Perdue Champions New Standards For "Pasture-Raised" Labeling at Ninth Annual Animal Care Summit

The new labeling guidelines from the U.S. Department of Agriculture redefines "pasture-raised" as chickens that spend the majority of their lives physically on pasture

Perdue Farms, a leader in animal care, no-antibiotics-ever and innovative regenerative farming practices, is setting a new standard for transparency in the poultry industry with its successful petition for a more accurate guideline to the "pasture-raised" label. Perdue's pioneering raising models, which align with the new U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines...

First DORITOS® Restaurant Elevates Late-Night Favorites at Crypto.com Arena

Today, DORITOS® introduces a new bold culinary experience for Crypto.com Arena ticket holders who seek the unexpected by opening a Doritos After Dark™ restaurant at the iconic sports and live events arena. Offering everything from spicy appetizers to bold entrees and sweet desserts, the restaurant elevates all dishes with the undeniable flavor and crunch of Doritos chips, inviting fans to feed their late-night curiosity.

"Taking cues from our consumers, we are enabling people to experience their favorite brands from Frito-Lay....

ANALYSIS: Upward-Trending Turkey Drum Quotations

Quotations for domestic East coast frozen tom drums were established in January of 1989. Since then, there have only been four years in which the quotations have not retreated from the first of the year to the current date. These years were 2011, 2013, 2018, and 2024.

None of these years have boasted a record-high seasonal quotation at any point of the year, and they don't have the most dramatic increases from the first of the year to the current week. In fact, only...

ANALYSIS: Chicken Cold Storage Holdings in August

Despite a slight retreat in demand for several domestic lines during August, frozen inventory remained well below last year’s level, fueled in part by an active call from the export arena. Now, in October, these factors are starting to resurface and play a major role in current market dynamics. Total chicken in frozen inventory was down -9.0% year-over-year (YoY), which positions August’s inventory at the third lowest seasonal level over the past ten years. All individual categories, with the exceptions of drums and paws, were also down on a YoY basis...

How a Port Strike Could Ripple Through the Ag Sector

The port strike has entered its third day and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) has signaled that they are willing to resume negotiations with the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA), but without preconditions made by the union. 

In an update provided Wednesday, USMX stated: "Reaching an agreement will require negotiating – and our full focus is on how to return to the table to further discuss these vital components, many of which are intertwined. We cannot agree to preconditions to return to bargaining – but we remain committed to bargaining in good...

Live Updates: Key Developments in the East and Gulf Coast Port Strike

October 3: The port strike has entered its third day and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) signaled that they are willing to resume negotiations with the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA), but without preconditions made by the union. 

In an update provided Wednesday, USMX stated: "Reaching an agreement will require negotiating – and our full focus is on how to return to the table to further discuss these vital components, many of which are intertwined. We cannot agree to preconditions...

ANALYSIS: Mexico’s Livestock Trade Deficit Persists Amid Volatile USD:MXD

The Grupo Consultor de Mercados Agrícolas (GCMA) reported that Mexico's livestock trade balance remains in deficit, driven by increasing domestic prices that spurred record beef and pork imports. Between January and July 2024, meat imports totaled 1.67 million tonnes, a 6.3% increase from the same period in 2023.

Homero García de la Llata, president of Mexicos National Confederation of Livestock Organizations (CNOG), pointed out that several problems and weaknesses are affecting livestock farming in Mexico. These include low productivity, limited financing, and a lack of innovation and technology....

ANALYSIS: Whole Turkey Quotations From the Start of Q4 to Thanksgiving

Five-year average trends show that quotations for fresh and frozen whole-body turkeys have historically increased by minute amounts between the outset of October through Thanksgiving, regardless of sizing. By the time that the fourth quarter arrives, most whole turkeys for the holidays are already spoken. Still, there are usually buyers who opt to stock up during the weeks immediately preceding Thanksgiving. This is especially true of fresh offerings as evident by the 5-year average quotation change of 0.36% and 0.96% for fresh hens... 

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%...

Hormel Foods Elects New Member to its Board of Directors

Hormel Foods Corporation, a Fortune 500 global branded food company, announced today that Debbra Schoneman, president of Piper Sandler Companies, has been elected to the Hormel Foods Board of Directors, effective September 21, 2024.

“I am delighted to welcome Deb to the Hormel Foods board,” said Jim Snee, chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer of Hormel Foods. “She has an impressive background and brings extensive expertise in finance and corporate development, which will be invaluable as we continue to transform, modernize and grow our...

O’Charley’s Rolls Out the Red Carpet with New V.I.P. Menu and Expanded Core Menu Featuring Prime Rib

O’Charley’s Restaurant + Bar is excited to announce the launch of its new Value Inspired Plates (V.I.P.) menu on September 23. With 15 budget-friendly items all priced at $12.99 and under, guests can enjoy incredible flavors and great value without breaking the bank. Who says being a V.I.P. has to come with a big price tag?

As a V.I.P., you’re invited to indulge in a variety of delicious dishes that deliver both value and flavor...

Laoban Doubles Retail Footprint, Expanding Into Major Conventional Retailers

Laoban, the Asian frozen food brand known for using high-quality ingredients to make mouth-watering dumplings and bao buns, has doubled its retail distribution by adding 6,000 points of distribution.

In the past month alone, Laoban launched its dumpling line in thousands of Walmart and Kroger stores. The company also increased the distribution of its new Bao Bun, now available at Sprouts nationwide. Beginning next month, one Bao Bun flavor will also be available at over 200 Target locations across the country. Laoban will also release another exclusive product...

ANALYSIS: Chicken Production Outlook for Q4

The USDA is forecasting a year-over-year (YoY) decrease in beef and turkey production for Q4 of this year and a YoY increase in production of pork and chicken. Ready-to-cook (RTC) broiler production is expected to increase by 3.57% YoY. Beginning ten weeks prior to the outset of Q4 to the most current data, egg sets have been up by 2.62% to 5.04%. Increases in broiler chick placements from the middle of August, seven weeks prior to the start of Q4, are slightly less dramatic with values ranging

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...

JBS USA and GreenGasUSA Partner to Transform Renewable Natural Gas Production

JBS USA, a leading global food producer, and GreenGasUSA today announced a new partnership to produce renewable natural gas (RNG) at multiple JBS beef and poultry processing facilities across the U.S.

Climate change and food security are two seemingly competing challenges — feeding a future world of 10 billion people with safe, nutritious, affordable food while also urgently helping the food system address environmental impacts and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

JBS believes it has a responsibility to help lead sustainable transformation by example and, as a result...

The Wendy's Company Announces Executive Leadership Appointments

The Wendy's Company announced today the appointment of John Min as the Company's Chief Legal Officer and Secretary and Mary Greenlee as Senior Vice President, U.S. Operations, effective today. These appointments represent the continued evolution of the Company's leadership structure to drive accountability and accelerate growth. Min will report to President and Chief Executive Officer, Kirk Tanner, and Greenlee will report to President, U.S., Abigail Pringle. Min succeeds E.J. Wunsch, who was appointed as Wendy's President, International in June 2024.

"I'm pleased to welcome John and Mary to the Wendy's team...

Red Lobster Emerges from Bankruptcy, Officially Names New CEO

Red Lobster has closed the book on its bankruptcy and enters a new era with a new captain at the helm.

The seafood restaurant chain announced its exit from Chapter 11 bankruptcy and the completion of its acquisition by RL Investor Holdings LLC. The firm also officially announced Damola Adamolekun as its new CEO.

Earlier this month, a federal court approved Red Lobster’s bankruptcy plan, paving the way for RL Investor Holdings to snatch up the company and keep its over 500 locations in operation, along with the...

After Unfulfilling FSIS Public Meetings and Mounting Unanswered Questions, NCC Requests more Time 

As a result of recent unfulfilling public meetings and a growing series of unanswered questions, the National Chicken Council (NCC) today requested an additional 90-day extension to the comment period for FSIS’ proposed Salmonella Framework in order to properly analyze the proposal and provide meaningful comments.

NCC was very pleased when the Agency announced in its Constituent Update two webinars “to share information about the science behind its Salmonella Framework for Raw Poultry Products proposed rule and determination to reduce Salmonella illnesses linked to raw poultry...

ANALYSIS: A Deep Dive into Chicken Export Volume for July

July chicken export volumes were down -2.0% from June, which is a period in which the 5-year average change is an increase of 1.1%. Despite this, the amount of chicken moved to Mexico, the Philippines,and Taiwan, the first, second, and fourth top importers of U.S. chicken respectively, were up by 15.6%, 47.3%, and 28.4%. Conversely, the volumes sold to the third and fifth top importers of U.S. chicken, Cuba and Canada, were down by -7.5% and -16.0%, respectively.

The 5-year average month-over-month (MoM)...

Papa Johns Announces PepsiCo as its Beverage Partner in North America

Today, Papa John's International, Inc. announced its selection of PepsiCo as its exclusive beverage supplier for restaurants in North America through a 10-year contract renewal. The extension of this partnership showcases the brand's ongoing commitment to deliver exceptional value to its customers and franchise partners by offering quality products that customers expect.

The partnership will also underscore the brand's strategy by supporting Papa Johns marketing efforts through additional investment from Pepsi, while also encouraging North American development expansion through incentives to drive new store growth...

USDA Releases Updated Guideline to Strengthen Substantiation 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today the availability of an updated guideline that makes recommendations to strengthen the documentation that supports animal-raising or environment-related claims on meat or poultry product labeling. Today’s action builds on the significant work USDA has already undertaken to protect consumers from false and misleading labels and to implement President Biden’s Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American economy.

“USDA continues to deliver on its commitment to fairness and choice for both farmers and consumers, and that means supporting transparency and high-quality standards...

Chipotle Teamsters Hold Day of Action Throughout Michigan to Demand Fair Contract

Members of Teamsters Locals 243, 247, 332, 337, 406, and 1038 picketed and leafleted outside of Chipotle restaurants in Lansing and Detroit on Monday to demand a fair contract from the fast casual behemoth. Chipotle workers at one of the chain's Lansing restaurants are represented by Local 243.

"These hardworking Teamsters aren't going to back down from a fight for fair wages, increased safety standards, a fair process for scheduling, and protection from retaliation," said Scott Quenneville, President of Local 243. "Chipotle is a multibillion-dollar enterprise...

Diverse Crop Rotations Reduce Risk of Crop Loss Under Poor Growing Conditions

Researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) are responding to the increasingly uncertain climate. The warmer and more unpredictable weather has been a source of instability on U.S. farms. ARS agroecologists turned to history for a solution to this challenge, which inspired them to better understand the benefits of crop rotations.

Growing a sequence of different crops in rotation has been practiced for millennia. Crop rotations can rebuild soil health, fight pests and diseases, and spread-out risk of various pests and crop disease... 

Circana Research Reveals 86% of Eating Occasions Sourced from Home Over Past Year

Despite easing inflation, ongoing economic challenges drive shifts in consumers’ eating patterns both in and away from home

Circana™, a leading advisor on the complexity of consumer behavior, recently released a new report providing a complete view of food and beverage consumption trends, both at home and away from home. The 39th annual report, “Eating Patterns in America,” highlights a growing trend toward at-home dining over the past year, with 86% of eating occasions sourced from home. While retail volumes show modest growth...

FCPT Announces Acquisition of 19 Bloomin’ Brands Restaurant Properties for $66.4 Million

Four Corners Property Trust, a real estate investment trust primarily engaged in the ownership and acquisition of high-quality, net-leased restaurant and retail properties, is pleased to announce the acquisition of 19 Bloomin’ Brands restaurant properties comprising of 20 total restaurants (10 Outback Steakhouse restaurants and 10 Carrabba’s Italian Grill restaurants, including one dual-tenant property with both concepts) for a purchase price of $66.4 million. The 19 properties are located across 10 states (AZ, FL, GA, KY, LA, NC, NV, PA, SC, and TN)...

Checkers & Rally's Launches Best-Ever Value Meal Deal - New 5 for $5

Checkers & Rally's, the drive-thru restaurant brand known for craveable food at irresistible value, is offering its best-ever meal deal. Now value seeking customers can get everything they love in a complete meal deal including returning classic Cheese Double Burger or the fan-favorite Spicy Chicken Sandwich, 8-piece Chicken Bites, fries, soft drink plus an Apple Pie, all for only $5!

"We're excited to introduce our best-ever meal deal, the new Checkers & Rally's 5 for $5...

ANALYSIS: Counting Chicken Eggs

Broiler hatcheries are setting an impressive number of eggs this year. In fact, cumulative sets not only stand 1.49% above a similar period in 2023, but they currently reside at a record high. Egg sets are also 3.33% higher than the 5-year average. While some of this increase is being felt on the chicks placement side of the equation, the rate of placements is not nearly as efficiently as it has been in the past.

This year's cumulative average hatchability rate is 79.2%, which is down from both...

Canadian Agricultural Supply Chain Fears Amid Rail Labor Dispute

Crucial agricultural supply chains are under threat across North America after a rail labor dispute in Canada led to a shutdown of freight traffic on the country's two largest railways. Agriculture industry executives are fearing a succession of devastating economic blows and are already estimating their losses.

Canadian National Railway (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) locked out nearly 9,300 workers after midnight local time on Thursday 22 August, after multiple rounds of talks ultimately failed to clinch a late deal with the Teamsters union...

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...

ANALYSIS: Thumbing Through the Whole-Body Turkey History Book

From the end of October 2011 until last week, Expana’s 8 lbs. and 14 lbs. frozen hen quotations were identical in value. This marked a nearly 13-year-long streak of price equality between those two sizes. For participants who joined the turkey industry within those 13 years, the recent divergence in pricing between both weight categories may have come as a bit of a surprise.

While the 8-14 lbs. and even 16-20 lbs. weight brackets have always been closely aligned, prior to 2012, deviations between...