracts

The British Free Range Egg Producers Association is seeking to reform supply contracts between farmers and packers after lawyers found terms of agreements are grossly imbalanced in favour of buyers.

A team of legal experts from Birketts LLP examined contracts provided by producers and found numerous areas requiring improvement.

They include pricing and payment terms – which vary massively between agreements – and termination which, in some cases, is weighted entirely towards packers.

BFREPA chief executive Robert Gooch has today opened up a dialog with 41 packers outlining the organisation’s areas of concern and asking for ...

Jon Nash to Lead Cargill’s North American Protein Business 

Cargill has selected Jon Nash to lead its North American protein business. He will report to Brian Sikes, who was recently appointed to the executive team as leader of the company’s global protein and salt businesses.

Nash began his career at Cargill in 1998. Most recently, he was the president of Cargill’s Protein foodservice business, where he strengthened and built strategic customer relationships. He brings a diverse mix of commercial, operations and finance experience. Nash has served as vice president of operations and was the general manager and controller of the ...

Eggcellent News from France: The European Egg Market Just Got Even Better!

This week's segment features European Egg Market Reporter Ben Leveau and covers all the... 

Consumer Price Index Slips in December; Up 1.9 Percent Overall in 2018

The Bureau of Labor Statistics has released the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) data for December, showing a 0.1 percent decline for the month, following no change in November.

The CPI measures the change in prices paid by consumers for goods and services, and is broken out by spending category. Last month’s lower index was attributed to a sharp decrease in the gasoline index, which fell 7.5 percent in December.

The food index rose 0.4 percent in December, which the BLS said was the largest increase since May 2014. The food at home index rose 0.3 percent, mostly on increases in the indexes for fruits and vegetables. The index for meats, poultry, fish and eggs was unchanged. The food away from home index was up 0.4 percent, with indexes for both full service meals and limited service meals increasing...

Urner Barry Announces Keynote Speaker for the 2019 Executive Conference in Las Vegas

Urner Barry’s 2019 Executive Conference is just around the corner, and we are so excited to announce this year’s keynote speaker will be (drumroll please…) Arby’s President Rob Lynch!

That’s right. Rob Lynch, along with a host of top speakers and strategists, will be headlining this must-attend event at the Bellagio in Las Vegas, April 28-30^th.  

Rob Lynch serves as President of Arby’s, part of Inspire Brands. Inspire is a multi-brand restaurant company whose portfolio includes more than 8,300 Arby’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, SONIC Drive-In, and Rusty Taco locations worldwide.

Inspire Brands closed out 2018 with the $2.3 billion acquisition of Sonic Corp, making it the fifth largest restaurant company in the U.S...

Dunkin’ Brings New Go2s Value Menu Choices to its January Menu

January is a time when many Americans put saving money at the top of their list of New Year’s resolutions. Dunkin’ is giving guests a great way to start 2019 with great value choices, offering its popular Dunkin’ Go2s value menu to bring customers the chance to choose from three of the brand’s popular breakfast menu items priced at $2, $4 and $5 for two of their go-to favorites.

Available beginning today at participating Dunkin’ restaurants nationwide for a limited time, the Dunkin’ Go2s menu includes ...

Denny's Brings Even More Value and Flavor to Breakfast Favorites

Denny's is celebrating the new year with an even tastier breakfast lineup, offering guests more value and variety than ever before. For a limited time only, guests can enjoy the Super Slam-pler featuring two buttermilk pancakes, one thick slice of French toast sprinkled with powdered sugar, two eggs, and two bacon strips for only $5.99. What's more, starting at just $6.99, America's diner will now feature four craveable new omelettes, all with a deliciously surprising twist and packed full of flavor.

"With our new Super Slam-pler, we're serving up even more of the food our guests crave, without sacrificing on taste or budget," said John Dillon, chief brand officer for Denny's. "At Denny's, we are constantly looking for ways to deliver more for less, and the incredible value we've packed into this new breakfast lineup is ...

Cal-Maine Foods Reports Second Quarter Fiscal 2019 Results

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. (NASDAQ: CALM) today reported results for the second quarter (thirteen weeks) ended December 1, 2018.

Net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2019 were $356.0 million, a 1.4 percent decrease, compared to $361.2 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2018. The Company reported net income of $21.8 million, or $0.45 per basic and diluted share, for the second quarter of fiscal 2019, compared to a loss of $26.1 million, or $0.54 per basic and diluted share, for the second quarter of fiscal 2018. Results for the second quarters of fiscal 2019 and 2018 include charges for certain legal settlements of $1.7 million and $52.8 million ...

Urner Barry Debuts Expanded European Egg Market Coverage 

Urner Barry, the leading provider of protein market news and information in the food industry, will be launching expanded coverage of the European Egg Market beginning Friday, January 4^th.  

In addition to the egg products market that traders have relied on for over 20 years, Urner Barry will now provide European market coverage for barn and free-range liquid and dried egg products. This expansion adds 16 new and unique quotations to the series, providing unparalleled market insight into product trading throughout Europe.  

Benjamin Leveau, stationed in Toulouse, France, will be anchoring this endeavor from within the region. His proximity and expertise in commodity trading allows for more frequent contact with key market participants as well as specialized commentary and...

Organic Sales Continue to Outpace Previous Years—Nielsen

While organic products have been available for decades in the U.S. fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry, they’ve become more accessible than ever in the last few years. Despite this growing popularity, organic products are not necessarily a fad. Sales of organic FMCG haven’t waned, and given sales trajectory across the store, organic appears to be an age-old growth driver that’s here to stay.

While it shouldn’t come as a surprise to hear about the prominence of organic products, it might be interesting to learn that sales continue to outpace previous years. In fact, they now account for more than $21 billion in sales and are up nearly 9% in dollars and 8% in units. And at a time when the FMCG industry overall has experienced flat volume consumption, this growth is...

Cargill Reports Fiscal 2019 Second-Quarter Results

Cargill performs reliably in a dynamic, uncertain environment

Cargill today reported results for the fiscal 2019 second quarter and first half ended Nov. 30, 2018. Key measures include:

• Adjusted operating earnings were $853 million, down 10 percent from the $948 million earned in last year’s strong comparative period. This brought first-half earnings to $1.74 billion, a 5 percent decrease from the prior year.
• Net earnings on a U.S. GAAP basis for the quarter were $741 million, a 20 percent decline from $924 million in the year-ago period. For the half, net earnings dipped 7 percent to $1.76 billion.
• Second-quarter revenues decreased 4 percent to ...

Dunkin’ Debuts New Holiday Spice Bacon Breakfast Sandwich

‘Tis the season at Dunkin’ once again, as today the brand unwrapped its 2018 holiday menu and cup design to bring joy and delight to on-the-go guests through all the wonderful moments of the most wonderful time of the year.

Each year as the holidays approach, Americans turn to Dunkin’ for festive coffees, donuts and more to stay energized for shopping for the perfect gift, wrapping presents, wrapping up the year at work and celebrating the season with friends and family. This year Dunkin’ is spicing things up with its holiday menu, bringing guests delicious new choices for refueling and refilling joy all throughout the busy weeks ahead. Available beginning today for limited time at participating Dunkin’ restaurants nationwide, Dunkin’s ho-ho-host of holiday delights include...

Jimmy Dean Brand Petitions Merriam-webster to Change the Definition of Sandwich

This National Sandwich Day, Jimmy Dean Brand Calls for Recognition of all Types of Sandwiches – Bread and Breadless Alike – in Honor of Jimmy Dean Delights® Egg’wich

The Jimmy Dean® brand believes the current definition of sandwich is stale. Americans’ culinary preferences are evolving, with more than one in three Americans* vowing to eat less bread in the new year. In fact, a recent study* found that half of Americans have eaten a breadless sandwich. Timed to National Sandwich Day (November 3) and the launch of the Jimmy Dean Delights® Egg’wich sandwich, Jimmy Dean brand is calling on Americans to help get all sandwiches a seat at the dictionary’s proverbial kitchen table – and SIGN A PETITION to update the definition of sandwich to represent both bread and breadless options...

Proposition 12 Passes in California, Cage-Free Eggs Now Law

California’s Proposition 12 passed yesterday, meaning that eggs produced or traveling into the state will have to comply by new rules over the next few years.

Egg-laying hens will have at least 1 square foot of usable floor space by the end of 2019 and will need to be in cage-free systems the start of 2022. The new regulations cover both shell eggs and egg products, slightly different than Prop. 2, which restricted only shell eggs.

This could be a jumping off point for the cage-free movement overall, especially since so many retailers, foodservice chains, and institutions made commitments to be all cage-free nationally by 2025. Producers in California and those who want to do business in the state will begin transitioning facilities or building new systems, if they haven’t already...

Aramark Partners with JUST on New, Plant-Based Egg Product

JUST, an innovative food company, has announced today that it has partnered with Aramark, a global food leader, to produce JUST Egg, a plant-based protein product to corporate, healthcare, and higher education cafes. JUST Egg is plant-based, cholesterol-free, and dairy-free. After five years of development, JUST’s team of Michelin-starred chefs have created a product that they say looks and tastes just like the fluffy, filling, savory breakfast staple that consumers love. The JUST Egg breakfast patty will be available to consumers for a limited time at select locations, managed by Aramark, beginning October 22...

Tyson Foods Expands OneEgg Partnership to Nepal, Honduras, and Ethiopia

One million children under 5 years of age in Nepal (or 36 percent of the population) suffer chronic malnutrition and 10 percent suffer from acute malnutrition. The difficulty in acquiring protein is a contributing factor to the nutrition gap in the south Asian country. In an effort to help combat those issues in Nepal, as well as Honduras and Ethiopia, Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN) announced today a series of grants to OneEgg, a non-profit organization that delivers eggs to children in need.

The investment in Nepal focuses on building the capacity of local farmers to supply eggs to 12 schools and 700 children, with a goal of reaching 7,000 children over the next two years. Employees of Cobb-Vantress, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tyson Foods, will provide technical assistance and training to farmers and Tyson Foods will contribute...

American Egg Board Celebrates World Egg Day 2018

World Egg Day 2018 focuses on eggs as a sustainable source of high-quality protein—A Protein For Life

The American Egg Board (AEB) is highlighting the U.S. egg industry's commitment to sustainable nutrition on World Egg Day, October 12, under the global campaign theme "Protein for Life."

"Protein for Life" refers to the quality of nutrition that eggs provide and the continuous improvement made by egg farmers to reduce the impact of egg production on the environment and resources like land and water.

"America's egg farmers take their dual responsibilities of providing nutritious food and...

BFREPA to Launch Model Contract to Ensure Fairness and Restore Confidence to Free Range Egg Producers

The British Free Range Egg Producers Association is to create a model supply contract for its members to use with packers to ensure fairness and confidence throughout the sector.

Speaking at the organisation’s annual conference in Coventry today BFREPA Chief Executive Robert Gooch said many of the contracts he had seen from producers “aren’t worth the paper they are written on”.

Mr Gooch asked BFREPA members to send him copies of their contracts so terms could be assessed by specialist contract lawyers.

With new entrants building their first sheds and existing businesses expanding, Mr Gooch said it was vital all producers had rock-solid agreements in place...

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. Announces Definitive Agreement to Acquire Egg Production Assets of Featherland Egg Farms, Inc.

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. (NASDAQ: CALM) today announced that it has reached a definitive agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets of Featherland Egg Farms, Inc., relating to its commercial shell egg production, processing, distribution and sale business. The assets to be acquired, subject to the completion of this transaction, include commercial egg production and processing facilities with current capacity for approximately 600,000 laying hens, a feed mill, and related production and distribution facilities located near Marion, Texas. The Company expects to close the transaction in the next few weeks.

Commenting on the announcement, Dolph Baker, chairman and chief executive officer of Cal-Maine Foods, Inc., said, “We are pleased to announce the acquisition of the Featherland Egg Farms assets. This transaction is consistent with our strategy to...

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. Names Max Bowman Chief Financial Officer

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. (NASDAQ: CALM) today announced that Max P. Bowman has been named vice president and chief financial officer, effective October 5, 2018. Bowman was also elected to the Company’s Board of Directors at the annual meeting of shareholders held today in Jackson. Bowman will replace Tim Dawson, whose planned retirement from the Company was effective today.

Commenting on the announcement, Dolph Baker, chairman and chief executive officer of Cal-Maine Foods, said, “Max Bowman is well qualified to assume these important roles with our senior management team and Board of Directors. Having joined the Company in June, he has worked closely with Tim Dawson to ensure a smooth transition. He brings significant expertise in accounting, finance, acquisitions and business development, as well as valuable experience in financial management of a public company. We also look forward to working with Max in the important work of our Board of Directors as we continue to execute our growth strategy...

Dunkin' Debuts All You Can Eat Meat Breakfast Sandwich

Meat lovers have met their perfect match at Dunkin’. No longer must ordering a breakfast sandwich force a furious compromise over which one and only one classic meat to enjoy, as Dunkin’ is now bringing bacon, ham and sausage together into a single sandwich selection with the launch of the new All You Can Meat Breakfast Sandwich.

Dunkin’s All You Can Meat Breakfast Sandwich is all delicious with no decisions necessary, delivering meat fans everything they crave in one hearty, premium sandwich. It features two strips of bacon, two slices of ham and one sausage patty, served with egg and American Cheese on an oven-toasted croissant. The All You Can Meat Breakfast Sandwich is...

Cal-Maine Foods Reports First Quarter Fiscal 2019 Results

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. (NASDAQ: CALM) today reported results for the first quarter (thirteen weeks) ended September 1, 2018.

Net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2019 were $340.6 million, a 29.6 percent increase, compared to $262.8 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2018. The Company reported net income of $12.4 million, or $0.26 per basic and diluted share, for the first quarter of fiscal 2019, compared to a loss of $16.0 million, or $0.33 per basic and diluted share, for the first quarter of fiscal 2018.

Dolph Baker, chairman and chief executive officer of Cal-Maine Foods, Inc., stated, “We were pleased to begin fiscal 2019 with a solid financial and operating performance, as we experienced more favorable market conditions than a year ago. Our sales for the first quarter were up 29.6 percent, reflecting higher average customer selling prices for shell eggs and consistent...

Protein: Consumers Want It, But Don't Understand It

U.S. consumers have a growing appetite for all things protein. In fact, 55% of U.S. households say high protein is now an important attribute to consider when buying food for their households. Across the country, 6% of households include someone who lives on a high-protein diet. That’s more than 5.4 million people.

While the popularity of plant-based proteins is certainly growing, data shows that consumers are still choosing traditional sources of protein such as meat, eggs and dairy as their primary source. They still dominate in sales as well, as these five categories...

Gravel Ridge Farms Recalls Cage Free Eggs Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination

Gravel Ridge Farms is recalling Cage Free Large Eggs due to a potential contamination of Salmonella. The recall was initiated because reported illnesses were confirmed at locations using Gravel Ridge Farm Eggs, and we are voluntarily recalling out of an abundance of caution.

Salmonellais an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

On 9/6/2018 the firm was notified by...