PODCAST: Urner Barry's Executive Conference and Global Protein Summit

Urner Barry's Executive Conference and Global Protein Summit is a can't miss, online event, combining two of the most important shows in the protein industry. In the lastest UB Market Digest Podcast, Laura Zinger and Brian Moscogiuri discuss why this event is going to be so valuable and what to expect....

Ovostar Reports Operational Results for the First Half of 2020 

Ovostar Union Public Company Limited, a vertically integrated holding company, one of the leading egg and egg products producer in Ukraine, announced its operational results for the six months ended 30 June 2020.

As of 30 June 2020 the Company’s total flock equaled 8.24 mln hens, including 6.91 laying hens (30 June 2019: 7.56 and 6.51 mln hens respectively).

The volume of eggs produced in H1 2020 was 793 mln demonstarting 1% increase YoY (H1 2019: 782 mln). In the reporting period the sales volume in the egg segment totaled...

Eggland's Best Joins Forces with American Heart Association to Inspire Healthy at Home Cooking

Eggland's Best and the American Heart Association are teaming up with television personality and cookbook author, Richard Blais to share delicious, healthy recipes. In celebration of the American Heart Association's healthy cooking at home resources, EB and the American Heart Association are encouraging families to tune in to a virtual cooking series by visiting the American Heart Association - Healthy for Good Facebook page on July 24 and July 31 at 12PM EST.

"With people spending more time at home this summer, there's a great opportunity to build healthier eating habits by cooking nutritious meals together," said American Heart Association Chief Medical Officer for Prevention, Eduardo Sanchez, M.D., M.P.H., FAAFP. "We're excited to work with Eggland's Best once again to...

Cal-Maine Foods Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2020 Results

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. reported results for the fourth quarter (13 weeks) and fiscal year ended May 30, 2020.

Net sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 were $453.3 million, a 61.6 percent increase compared to $280.6 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019. The Company reported net income of $60.5 million, or $1.25 per basic share and $1.24 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, compared to net loss of $19.8 million, or $(0.41) per basic and diluted share, for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019.

For the fiscal year 2020, net sales were $1,351.6 million compared to $1,361.2 million for the prior year. The Company reported net income of $18.4 million, or $0.38 per basic and diluted share, for fiscal 2020, compared to...

JUST Egg to Debut at Select Retailers in Canada this Fall

Eat Just, Inc., announced that its award-winning plant-based egg will be coming to Whole Foods Market and select Walmart stores in Canada this fall. Canada is one of the most requested markets for the product, which has been a breakout success in retail and foodservice channels in the United States since its nationwide launch last year.

The newly released fluffy, folded format, will be marketed as JUST Plant Egg in Canada. It will be sold as a box of four in the frozen aisle at Whole Foods Market in Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria and Ottawa, and at more than 100 Walmart stores coast-to-coast. Additional on-shelf details will be announced at a later date.

In the U.S., sales of the toaster-ready product have surged since April, and it is now the #1 frozen breakfast entrée by velocity in the Natural Channel, according to...

American Egg Board: U.S. Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee Recommends Eggs as a First Food

“Today is an important day for the American diet and for eggs. In an historic first, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans Advisory Committee today issued recommendations for birth to 24 months old and specifically recommended eggs as an important first food for infants and toddlers, as well as for pregnant and lactating women.

Today’s Scientific Report also highlighted the importance of a nutrient plentiful in eggs – choline – while recommending eggs as a first food for babies to reduce risk for an egg allergy. The Advisory Committee additionally encouraged eggs for pre-teens and adolescents.

Eggs are one of the best sources of choline, an essential nutrient critical for fetal brain development. The Advisory Committee classified choline as an important nutrient that is...

PODCAST: Market Update on Eggs with Brian Moscogiuri

This week, Laura sat down with Brian Moscogiuri to cover price fluctuations since record highs in March, rebounding COVID-19 cases impact on demand, cage-free production and trends, and the European egg market reaction to the pandemic...

Vital Farms Announces Filing of Registration Statement for Proposed Initial Public Offering

Vital Farms, Inc., a Certified B Corporation that offers a range of ethically produced pasture-raised foods nationwide, announced that it has filed a registration statement on Form S-1 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) relating to the proposed initial public offering of its common stock. Vital Farms has applied to list its common stock on The Nasdaq Stock Market under the ticker symbol "VITL."

The number of shares to be offered and the price range for the proposed offering have not yet been determined. The offering is subject to market conditions, and there can be no assurance as to whether or when the offering may be completed, or as to...

Colorado Passes Cage-Free Egg Law

Colorado egg producers were just given a deadline by the state legislature to convert all hen housing to cage-free by 2025. The bill, HB20-1343, passed in the state legislature last month and was signed into law by Governor Jared Polis. The bill was sponsored by Representative Dylan Roberts, and Senator Kerry Donovan. Colorado is joining states like California, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, and Michigan, which have all passed cage-free egg laws.

Cage-free egg legislation has forced farmers to create new housing facilities including scratching areas, perches, nest boxes, and dust-bathing areas. These cage-free housing systems also incorporate adequate lighting and ventilation. Meanwhile, the majority of consumers show a preference for the cheapest egg available, which is typically...

ANALYSIS: U.S. Protein Inventories Drawn Down During Plant Closures

U.S. cold storage stocks declined across the beef, pork, chicken, and egg categories in May as product was needed to...

Outlook on the Global Egg Protein Industry to 2027

According to ResearchAndMarkets, the global protein egg market accounted for $28.41 billion in 2019 and is expected to reach $48.09 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period.

Consumer awareness about a healthy diet and increase in demand for proteins as nutritional and functional ingredients are the major factors propelling market growth. However, the surge in demand for plant-based proteins is hampering the growth of the market.

Based on the type, the egg white powder segment is going to have lucrative growth during the forecast period owing to the increasing consumer attention as they contribute to...

Denny's Reintroduces Popular Value Menu

Denny's is re-introducing its famed $2 $4 $6 $8 Value Menu in celebration of its 10th anniversary, offering guests breakfast and dinner favorites alongside new and exciting items, all at a great price. The limited-time value menu will be available for dine-in, takeout or delivery via Dennys.com, while supplies last at participating locations. Denny's is also offering free delivery through Denny's on Demand from now until June 22, 2020.

Denny's $2 $4 $6 $8 Value Menu features options for breakfast, lunch and dinner, including...

ANALYSIS: Shell Egg Prices Drop to Five-Month Low as Demand Lessens, Supplies Mount

After holding steady for the entire back half of May, shell-egg prices have once again come under pressure amid slowing demand patterns and mounting inventories. Suppliers were hopeful that the above-average sales they’d enjoyed since the start of the pandemic would endure, but seasonal demand shifts appear to have set in – as they often do in June, when the weather warms and consumers turn their attention to colder breakfast options.

Even where orders remain slightly above average for this time of year, they’ve slowed from some of the heavier volumes reported in May. The USDA reported Wednesday that its Weekly Shell Egg Demand Indicator – an estimate of demand based on current production and inventory clearance – plunged to its lowest level in more than a year...

Conagra Brands Recalls Frozen Not-Ready-To-Eat Chicken and Turkey Bowl Products

Conagra Brands, Inc., Russellville, Ark. and Marshall, Mo. establishments, are recalling approximately 276,872 pounds of not ready-to-eat chicken and turkey bowl products because the products may contain extraneous material, specifically small rocks, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The scope of this recall has been expanded to include Healthy Choice Power Bowls Chicken Feta & Farro Bowls, Healthy Choice Power Bowls Unwrapped Burrito Scramble Power Bowls, and Healthy Choice Power Bowls Turkey Sausage & Egg Scramble Power Bowls produced on various dates. The products were produced at two different establishments.

The following additional products are subject to recall...

Nestlé Introduces New Life Cuisine 

Nestlé is introducing Life Cuisine, an exciting new brand delivering delicious and satisfying meal solutions to match the approach to eating well. From gluten-free to high-protein, Life Cuisine is made with flavorful ingredients that help power your day.

Over the years, the definition of wellness has evolved from calorie-conscious eating to a more holistic approach that extends well beyond just what's on your plate. Once-niche dietary trends like gluten free and meatless meals have also...

JUST Announces Partnership with Post Holdings’ Michael Foods

JUST and Michael Foods, a subsidiary of Post Holdings and one of the largest processors of value-added eggs in the world, announced a groundbreaking new partnership to bring the top-selling, plant-based JUST Egg to millions more consumers in the United States.

Under the arrangement, Michael Foods will be the exclusive manufacturer, supplier and distributor of JUST Egg to foodservice and food ingredient customers who are already familiar with their industry-leading egg brands such as Papetti’s, Abbotsford Farms and Davidson’s Safest Choice and are in search of a unique, plant-based egg product.

For over 100 years, the Michael Foods family of businesses have leveraged quality ingredients and cutting-edge processes to offer the finest products and solutions to their customers. This partnership adds...

JUST and Emsland Group Partner to Scale Plant-Based JUST Egg

JUST announced a partnership to expand its protein processing capacity with Emsland Group, a worldwide leader in manufacturing raw materials from vegetables. This partnership will provide the scale needed to meet increasing global demand for the plant-based product marketed as JUST Egg in the United States.

Headquartered in Emlichheim, Germany, Emsland Group has manufactured innovative pea and potato products that are essential elements in a wide range of food applications since 1928. Partnering with JUST to process mung bean protein, the key ingredient in JUST Egg, is a first for the venerable farmer cooperative and will help...

American Egg Board Names Emily Metz President and Chief Executive Officer

The American Egg Board (AEB) announced that, effective in June, Emily Metz will assume the role of President and Chief Executive Officer, leading a strong staff and collaborating with the American egg industry to build demand for U.S. eggs and egg products both domestically and abroad. An agriculture industry veteran and passionate strategist, Metz fills the role vacated by previous CEO Anne Alonzo last month.

“Our industry has not seen this much change and uncertainty in decades, and our producers need a visionary leader to help the industry adapt to a changing marketplace,” said Steve George, Chairman of the American Egg Board. “We thank Anne for continually advancing our industry during her tenure with us, and we look forward to Emily using...

PODCAST: Scrambling for Eggs? Volatility In the Egg Market

This week Laura returns to the show to discuss the volatility in the egg market due to Covid-19 with Brian Moscogiuri. They cover supply issues, retail demand, typical seasonal factors, and more... 

ANALYSIS: Shell Egg Prices Come Under Pressure as Retail Demand Slips, Supplies Mount

U.S. shell egg prices are coming under pressure once again as retail demand begins to ease and supplies become increasingly available. After holding steady for...

ANALYSIS: Egg Products Market Reeling in the Wake of Foodservice Shutdowns

Roughly one out of every three table eggs produced in the United States is broken by further processors to create egg products. This liquid, dried or frozen egg is...

ANALYSIS: Egg Prices Drop as Retail Demand Slows, Foodservice Supply Floods Market

Shell egg prices dropped below $2.00/dozen for the first time in four weeks yesterday, amid increased supply from the foodservice sector and...

FDA Provides Temporary Flexibility Regarding the Egg Safety Rule

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration today released a guidance document, Temporary Policy Regarding Enforcement of 21 CFR Part 118 (the Egg Safety Rule) During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency to provide producers of shell eggs that normally would be sent to facilities for further processing the flexibility to sell their eggs for distribution to retail locations, such as supermarkets, when certain conditions are present. This flexibility will help egg producers meet increased demand for shell eggs by consumers at retail locations.

The FDA rule, Prevention of Salmonella Enteritidis in Shell Eggs During Production, Storage, and Transportation, requires producers of shell eggs that are sold to...

ANALYSIS: A Bird’s Eye Perspective of Price Volatility

Following an historic, if not overwhelming, upward surge in retail-oriented demand patterns, chicken marketers have now found themselves contending with...

ANALYSIS: Shell Egg Prices Coming Under Pressure as Foodservice Demand Slows, Frees Supply

After a more than three-week rally that saw prices surge to record-high levels, the shell egg market has come under pressure amid shifting demand patterns. Just as retail demand...

FDA Issues Temporary Policy Regarding Packaging and Labeling of Shell Eggs

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plays a critical role in protecting the United States from threats including emerging infectious diseases, including the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. FDA is committed to providing timely guidance to support continuity and response efforts to this pandemic.

FDA is issuing this guidance to provide temporary flexibility regarding certain packaging and labeling requirements for shell eggs sold in retail food establishments so that industry can meet the increased demand for shell eggs during the COVID-19 pandemic...

Cal-Maine Foods Reports Third Quarter Fiscal 2020 Results

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. reported results for the third quarter ended February 29, 2020.

Net sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2020 were $345.6 million, a 10.0 percent decrease, compared to $384.0 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2019. The Company reported net income of $13.7 million, or $0.28 per basic and diluted share, for the third quarter of fiscal 2020, compared to net income of $39.8 million, or $0.82 per basic and diluted share, for the third quarter of fiscal 2019.

For the thirty-nine weeks ended February 29, 2020, net sales were $898.3 million compared to $1,080.6 million for the prior-year period. The Company reported net loss of $42.1 million, or...

ANALYSIS: Egg Prices Begin to Stabilize as Consumer Shopping Slows, Demand Normalizes

Following weeks of unrelenting demand, market sources from coast to coast are beginning to see retail orders for eggs...

Protein Alternatives Market Outlook to 2025; Dominated by Cargill

According to ResearchAndMarkets, the global protein alternatives market is projected to grow with a CAGR of 7.4% during the forecast period (2020-2025).

The market studied has witnessed a significant growth due to the increasing intolerance toward animal protein, thereby leading to the shift in preference of the meat-consuming population toward meat substitutes made of vegan protein, therefore, driving the market studied.

Consumers in developing regions, like Asia-Pacific and Africa, have started to incorporate more protein in their daily diets. Many companies operating in the market place have started to initiate...

ANALYSIS: Shell Egg Prices Soar to Record High Levels as COVID-19 Demand Persists, Inventories Drop

U.S. shell egg prices soared to fresh all-time highs today, as retail demand continues to come in at levels never-before seen due to COVID-19. The early round of buying witnessed a few weeks ago was...

ANALYSIS: Shell Egg Prices Soar 95%, Inventories Drop as COVID-19 Fears Drive Retail Demand

U.S. shell egg prices have nearly doubled over the past two weeks, as coronavirus-related concerns have flooded retail stores with shoppers in pursuit of household necessities – eggs being one of the most...

JUST Expands Partnerships Globally, Raises Capital & Adds Former Coca-Cola Executive

JUST announced a host of partnerships to manufacture and distribute its JUST Egg across North America, Latin America, Europe, and East Asia. This global infrastructure, which includes millions of additional points of potential distribution and access to production facilities on multiple continents, will provide the scale needed to meet the increasing worldwide demand for the product.

Included in this partnership announcement are South Korea’s food company, SPC Samlip; one of Southeast Asia’s largest food companies, Betagro Group; bakery company, Grupo Bimbo; one of Latin America’s largest edible oil and fat producers, Alianza Team; and local delivery platform, Delivery Hero. This infrastructure builds on a previously announced manufacturing and distribution partnership with...

ANALYSIS: Shell-Egg Prices Jump to Three-Month High Amid Coronavirus Fears, Production Cuts

U.S. shell egg prices jumped to a three-month high yesterday amid reduced outputs and a surge in retail demand, spurred – at least in part – by fears related to...

Post Holdings Reports Poultry Plant Fire in Nebraska

Post Holdings reported a fire took place last evening at its Michael Foods farm operation in Bloomfield, Nebraska. While the cause of the fire has not been determined, all employees were safely evacuated and no injuries were reported. Post Holdings reported that the fire impacted less than 5% of the layer population of Michael Foods' internal and external layer network.

According to some reports, one of the barns was destroyed and approximately 400,000 chickens perished. Michael Foods has about 20 barns at the site and about 4 million chickens. The barn that burned was relatively new and designed to produce cage-free eggs. Councilman Ray Lush stated that the plant employs about 125 to 150 people, which is...

Barilla Reformulates Protein+ Line

Barilla is offering a new and improved Protein+ line, now made entirely with 100% plant-based ingredients, specifically semolina durum wheat mixed with protein from lentils, chickpeas and peas. As today's consumers are increasingly looking for plant-based products, Barilla identified a delicious new recipe that removes the egg whites from the formula, while maintaining the same great taste and "al dente" texture of traditional semolina pasta.

The reformulation of Protein+ can complement a variety of lifestyles, including those that are vegan or are simply looking to incorporate more protein and fiber into their diet. The new formula now includes...

American Egg Board Introduces Made with Real Eggs Seal

People want to know and understand what is in the food they eat. To help restaurants and food manufacturers give consumers confidence in their products, the American Egg Board (AEB) has introduced the new Made with REAL Eggs certification seal to easily communicate their food products are made of genuine eggs.

Additionally, new research shows that when consumers know a product is made with real eggs, the value of the product increases. More than 80 percent of those who buy egg products said seeing the Made with REAL Eggs seal would positively influence their purchase decision. The seal also gave consumers confidence that a manufacturer's brand was of high quality (82 percent) and that a product would taste better (80 percent).

"Eggs are recognized as one of nature's most perfect foods, and one of the most popular foods among Americans today. In fact, consumer demand for eggs and egg products has reached...

MGM Resorts Announces New Sustainable Sourcing Goals For Eggs And Chickens

MGM Resorts International announced plans to expand its responsible sourcing program with a set of goals for eggs and chickens.

Under its cage-free & free-range egg and chicken policy, the Company has set a goal to source 100 percent of eggs (shell, liquid, and egg products) from cage-free sources throughout its global portfolio before 2030. In tandem, the Company has also committed to sourcing chickens from...

Carrefour Introduces a Method for Avoiding Male Chicks to Be Culled 

As part of its food transition plan, Carrefour and Loué have entered into a partnership to produce and sell eggs laid by chickens produced using a spectrophotometric in-ovo sexing technique. Consumers will be able to purchase the products from 1 May.

This is another step forward for animal welfare, and Carrefour is involving players across the sector in identifying and developing the best in-ovo sexing techniques in France. As soon as a concerted solution that can be industrialized has been identified, Carrefour will commit to...

Arizona Introduces Cage-Free Egg Legislation

New legislation has been introduced in Arizona that would phase out the use of cages in egg production or eggs sold from hens raised in cages. Representative Timothy Dunn introduced House Bill 2724, which is being described as a compromise between Hickman's Family Farms and the Humane Society of the United States.

If passed, Arizona will be joining states like California, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, and Michigan, which have all passed cage-free egg laws. However, according to an Urner Barry egg analysis, the number of cage-free laying hens in the United States dropped by 1.2 million head in January, marking the first time since August of 2016, when the USDA began...

JUST and Sodexo Partner on Breakfast

JUST announced a partnership with Sodexo, a global food services and facilities management leader, to bring the award-winning, top-selling JUST Egg to Sodexo’s higher education, healthcare and corporate sites across the United States.

Crafted by a team of Michelin starred chefs, the plant-based JUST Egg’s key ingredient is protein from the mung bean, a dietary staple in Asia for thousands of years.

Through this partnership, JUST joins Sodexo’s commitment to sourcing responsibly, encouraging plant-based meals and reducing food waste as part of Sodexo’s Better Tomorrow 2025 strategy to...

Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s Offer Free Beyond Meat Menu Items the Monday After Sunday’s Big Game

Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s are encouraging Americans who overindulged during Sunday’s Big Game to recover with a plant-based Monday by enjoying an item from the all-day Beyond Meat menu. Monday, February 3, recovering Americans can use the phrase “Beyond the Game” to unlock one free Beyond Meat menu item with the purchase of any large drink, including soft drinks, coffee and cold brew, at participating locations.

The day after Sunday’s Big Game is notoriously the most skipped workday in America, with an estimated 17.2 million Americans missing work. Knowing the woes of adulting on one of the worst Mondays of the year, Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s are...

Avian Flu Spreads to New Province in Poland, According to Poland’s Veterinary Services

The highly pathogenic avian flu virus (HPAI) that has been spreading in Eastern Europe since early 2020 has now reached a new province in Northern Poland, the country’s Chief Veterinary Officer said in a press release on January 27th.

“Outbreak No. 2020/15 was designated on a farm where 23,351 turkeys for fattening were kept, located in the town of Rąbity, in the commune of Zalewo, in the Iławski poviat, in the Warmian-Masurian province” according to the press release.

The HPAI of the H5N8 subtype was first diagnosed on December 30th, 2019 at a poultry farm in Poland in the Eastern Polish province of Lublin, which borders on both Belarus and Ukraine. About 15 cases have been reported in...

Moba-Pelbo Joins Forces with Innovo Solutions

Moba is proud to announce that Pelbo, one of its subsidiaries in Brugherio, Italy, has partnered up with Innovo Solutions, an Italian-based innovative company that develops, manufactures and installs pasteurization plants for food producers. Innovo's knowledge and experience will enable Moba-Pelbo to take egg processing to the next level.

Mr. Fabio Gualtieri, Pelbo's Sales Director, is very excited about what this new partnership will bring to Moba-Pelbo: "The new collaboration with Innovo will increase our expertise in handling big egg processing projects. Furthermore, we will expand...

Ovostar Announces Operation Results for 2019 

Ovostar Union Public Company Limited, a vertically integrated holding company, one of the leading egg and egg products producer in Ukraine, announces its operational results for the year 2019.

As of 31 December 2019 the Company’s total flock was 8.1 mln heads, including 6.7 mln laying hens (31 December 2018: 7.6 mln and 6.4 mln. respectively).

The volume of eggs produced in 2019 totaled 1 587 mln (2018: 1 625 mln eggs). In the reporting period the sales volume in shell eggs segment fell by 17% to 1 147 mln eggs (2018: 1 381 mln). The volume of eggs exported was 525 mln that makes up 46% of the total sales in the segment (2018: 587 mln or 42%). The decrease of shell eggs sales is accounted for by...

JUST Launches New Egg Offering 

JUST announced the second quarter availability of a new JUST Egg offering: a fluffy, folded egg, perfect on top of toast, inside breakfast sandwiches or as a plant-based, protein-packed addition to any meal.

The product will begin rolling out in April in the freezer section of Whole Foods Markets; select Albertsons Safeway stores; Gelson’s Markets in Southern California; Stop & Shop in the Northeast, Kings Food Markets in the New York metro area and Giant Martin's in the Mid-Atlantic, with more to come. In all, it will be sold in approximately 5,000 stores at launch and will be available for restaurants and other foodservice destinations from major distributors.

The folded JUST Egg will be sold as a box of four, and the key ingredient is protein from the...

Rabobank: Opportunities Remain Wide Open for African Poultry 

Since the 2016 report ‘Time for Africa,’ we’ve seen ongoing investments in the USD 25 billion African poultry and egg industries, driven by strong long-term fundamentals. This has recently accelerated again after a slowdown in 2016/17 resulting from economic volatility in some African countries, especially those with a high dependence on oil and mining. “The middle class in Africa is expected to continue growing, as the population doubles and more people move to big cities. These core fundamentals, together with the untapped potential of local feed grain production, offer an attractive investment opportunity,” according to Nan-Dirk Mulder, senior animal protein analyst.

“This will all lead to ongoing market growth and modernization at all stages of the value chain, creating an increasingly interesting platform for international investors. The growing demand and modernization of...

Culinary International Recalls Chicken Burrito Products

Culinary International, LLC, a Vernon, Calif. establishment, is recalling approximately 626 pounds of egg burrito products labeled as chicken burrito 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 eggs, a known allergen, which was not declared on the product label.

The frozen, not ready-to-eat (NRTE) chicken burrito items were produced on Sept. 10, 2019. The following products are subject to recall...

Egg Market Prices Unchanged So Far on Current Flu Outbreak in Poland

The H5N8 flu outbreak has not had any impact on industry shell egg prices thus far, but participants are monitoring the situation very closely, according to various sources.

Industry shell egg market prices are still under some downward pressure despite the spread of a highly pathogenic bird flu (HPAI) in Poland. Poland, the western region in particular, has become an increasing important supplier of industrial cage eggs for egg processors in Western Europe. 

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), the Dutch Association of Egg Traders and Egg Product Manufacturers (ANEVEI) and the Polish poultry organization (KIDPIP) said that seven outbreaks of highly pathogenic bird flu (HPAI) of the H5N8 serotype had been....

REPORTER: UK Egg Production Reaches All-time High

The UK’s egg packing station throughput reached another all-time record during Q3 reaching 7,998 thousand cases of eggs, up 3.6% year-on-year, according to...

Cal-Maine Foods Reports Second Quarter Fiscal 2020 Results

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. today reported results for the second quarter (thirteen weeks) ended November 30, 2019.

Net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2020 were $311.5 million, a 12.5 percent decrease, compared to $356.0 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2019. The Company reported net loss of $10.1 million, or $0.21 per basic and diluted share, for the second quarter of fiscal 2020, compared to net income of $21.8 million, or $0.45 per basic and diluted share, for the second quarter of fiscal 2019.

For the twenty-six weeks ended November 30, 2019, net sales were $552.7 million compared to $696.6 million for the prior-year period. The Company reported net loss of $55.8 million, or $1.15 per basic and diluted share, for...

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...

Reporter: Egg Prices Jump More Than 60% Ahead of the Holidays

Outbreak of Listeria Infections Linked to Hard-Boiled Eggs

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention issued a food safety alert that bulk, fresh hard-boiled eggs produced by Almark Foods of Gainesville, Georgia, are contaminated with Listeria and have made people sick. These products were packaged in plastic pails for use nationwide by foodservice operators. The products have not been recalled. However, the CDC is warning against selling, serving, or using these eggs to make other food products because Listeria can cause severe infections. The CDC added that retailers and foodservice operators should confirm who supplies their bulk hard-boiled eggs, as consumers will not be able to tell if products purchased contain these eggs.

The CDC is advising retail and foodservice operators not to use bulk hard-boiled eggs produced at the Almark Foods Gainesville, Georgia facility, regardless of use-by date. Food processors and manufacturers should not...

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. Completes Acquisition of Egg Production Assets of Mahard Egg Farm

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. today announced that it has closed the previously announced acquisition of certain assets of Mahard Egg Farm, relating to its commercial shell egg production, processing, distribution and sale of shell eggs business. The acquired assets include commercial shell egg production and processing facilities with current capacity for approximately 3.9 million laying hens and permitted capacity for up to 8.0 million laying hens, a feed mill, pullets and related production facilities located in Chillicothe, Texas, and Nebo, Oklahoma, and a distribution warehouse located in Gordonville, Texas.

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. is primarily engaged in the production, grading, packing and sale of fresh shell eggs, including...

ANALYSIS: Egg Prices Rally Nearly 60%

US shell egg prices have risen sharply over the last three weeks. From the lows seen in the middle of October, the benchmark Midwest large quote has jumped...

Cal-Maine Foods Announces Definitive Agreement to Acquire Egg Production Assets of Mahard Egg Farm

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. today announced that it has reached a definitive agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets of Mahard Egg Farm, relating to its commercial shell egg production, processing, distribution and sale of shell eggs business. The assets to be acquired, subject to the completion of this transaction, include commercial shell egg production and processing facilities with current capacity for approximately 3.9 million laying hens and permitted capacity for up to 8.0 million laying hens, a feed mill, pullets and related production facilities located in Chillicothe, Texas, and Nebo, Oklahoma, and a distribution warehouse located in Gordonville, 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 very pleased to announce the acquisition of these assets from Mahard Egg Farm. Cal-Maine Foods already has...

Cal-Maine Foods Reports First Quarter Fiscal 2020 Results

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. today reported results for the first quarter (thirteen weeks) ended August 31, 2019.

Net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2020 were $241.2 million, a 29.2 percent decrease, compared to $340.6 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2018. The Company reported net loss of $45.8 million, or ($0.94) per basic and diluted share, for the first quarter of fiscal 2020, compared to net income of $12.4 million, or $0.26 per basic and diluted share, for the first quarter of fiscal 2019. Results for the first quarter of fiscal 2020 include a non-cash impairment charge of $2.9 million related to decommissioning some older, less efficient production facilities as the Company continues to...

U.S. Poultry, Egg Industries Welcome Announcement of Japan Trade Agreement

U.S. poultry and egg organizations welcome the announcement of a trade agreement between the United States and Japan, an achievement that stands to benefit our industry.

“Frozen chicken, turkey, and processed egg products will receive favorable tariff reductions enabling our products to compete more effectively with those of countries in the Trans-Pacific Partnership,” the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council (USAPEEC), National Chicken Council (NCC), National Turkey Federation (NTF) and United Egg Producers (UEP) said in a joint statement issued Monday.

“While this is just the first stage of a bilateral agreement, it is welcome news and we would like to thank President Trump, Secretary Perdue and Secretary Lighthizer for...

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...