Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. Announces Expansion Plans for Additional Cage-Free Production Capabilities

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. today announced that on October 4, 2024, its Board of Directors approved $40 million in new capital projects to further expand the Company’s cage-free production capabilities. The Company plans to fund the projects through a combination of available cash on hand, sales of investment securities and operating cash flow.

The projects will include the addition of five new cage-free layer houses across the Company’s locations in Florida, Georgia, Utah and...

European Shell Egg Market Concerned by New Avian Influenza Outbreaks in Italy and France

Italy reported an outbreak of the severe H5N1 avian influenza virus late last week. It was the first outbreak in Italy for several months, according to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).   

The outbreak occurred on a large commercial layer farm in the northeast believed to house up to 1 million birds, a market source told Expana.  

The same market source said that now that H5N1 avian influenza is back in Italy, coupled with the spread of other livestock and poultry...

ANALYSIS: EU Shell Eggs Firming up as Consumption Progresses

The EU is experiencing a firm shell egg market, as it is common to see at this period of the year. However, market players on the supply side report that the overall egg production in the region is not following the strong progression of the demand from consumers and from processors.

According to Eurostats, graded shell eggs in the EU increased value by 6.9% between week 34 at 1,936€/MT (in the middle of August) and week 39 at 2,069€/MT (at the end of September)...

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...

ANALYSIS: U.S. Egg Prices Stabilize After Sharp Decline, Amid Strong Canadian Demand, Retail Uptick

Friday marked the end of a four-week decline in U.S. shell egg prices, during which Midwest Large fell by a staggering 51.1%, settling at $2.12 per dozen. This drop came amid weak retail demand and increasing production levels. Throughout the summer, many of the nation’s largest retailers had employed eggs as a loss leader, boosting unseasonably strong demand as inflation-conscious consumers sought affordable, high-protein food options.

Summer is typically a period of reduced production, as egg producers cycle...

IHOP Is Bringing Weekends to the Weekdays to Celebrate the New Value-Driven House Faves Menu

Today, IHOP® announced it’s bringing the weekend to the weekday by inviting guests to enjoy its new House Faves menu every Monday through Friday from 7am-10pm, for just $6. IHOP prides itself on listening and reacting to guest feedback quickly; knowing customers are constantly looking for more ways to save when dining out with their families, the brand curated its House Faves menu with some of its best-selling breakfast items for guests to enjoy for just $6...

The Retail Rundown: Onwards to October

With October nearing, the shift in retail meat features from grilling cuts to roasts is picking up pace. More households are utilizing their ovens and crockpots, making it prime time for hearty ingredients like chuck roasts and pork shoulders.

Still, warmer weather lingers in some regions. For those with favorable grilling conditions, shoppers may find deals on items like steaks, ribs, and pork chops as retailers work to move any extra inventory. 

This week’s retail buying opportunities show seafood continuing to lead, making up 26.9% of protein advertisements, followed by pork at 24.7%, beef at 21.2%...

American Egg Board’s “Meant to be Broken” Campaign Inspires Consumers to Rediscover Eggs

Integrated, multichannel campaign aims to shift perceptions of eggs from boring to a powerhouse food with relevance in the changing lives of consumers

The American Egg Board (AEB) today announced the launch of “Meant to be Broken,” an integrated marketing campaign that challenges consumers to rethink eggs and their everyday lives by inspiring them to be bold and break something—an expectation, routine and, of course, an egg—to unlock new possibilities. The campaign marks a strategic shift for the egg industry designed to accelerate sustained...

ANALYSIS: Egg White Powder Exports to Japan See Declining Revenues Despite Stable Volumes

Since 2023, the volume of dried egg white exported to Japan by the EU has plateaued at levels 26% lower than two years ago in 2021. The average of quarterly volumes exported in 2021 is 2105 MT, vs 1464 MT in 2023, and 1593 MT in 2024 (first and second quarters). Exports are now more stable and even slightly higher in 2024, compared with last year. However, in terms of revenue, values have been declining rather steeply since Q1 2023...

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...

The Retail Rundown: Going All-Out for Autumn

Fall is just around the corner, with the official start of autumn this Sunday, September 22. As cooler weather sets in and travel plans wind down, grocers are ramping up their offerings of seasonal favorites to align with the change in consumer preferences. 

According to the Expana Retail Activity Index, seafood continues to lead for the fourth week in a row, making up 30% of total protein ads. Beef and pork are close behind, each at around 25%, while chicken accounts for 14%. Eggs represent 2.8% of retail opportunities, and turkey has 2.3%...

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. Announces Strategic Investment in New Egg Products Joint Venture

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. (NASDAQ: CALM) today announced that it has completed a strategic investment with Crepini LLC, establishing a new egg products and prepared foods joint venture. Crepini LLC, founded in 2007, has grown its brand throughout the United States and Mexico featuring egg wraps, protein pancakes, crepes, and wrap-ups, which are now sold online and in over 3,500 retail stores.

The new entity, located in Hopewell Junction, New York, will operate as Crepini Foods LLC (“Crepini”). Cal-Maine Foods...

ANALYSIS: Wholesale U.S. Shrimp Prices Converging with Typically Lower Egg Prices

There is usually a common perception from consumers that seafood and shrimp are luxury items while eggs have appealed to price sensitive consumers. But the chart might tell a different story right now. From 2019 to 2020, the Expana Benchmark Price Large Shell Egg, Midwest averaged 19% of the price of the 16-20 count Peeled and Deveined, Tail-On White Shrimp, Asia origin...

Milo’s Poultry Farms, LLC., Recalls Eggs Because of Possible Health Risk

Milo’s Poultry Farms, LLC. of Bonduel, WI is recalling all “Milo’s Poultry Farms” and “Tony’s Fresh Market” branded eggs because these eggs have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, 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...

U.S. Egg Market Retreats from Seasonal Highs as Rising Shelf Prices Stifle Demand

A sharp rise in retail shelf prices across the U.S. has stifled consumer demand for eggs, bringing an end to a six-week rally that had pushed wholesale values to record highs for this time of year...

New Study Finds a Relationship Between Eating Eggs and a Reduced Risk of Alzheimer's Dementia

For adults, eating eggs may support brain health – with research especially citing the egg’s naturally rich choline content.

A new study published in The Journal of Nutrition suggests an association between eating eggs and a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s dementia in older adults. These findings are important as the prevalence of Alzheimer’s dementia—the most common type of dementia—is expected to increase with an aging population.

Researchers continue to explore how diet could impact risk for Alzheimer’s dementia. Whole eggs, with most of their...

Vital Farms Hires Reena Van Hoven as Chief People Officer

Vital Farms, a Certified B Corporation that offers a range of ethically produced foods nationwide, has hired Reena Van Hoven as Chief People Officer (CPO), starting September 16, 2024. Van Hoven joins Vital Farms from food and beverage industry leader Danone North America. In the newly created CPO role, Van Hoven will lead Vital Farms’ People Team overseeing Business Partnerships, Org & People Development, and Total Rewards.

“We are thrilled to welcome Reena to build on the great foundation our People Team has established. We believe our true competitive...

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...

Circana Reports on the Future of Dinner: Quick Meals and Invested Occasions Define Consumer Habits

Circana™, a leading advisor on the complexity of consumer behavior, today released insights from its Future of Dinner report, revealing that U.S. consumers source 81% of their dinners at home and most often enjoy dinner with others. While Gen X prefers dinners that require minimal preparation and few ingredients, Gen Z consumers increasingly invest in special occasion dinners as they hone their kitchen skills, while also seeking no-prep dinner solutions. In fact, half of all dinners are ready in 15 minutes or less...

The Retail Rundown: Leaping Towards Labor Day

Labor Day weekend, often viewed as the unofficial end of summer, is just two weeks out. Many families are seizing the opportunity for one last vacation, boosting foodservice spending.

For some students, summer break has already concluded, and back-to-school shopping for essentials like breakfast and lunch items is in full swing. Among retailers, Labor Day is recognized as the final major grilling event of the year, marking the last big push to promote barbecue favorites.

Last week, boneless skinless chicken breasts were featured at $4.43 discounted, 18 cents above...

New Breakfast Deal Starting at $4.99 Promises Exceptional Value at Perkins American Food Co.

Perkins American Food Co.™, formerly Perkins Restaurant & Bakery®, is launching America's best value breakfast, with the launch of its new Great American Trio, starting Friday, July 19. Enjoy the 5 Under $5, 6 Under $6, and 7 Under $7, all featuring Perkins famous buttermilk pancakes, crispy Applewood smoked bacon, and perfect eggs prepared your way. The best news? Perkins serves breakfast all day, every day, so you can dig into America's best value breakfast any...

The Retail Rundown: Dog Days Dull Buying Occasions

Holiday retail meat clearance last week was reported as mostly positive albeit a bit scattered due to varying weather conditions across the country. This week, extreme heat and record temperatures are expected to persist in the Western and Eastern U.S.

The sweltering conditions that typically accompany the dog days of summer make it challenging for retail to capture regular meat purchases. The egg case also typically sees fewer purchases around this time of year as consumers opt for cold breakfasts like cereal and fruit...

Mintec's 2024 US Easter Index

Mintec’s US Easter Index measures price fluctuations across key food commodities that are typically consumed in the US during the Easter period. The US Easter Index compares the commodities’ prices in March 2024 against March 2023 to determine whether consumers will be hypothetically better or worse off this Easter. The Index is comprised of three sub-indices: the US Easter Protein Index represents a selection of meats, fish and eggs that will typically be eaten as part of a main Easter dinner; the US Easter Chocolate Index compares the main...

REPORTER: Bird Flu, Strong Retail Demand Send Egg Prices Soaring

This article was originally featured in the WINTER 2024 Edition of Urner Barry’s Reporter magazine. 

After more than five weeks of no change, the shell-egg market began its seasonal ascent in the penultimate week of October, as it often does, on a combination of strengthening retail demand and mounting confidence in the lead-up to Thanksgiving. Days later, that upward momentum got kicked into overdrive, following reports that the bird flu had broken out on a commercial layer farm for the first time in 11 months...

REPORTER: The Difficult Road to Cage-Free Eggs in the EU

This article was originally featured in the WINTER 2024 Edition of Urner Barry’s Reporter magazine.

With nearly 390 million laying hens in 2022, the European Union is one of the top regions of the world to produce table eggs and egg products. It is also among the first to engage with cage-free regulations, with a deadline of January 2027 for the total disappearance of cages in egg farms. However, since the law was adopted in 2021, we have seen the emergence of global high inflation, a consequence of...

Mintec Releases "Christmas Dinner Index 2023" Report

The Retail Rundown: Feasting on Holiday Features

Thanksgiving is here and the retail segment is teeming with all things turkeys, sides, sweets, and treats!

Fittingly, turkey leads the protein category with 31.1% of total feature volume, up from 22.5% the week prior. Pork follows with 22.8%. Seafood narrowly overtakes beef for the third spot, with 18.8%. Beef claimed 17.4%, nearly flat with last week.

Mintec recently took a look at the components that make up the traditional holiday dinner in its "Thanksgiving Dinner Index 2023" report. The index, which measures price fluctuations across key food commodities that make up a...

Urner Barry’s Market Briefing Provides Insights on Commodity Protein Markets

Urner Barry is the leading provider of protein market news and information in the food industry. Through daily canvasses of the trade and an unrivaled historical database, our analysts are uniquely positioned to report on the underlying conditions and significant disruptors to the market. In this Market Briefing, Urner Barry reporters outline the latest action in the commodity protein markets, highlighting seasonal factors, disruptors, and current supply and demand fundamentals.

Click HERE to view the latest report...

The Retail Rundown: Tuning in to Holiday Turkey Features

For this week's retail rundown, we're tuning in to holiday turkey features as Thanksgiving inches closer. Grocers are making room for the big bird in their meat cases and freezers for the millions of turkeys that will be gobbled down in two weeks. 

Seafood maintains the top spot among protein ads with 23.8% of features this week. Turkey ads captured nearly 9% of protein features this week, up from 6.9% the previous week. Within the turkey complex, frozen whole turkey features account for 56.5% of features, up from 25% a week...

The Retail Rundown: Keeping a Watchful Eye on Bird Flu

The threat of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has resurfaced, with USDA reporting detections among commercial turkey flocks in South Dakota, Utah, and Minnesota earlier this month and again last week.

The fall migration of wild birds as they head south for winter could bring a new wave of infection, renewing concerns among market participants about the potential supply and trade implications of bird flu. The latest detections were on Friday, October 13, on two WOAH Non-Poultry operations located in North Dakota and Montana along with one commercial turkey...