Global Animal Protein Outlook 2023: Deciding How to Grow Amid Challenges and Opportunities

Even though global animal protein production is expected to grow modestly in 2023, it will be another year of change for the sector. The industry will face high costs along the full supply chain, swings in consumption, and other areas of uncertainty for producers, such as elevated disease pressure and regulatory and market-driven changes. As a result, margins will be squeezed as buyers push back on higher production costs. But opportunities still exist, although they will be more restricted.

Global summary

Listeria Outbreak Linked to Deli Meat and Cheese

Deli meats (cold cuts, lunch meats, hot dogs, and pâtés sold at the deli) and cheeses are known sources of Listeria illnesses. This is because Listeria can easily spread among food on deli countertops, deli slicers, surfaces, and hands. Listeria is a hardy germ that can be difficult to fully remove once it is in the deli. It can survive and grow at cold temperatures in the refrigerator.

U.S. Poultry Industry Provides 2 Million Jobs and $556 Billion in Economic Impact

The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY), National Chicken Council, National Turkey Federation and United Egg Producers have released an updated economic impact study that highlights the positive impact the poultry industry has on jobs, wages, and federal and state revenue in the United States. A dynamic and integral part of the national economy, the U.S. poultry industry provides 2,012,269 jobs, $125.6 billion in wages, $555.9 billion in economic activity and $33.7 billion in government revenue.

The study breaks down poultry into three subcategories...

NCC Delivers Comments on FSIS Proposed Salmonella Framework

The National Chicken Council (NCC) today delivered public comments at a U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) virtual meeting about the agency’s recently announced regulatory framework for Salmonella in poultry products. NCC’s comments addressed each of the three components the agency said it is currently considering as part of a new strategy.

Food safety is a top priority for the broiler industry, and NCC supports changes in food safety regulations that are based on sound science, robust data, and are demonstrated to positively impact public health...

Wayne-Sanderson Farms Senior Vice President Inducted into Mississippi Poultry Hall of Fame

Wayne-Sanderson Farms’ senior vice president and general manager of retail, Bob “Pic” Billingsley, has been inducted into the Mississippi Poultry Association’s Hall of Fame during the association’s 85th annual convention. With this induction, Billingsley becomes the 36th member of the Mississippi Poultry Hall of Fame, which is comprised of individuals who contributed to the growth of the poultry industry as the state’s largest agricultural commodity.

“It is an honor to be inducted into the hall of fame where many accomplished industry leaders have been recognized for..."

Avian Influenza: Unprecedented Number of Summer Cases in Europe

An unprecedented number of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus detections were reported in wild and domestic birds from June to September in Europe, according to the latest overview by EFSA, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, and the EU reference laboratory. In previous years, no cases or only a few cases were detected during the summer period. The overall 2021–2022 HPAI season has produced the largest epidemic so far observed in Europe.

Between 11 June and 9 September 2022, 788 HPAI virus detections were reported in 16...

Poultry Quarterly Q4 2022: Keeping Chicken Affordable in Times of Major Cost and Supply Challenges

The outlook for the global poultry industry is for strong market conditions, despite ongoing operational challenges.

Report summary

The outlook for the global poultry industry in Q4 2022 and early 2023 remains strong, despite the big challenges across global poultry as well as some recent setbacks in North America. From a market perspective, a weaker economic climate with pressure on spending power will lead to more price-driven consumer behavior, which supports poultry consumption as it is the cheapest meat protein option...

Canada's Restrictions on Poultry and Birds from the United States

The below information is intended for travelers and cross-border shoppers only. It does not apply to commercial shipments of products or by-products that enter Canada with documentation from official veterinarians from the United States. Commercial importers should refer to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's (CFIA) Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) for more information.

Due to the occurrence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), the CFIA has restricted the import of fresh, raw, or unprocessed poultry products or by-products from any U.S. state currently experiencing an outbreak...

HPAI Findings Have Waned, but Not Stopped

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) hasn’t completely disappeared from the U.S. landscape, although the number of incidents has declined dramatically over the summer.

As the data from the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) in the accompanying charts show, detections in both commercial and backyard flocks have dwindled since peaking in April and May, respectively...

JENNIE-O® Turkey Reigns as the Queen of Protein

The Jennie-O® brand, category leader and trusted brand for turkey products, is launching its "Queen of Protein" campaign to showcase the protein that reigns supreme — turkey. Throughout the campaign, JENNIE-O® turkey rules the "Queendom of Protein" where turkey is the elite protein.

The campaign personifies the fun that can accompany mealtimes — from celebrating daily life to special occasions — and encourages home cooks to win with turkey at every event from grilling to appetizers to meal prepping and more! JENNIE-O® turkey is more than just...

Broiler Exports Set Records in 2022 First Half 

U.S. broiler exports recorded all-time highs in volume and value in the first half of 2022, according to new trade data released by the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service.

Broiler exports for the first six months of 2022 were 1,890,807 metric tons, up 6.7 percent from the same period of last year, while export value reached $2.580 billion, up 21.3 percent.

Cumulative turkey exports for January through June this year were 98,014 metric tons, down 19.9 percent from the same period a year earlier, while export value reached $316.9 million...

Poultry Quarterly Q3 2022: Bullish Outlook With Strong Demand and Big Operational Challenges

The outlook for the global poultry industry for 2H 2022 is bullish, despite significant cost pressures and other operational challenges.

Demand is strong, with most countries open after adopting ‘living with Covid’ strategies. This is pushing up poultry demand, while global pressure on spending power and high food prices are also leading consumers toward the lowest-priced meat protein: poultry.

The biggest challenge for the industry is on the operational side. Feed and energy prices are higher than they have been in many years...

MPF Convention Announces Rebrand to the PEAK!

The Midwest Poultry Federation (MPF) Board of Directors is excited to announce that after 51 fabulous years known as the Midwest show, the MPF Convention is changing its name to the PEAK.

The PEAK letters represent all that the MPF Convention has provided to the poultry industry over the past five decades plus gives a nod to the exciting future ahead for the organization and its annual event.

Along with a new name comes a new PEAK Show logo as well as a complete rebranding of its colors, which will be incorporated into...

NAMI: Special Investigator to Cost Taxpayer $9 Million; is Redundant

The North American Meat Institute (Meat Institute) today released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives approved H.R. 7606, the Lower Food and Fuel Cost Act, a bill that establishes a special investigator for meat and poultry at the U.S. Department of Agriculture:

"We are disappointed the House voted to waste $9 million in taxpayer dollars on a redundant special investigator when that money would be much better spent helping Americans seeking assistance from record inflation," said Julie Anna Potts, President and CEO of the Meat...

Latest Maersk Cold Storage Facility Set to Open in New Jersey This Fall

A cold storage facility serving both imports and exports of fish, poultry, beef, pork, fruits and vegetables will open in Dayton, New Jersey in October, Performance Team – A Maersk Company, announced on June 6.

Maersk explained that end-to-end supply chain solutions are made by the company’s Oceans services calling APM Terminals Elizabeth, New Jersey that can be integrated with Maersk Customs Services, USA Inc. customs clearance expertise and Performance Team – A Maersk Company’s 60+ warehouses and Transportation services - designed to serve storage, fulfillment...

Perdue AgriBusiness Announces Collaboration with ZeaKal

Illustrating a shared commitment to improve the value and sustainability of food production, Perdue AgriBusiness and ZeaKal announced a multi-year development agreement to raise more sustainable poultry through improved soy genetics and feed quality.

ZeaKal’s PhotoSeed® trait technology increases photosynthetic capacity, converting more carbon dioxide and sunlight into energy for the plant. In soybeans, this has consistently resulted in improved oil and protein content while improving the sustainability index of the crop. As the main protein source in poultry feed, U.S. farmers and food companies have been eager to secure access to...

Meat Institute to House Ag Chair Scott: Packer Margins Since 2015 Due to Increased Herd Size

The North American Meat Institute (Meat Institute) today answered questions asked of meat and poultry industry companies by House Agriculture Committee Chairman David Scott during a hearing on beef and cattle markets:

“The analysis of beef and cattle market margins from 2015 are not in dispute,” said Julie Anna Potts, President and CEO of the Meat Institute. “Cattle prices hit record highs in 2014 and 2015, when the overall cattle herd was at its smallest since 1952 (for context, that was during the Truman...

Applications Being Accepted for New Poultry Industry Innovation in Safety & Health Award

The Joint Industry Safety and Health Council is currently accepting applications for a new Innovation in Safety & Health Award program. The program is open to National Chicken Council (NCC), National Turkey Federation (NTF) and U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) members and is intended for poultry and egg industry members that have made a significant advancement in operational excellence in a safety and/or health innovation.

Award applications can be entered in the industry categories of Poultry Processing (NAICS 311615), Poultry & Egg Production (NAICS 1123)...

Rising Retail Prices Will Increasingly Test Consumers’ Appetite for Meat

Full effects of producer price inflation will become apparent in grocery meat cases

U.S. consumer demand for retail meat remains exceptionally strong despite higher prices stemming from increased production costs and supply chain limitations. However, once the full effects of producer price inflation finally hit retail meat cases, consumer demand for meat will be tested again, according to a new report from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange.

“Retail meat prices will remain elevated throughout 2022,” said Brian Earnest, lead animal protein economist with CoBank. “The sharply higher costs for feed..."

McDonald's USA Helps Fans Unleash Their McNugget Persona with In-App Deal on April 27

There's no wrong way to enjoy Chicken McNuggets® – whether you use them as a delicious way to get to your fave dipping sauce, eat all the McNugget shapes in a specific order, or swear by your own menu hack (like dunking your McNuggets into a McFlurry®... IYKYK).

Some people may not understand the way you roll, but we do. Take the McNuggets Personality Quiz to find out if you're the Creative Type, Sauce Superfan, Shape Connoisseur or Sharer. Then, test out your...

Poultry Quarterly Q2 2022: Strong Market Conditions Continue, Despite Impact of War in Ukraine

Global poultry demand and trade will remain strong this year. The industry, however, will face challenges related to historic high cost inflation and logistic disruptions, which will especially impact low income countries.

Report summary
In most regions, supply is relatively tight and prices are strong. The war in Ukraine has led to an increase of 20% to 40% in global grain prices, and the poultry industry will be challenged to pass on all of these higher costs to consumers. This will likely be possible in developed...

U.S. Considers Vaccines to Protect Poultry from Deadly Bird Flu

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is looking into vaccines as an option to protect poultry against deadly bird flu, the agency's chief veterinary officer said as the country faces its worst outbreak since 2015.

Supporters say vaccines could help keep poultry alive, prevent financial losses and control food costs, though shots would be too late to stop the current outbreak that has wiped out 22 million chickens and turkeys in commercial flocks since February.

Previously, the United States has eschewed vaccines, worried that importers will ban U.S. poultry shipments because...

NTF in Focus: Women in the Turkey Industry

Women play a major role in the turkey industry and throughout agriculture. Whether it’s on the farm, working the line in the plant, sampling products for quality assurance, developing animal health solutions in the lab or performing a plethora of essential duties, our mission of delivering safe, nutritious products to the table wouldn’t be possible without the women in the turkey industry. Women do it all!

We’ve always said what makes NTF great is its people. In celebration of Women’s History Month, we wanted to highlight a few of the talented...

Statement on HPAI in Jennie-O Turkey Store Supply Chain

Jennie-O Turkey Store announced today that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been confirmed in its supply chain. The issue currently involves one farm operation in Minnesota.

Migratory waterfowl have been the primary carriers of HPAI, ultimately exposing domestic poultry to the virus. While farms supplying turkeys to Jennie-O Turkey Store have not had any confirmed cases until now, many regions, producers and companies have been impacted since February. Cases have included numerous chicken and turkey commercial farms, as well as smaller backyard flocks...

Panera Announces New Chef's Chicken Sandwiches

Today, Panera is announcing new Chef's Chicken Sandwiches, available at Panera bakery-cafes nationwide on March 30. The addition to the menu will feature two new seared, chef-crafted chicken sandwiches elevating even the highest of chicken sandwich expectations with each bite. To satisfy every craving, Panera is unveiling two takes on the Chef's Chicken Sandwich: the "Signature Take" and the "Spicy Take." Both handcrafted masterpieces will be available starting at $10.99;* and Panera is confident the combination of its chefs' sandwich expertise along with high quality, Clean ingredients** is worth it, and...

North American Meat Institute to House Agriculture Committee: Asked and Answered

The North American Meat Institute (Meat Institute) today issued the following statement regarding House Agriculture Committee Chairman David Scott’s announcement of an upcoming hearing on the beef industry and food prices:

“The Meat Institute and its members have already made themselves available to Chairman Scott and all Members of Congress on several occasions to help improve the understanding of the beef markets,” said Julie Anna Potts, President and CEO of the Meat Institute. “This hearing will be no different. The questions have been asked and answered...”

Carolina Pride Refreshes Packaging with Updated, Classic Look

Carolina Pride, a leading regional producer of Bacon, Hot Dogs, Sausage and Lunchmeats, has unveiled a new logo and visual identity along with new packaging for their Carolina Pride Meats brand.

Carolina Pride's new branding provides a more contemporary look for the brand, while continuing to honor a 100-plus year heritage of delivering "true Southern taste" loved by generations of loyal consumers. The new look will incorporate the redesigned logo and visual identity across print and digital collateral, including their website (coming soon) and packaging, which will appear on grocery...

CBP Officers Seize 124 Pounds of Prohibited Fresh Pork, Poultry Meat at Laredo Port of Entry

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers, agriculture specialists at Laredo Port of Entry in a single enforcement action seized over 120 pounds of prohibited fresh pork and poultry meat.

“This significant prohibited meat seizure exemplifies the importance of CBP’s agriculture mission in preventing the spread of potential animal diseases that could risk public safety and inflict harm on our nation’s agricultural economy,” said Port Director Alberto Flores, Laredo Port of Entry.

The interception occurred on Tuesday, March 15 when a white minivan...

New Study Highlights Benefits of the Partnership Between Contract Farmers and Chicken Companies

The National Chicken Council today released a study that presents the results of a recent broiler industry survey designed to capture key live chicken production statistics. In addition, the study summarizes several key trends in broiler production efficiency, returns and loan quality data.

“Raising chickens under contract is one of the best and most reliable sources of cash flow that helps keep families on the farm,” noted agriculture economist and the study’s author, Dr. Thomas Elam, president of FarmEcon LLC. “The business partnerships between chicken farmers and chicken companies are mutually beneficial, viable and profitable. The real winner is the American consumer, though, who benefits from the healthiest and most affordable protein in the meat case.”

Jennie-O Shares National Survey Results Showing How Americans Feel About Cooking at Home

Jennie-O Turkey Store, one of the most beloved turkey brands in the world, today announced the results of its latest national survey showing how Americans feel about cooking at home, recipe boredom during the last couple years, and compelling and unusual ways people are finding inspiration in the kitchen. There was also interesting data about how and why people use turkey in their meal planning. The survey of 2,004 consumers was conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Jennie-O...

Chipotle Launches Pollo Asado in the U.S. and Canada

Chipotle Mexican Grill today announced its all new Pollo Asado is available at restaurants in the U.S. and Canada for a limited time. Pollo Asado is grilled fresh in Chipotle's kitchens using classic cooking techniques to build bright, craveable flavor. The protein is available at participating locations and via the Chipotle app, Chipotle.com, and third-party delivery partners.

An Entirely New Chicken Experience

Chipotle's first chicken menu innovation in its 29-year history, Pollo Asado's elevated flavor profile offers a new take on your go-to order. Grilled fresh and...

Analysis Finds Meat Shoppers Seek Cooking Inspiration from Digital Sources

The 17th annual Power of Meat report released today reveals nearly all American households (98.5%) purchase meat, a trend supported by an increase in volume sales (up 3.9% for all meat compared to pre-pandemic levels). This increase is due, in part, to several grocery shopper trends resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, including increased home cooking, record-high online shopping, and a shift to digital sources for recipe inspiration.

“The Power of Meat shows Americans continue to count on meat’s taste, quality, convenience, and value throughout..."

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...

Church's Chicken® Brings Back Texas Tenders™ 'n Butterfly Shrimp For a Limited Time

Church's Chicken® is taking customers to the Great State of Flavor™ by bringing back two fan favorites and introducing a new and sweet soon-to-be favorite. The Texas Tenders™ 'n Butterfly Shrimp, which made its debut in 2021, is returning for a second year along with the Strawberry Blast drink option. To accompany the limited-time meal, Church's is also introducing a brand-new Banana Pudding dessert topped with classic Nilla® Wafer cookies.

The Texas Tenders™ 'n Butterfly Shrimp...

Zaxby's offers 'Get One, Give One' Boneless Wings Meal on Random Acts of Kindness Day

Zaxby's, the premium quick-service restaurant known for its Chicken Fingerz™, wings and signature sauces, is celebrating Random Acts of Kindness Day with a special 'Get One, Give One' online-only deal all day long on Feb. 17, while supplies last. Zaxby's Boneless Wings Meal features five, tender, tasty boneless wings tossed in new Buffalo Garlic Blaze or another one of nine different sauces and is served with Texas Toast, crinkle fries and Ranch sauce.

"We wanted to serve up some kindness for our..."

"Boneless" on Valentine's Day? Wingstop Has You Covered

Wingstop is celebrating those who are proudly single this Valentine's Day – flipping the switch from couples in love, to the self-love that only a flavor fix can provide. On Feb. 14, Wingstop is rewarding singles who embrace their Boneless Valentine's Day with a promotion of $0.70 boneless wings and orders of regular Thigh Bites – juicy, breaded, bite-sized boneless chicken – for $4.49.

With over 1,600 locations worldwide, Wingstop's made-to-order, sauced-and-tossed wings are reliable – never ghosting and incapable of heartbreak...

Sanderson Farms Director Earns National Poultry Award

Sanderson Farms' director of development and engineering, Bob "Pic" Billingsley, has been named a recipient of the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association's annual Lamplighter Award during the 2022 International Production & Processing Expo. The award pays tribute to individuals demonstrating sustained and exemplary service to the poultry and egg industry.

"We value the commitment and support of this year's Lamplighter Award recipients," said Greg Hinton, outgoing chairman for the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association and vice president of sales for Rose Acre Farms. "They have enthusiastically dedicated themselves to contributing to the poultry industry, and..."

Justice Department & USDA Start Program for Farmers, Ranchers to Report Anticompetitive Practices

Today, the U.S. Departments of Justice and Agriculture (USDA) launched farmerfairness.gov, a new online tool that allows farmers and ranchers to anonymously report potentially unfair and anticompetitive practices in the livestock and poultry sectors. The launch of the new portal will advance the goals of Biden-Harris Administration’s Action Plan for a Fairer, More Competitive, and More Resilient Meat and Poultry Supply Chain, including by creating more competitive agricultural markets that are fairer to producers and consumers. As part of the agencies’ enforcement partnership, the agencies are...