Industry Reacts to Implementation of USMCA 

The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement has officially entered into force, replacing NAFTA. The USDA stated that this improved agreement is a better deal for America's farmers, consumers, and workers that will set them up for success for decades to come.

Sonny Perdue, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, said, "USMCA creates more market access for farmers from across our nation to sell their wholesome and nutritious products to our closest neighbors. This is a better deal for America that will grow our economy and put more money in the pockets of American families.”

Robert Lighthizer, United States Trade Representative, stated, "This marks the beginning of a new and better chapter for trade between the United States, Mexico and Canada, just as President Trump promised he would deliver for the American people." Lighthizer added that the USMCA contains significant improvements and...

NCBA Applauds Introduction of DIRECT Act

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) applauded the introduction of the bipartisan legislation to create new direct-to-consumer options for beef producers, processors and small meat markets without compromising federal food safety standards or market access under existing trade agreements.

Introduced by U.S. Representatives Dusty Johnson (R - At-Large, SD) and Henry Cuellar (D - 28th Dist., TX), the Direct Interstate Retail Exemption for Certain Transactions (DIRECT) Act of 2020 would amend retail exemptions under current law to allow meat processed under state-inspected establishments to be sold across state lines through e-commerce, providing beef producers and local processors alike with...

Urner Barry Announces Enhancements to Imported Beef Reporting

July 2, 2020, Toms River, NJ – Urner Barry, the leading provider of protein market news and information in the food industry, is announcing changes to the reporting methodologies for the imported beef market.

Urner Barry initiated imported beef market coverage in 1962. We are continuously soliciting feedback from participants to ensure that our coverage reflects current trading conditions and practices. To improve market transparency and to provide stakeholders meaningful information, Urner Barry will make the following changes to its imported beef reporting methodologies...

ANALYSIS: U.S. Protein Inventories Drawn Down During Plant Closures

U.S. cold storage stocks declined across the beef, pork, chicken, and egg categories in May as product was needed to...

NPPC, NCBA Lead Coalition Warning Congress of Agriculture Inspection Funding Shortfall

A coalition of more than 150 agriculture and trade groups led by the National Pork Producers Council and the National Cattlemen's Beef Association sent a letter to Congress warning of a major funding shortfall that could severely weaken agricultural inspections at U.S. borders. The letter urged lawmakers to protect agriculture by appropriating funding to address what may be a $630 million COVID-19 related shortfall through fiscal year 2021.

In the letter, the coalition highlighted a funding shortfall for Agricultural Quarantine Inspection, which plays a critical role in protecting U.S. agriculture from plant and animal pests and diseases. APHIS collects user fees that pay for U.S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture inspections. Due to the recent economic downturn and travel restrictions as a result of...

Redefine Meat Unveils Alt-Steak

Redefine Meat unveils Alt-Steak plant-based products, with market testing at select high-end restaurants to start later this year. Created using Redefine Meat's patent-pending 3D meat printing technology, the company's Alt-Steak products have the texture, flavor and appearance of beef steak and can be produced in the volume and cost to enable large-scale market launch.

Working with leading butchers, chefs, food technologists and the close collaboration of taste expert, Givaudan, Redefine Meat has digitally mapped more than 70 sensorial parameters into its Alt-Steak products, including premium beef cuts' texture, juiciness, fat distribution and mouthfeel. Layer by layer, the company's proprietary industrial-scale 3D food printers create...

Urner Barry's Coronavirus Special Report - Volume III

The global COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted consumer behavior, distribution, production, and market prices in a way we have never seen before. From stay-at-home directives that spurred a run on retail while foodservice operations were limited or halted all-together, to production cutbacks caused by labor shortages at the plant level, the industry has had much to contend with over the past several months.

Now, as many states have begun reopening phases, the industry is making strides in returning to a more “normal” business environment—however the face of this new normal will likely look a bit different...

CHART:Industry Expectations for Weekly Cattle Slaughter

ANALYSIS: Retail Beef and Broiler Prices At Highs, Pork Close

There was a change in leadership in food spend during the COVID-19, and it probably wasn’t unexpected given what transpired globally...

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Cattle Slaughter

CBP Intercepts Nearly 20,000 Pounds of Smuggled Animal Products from China at LA/LB Seaport

In just a few weeks, from April 6 to June 6, U. S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agriculture specialists assigned to the LA/Long Beach Seaport, intercepted 19,555 pounds of prohibited pork, chicken, beef and duck products arriving from China.

Most of the unmanifiested animal products were commingled in boxes of headphones, door locks, kitchenware, LCD tablets, trash bags, swim fins, cell phone covers, plastic cases and household goods in a clear attempt to smuggle the prohibited meats.

CBP agriculture specialists identified, examined and seized 12 shipments containing a total of 834 cartons which lacked the required...

Chefs Battle for Best Beefshi

Today, on International Sushi Day, the North American Meat Institute (NAMI), a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, and the New Orleans Culinary and Hospitality Institute (NOCHI) are joining forces to celebrate America's love of beef and sushi with the final showdown of the 2020 Beefshi Battle.

The 2020 Beefshi Battle is a campaign and online contest created to promote and popularize Beefshi, an innovative concept that takes its inspiration from sushi and features prepared beef products like bologna, summer sausage, corned beef, pastrami, roast beef and beef jerky as central ingredients in sushi. Creativity is essential for any great chef, and this contest has encouraged professional cooks and chefs to...

La Bodega Meat Recalls Beef Products Distributed Without Benefit of Import Re-Inspection

La Bodega Meat LLC, a Farmers Branch, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 83,038 pounds of raw beef products that were not presented for import re-inspection into the United States, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The various raw beef items were imported on June 2 and June 3, 2020. The following products are subject to recall...

Beyond Meat Introduces Limited Edition Burger Pack

Beyond Meat is making plant-based burgers more accessible and affordable this summer with the introduction of Cookout Classic, a limited edition burger 10-pack available at a majority of Walmart and Target stores nationwide and select retailers across the U.S. beginning the week of June 22. Sold in the frozen meat aisle with a suggested retail price of $15.99 ($1.60 per patty), the new offering will be available through mid-August, or until supplies last, and is intended to narrow the price gap between plant-based meat and animal protein.

With growing consumer interest in plant-based protein, the Cookout Classic value pack is designed to inspire a plant-based meat option at barbecues and summer gatherings. The burgers are made with...

Denny's Reintroduces Popular Value Menu

Denny's is re-introducing its famed $2 $4 $6 $8 Value Menu in celebration of its 10th anniversary, offering guests breakfast and dinner favorites alongside new and exciting items, all at a great price. The limited-time value menu will be available for dine-in, takeout or delivery via Dennys.com, while supplies last at participating locations. Denny's is also offering free delivery through Denny's on Demand from now until June 22, 2020.

Denny's $2 $4 $6 $8 Value Menu features options for breakfast, lunch and dinner, including...

Sweet Earth Foods Debuts Eight New Plant-Based Products

Sweet Earth Foods announced the national launch of a selection of eight new burritos and entrée bowls. As the latest additions to Sweet Earth's best-selling product lines, these two new burritos and six new entrée bowls are available now in the frozen aisle of grocery stores, with distribution increasing in the following weeks.

The new burritos and bowls all incorporate plant-based Awesome Grounds or Mindful Chik'n, satisfying cravings for the meaty, juicy taste of traditional meats, and making them a good source of protein. Created with wholesome ingredients like veggies and globally inspired spices, the burritos and bowls are...

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Cattle Slaughter

Lakeside Refrigerated Services Recalls Beef Products due to Possible E.coli O157:H7 Contamination

Lakeside Refrigerated Services, a Swedesboro, N.J. establishment, is recalling approximately 42,922 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The raw ground beef items were produced on June 1, 2020. The following products are subject to recall: [View Labels (PDF Only)]  

- 1-lb. vacuum packages containing “MARKETSIDE BUTCHER ORGANIC GRASS-FED GROUND BEEF” and a use or freeze by date of 07/01/20 and lot code P-53298-82.

- 1-lb. vacuum packages containing four ¼ lb. pieces of “MARKETSIDE BUTCHER ORGANIC GRASS-FED GROUND BEEF PATTIES” and a use or freeze by date of June 27, 2020 and lot code P-53934-28.

America’s Meatpacking Facilities Operating More than 95% of Capacity Compared to 2019

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today applauded the safe reopening of critical infrastructure meatpacking facilities across the United States. As of this morning, across the cattle, swine, and broiler sectors, processing facilities are operating more than 95% of their average capacity compared to this time last year. In fact, beef facilities are operating at 98%, pork facilities are operating at 95%, and poultry facilities are operating at 98% of their capacity compared to the same time last year.

America’s meatpacking facilities are safely resuming operations following President Trump’s Executive Order directing the facilities to implement the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines specifically created for...

April Red Meat Exports Weather Production Challenges, Economic Headwinds

April proved to be a solid month for U.S. beef and pork exports despite COVID-19 related interruptions in production and declining purchasing power of some key trading partners, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Beef exports were below last April’s large totals but still topped $600 million in value. Pork exports remained well above year-ago levels but slowed from the record pace established in the first quarter.

“Considering all the challenges the U.S. red meat industry faced in April, export results were encouraging,” said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “Exporters lost several days of slaughter and processing due to COVID-19, and shipments to Mexico and some other Latin American markets declined due to...

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Cattle Slaughter

NCBA Applauds Introduction Of Emergency Grazing Legislation

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) today applauded the introduction of the bipartisan, bicameral PASTURE (Pandemic Authority Suitable To Utilize Reserve Easements) Act of 2020 by U.S. Representatives Roger Marshall (R - 1st Dist., Kansas) and Angie Craig (D - 2nd Dist., MN). Companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by Sens. John Thune (R-SD) and Tina Smith (D-MN).

“Introduction of the bipartisan, bicameral PASTURE Act is a welcome step toward providing grazing flexibility to livestock producers during the COVID-19 pandemic," said NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane. "As farmers and ranchers are keeping and feeding livestock for longer periods of time, Congress must ensure that...

Impossible Foods Launches Direct-to-Consumer Sales and Accelerates Retail Expansion

Impossible Foods is launching an all-new e-commerce site today, allowing people in the lower 48 states to buy the award-winning, plant-based Impossible Burger and cook it at home.

The startup’s direct-to-consumer channel offers family-size quantities of the award-winning, plant-based Impossible Burger starting at $49.99 (plus tax). The orders come with compostable and recyclable packaging, free shipping and two-day home delivery.

Impossible Foods has increased its retail footprint nearly 20-fold since the start of 2020, and its flagship product is now available in over...

Cargill Demonstrates Significant Progress Against Critical Sustainability Goals 

At Cargill, sustainability is written into the company’s purpose—and woven into core operations including investment priorities, organizational structure and resource allocation. The company recently outlined progress against sustainability goals in critical supply chains including aqua nutrition, cocoa and chocolate, palm, soy, ocean transportation and beef. With a focus on advancing progress on land use, climate change, water, farmer prosperity and human rights, the company is working across every supply chain to drive sustainable production, transportation and operations.

“The call for radical transparency is increasing. More than ever, our customers and consumers want to understand the story behind the products they buy,” said Jill Kolling, Vice President of Global Sustainability, Cargill. “By investing and partnering on...

Yum China to Introduce Beyond Burger at Select KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell Restaurants

Yum China Holdings, Inc., announced that it is partnering with Beyond Meat, Inc., a leader in plant-based meat, to introduce the Beyond Burger as a limited time offering at select KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell locations in mainland China starting June 3. This partnership marks the introduction of Beyond Meat's Beyond Burger in mainland China.

"We see great potential for the plant-based meat market in China," said Joey Wat, CEO of Yum China. "This latest introduction across KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell brands is expected to capture valuable consumer feedback across different regions in China. It will enable us to optimize flavors and processes and help assess...

Blue Apron Partners with Award-Winning Chef to Create Sizzling Summer Dishes

Award-winning chef and restaurateur, Tim Hollingsworth, has created a menu of recipes inspired by his famous cooking style exclusively for Blue Apron to bring seasonal, summertime staples to home cooks across the country. Beginning the week of June 29 through the week of July 20, Blue Apron customers can channel their inner gourmet chef with new, elevated takes on family favorites curated specially by Hollingsworth in partnership with Blue Apron's culinary team.

Known for using high quality and sustainable ingredients, Hollingsworth combines the flavors and memories of the backyard cookouts of his Texas childhood with California cuisine and his wife Coco's Lebanese culinary traditions, into restaurant-quality dishes that can be made at home...

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Cattle Slaughter 

Marfrig and ADM Unveil Plant-Based Joint Venture 

Marfrig and ADM announced an agreement to create PlantPlus Foods, a joint venture for the sale of plant-based food products across South American and North American markets.

Marfrig, one of the world’s leading beef producers and the world’s largest beef patty producer, and ADM, a leading global nutrition company, already have a successful history working together to develop and produce sustainable, plant-based foods in South America. Now, PlantPlus Foods will expand on that successful relationship.

“Marfrig’s production and distribution capacity and its experience and know-how in working with high-quality meat, combined with ADM’s technical and development excellence and its industry-leading plant-based ingredient and natural flavors portfolio, will provide...

The Trip Back to 'Normal' Slaughter Levels

Tuesday, May 26th, was a relative milestone for the hog industry as of late. The day’s kill was estimated at 405,000 head, the first time daily slaughter reached the 400,000 mark since April 17th. While this is a small victory, it is a victory nonetheless for an industry that has seen a precipitous drop in chain speeds due to COVID-19. The last time hog slaughter was near ‘normal’ was the week ended April 18th. Just two months ago, the industry achieved the largest daily hog slaughter on record at 500,879 head. As worker absenteeism and plant shutdowns disrupted chain speeds drastically during the last week of April, daily kill dropped to as low as 267,367 head, nearly 47% off its peak. 

It has been a slow but steady climb back to ‘normal’ slaughter levels. The improvement in production capabilities during the latest five weeks has helped nudge last week’s kill to over 2 million head. Early indications for this Saturday’s slaughter are pushing... 

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Cattle Slaughter

Nestlé Introduces New Life Cuisine 

Nestlé is introducing Life Cuisine, an exciting new brand delivering delicious and satisfying meal solutions to match the approach to eating well. From gluten-free to high-protein, Life Cuisine is made with flavorful ingredients that help power your day.

Over the years, the definition of wellness has evolved from calorie-conscious eating to a more holistic approach that extends well beyond just what's on your plate. Once-niche dietary trends like gluten free and meatless meals have also...

Smashburger Introduces Smoked Bacon Brisket Burger

In time for the unofficial kickoff to summer, Smashburger invites guests to sink their teeth into its all-new Smoked Bacon Brisket Burger. To celebrate National Burger Day, Smashburger will offer a single day promotion on Thursday, May 28, giving foodies who purchase a Smoked Bacon Brisket Burger a second one for only $1.

Starting at $8.99, as one of Smashburger's most premium burger offerings ever introduced, the Smoked Bacon Brisket Burger is made with Certified Angus Beef patty and topped with brisket smoked for 10 hours, then layered with Applewood smoked bacon, smoked cheddar, pickles, and BBQ sauce on a brioche bun.

"As we head into a new season, we're excited to offer our guests another burger...

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Cattle Slaughter

Consumers Continue to Purchase Meat from Restaurants and Retail Despite Coronavirus Concerns

Fear of the unknown proved to be true when observing consumers’ reaction to the emergence of COVID-19. When the virus first made its way to the United States, panic ensued. Grocery store shelves were depleted, and necessities like toilet paper were nowhere to be found. Consumers have come accustomed to finding resourceful solutions and are willing to be more flexible than ever before.

However, the coronavirus has thrown yet another curveball, with many meatpacking plants either temporarily closing or reducing operations. While consumers have stocked up on meat, there seems to be less panic this time around.

When Datassential asked consumers what best describes the way they eat today, nearly 69% described themselves as...

The Consumer Perspective on the Potential Meat Shortage 

As warnings of a potential meat shortage seem to dominate headlines, consumers may begin to panic buy and stockpile proteins in case supply chain disruptions due to COVID-19 lead to empty meat cases at the grocery store. While retailers did see aisles that include toilet paper, paper towels, and cleaning products wiped out at the height of the pandemic, it is possible that consumers have already purchased meat products in bulk.

According to a recent survey conducted by Datassential, about 77% of consumers have at least one week's supply of meat on hand. This is followed by 26% having enough meat in the home to last about two to three weeks. Only 7% of respondents have run out of meat and will be purchasing more. Additionally, some shoppers purchased enough meat to last...

Applegate Farms Unveils Well Carved Product Line

Applegate introduced a new line of organic blended burgers and meatballs designed to satisfy consumers who are mindful of their meat intake. The new, chef-crafted Well Carved product line combines meat with whole vegetables, legumes and grains, and continues the brand’s mission – Changing The Meat We Eat.

“The Well Carved product line is a bold, direct challenge to the newly established wisdom that the only way to eat meat responsibly is to settle for a highly processed soy or pea-based burger—or to not eat meat at all,” said John Ghingo, president of Applegate. “Well Carved products offer a way for consumers to enjoy the real, clean meat they crave along with the vegetables that promote health and a healthier planet.”

To that end, all Well Carved products are made exclusively with organic meat and vegetables, and none of the...

U.S. Pork Exports Reach New Heights in March; First Quarter Beef Exports Also on Record Pace

Underpinned by record production, U.S. pork exports completed a tremendous first quarter with new March records for volume and value, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Beef exports also trended higher year-over-year in March, establishing a record first quarter pace.

“March export results were very solid, especially given the COVID-19 related headwinds facing customers in many international markets at that time,” said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “Stay-at-home orders created enormous challenges for many countries’ foodservice sectors, several key currencies slumped against the U.S. dollar and logistical obstacles surfaced in...

Tyson Foods to Resume Operations in Pasco, Washington 

Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc., the beef and pork subsidiary of Tyson Foods, Inc., will resume limited production at its Pasco, Washington, beef facility. The facility temporarily idled operations on April 23 to test its team members for COVID-19.

Team members were asked to self-isolate until their results returned. The company worked with local health officials to verify test results, which were communicated to team members. Team members who tested positive will only return to work once they have met the criteria outlined by the CDC for...

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Cattle Slaughter

Tyson Foods Reports Second Quarter 2020 Results

Tyson Foods, Inc., one of the world’s largest food companies and a recognized leader in protein with leading brands including Tyson, Jimmy Dean, Hillshire Farm, Ball Park, Wright, Aidells, ibp and State Fair, today reported the following results:

First Six Months Highlights

• GAAP EPS of $2.52, down 6% from prior year; Adjusted EPS of $2.43, down 13% from prior year
• GAAP operating income of $1,327 million; Adjusted operating income of $1,395 million
• Total Company GAAP operating margin of 6.1% and Adjusted operating margin of 6.4%
• Record Beef GAAP operating margin of 6.6% and record Adjusted operating margin of 6.9%
• Record total Company sales of...

Taco Bell Unveils At Home Taco Bar; Just in Time for Cinco de Mayo Celebrations

Just in time for Cinco de Mayo, Taco Bell is giving fans the perfect recipe to recreate their favorites from home with the At Home Taco Bar, available via delivery and contactless drive-thrus nationwide starting Friday, May 1, for a limited time.

The At Home Taco Bar comes deconstructed, packed and sealed for an easy and safe way to feed a party of 6 for $25. Complete with staple Taco Bell ingredients including flour tortillas, crunchy taco shells, nacho chips, seasoned beef, shredded lettuce, nacho cheese sauce, hot sauce packets and more, fans will have the chance to recreate beloved favorites from the comfort of their own homes.

To help inspire the inner chef in us all, Taco Bell is also rolling out a series of recipe cards straight from the Taco Bell Test Kitchen. The cards provide step-by-step instructions on... 

Tyson Fresh Meats Temporarily Pausing Production at Dakota City, Nebraska, Beef Plant

Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc., the beef and pork subsidiary of Tyson Foods, Inc., is currently winding down production and will temporarily pause operations Friday, May 1 through Monday, May 4 at its Dakota City, Neb., beef facility to complete a deep cleaning of the entire plant. The company has been working closely with the local health department and is also in the process of screening plant team members for COVID-19 this week, with assistance from the Nebraska National Guard.

The facility, one of the largest beef processing plant in the country, employs a workforce of 4,300 and normally produces enough beef in one day to feed 18 million people, however...

Industry Reacts to President Trump’s Executive Order to Keep Meat Plants Operating 

President Trump intends to sign an executive order to ensure meat processing plants remain open during the coronavirus pandemic. The executive order will call on the Defense Production Act recognizing the facilities as a part of the United States’ critical infrastructure. This comes as concerns rise that the food supply chain will be disrupted as the virus spreads.

Julie Anna Potts, President and CEO of the North American Meat Institute, said, “By keeping meat and poultry producers operating, the President's Executive Order will help avert hardship for agricultural producers and...

Is America Headed Towards a Meat Shortage?

Price gouging. Panic buying. Meat shortages. These phrases have dominated recent talk about the nation’s overall meat supply as a wave of plant closures and worker absenteeism rattle the supply chain and generate logistical hurdles. Increasingly, industry participants and consumers alike are uttering the unnerving question: Is America on the cusp of a nationwide meat shortage?  

There are many factors at play when assessing the current supply and demand patterns in the midst of a pandemic. Notably, a second wave of panic buying, and the subsequent run-up in wholesale values, has recently...

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Cattle Slaughter

JBS USA Announces Temporary Closure of Green Bay Beef Facility

JBS USA announced the temporary closure of its Green Bay, Wis., beef production facility. The facility employs more than 1,200 people and feeds nearly 3.2 million Americans every day. In partnership and consultation with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and the Brown County Health and Human Services Department - Public Health Division, the company will advise its Green Bay team members to follow Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers’ ‘Safer at Home Order’ while the plant is closed.

Society collectively faces a global coronavirus pandemic that has spread throughout the world and every state in the United States. In Wisconsin, the virus has spread to 66 of 72 counties, including Brown County, home of the JBS Green Bay facility. JBS USA is striving to provide the safest working environment possible for...

Urner Barry's Coronavirus Special Report - Volume II

View the full report HERE.

Protein Alternatives Market Outlook to 2025; Dominated by Cargill

According to ResearchAndMarkets, the global protein alternatives market is projected to grow with a CAGR of 7.4% during the forecast period (2020-2025).

The market studied has witnessed a significant growth due to the increasing intolerance toward animal protein, thereby leading to the shift in preference of the meat-consuming population toward meat substitutes made of vegan protein, therefore, driving the market studied.

Consumers in developing regions, like Asia-Pacific and Africa, have started to incorporate more protein in their daily diets. Many companies operating in the market place have started to initiate...

Nutri-Score May Shake Up the Plant Based Alternative Protein Shelf

According to Rabobank, Nutri-Score is likely to challenge consumers’ perceptions in their choice for alternative protein products. Making consumers aware of a food’s nutritional values is what the roll-out of the front-of-pack label in the coming months and years is intended to do in the European market. In this way, Nutri-Score may lead health-driven consumers to change their preferences and processors to change their formulations.

Nutri-Score is a front-of-pack labeling system that grades food products from A to E according to their nutritional level. It has been launched to nudge consumers to make healthier choices in their food preferences and has already been adopted by several...