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Volatile Pig Market Means Quality & Trust Are Critical When Selecting Feed Additives, Says Novonesis
With the swine market enduring ongoing volatility, producers face profitability challenges and are ever more driven to ensure they can make optimal use of their biggest cost: feed. When selecting a feed additive which helps achieve this, predictability and consistency are crucial.
In today’s Industry Perspectives piece, Novonesis’s Dr. Lea Hübertz Birch Hansen, Global Technical Product Manager, Swine, and Lena Raff, Senior Portfolio Manager, Swine, present their view on the current and future market situation while discussing the ongoing focus on delivering high quality...
ADM Animal Nutrition Expands Recall to Include 17 Additional Lots of Chicken, Swine and Rabbit Feed
ADM Animal Nutrition, a division of ADM , is expanding the recall announced on March, 30, 2024, to include the following additional products due to elevated levels of magnesium, sodium, calcium and/or phosphorus: Pen Pals® Chicken Starter-Grower (Product Nos. 70009AAA46 and 70009AAA44); Pen Pals Egg Maker Complete (Product No. 70010AAAE4); MaxLean GF Concentrate (Product No. 12354AAA); ShowTec Sow Ration with Thermal Care (Product No. 12343AAA); ShowTec BB 18 BMD (Product No. 18241AGNE4); ShowTec BB 18 BMD/DBZ (Product No. 18241PLM)...
ANALYSIS: Frozen Pork Supplies Plummet to Monthly Record Lows
The latest USDA Pork Cold Storage Report reveals that frozen pork supplies reached record monthly lows in February. Stocks decreased by 1% from the previous month and declined by 12% compared to last year. The most significant declines were observed in boneless hams, boneless loins, ribs, trimmings, and bellies, which experienced month-over-month decreases.
This reduction in frozen stocks can be partly attributed to increased demand during the third and fourth quarters of 2023 from regions impacted by Prop 12, ahead of the January 1, 2024, deadline...
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...
Fire at Korean Pig Farm; Over 18,000 Animal Casualties
In the early hours of 25th March, a fire erupted at a Korean pig farm located 50 kilometers south of Seoul, run by a farming cooperative in Icheon-si. Over 16,000 piglets and 2,300 sows were killed in the event.
The fire broke out at 5:45 am with three out of six pig barns being burnt down, as reported by Korean media sources.
No human casualties were reported.
The Retail Rundown: 2024 Annual Power of Meat Study Recap
The 2024 Power of Meat Study was revealed at the Annual Meat Conference in Nashville, Tennessee this week. Anne-Marie Roerink, Principal at 210 Analytics, presented the findings and identified the trends currently shaping the retail meat sector.
This year’s report found that the number of Americans who describe themselves as meat eaters (80%) and the number of households that purchase meat (98%) were unchanged from 2023. Circana data indicates that overall household penetration across all incomes, ethnicities, household sizes, and ages, averages above 97%...
Hormel Foods to Wow the Crowd at International Pizza Expo with its Latest Pizza-Topping Innovation
Hormel Foods takes its role as a leader in the pizza and foodservice industries seriously, and this spring, the company is once again positioned as a trend setter. Those attending next week's International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas will get to witness this expertise firsthand with the unveiling of HORMEL® Ribbon Pepperoni, the latest food-forward innovation from the pizza-topping experts at Hormel Foods.
Inspired by the pizza stylings of Windsor, Ontario — an oft-underrated pizza epicenter, where shredded...
One-Hop Shopping! BJ’s Wholesale Club Delivers Fresh Savings for Easter Celebrations
BJ’s Wholesale Club (NYSE: BJ), a leading operator of membership warehouse clubs, is bringing egg-citing savings this year on Easter essentials, including fresh food, spring décor, apparel, paper goods and basket stuffers.
Members will find unbeatable value on Easter essentials both in-club and online at BJs.com. Plus, members can earn additional savings when they stock up on practically anything between March 12 and March 31. When BJ’s members spend $150* in one transaction between those dates, either in-club or online, they will receive a...
Another 38 Brazilian Slaughterhouses Can Export Meat to China
Number of license issuances in a single advertisement is the highest ever recorded in history
In the year in which Brazil celebrates 50 years of diplomatic relations with China, another 38 Brazilian meat processing plants were authorized to sell meat to the Asian country, according to a statement from the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) sent to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Map) this Tuesday ( 12) .
38 licenses were granted, including eight chicken slaughterhouses, 24 cattle slaughterhouses, a beef thermoprocessing establishment and five...
Rapid Start for 2024 Pork Exports; Beef Export Value Above Year-Ago
U.S. pork exports raced to a great start in 2024, according to January data released by USDA and compiled by USMEF. While January beef exports were slightly below last year’s volume, export value trended significantly higher. Lamb exports were also strong in January, posting the highest value in more than four years.
Although January pork exports were led by another powerful performance in leading market Mexico, U.S. pork continued to make gains in a wide range of Western Hemisphere and Asia-Pacific destinations...
MF Meats Recalls Raw Meat Products Due to Contamination by a Non-Food Grade Substance
MF Meats, a Falconer, N.Y. establishment, is recalling approximately 93,277 pounds of raw meat products, which may have been contaminated with non-food grade mineral seal oil, which is not approved for use in meat processing, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
The raw meat items were produced from Nov. 26, 2023 through Feb. 16, 2024. The following products are subject to recall:
Wen’s Food Group Reports Approx. $9 Bln Loss in Pig Business for FY 2023
Wen's Food Group, a major Chinese food conglomerate specializing in pig breeding, processing, and distribution of pork products, provided a detailed breakdown of its FY 2023 losses during a recent conference call with investors.
Previously, in January, Wen’s Food Group announced it expected a year-on-year loss between CNY 61-67 billion (approximately $9-10 billion) for FY 2023. The company attributed this loss largely to a decrease in the Chinese market hog and broiler prices...
New Industry Resource Captures Culinary Evolution of the Caribbean
Developed in collaboration with local food scholars and regional chefs, the textbook is a go-to resource for educators and foodservice professionals
Honoring island traditions and promoting regional variations of local dishes are at the heart of a new USMEF marketing program to incorporate U.S. beef and pork into culinary communities throughout the Caribbean islands.
“The culinary histories of the islands are fascinating and ever-evolving,” says USMEF Caribbean Representative Elizabeth Wunderlich. “But there are no resources available that capture the multi-cultural influences...
Kraig Westerbeek Named President, Smithfield Hog Production
Smithfield Foods has named Kraig Westerbeek as president of its hog production operations effective Feb. 29, reporting to President and Chief Executive Officer Shane Smith.
“Kraig has been an extremely valuable asset to Smithfield Foods throughout his career,” said Shane Smith, chief executive officer for Smithfield. “His extensive experience in our hog production division has helped keep Smithfield on the forefront of our industry, and I look forward to his continued leadership.”
Westerbeek brings more than 30 years of industry experience to his new role...
The Retail Rundown: Finalizing February’s Features
Retailers are finalizing their February features while actively preparing for spring demand, which is bolstered by seasonal factors like warmer weather along with holidays including St. Patrick’s Day and Easter.
Retail features are shifting from red meat and poultry towards seafood as Lenten observers begin the 40 days of fasting and reduced meat consumption.
The seafood complex continues to hold the top spot within total protein features, accounting for 37% this week. Beef follows with 21% of retail buying opportunities, while pork closes in at 19%. Chicken claims almost 16% of ad space, nearly...
Don Novo & Son Recalls Ready-To-Eat Meat Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination
Don Novo & Son, a Miami, Fla. establishment, is recalling approximately 9,330 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) meat products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
The RTE meat products were produced on December 21, 2023. The following products are subject to recall [view labels]:
CDFA Issues New Proposition 12 Guidance Document on Certificates
The California Department of Agriculture's (CDFA) Animal Care Program has issued a new guidance document to aid stakeholders in distinguishing between the various certificates issued for Proposition 12 compliance.
Proposition 12 (2018) went fully into effect on January 1, 2024. The law prohibits the sale of shell eggs, liquid eggs, whole pork meat, or whole veal meat in California from animals that fail to comply with specific standards for freedom of movement, cage-free design, and specified minimum floor space.
The Supreme Court upheld Proposition 12...
U.S. Pork Export Value Sets Annual Record; Strong Finish for Beef Exports
Led by a record-shattering performance in Mexico and broad-based growth in other markets, U.S. pork exports set a value record in 2023, according to year-end data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). While 2023 beef exports were below the record totals posted the previous year, December exports were the largest since August and December export value increased 10% year-over-year.
December pork exports climbed nearly 10% from a year ago to 268,399 metric tons...
Macgregors Meat and Seafood Ltd Recalls Frozen Ready-To-Eat Pork Products
Macgregors Meat and Seafood Ltd, a Woodbridge, Ontario, Canada establishment, is recalling approximately 2,745 pounds of frozen, ready-to-eat pork products that were not presented for import reinspection into the United States, the U.S. Department of Agriculture 's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
The following products are subject to recall [view labels]:
UK Pork Producers Explore Export Opportunities to CA Amid Prop 12 Enforcement
British meat producers are exploring export opportunities to California after Proposition 12 went into full enforcement on January 1, 2024.
Proposition 12 originated as a ballot initiative in 2018 and was upheld by the Supreme Court in a 5-4 decision on May 11, 2023. The Californian law prohibits the sale of meat and eggs in the state that were raised under certain farming conditions.
Under the law, breeding pigs must have a minimum of 24 square feet of usable floor space per animal. Proposition 12 applies to...
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Raw Frozen Pork Dumpling Products
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert because Dim Sum Factory Inc., a Flushing, N.Y., establishment, produced and distributed raw, frozen pork dumpling products without the benefit of federal inspection. A recall was not requested because the products are no longer available for purchase.
The raw, frozen pork wonton dumpling products were produced on various dates since September 6, 2023, and have a shelf life of 18 months. The following product is subject to the public health alert...
Analysis: Elevated Pork Cutout Values Amidst Supply Disruptions in January
The average weekly Urner Barry pork cutout value currently stands at about $88.1/cwt for last week, reflecting a 7.9% increase compared to the same period last year. This marks the second-highest level for this week in January historically since data collection commenced in 2003; with the only higher value recorded being in 2022 largely due to labor challenges stemming from the pandemic.
The recent uptick in cutout value is primarily linked to holiday downtime around production schedules and extensive disruptions from winter weather across the US...
Navigating the Path to Sustainable Pork Production: A Reflection on FAO Reports
Jamie Burr, chief sustainability officer at NPB, reflects on the recent FAO reports and how U.S. pork is committed to producing sustainable products.
In December, the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), which is the leading international agricultural organization, released two important reports touching on animal agriculture – the first report notably concludes that continued efficiency is the most promising way to reduce livestock’s emissions. The second report is a roadmap for ending hunger while achieving the goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C...
Welcome to BBQ Lovers’ Bliss! SONIC Introduces Pulled Pork BBQ Cheeseburger and Totchos
Get ready to embark on a flavor-packed journey at SONIC® Drive-In with new menu additions that will redefine your love for barbeque. Celebrating the best of BBQ piled on top of menu favorites, the Pulled Pork BBQ Cheeseburger, Pulled Pork BBQ Totchos, and the Pulled Pork Sandwich are available starting February 5 through March 31 at SONIC locations nationwide, though SONIC App users can get early access to these new craveable creations starting January 29...
U.S. Pork and Beef Nutrition Showcased at Ironman Event in Colombia
USMEF partnered with Colombian importers to promote U.S. pork and beef nutrition and product availability during an athletic competition in Cartagena. When promoting the health and nutritional benefits of high-quality U.S. pork and beef in Latin America, USMEF sometimes establishes a high-profile U.S. industry presence at targeted events in key markets. One recent event was in Colombia, where an Ironman competition brought health and nutrition-conscious athletes and families together for three days in Cartagena.
With an audience focused on nutrition and athletic performance, USMEF put...
China to Encourage Hog Farmers to Reduce Capacity After Price Slump
China will "guide" farmers to reduce hog production capacity as it steps up regulation of the industry, the agriculture ministry said on Tuesday, after an aggressive expansion drive led to an oversupply of pigs and heavy losses.
Big agribusinesses in the world's top pork producer have modernised farms and expanded pig herds so rapidly in recent years that a downturn in demand led to plummeting hog prices, mounting losses, and rising debt last year.
Farmers lost an average of 76 yuan ($10.60) per hog in 2023...
NPPC Welcomes Steph Carlson as AVP of State and National Relations
Steph Carlson has joined the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) as assistant vice president (AVP) of state and national relations. In her role, she will serve as the primary NPPC point of contact for state pork organizations. Carlson will be based in Des Moines, Iowa.
“Steph’s wealth of experience will be a huge asset to NPPC and state associations,” said Cody McKinley, NPPC vice president of operations and state and national relations “Her agricultural roots run deep, and I’m confident she will represent the industry well and...
Albertsons Companies Launches New Signature SELECT® Mix + Match Meal Solution
Albertsons Companies, Inc. (NYSE: ACI) today announced the launch of its newest Own Brand innovation, the Signature SELECT Mix + Match meal solution. Designed to save customers time both in the store and in the kitchen, this new line of frozen entrees, sides and veggies cook together in one standard oven at 375 degrees for about 35 minutes. Available now at 1,900 Albertsons Cos. stores including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, ACME and Shaw’s, this customizable meal solution feeds a family of four at a great value...
November Pork Export Value Highest in 30 Months; Asia Headwinds Persist for Beef
Fueled by record performances in Mexico, Central America and Colombia, November exports of U.S. pork reached the highest value since mid-2021, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). U.S. beef exports slowed in November, recording the third lowest value of 2023. November lamb exports also trended lower.
November pork exports totaled 258,601 metric tons (mt), up 5% from a year ago and the highest in six months. Export value was up 2% to $737.4 million, the highest...
Paving the Way for Pork at Convenience Stores
Across the U.S., numerous pork products are being showcased in convenience stores, driving demand for high-quality pork and encouraging consumers to purchase pork more frequently.
While pork dominates breakfast offerings in convenience stores (c-stores), how do we get more pork purchased throughout the day? Collaborating closely with c-store partners, NPB is committed to developing new products, overcoming barriers, coordinating potential sales opportunities and moving more product in convenience stores.
Why Convenience Stores?
In a fast-paced world, consumers often opt for on-the-go meals. Creating innovative products specifically...
REPORTER: The Evolving Campaigns for Marketing Pork
This article was originally featured in the WINTER 2024 Edition of Urner Barry’s Reporter magazine.
From the day we saw Mikey bravely decide to try the cereal that none of his friends would dare to try, to Clara Peller muttering “Where’s the beef;” creative marketing campaigns have been at the core of top of-mind awareness for food products for millions of consumers. However, much strategy goes into creative campaigns like the ones mentioned above. At the core of each successful campaign, it’s the existence of key elements such as identifying goals...
REPORTER: Gauging Beef and Pork Supplies in 2024
2023 was a year characterized by extreme financial losses for the nation’s hog producers.
The average return to farrow to finish operations in the first half of the year was minus $34.64 per head, based on research from Iowa State University (ISU). Producers experienced a brief period of profitability over the summer but faced losses once again by the fourth quarter.
The steep losses gripping the hog industry have prompted herd liquidation efforts since...
Major U.S. Winter Storm May Hinder Livestock Movement
Livestock producers and road crews are preparing for a major winter storm that will impact a significant portion of the country this week.
The Plains and Midwest, where the bulk of the nation's cattle and hog-producing regions are located, could experience heavy snowfall and blizzard conditions through Tuesday. Meanwhile, damaging winds and severe thunderstorms are expected for the deep South through the Northeast today into tomorrow, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
Whiteout conditions due to heavy snowfall combined with severe wind gusts could...
Green Chef Expands Wellness Offerings with New Gut & Brain Health-Focused Recipes
Green Chef, the #1 meal kit for clean eating, announced today a new menu expansion that features Gut & Brain Health recipes. The new science-backed meals are powered by fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats that aim to support energy and immunity while helping to improve digestion. Both new and existing Green Chef customers can now choose to select a Gut & Brain Health lifestyle preference in their profile, to receive a curated selection of recipes that offer functional benefits.
To help consumers jumpstart and maintain their wellness goals, Green...
Forging Future Leaders: Unveiling the Distinctive Class of the Pork Leadership Institute
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) and the National Pork Board (NPB) proudly unveil the dynamic lineup for the Pork Leadership Institute’s (PLI) class of 2024. Each year, the PLI program selects a distinguished group of pork producers, and 2024 is no exception. Collaborating closely with state pork association executives and field representatives, NPPC and NPB have identified 19 outstanding individuals from across the nation to join this esteemed group.
The PLI Class of 2024:
Fratelli Beretta USA, Inc. Recalls Busseto Foods Brand Ready-to-Eat Charcuterie Meat Products
Fratelli Beretta USA, Inc., a Mount Olive, N.J. establishment, is recalling approximately 11,097 pounds of Busseto Foods brand ready-to-eat charcuterie meat products that may be contaminated with Salmonella, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
The ready-to-eat (RTE) charcuterie sampler product was produced on October 30, 2023. The following products are subject to recall [view labels]:
Russian Pork Exports to China Gear Up Following Lifted Bans and Bilateral Protocol
In addition to Beijing scrapping regional restrictions for some Russian farm exports, the Russian Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Supervision announced its plans to commence pork exports to China in January 2024. This follows a bilateral inspection and quarantine protocol in December 2023, which was signed during the 28th conference between the heads of government of China and Russia.
On 25 December 2023, Abi, a leading Russian processed meat producer, announced the initiation of product exports to China, marking the beginning of this new trade development...
The Retail Rundown: Consumer Sentiment Rises at Year's End
Consumer sentiment spiked at the tail end of 2023, boosted by improved viewpoints of inflation in the new year. According to the University of Michigan’s (U-M) Survey of Consumers, consumer sentiment climbed by 14% in December, reversing the declines from the previous four months.
All age, income, education, geographic, and political identification groups saw gains in sentiment in December, said U-M. The index is just shy of the midpoint between the pre-pandemic reading and the historic low hit in June 2022, added U-M.
The University of Michigan's...
Farmers Concerned About Effects of California's New Animal Welfare Law
A new animal welfare law going into effect in California Jan. 1 that mandates space requirements for pigs, cows and chickens has some livestock farmers on edge.
Proposition 12 prohibits sales in California of pork, veal and eggs from livestock whose confinement doesn't meet certain minimum space rules. Those rules mandate hog pens to be large enough for an animal to turn around.
The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the law, ruling 5-4 that "while the Constitution addresses many weighty issues, the type of pork chops California merchants...
Mintec Releases "Christmas Dinner Index 2023" Report
Mintec's Christmas Dinner Index, which measures price fluctuations across key food commodities that make up a traditional Christmas dinner (main meal and dessert), increased by 2.7% year-on-year (y-o-y) in November 2023.
Mintec enables the world's largest food and manufacturing brands to implement more efficient and sustainable procurement strategies. We do this through our cutting-edge SaaS platform, Mintec Analytics, which delivers market prices and analysis for thousands of commodities, food ingredients and associated materials. Our data and tools empower our customers to understand prices better, analyze their spend...
Triumph Foods to Create 88 Jobs During St. Joseph Expansion
Triumph Foods announced that it will expand operations at the company's 800,000-square-foot facility in St. Joseph, Missouri, creating 88 new jobs in the process.
“Triumph Foods is a Missouri-made, leading pork processor that we’re excited to see continuing to grow,” said Governor Mike Parson on X, formerly known as Twitter. “This company’s expansion is an exciting development for the local community and regional economy and will further strengthen our state’s thriving agriculture industry. We look forward to Triumph Foods’ continued success as it invests and creates jobs...
Prop 12 Enforcement Begins: Landmark Crate-Free Animal Welfare Law Fully Implemented in New Year
Beginning January 1, 2024, fresh pork sold in California and Massachusetts must be gestation-crate free as the two states’ historic animal welfare laws—Proposition 12 and Question 3—are fully implemented and enforceable. Humane animal care leader Niman Ranch is 100% audited, compliant and ready for implementation with available supply of crate-free, Certified Humane® fresh pork raised sustainably and without antibiotics by independent family farmers.
“The best resolution the pork industry and consumers can make this new year is to commit to...
The Retail Rundown: Ham Features Increase for the Holidays
The countdown to Christmas is rapidly winding down and shoppers are busy stocking up on last-minute gifts and food for visiting family and holiday gatherings.
For the second week in a row, pork features claim the top spot among protein ads this week with 28.4%. Seafood follows with 25.7% of total protein ad volume, while beef comes in third at 20.5%. Chicken retail buying opportunities declined to 8%, compared to 13.8% the previous week. Turkey features advanced to 9.7%, up about four points from last week...
Analysis: Current Trends in the Pork Butt Market
The ¼-inch bone-in butt market has experienced elevated price levels, with the weekly average price currently standing at $118.5/cwt. This price is comparable to levels observed in 2011 and 2014, during the PEDv outbreak, yet it remains slightly below the 2022 levels.
Currently, it ranks as the third-highest price historically recorded for this week in December. This trend can be primarily attributed to more active demand from South Korea compared to past years, despite the current pace of U.S. total pork production...
duBreton Farms are Now Certified by the California Animal Care Program (Prop12)
As a leader in animal welfare, duBreton is proud to announce that they are one of the first companies to be certified and ready for the implementation of California's Proposition 12 which restricts gestation crate usage and requires 24 square feet of space per sow.
"Today, we take another step forward, since we are not just compliant, but fully audited and ready for California's Proposition 12, which goes into effect on January 1st, 2024," declared Vincent Breton, CEO...
Another Record Month for Pork Exports to Mexico; Beef Exports Show Modest Rebound
U.S. pork exports posted another strong performance in October, led by record-large shipments to Mexico and broad-based growth elsewhere, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). October beef exports remained well below last year’s large totals but improved from September, led by stronger demand in Mexico and Taiwan.
October pork exports totaled 245,345 metric tons (mt), up 3% year-over-year and the largest since June, valued at $688.2 million – down 2% from a year ago....
Hormel's All-New Ultimate Pepperoni Bloody Mary Cocktail Kit
The makers of HORMEL® Pepperoni, America's No. 1 pepperoni brand*, are making the holiday season extra merry with the launch of an all-new, limited-edition** Ultimate Pepperoni Bloody Mary Cocktail Kit. Whether fans are stocking up on flavorful beverages for holiday gatherings and gift giving, or getting ready for National Bloody Mary Day on Jan. 1, the Ultimate Pepperoni Bloody Mary Cocktail Kit should be on everyone's holiday shopping list.
Beginning on Dec. 11 at 12 p.m. EST, pepperoni and Bloody Mary lovers...
Smithfield Foods to Terminate Grower Contracts With 26 Farms in Utah
In a press release issued Tuesday, Smithfield Foods announced it will terminate contracts with 26 hog farms in Utah amid challenging market conditions.
The contract terminations will eliminate Smithfield positions that support contract farm relationships, said the company. The number of Smithfield positions eliminated may be up to one-third of the 210 currently employed in its Utah hog production operations. The company will offer relocation opportunities for the affected employees.
Smithfield Foods is one of the world's leading vertically integrated protein companies and employs nearly 60,000 people in seven countries...
U.S. Pork a High-Quality, Convenient Option for Consumers in Korea
USMEF is partnering with Korean retailers to develop and promote U.S. pork in new home meal replacement products.
Korean processors, retailers and restaurants are working aggressively to develop new ideas to satisfy the needs of fast-growing, single-person households in Korea, which now account for 41% of all households.
Consumer demand for quality and convenience is booming and USMEF is partnering with retailers to develop and promote new products with U.S. pork for as home meal replacement (HMR) options.
One such partnership has been an ongoing collaboration with...
Travis Kelce Launches Travis Kelce's Kitchen, a Line of Game-Changing Refrigerated Entrees
Travis Kelce, one of the greatest tight ends of all time and a staple of the Kansas City Chiefs since 2013, is taking his love for Kansas City BBQ to a whole new level. With the launch of Travis Kelce's Kitchen, his own line of flavorful refrigerated entrees, Kelce aims to share his passion for great food, especially the hearty BBQ that Kansas City is famous for. This new line features seven of his favorite dishes inspired...
It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year at The Fresh Market!
The Fresh Market is making prepping for the holidays easier than ever this year, with the specialty food retailer’s prepared holiday meals available now for pre-order, a special holiday print edition of The Fresh Market Magazine, and a holiday-themed shoppable livestream featuring brand ambassador, Chef Anna Rossi.
Whether it's a festive feast with family and friends or a small gathering, The Fresh Market offers everything guests need to create memorable and delicious meals. To make holiday shopping even more convenient, The Fresh Market also...
Logan’s Roadhouse “Beefing” Up Holiday Offers For A Limited Time
Logan’s Roadhouse, the leading steakhouse known for its scratch-made rolls, mesquite grilled steaks, and ice-cold beer, is thrilled to announce the triumphant return of Prime Rib, just in time for the holiday season. Logan’s invites guests to indulge in a special Prime Rib experience that will be available exclusively on weekends from through February 18, 2024.
The Prime Rib special features a juicy 13 oz. prime rib, seasoned to perfection in Logan’s signature rub, and then masterfully slow-roasted for six hours and hand-carved to order. Logan’s...
Mintec Releases "Thanksgiving Dinner Index 2023" Report; Read It Here
Mintec enables the world's largest food and manufacturing brands to implement more efficient and sustainable procurement strategies. We do this through our cutting-edge SaaS platform, Mintec Analytics, which delivers market prices and analysis for thousands of commodities, food ingredients and associated materials. Our data and tools empower our customers to understand prices better, analyze their spend and negotiate with confidence.
Mintec’s latest report, “Thanksgiving Dinner Index 2023,” is a look at the components that make up the traditional holiday dinner...
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...
Brazil Food Processor BRF Widens Net Loss in Q3 on Grain Prices, Chicken Glut
BRF SA, the Brazilian pork and poultry processor, widened its third-quarter loss from the year-ago period as it continued to deal with a chicken oversupply while also trying to rein in grain prices, it said on Monday.
BRF reported a 262 million real ($53.37 million) net loss in the third quarter, larger than the 136.7 million loss a year ago but slightly better than an LSEG consensus forecast of a 279 million real loss.
Despite the hit, BRF said improvements in the company's...
North 49 Foods Opens New Sow Processing Plant in Moose Jaw
A new pork processing facility in Canada has come online, marking the first time for such an occasion in over a decade.
North 49 Foods, a division of Thunder Creek Pork, officially opened its federally inspected sow slaughter and processing facility in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan in late October.
The 120,000-square-foot facility was retrofitted from the former JBS/XL Foods beef plant, which was acquired by Donald's Fine Foods in 2019.
Donald's Fine Foods already operates a hog slaughter plant in Moose Jaw that was opened in 2011...
Fine-dining Initiative Underway to Differentiate U.S. Pork in Taiwan
USMEF kicks off a new campaign to revitalize U.S. pork’s image with the trade and consumers
Following setbacks that slashed exports of U.S. pork to Taiwan in recent years, demand has rebounded in 2023. Taiwan’s zero-tolerance policy for ractopamine residues and persistent trade tensions kept ractopamine in the public eye, creating a difficult business climate as U.S. exports plunged in 2021 and 2022.
While these headwinds linger, the business climate for U.S. pork has improved as supplies from Europe and domestic producers have...
Sonny's BBQ Redefines BBQ Classics with BBQ Tour Inspired by Regional Flavors
Sonny's BBQ, the purpose-driven BBQ restaurant known for quality BBQ and spreading kindness in the communities they serve, introduced today the BBQ Tour Sampler, a new limited time menu offering. Inspired by the legendary flavors of some of the best barbecue in the country, Sonny's BBQ Pitmasters created this new offering as a tribute to their favorite regional barbecue styles and dishes.
The BBQ Tour Sampler features a generous helping of three proteins, each with their own unique regional flavor profile: Carolina Pulled Pork...
ALDI Decks the Halls with Over 350 Curated Food Items for Holiday Hosting
Dust off your holiday wish lists because ALDI is ringing in the season with the introduction of over 350 festive food offerings – from gourmet cheeses and charcuterie to snacks, wine and beyond – rolling out through the rest of the year.
And there's even more to unwrap: the ALDI holiday food selection is larger than ever before, including over 70 new items with the majority priced under $10. These thoughtfully selected, budget-friendly offerings allow shoppers to cherish moments with loved ones and focus on what...
Nepal Added to USDA List of Regions Affected by African Swine Fever
In a notice issued earlier this week, the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) indicated that they have added the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal to the APHIS list of regions considered to be affected by African swine fever (ASF).
“We have taken this action because of the confirmation of ASF in the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal,” said the government agency. The first outbreak of ASF in Nepal was reported by the World Organisation of Animal Health in May 2022...
Cold Storage: End Sep Combined Meat/Poultry -1.3% on Mo, -7.8% on Yr
USDA monthly cold storage data released Wednesday afternoon showed combined meat and poultry stocks held in the nation's freezer warehouses at the end of September at about 2.146 billion pounds, 1.3% below the previous month and 7.8% less than a year ago.
Turkey and pork stocks were below the previous month while chicken and beef were up from their respective August figures. Turkey stocks were up from a year ago while chicken, pork, and beef were smaller. The combined stocks were 9.3% below the five-year average of...
The Retail Rundown: Roast Features Heat Up as Temperatures Dip
An early-season snowstorm has arrived for portions of the Northwest, bringing accumulations of up to a foot in areas including Mondana and North Dakota. The system is forecast to spread into the North Plains by midweek, according to the National Weather Service.
A cold front will bring frigid temperatures southeastward towards the week's end, with single-digit temperatures possible for some regions. In contrast, much of the central and eastern U.S. is experiencing near or above-average temperatures this week...
Capitology, LLC Recalls Ineligible Pork Chicharrones Products Imported from Honduras
Capitology, LLC, the importer of record located in Charlotte, N.C., is recalling approximately 4,679 pounds of pork chicharrones products. The products were imported from Honduras, a country ineligible to export pork products to the United States, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
The following products are subject to recall, regardless of the product date:
The product subject to recall does not bear an establishment number nor a USDA...
ANALYSIS: Bacon's Market Journey Through 2023
According to the most recent data from Circana on COMTELL, as of October 15, 2023, the average price of non-discounted bacon across all U.S. foods was $6.66/lb. This figure was preceded two weeks prior by the highest price recorded this year, at $6.95/lb. In the period from January to May of 2023, supplies of bellies in cold storage saw an increase, attributed to lackluster interest in bacon from foodservice sectors during the first half of the year. However, a decline in both frozen and fresh belly supplies became evident...
Del Valle Import and Export LLC Recalls Pork Chorizo Products Produced without Benefit of Inspection
Del Valle Import and Export LLC, a Kenner, La. establishment, is recalling approximately 21,105 pounds of raw pork chorizo products that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
The raw pork chorizo items were produced from October 1, 2021, through October 18, 2023. The following products are subject to recall, regardless of the product date [view labels]:
East Coast Food Distributors, Inc. Recalls Ineligible Pork Chicharrones Products
East Coast Food Distributors, Inc., the importer of record located in Hudson, N.H., is recalling approximately 7,767 pounds of pork chicharrones products. The products were imported from Colombia, a country ineligible to export meat products to the United States, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
The following products are subject to recall, regardless of the product date [view labels]:
TGI Fridays® Launches New Line of Single-Serve Meals
TGI Fridays expands its extensive range of frozen food offerings by introducing four new mouthwatering, restaurant-inspired, single-serve meals. Available now at Walmart locations nationwide, these entrées include:
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Celebrates National Pulled Pork Day
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit will once again treat barbecue lovers across the country to a fan favorite – pulled pork!
This Thursday, October 12th, the Texas-style barbecue brand will be celebrating National Pulled Pork Day by offering guests their famous Pulled Pork Sandwich for only $4.99. The popular menu item features slow-smoked pulled pork on a brioche bun. This deal will be available to guests, at participating locations, ordering in store, on Dickeys.com, or in the Dickey’s App found under the DEALS category...
Family Dinner Host Andrew Zimmern Debuts New Frozen Food Line, By Andre Zimmern
A chef known for exploring culture through food, Zimmern leverages his diverse life in food to bring crave-worthy, home-cooked flavors to the freezer aisle.
Connecting people through a shared love of food and cultures has been both a passion and life theme for Zimmern in his roles as a chef, on TV in series such as Family Dinner...
Smithfield Foods to Close Charlotte Plant
Smithfield Foods will close its Charlotte, North Carolina, pork-processing plant and transfer production to its Tar Heel, North Carolina, facility to increase efficiency and better utilize existing capacity.
The company will provide financial and other transition assistance to the 107 employees who are affected by this closure and will meet with employees to discuss options including transfer to other Smithfield locations. Smithfield will also provide a financial incentive package for hourly employees to remain at Charlotte until the final day of production in December...
Record Value for Mexico Fuels August Pork Exports; Modest Rebound for Beef
August exports of U.S. pork were steady year-over-year, led by another tremendous performance in Mexico, according to data released by USDA and compiled by USMEF. Beef exports were well below the large totals posted in August 2022 but showed improvement over July results.
August pork exports totaled 226,519 metric tons (mt), steady with last year, while export value fell 1.5% to $649.5 million. Through the first eight months of 2023, pork exports were 11% above last year’s pace at 1.91 million mt, valued...
New Data Highlight Continuous Improvement, Sustainability Across Meat Sector
In the second year of the meat sector’s pioneering data collection and reporting on five key focus areas for continuous improvement, the number of companies submitting data grew by nearly 60% and now covering more than half of all establishments operated by Meat Institute members.
With 93% of the Meat Institute’s largest member companies (more than 2000 employees) submitting data, the report reflects commitments and actions covering an estimated 90% of meat sold in the United States. The Meat Institute's metrics and goals align closely with on-farm efforts in beef...
Sunnyvalley Smoked Meats Inc. is recalling Signature Master Carve Half Ham
In a letter addressed to Costco members, Sunnyvalley Smoked Meats Inc announced its recalling a single code date for its Kirkland Signature Master Carve Half Ham, Natural Juices Boneless Smoked Half Ham.
The item has a use/Freeze by date of January 20, 2023 and Lot# 264 - 4 sticker. The company states this item is being recalled due to a possible Listeria contamination and are advising customers to return product for a full refund.
The product was available for purchase between September 26-29 in Northern California...
Chef Competition Showcases U.S. Pork Quality in Vietnam
In Vietnam’s price-sensitive market, the U.S. pork industry is working to differentiate U.S. pork as top quality with the trade and consumers.
Already the preferred meat in Vietnam with annual per capita consumption near 60 pounds, pork consumption is projected to grow 3.1% per year through 2030, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.
Strong pork demand, combined with domestic production challenges following the discovery of African swine fever in 2019, are factors behind the U.S. pork industry’s interest in this developing market. U.S...
Supply Concerns Maintain Pressure on CME Lean Hog Futures
Lean hog futures on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) extended Friday’s steep declines on Monday, pressured by concerns about larger-than-anticipated supplies outlined in USDA’s quarterly data.
The government's latest hogs and pigs report, released Thursday, indicated the number of swine on U.S. farms as of September 1 at 74.319 million head, 0.3% above a year ago. This outpaced expectations for a 0.7% decline in the nation's herd, based on Urner Barry's survey of analysts.
Prior to the report, the December contract advanced to $76.10 per cwt, a one-week high...
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