Vital Farms Announces Expansion of Egg Central Station

Vital Farms’ world-class egg washing and packing facility expected to generate over $300 million in additional revenue and create over 50 high-quality jobs

Today, Vital Farms, a Certified B Corporation that offers a range of ethically produced foods nationwide, announced the expansion of Egg Central Station, its world-class egg washing and packing facility in Springfield, Missouri. The 150,000 square foot facility nearly doubled from its original size, creating additional capacity that will enable Vital Farms to continue growing its pasture-raised egg business. The expanded facility will...

This Week in Retail: A Look at Easter Features; CPI Data Released

This week in retail, the discussion is heavily centered on the economy, rising inflation with the latest CPI growth, and the bird flu outbreak in the U.S. Meanwhile, Easter week has arrived and grocers are looking to capture additional spending on the holiday.

USDA estimates that nearly 24 million poultry birds have died from high-path avian influenza since the virus strain was identified in February. The virus has since spread in wild birds to 32 states.

Another outbreak was confirmed Tuesday afternoon in a flock of roughly 2 million commercial layers in Nebraska, lifting the total number of commercial laying hens affected by HPAI to about 20 million head. 

Urner Barry's Midwest large benchmark quotation is currently at $2.84/dozen, down from $3.01/dozen the week prior but a staggering 176% above a year ago. At retail, large eggs on feature for the holiday week are highlighted at nearly $3/dozen while X-large averages $2.86/dozen...

REPORTER: Has Backyard Farming Cut Into National Retail Egg Sales?

This article was originally featured in the Spring 2022 Edition of Urner Barry's Reporter magazine. Want a FREE subscription? Click HERE.

Social isolation and work-from-home orders have led to a tremendous surge in U.S. pet adoptions since the onset of COVID-19. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, more than 23 million households—nearly 1 in 5 nationwide—have adopted a pet during the pandemic. But it turns out that furry friends aren’t the only way people have been...

This Week in Retail: Bird Flu and The Easter Outlook

Easter promotions are in full motion and households are gathering staples including eggs, ham, and lamb for the upcoming holiday.

According to a survey by the National Retail Federation, consumers plan to spend an average of $169.79 this year on Easter-related items, with food accounting for the largest spending category. The collective spending on the holiday is forecast at $20.8 billion, down slightly from $21.6 billion last year.

With HPAI spreading throughout the country, consumers are beginning to see higher prices for shell eggs. Roughly 13 million layers have been impacted by the current outbreak—the country’s worst since 2014-2015—while over two million commercial turkeys have fallen prey to the virus...

Vital Farms Introduces True Blues, Pasture-Raised Heirloom Blue Eggs

Today Vital Farms, a Certified B Corporation that offers a range of ethically produced foods nationwide, introduces True Blues, a specialty carton of beautiful pasture-raised heirloom blue eggs, available now exclusively at select regional Whole Foods Market locations. True Blues is a Certified Humane® dozen of entirely blue shell eggs produced with the same animal welfare standards Vital Farms is known and trusted for by people across the country.

“People are looking for new ways to bring novelty to their everyday, and eggs as a cooking staple are..."

Cal-Maine Foods Reports Third Quarter Fiscal 2022 Results

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. reported results for the third quarter of fiscal 2022 (thirteen weeks) and 39-week period ended February 26, 2022.

Net sales in the third quarter of fiscal 2022 increased 33.0 percent to $477.5 million compared to $359.1 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2021. The Company reported net income of $39.5 million, or $0.81 per basic and diluted common share, for the third quarter of fiscal 2022, compared to net income of $13.5 million, or $0.28 per basic...

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. Announces $82.0 Million for Capital Projects to Expand Cage-Free Production

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. today announced that its Board of Directors has approved new capital projects to further expand the Company’s cage-free egg production capabilities. The Company plans to fund the proposed projects for an estimated total of $82 million through a combination of available cash on hand, investments and operating cash flow.

The proposed projects will include the following Cal-Maine Foods’ locations:

- Delta, Utah - four new cage-free layer houses and two pullet house conversions with capacity for approximately 810,000...

UB Consulting: Analyzing the Growth of the Cage-Free Egg Market

The cage-free wave has been strong within recent years. Growing consumer preference along with corporate and legislative efforts have resulted in increased support for cage-free egg products and producers have altered operations to accommodate demand. Several states have even banned the sale of conventionally-produced eggs, adding further support to this growing segment.

California’s Proposition 12 requires shell and liquid eggs sold in the state to come from egg layers housed in cage-free systems. This law went into full effect on...

Sanderson Farms Family Farmers Awarded for Sustainability

Three Sanderson Farms family farmers in Texas, Mississippi and North Carolina have been recognized by the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association's Family Farm Environmental Excellence Awards at the International Production & Processing Expo. The awards are given annually to recognize exemplary environmental stewardship by family farmers engaged in poultry and egg production.

"It is a privilege to recognize these family farms for the excellent job they do in being good stewards of their land," said Greg Hinton, outgoing chairman for the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association and vice president of sales for Rose Acre Farms...

ANALYSIS: European Egg-Product Prices Soar amid Higher Input Costs, Covid, Bird Flu

A shift in consumer habits due to COVID-related restrictions, along with record-high inflation rates and the spread of Avian Influenza, has led to unprecedented price increases for European egg products in recent months...

The Counter Spices Up the Burger Game with the New Serrano Burger

The Counter brings the heat with the new, spicy Serrano Burger and two beverages to cool things down. Guests can sip on a chilled glass of Ruffino Pinot Grigio or enjoy a refreshing bottle of Modelo Especial. All three offerings are available now through May 1.

Guests can now enjoy the fiery and cool combinations:

- Serrano Burger - All-natural angus beef with red onion, cheddar cheese, smoked gouda cheese, bacon, serrano pepper and onion mix. Served on a brioche bun garnished with a deep-fried serrano pepper...

2022 Marks 2 Decades of "The American Masters of Taste" Honoring Eggland's Best with Gold Medal Seal

For the past 20 years, Chefs In America has awarded Eggland's Best with "The American Masters of Taste" Gold Medal Seal for the superior taste, quality and freshness of its eggs. This prestigious award spans the Eggland's Best portfolio, honoring the brand's Classic Eggs, Organic Eggs, Cage Free Eggs, and Hard-Cooked Eggs. Each product was triple-blind judged and awarded superior tasting compared to other brands within its category.

"There is no surprise that Eggland's Best continues to surpass other eggs year..."

New from Dutch Farms.. Widely Expanded Specialty Egg Line

Dutch Farms proudly introduces our largest specialty egg line expansion—ever (in fact, only one national brand has more specialty egg SKU's).

We know the egg market. All trend lines point toward increased demand in specialty eggs. Consumers continue to ask us for Organic, Cage-Free, Free-Range, and Pasture-Raised eggs.

Dutch Farms has unparalleled partnerships with local, small family farms that raise hens who are free to roam and nest, who allow outdoor access, and some who allow hens to forage for wild plants and food. Dutch Farms offers...

FDA Releases New Egg Regulatory Program Standards for Improving Egg and Egg Product Safety

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Egg Regulatory Officials (NERO) are announcing a new program for state egg and egg product regulators entitled the Egg Regulatory Program Standards (ERPS). The standards are designed to integrate the regulatory activities of partner agencies into an efficient and effective process for improving egg and egg product safety in the U.S.

The FDA Food Safety Modernization Act called for enhanced partnerships of government agencies and provides a legal mandate for developing an Integrated Food Safety System (IFSS)... 

Egglife Foods Goes Against the Grain with New Campaign and Innovative New Sweet Cinnamon Wrap

Egglife Foods, the innovative company reimagining flour-based foods by harnessing the power of eggs, is once again disrupting the tortilla category. The CPG startup that has made 'kicking flour to the curb' its mission officially announced the launch of a new creative campaign, which aims to drive awareness, familiarity and loyalty for its category disrupting egglife® egg white wraps along with its first-to-market innovation – new sweet cinnamon egglife® egg white wraps – by encouraging consumers to go against the grain...

Eggland's Best CEO Charlie Lanktree Announces Retirement

Eggland's Best, the #1 branded egg in the U.S., announced today that CEO Charlie Lanktree plans to retire after having served the company for 32 years. As part of the final steps of a successful transition plan put in place several years ago, Kurt Misialek will be adding CEO to his current role as President of Eggland's Best, effective January 1, 2022.

"It has been a great pleasure and honor to have spent more than 30 years leading a fantastic team," Lanktree said. "I'm thankful for our consumers who enjoy our products..."

USAPEEC Appoints Greg Tyler to Succeed Jim Sumner as President & CEO

The USA Poultry & Egg Export Council (USAPEEC) Executive Committee has appointed current Chief Operating Officer Greg Tyler as the council’s next President and Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Jim Sumner who will be retiring from the position in June 2022 after 32 years leading the organization.

The announcement was made today at the 2021 USAPEEC Winter Meeting.

Under Sumner, the percentage of U.S. chicken production that is exported tripled to about 18 percent, and in 2020 U.S. broiler exports reached 3.6 million metric tons, up 589 percent from 1990...

The Rise of Low-Carb, Keto, and Paleo Snack Trends

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many aspects of consumer behavior and daily life. The grocery market experienced much faster than average growth in 2020 since people were staying at home more than usual due to remote work and schooling. Consumers are also snacking more when home more during the pandemic, and some have gained weight.

Interest in low-carb eating plans has increased as consumers are making efforts to improve their health or shed pandemic pounds. The keto and paleo diet both feature lower carb content and have a...

Versova, Northwest Farms and Proterra Investment Partners Acquire Williamette Egg Farms

Northwest Farms and Proterra Investment Partners (Proterra) has acquired the operations and assets of Willamette Egg Farms (Willamette) in the Pacific Northwest from Michael Foods, Inc., a subsidiary of Post Holdings.

Northwest Farms is a newly formed company that includes several egg farming families who also are owners in Versova Management (Versova). Versova, headquartered in Sioux Center, IA, has assumed day to day management of the farms, located in Washington and Oregon.

The acquisition includes Willamette’s egg farms in Moses Lake, WA; and Canby and Molalla, OR. The farms...

Kroger and Kipster Farms Announce Plans to Bring the First Carbon-Neutral Eggs to U.S. Customers

The Kroger Co., America's largest grocery retailer, and Kipster Farms, the award-winning egg production system founded in The Netherlands, announced today a strategic partnership to bring the world's first carbon-neutral, cage-free eggs to retail shelves in the U.S.

"Simple Truth is excited to partner with the innovative team at Kipster to further elevate our brand's purpose to be a force for good," said Brad Studer, senior director, Our Brands for Kroger. "These Simple Truth and Kipster eggs will be produced..."

New Barn Organics Launches Regenerative Organic Certified™ Pasture Raised Eggs

When New Barn Organics decided to partner with NestFresh Eggs earlier this year on its first egg products, co-Founder Ted Robb wanted to ensure the brand's deep commitment to premium organic products was a focal point of this new partnership.

"NestFresh is one of the largest egg producers in the country, and there was no question that they could handle the day-to-day operations of our brand," says Robb. "But what really excited our team was their genuine desire to support our deeper mission and..."

Egg Processing Market to grow US$ 40.2 Bn by end of 2027, Says Coherent Market Insights

According to latest report, the global egg processing market is estimated to account for 40.2 Bn in terms of value, witnessing a CAGR of 4.3% by the end of 2027.

Egg processing is usually performed by the hens and is carried out in large numbers. Some of them include shell manipulation, cracking of shells, removal of scrapings, removal of tail feathers, removal of extra skins, etc. This process is very important to make healthy and hygienic egg products. Different steps are...

This Week in Retail: Consumers Get a Head Start on Their Holiday Shopping

The final days of October are upon us and grocery circulars will soon be inundated with holiday promotions. 

Retailers will increasingly advertise Thanksgiving staples and several outlets are offering shoppers free turkeys or other holiday favorites after spending a minimum amount. BOGO promotions are also popular at this time of year as grocers make room for fresh and frozen turkeys, hams, and beyond.

This week in retail, however, deep discounts at the meat case are hard to come by. Interruptions in the supply chain continue to influence price points for nearly all commodities while altering consumer shopping behavior.

Shoppers are expected to begin their holiday shopping earlier than usual this year. Some consumers are concerned that they may not be able to buy everything on their list due to the global gridlock at ports and production slowdowns...

REPORTER: Egg Retailers Shift Focus as They Adjust Through Effects of the Pandemic

The retail landscape has changed in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Not only are consumers shopping more online for groceries than ever before, but issues relating to higher costs, labor shortages, and resurgent foodservice demand appear to be impacting the way retailers operate and what they feature. Eggs have long been used as a loss-leader—an item that is promoted close to or below cost in order to get people into a store. Not only do eggs have over a 90% market penetration...

ANALYSIS: Renewed Retail Demand Brings Stability to the Shell-Egg Market

It appeared at the start of the week that the US shell-egg market was poised for a potential turn to the downside as spot market offers began to...

ANALYSIS: USDA Weekly Eggs Processed Numbers Climb, Driven by Manufacturing Needs

Shell Eggs Processed Under Federal Inspection came in at 1,554,781 cases for the week ending August 21st, according to data released yesterday afternoon by the USDA—an increase of...

U.S. Poultry and Egg Exports Surged in First Half, on Pace for Record Year

The Covid-19 pandemic, an uncertain economy, and logistics problems like port closings and shipping bottlenecks haven’t slowed the tremendous demand for U.S. poultry and eggs around the world.

Exports of U.S. broiler chicken and shell eggs set records in the first half of 2021 and are on pace to break all-time marks for the year, according to the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council (USAPEEC), citing government trade data.

Total broiler export volume reached an all-time high for the January through June period, with Mexico, China, Cuba, and Philippines leading the way. Cuba, and Philippines set records for both...

PLANT PROTEIN: Get to Know Players in the Plant Protein Market: Plantible 

Duckweed is an incredibly sustainable and well rounded source of plant-based protein, and we haven’t seen enough of it in U.S. markets. Plantible, founded by Tony Martens and Maurits van de Ven in 2016, is changing that.

A member of the aquatic plant genus Lemna, duckweed contains all 9 amino acids, can grow to double its size in 48-72 hours, and can be cultivated on typically non-arable land. When processed correctly, duckweed results in a tasteless, colorless protein isolate with a wide range of applications, from...

Eat Beyond Portfolio Company Nabati Foods Patents New Plant-Based Liquid Egg

Eat Beyond Global Holdings Inc., an investment issuer focused on the global plant-based and alternative food sector, is announcing that its portfolio company Nabati Foods Global Inc. ("Nabati Foods") has patented its new plant-based liquid egg product, Nabati Plant Eggz, in Canada, the United States, and Australia, and is in the process of filing in Europe, and China as well.

The liquid egg alternative is made from lupin and pea protein to mimic the consistency and texture of conventional chicken eggs. Nabati Plant Eggz are designed to be an easy substitute for...

Sweet Earth Foods Debuts New Plant-Based Breakfast Bowls and Reformulated Deli Slices Nationwide

Plant-based foods innovator Sweet Earth Foods is announcing the nationwide launch of their new heat-and-eat Breakfast Bowls and reformulated, ready-to-eat Deli Slices. As consumers return to on-the-go busy lifestyles, these prepared meal and plant-based protein offerings provide quick plant-based solutions.

The three new Sweet Earth Breakfast Bowls meet this demand and are inspired by classic regional scrambles, all while offering between 17 - 20 grams of plant protein and three to five grams of fiber in every bowl. New flavors found in the frozen meals section include...

Cal-Maine Foods Reports Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2021 Results

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. (NASDAQ: CALM) today reported results for the fourth quarter (thirteen weeks) and fiscal year ended May 29, 2021.

Net sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021 were $349.8 million, compared to $453.3 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020. The Company reported a net loss of $4.2 million, or $0.09 per basic and diluted share, for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021, compared to net income of $60.5 million, or $1.25 per basic and...

REPORTER: Manufacturing Holds Egg Products Market Together as Foodservice Demand Returns

This article was originally featured in the Summer 2021 Edition of Urner Barry's Reporter magazine.

COVID-19 had various impacts on the egg market since Q1 of 2020. Most of the attention was on the record breaking prices of shell eggs during the early stage of the national lockdown, but perhaps the most impactful change surrounded the demand for egg products. As consumers packed their refrigerators and cooked more at home, demand for egg products associated with the foodservice and institutional sector was slashed. This channel absorbs...

Poultry Quarterly Q3 2021: Improving Local Industry Performance, Shifting Trade Flows

The outlook for the global poultry industry continues to improve. This is mainly driven by the reopening of economies as vaccination levels accelerate in developed countries and increase in emerging markets. This will help the recovery of global, regional, and especially foodservice demand, which, on average, makes up one-third of global poultry demand. As supply usually responds slowly to such increases, significant price inflation in 2H 2021 is possible, especially as feed prices remain high and avian influenza has disrupted...

Grubhub Releases Third Annual State of the Plate Report

As we approach a new normal and restaurants reopen, there's a lot to look forward to for the rest of the year. Before looking ahead, let's rewind to see how diners ate their way through the last six months. Grubhub, part of leading global online food delivery marketplace Just Eat Takeaway.com, launched the third annual "State of the Plate" report. Looking at trends from hundreds of thousands average daily orders, Grubhub's mid-year report checks in on what has shaped 2021 thus far, including the top trending foods, popular restaurants across the country, and what we can expect to see more of in the second half of the year.

Unlike 2020, diners opted for the plant-based versions of delivery classics so far in 2021. And while last year's top food, the wildly popular...

ANALYSIS: Production Cuts, Demand Improvements Lift Shell Egg Values for First Time Since March

After what several market sources have referred to as the longest “dry spell” in recent memory, production cuts and demand improvements have...

Poultry Industry and OSHA Partner on Safe + Sound Week

The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY), National Chicken Council (NCC) and National Turkey Federation (NTF) are pleased to again partner with the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for Safe + Sound Week, August 9 – 15. Safe + Sound Week is a nationwide effort to raise awareness and understanding of the value of safety and health programs that include management leadership, worker participation and a systematic approach to finding and correcting hazards in the workplace.

Safe + Sound Week is co-sponsored by the National Safety Council, American Industrial...