R-CALF Urges Senators to Amend the U.S. Beef Integrity Act 

More than 50 farm, ranch, consumer, manufacturing, labor and other organizations sent a joint letter today to U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-SD) and John Thune (R-SD) urging them to amend their recently introduced U.S. Beef Integrity Act (S.2744) by including it “within a comprehensive mandatory country-of-origin labeling (COOL) bill” for beef and pork.

The U.S. Beef Integrity Act (Act) is a voluntary measure that would reserve the U.S. label only for meat that is exclusively born, raised, and slaughtered in the United States. The letter explains that the Act’s attempt to correct just the one isolated problem in which foreign beef can be mislabeled as a “Product of USA” will have the unintended consequence of undercutting the broad-based groups’ efforts to fully reinstate mandatory COOL for beef and pork.

“Attempting to correct this single problem with stand-alone legislation, rather than reinstating mandatory COOL in its entirety, will unnecessarily complicate...

Tyson Looks to Expand Beef Operations Internationally

Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc., the beef and pork subsidiary of Tyson Foods, Inc., today signed an agreement with the Republic of Kazakhstan and private holding company Kusto Group to collaborate on a project that, in its initial phase could lead to the construction of a modern beef processing plant in Kazakhstan, with an anticipated harvest capacity of 2,000 head per day. As presently conceived, the investment is projected to help provide an annual agricultural economic benefit to the country well in excess of one billion dollars (USD).

Kazakhstan is the ninth largest country in the world by geographic area and has identified the livestock and the multi-protein export industry as a key growth market. The country has an established beef industry which serves the domestic population with exports to the region. The agreement...

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Cattle Slaughter

Elevation Burger Debuts Impossible Burger and Dairy-Free Daiya Cheddar Style Slices Nationwide

FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc., parent company of Elevation Burger, known for serving 100% organic, grass-fed, free-range beef burgers and fresh fries cooked in heart-healthy olive oil, is pleased to announce all domestic locations across America will now carry the plant-based Impossible™ Burger as well as dairy-free Daiya Cheddar Style Slices.

Elevation Burger’s nationwide launch of the Impossible Burger and dairy-free Daiya Cheddar Style Slices demonstrates the brand's commitment to serving customers of all dietary preferences. The Impossible™ Burger handles, cooks and tastes like ground beef — but is made entirely from plants — while each Daiya Cheddar Style Slice delivers the same incredible melt and slight sharpness as dairy-based cheese that pairs perfectly with...

China Fuels October Pork Exports; Beef Exports Down from Last Year

Strong demand from China bolstered U.S. pork exports in October, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Export Federation (USMEF), while October beef exports were below the very high totals posted a year ago.

October pork exports increased 8.5% year-over-year to 225,376 metric tons (mt), while export value climbed 10% to $592 million. January-October export volume was 5% ahead of last year’s pace at 2.13 million mt, while value increased 3% to $5.48 billion.

Pork export value averaged $48.13 per head slaughtered in October, up 4% from a year ago. For January through October, the per-head average was...

Rabobank: Global Beef Trade Into the 2020s

Global Beef Trade Continues to Grow

Global beef trade has continued to grow over the last five years, fueled by growing import demand, and supported by trade agreements and improved access to new and existing markets. This growing demand, seen predominantly in Asian markets, is illustrated in the latest Rabobank World Beef Map, which shows a heavy concentration of trade flows into Asia.

Rabobank believes that beef trade will continue to rise over the next five years, supported by strong importer demand. African swine fever (ASF) will provide a short-term, intense increase in demand, but strong fundamentals of increasing wealth and changing diets in Asian countries support ongoing demand for protein. To meet this growth in demand, we believe production and beef exports will also...

Digiorno and Stouffer's Launch New Products with Plant-Based Innovations 

Two of America's beloved brands are getting even more awesome. Nestlé is launching new meatless Digiorno and Stouffer's offerings made with Sweet Earth Awesome Grounds, a plant-based ground beef alternative.

Digiorno Rising Crust Meatless Supreme with Sweet Earth Awesome Grounds and Stouffer's Meatless Lasagna with Sweet Earth Awesome Grounds will help satisfy consumers looking for convenient and meat-free options from brands they know and trust. Similar to the original offerings with real meat, these new recipes have the same high product quality, taste and texture.

Consumers are increasingly showing interest in adopting a 'flexitarian' lifestyle — making an active choice to incorporate more...

USMEF Statement on Approval of U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement

On Dec. 4, the Upper House of the Japanese Parliament approved the U.S.-Japan trade agreement, which will greatly improve access for U.S. red meat in Japan. Key provisions of the agreement, which was approved by Japan’s Lower House on Nov. 19, were released in October by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).

USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom issued this statement:

With the U.S.-Japan trade agreement now approved by the Japanese Parliament, the U.S. beef and pork industries look forward to expanded opportunities in Japan, which is already the largest value destination for U.S. pork and beef exports (combined export value in 2018 was $3.7 billion). This agreement is one of the...

CFIA Cancels Three Safe Food for Canadians Licences

After a thorough and comprehensive review, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) cancelled three Safe Food for Canadian licences. The decision was made after the Agency identified during a food safety investigation that they had received false or misleading information from the licence holders concerning E. coli lab results.

Effective immediately, Ryding-Regency Meat Packers LTD., Canadian Select Meats Inc. (operating under St. Ann's Foods Inc) and The Beef Boutique LTD. (operating under St. Ann's Foods Inc) are no longer able to slaughter food animals or prepare meat products for export or to be sent from one province or territory to another.

CFIA initiated a food safety investigation into the three companies in September 2019, as soon as it was...

NCBA Seeks Clarity and Consistency in Beef Origin Labeling Practices

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), the nation's oldest and largest national organization representing American cattle producers, today reaffirmed its policy supporting voluntary country-of-origin labeling (COOL). Because the association takes the concerns of its members and stakeholders seriously, its Executive Committee has unanimously approved efforts to work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety Inspection Service (USDA FSIS) to address the Agency’s longstanding policy on geographic origin statements.

Specifically, NCBA is seeking solutions to the labeling requirements and verification procedures in place for beef products labeled as “Product of the U.S.A,” “Made in the U.S.A.,” or similar origin claims, which will resolve the concerns of beef producers, work at the speed of commerce, meet America's trade obligations and...

Cargill Expands Climate Change Commitments

With a global footprint and presence in major food and ag supply chains around the globe, Cargill is committed to protecting the earth’s vital natural resources and reducing its environmental impact. In alignment with its climate commitment, Cargill has adopted a Scope 3 target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in its global supply chains by 30% per ton of product by 2030.

This goal aligns with many of Cargill’s customers, who are driving toward similar climate goals. Cargill has also reinforced its intent to prioritize climate through three recent activities aligned with companies around the globe, including pledging to the CEO climate statement, signing on to the We Are Still In coalition to continue supporting the Paris Climate Accord and...

Taco Del Mar Takes Beyond Meat Taco Chain-wide

Following a successful test earlier this year, Taco Del Mar has announced that it is rolling out its new Beyond Meat Taco across all locations starting December 3, 2019. The fast-casual restaurant chain is excited to introduce a delicious, new plant-based protein to its current vegetarian and vegan menu as a limited time offering with the possibility of extending product availability into the future.

Taco Del Mar guests can enjoy the new Beyond Meat Taco, which features plant-based Beyond Beef Feisty Crumbles sautéed with medium chipotle salsa, diced onions and minced serrano peppers, topped with...

USMEF Statement on European Parliament’s Approval of U.S.-EU Beef Access Agreement

On Nov. 28, the European Parliament voted to approve a plan granting the United States a country-specific share of the European Union’s duty-free high-quality beef quota. The agreement, which was signed and announced in August, is detailed in this press release from the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).

U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom issued the following statement:

Approval by the European Parliament keeps this agreement on track for implementation in early 2020, which is...

Sonic Drive-In Sizes Up With the Biggie Cheese

Sonic Drive-In is beefing up the menu with the Biggie Cheese, a new cheeseburger piled high with double the beef and triple the cheese to prove that size does matter when it come to satisfying those savory cravings.

Available for just $4.99, the Biggie Cheese is made with two juicy 100% pure beef patties, covered with three slices of melty American cheese and stacked with grilled onions, crisp pickles, and tangy Hickory BBQ sauce double-decker-style on a bakery-soft brioche bun.

“With a whopping three slices of melty cheese and two juicy beef patties, we not only made our classicly delicious cheeseburger bigger, we also...

Rabobank Beef Quarterly Q4 2019: Strong Demand to Test Supply in 2020

Beef will see a continuation of strong import demand from China in 2020, according to Rabobank’s Beef Quarterly for Q4 2019.

Report Summary

Strong demand will be the driving force in the global beef market in 2020, while beef production will experience slow growth.

“Although beef is not strictly a fungible product, demand and supply pressures will cause a redistribution of product among markets. Market participants will need to be vigilant for any...

Report Shows Decline in Dutch Pig and Cattle Numbers

According to this year's Agricultural Census report by Statistics Netherlands (CBS), the country's pig and cattle populations have continued declining in 2019, dropping by 2% and 3% respectively compared to 2018.

CBS said that the current number of pigs in the Netherlands is just over 12.1 million. This indicates a drop of around 293,000 animals from 2018, with much of that decline (around 193,000 pigs) recorded in the country’s Noord-Brabant province.

The cattle population shrunk by around 116,000 animals in 2019 to reach 3.8 million, with the largest...

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Cattle Slaughter

Legislation to Preserve Family Farms Introduced in Congress

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) today announced its strong support for the “Preserving Family Farms Act of 2019.” Introduced by U.S. Representatives Jimmy Panetta (D - 20th Dist. - Calif.) and Jackie Walorski (R - 2nd Dist. - Ind.), this important bipartisan legislation would expand IRS Code Section 2032A to allow more ranchers and farmers to take advantage of the special use valuation and protect family-owned businesses from the devastating impact of the death tax.

NCBA President Jennifer Houston said that ranchers and farmers are very appreciative of the death tax relief that was passed as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA), but that many cattle producers are either still vulnerable to...

Leonard Lombardi Named AVA Companies CEO

AVA Companies of Hicksville, NY, case-ready manufacturer and distributor to the supermarket and food processing industry of private label pork, beef and other protein products, has announced the appointment of Leonard E. Lombardi, Jr. as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective immediately. Lombardi, a Villanova University alum, succeeds AVA’s founder, Albert L. Girgenti, who recently passed away.

Lombardi has been affiliated with AVA for over 22 years, moving from sales trainee in its Pennsylvania butchering plants in the 1990’s, to plant and regional sales, marketing and operations positions, then to various corporate positions, including...

Jefferies Agrees to Sell Remaining 31% Interest in National Beef to Marfrig

Jefferies Financial Group Inc. announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its remaining 31% interest in National Beef to Marfrig Global Foods. This follows our original sale to Marfrig of a 48% interest in National Beef in June 2018. Under the terms of this agreement, Jefferies will realize a total of $970 million in cash, including $860 million of proceeds from Marfrig and $110 million from final distributions from National Beef. Closing is expected on or about November 30, 2019, subject to limited and customary closing conditions.

The transaction will result in a pre-tax gain of approximately $210 million being recognized by Jefferies. Our last published valuation of our remaining interest in National Beef was $903 million as of May 31, 2019. Since that date, we have received $66 million in distributions and now...

Central Valley Meat Co., Inc. Recalls Ground Beef Products

Central Valley Meat Co., Inc., a Hanford, Calif. establishment, is recalling approximately 34,222 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with Salmonella Dublin, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The ground beef items were produced on July 23, 2019. The following products are subject to recall...

Chipotle Extends Carne Asada Into Early 2020

Chipotle Mexican Grill announced that it will be extending its new menu addition, Carne Asada, through the end of the year and into the first quarter of 2020. Originally introduced as a limited time offer, this premium protein continues to exceed the brand's expectations and drive new customer acquisitions. Offering responsibly raised beef with no antibiotics or added hormones that meets its food with integrity standards can sometimes limit options for supply; however, Chipotle sourced additional premium cuts of steak to season with fresh squeezed lime and finish with hand-chopped cilantro and a blend of signature spices to satisfy customer cravings.

Known for its animal welfare standards, Chipotle understands the connection between how food is raised and prepared and how it tastes. It makes an extra effort to partner with farmers, ranchers, and...

Tyson Foods Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2019 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:

Fiscal 2019 Highlights

• GAAP EPS of $5.52, down 33% from record prior year (prior year included a one-time tax benefit of $2.71)
• Adjusted EPS of $5.46, down 11% from record prior year
• GAAP operating income of $2,827 million; Adjusted operating income of $2,977 million
• GAAP operating margin of 6.7%; Adjusted operating margin of...

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Cattle Slaughter

USMEF Elects New Officer Team, Examines Trade Challenges

The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) concluded its Strategic Planning Conference in Tucson, Ariz., with the election of new officers. Cevin Jones, a cattle feeder from Eden, Idaho, was elected USMEF chair. He succeeds Iowa pork producer Conley Nelson.

“My first involvement with USMEF was when I was marketing chair with the Idaho Cattle Association,” recalled Jones, who along with his brother operates Intermountain Beef, a custom feedlot. “As part of my duties I would go to national conventions where USMEF staff and leadership shared information about their work in international markets. This was a tremendous eye-opener. I valued the importance of export markets then, but value them even more today.”

Jones became president of the Idaho Cattle Association in November 2003, shortly before one of the most disruptive events in the history of the U.S. beef industry...

Rastelli Bros., Inc. Recalls Meat Products 

Rastelli Bros., Inc., doing business as Rastelli Foods Group, a Swedesboro, N.J. establishment, is recalling approximately 130,464 pounds of raw ground beef products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically plastic, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The raw ground beef items were produced from Oct. 3, 2019 through Oct. 15, 2019. The following products are subject to recall...

September Beef Export Volume Steady with 2018; Pork Exports Higher Year-over-Year

September exports of U.S. beef were steady with last year in volume but export value trended lower, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Pork exports were above year-ago levels in September but pulled back from the large totals posted in June, July and August.

September beef exports totaled 109,799 metric tons (mt), essentially even with last year, valued at $661.3 million (down 4%). Through the first three quarters of the year, beef exports were 2% below last year’s record pace in both volume (991,325 mt) and value...

Verde's Growth Continues with Opening of Processing Facility

Verde Farms announces today the opening of its own processing facility in Mullica Hill, NJ. Marking a major milestone for the company, the opening signals Verde's enhanced capability to process its premium products in-house, while also offering advanced processing services to a select number of specialty meat customers. Following ongoing market growth and expansion of robust customer support services, the new facility underscores Verde Farms' position in grass-fed beef.

In its USDA Organic and level 2 SQF-certified facility, Verde will now process both frozen and fresh material into a variety of vacuum-packed products using the latest state-of-the art, highly-automated process and packaging equipment.

"Opening our own processing facility emphasizes our foundational commitment to offer the highest-quality products, while...

Padrino Foods, LLC Recalls Beef Tamales Products

Padrino Foods, LLC, an Irving, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 1,931 pounds of beef tamales because the products may be misbranded, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The products are labeled as beef and sirloin tamales but contain pork product inside the package.

The fully cooked, not shelf stable beef tamales items were produced on May 8, 2019. The following products are subject to recall...

NCBA Applauds Introduction of Hours of Service Legislation

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association today applauded the introduction of bipartisan legislation by U.S. Reps. Angie Craig (D – 2nd Dist., Minn.) and Lloyd Smucker (R - 11th Dist., Penn.) that would provide flexible and common-sense relief from Hours of Service (HOS) rules for agricultural haulers.

The Responsible & Efficient Agriculture Destination (TREAD) Act would ensure that the current Hours of Service exemption that applies to the 150-air-mile radius from the source of an agricultural commodity adds the same 150 air mile radius flexibility to the back end of a trip, or the destination. The bill also clarifies that...

Emergy Foods Unveils Whole Steak & Chicken Cuts Under New Plant-Based Meat Brand, Meati Foods

Emergy Foods today introduced its new alternative meat brand, Meati Foods, the first in market to produce whole cuts of plant-based meat in the form of steak and chicken breasts. The main ingredient, fermented fungi, or mycelium naturally delivers the taste, texture, and protein profile of meat. The nutrient-dense plant-based meats from Meati Foods are rich in fiber and vitamins found in vegetables and are made with five functional ingredients, without the use of soy, wheat, or pea protein. Meati Foods highly efficient and proprietary process, which is all done in-house, combines traditional methods of fermentation with modern-day knowledge to improve resource use by 1000-fold over conventional methods.

Tyler Huggins, Co-founder and CEO announced, “We are excited by the growth in the plant-based meat category, but are concerned with issues around...

Beyond Meat Reports Third Quarter 2019 Results 

Beyond Meat, Inc., a leader in plant-based meat, today reported financial results for its third quarter and nine months ended September 28, 2019.

Third Quarter 2019 Financial Highlights Compared to Prior Year Period

• Net revenues were $92.0 million, an increase of 250.0%;
• Gross profit was $32.8 million, or 35.6% of net revenues, compared to gross profit of $5.0 million, or 19.2% of net revenues, in the year-ago period;
• Net income was $4.1 million, or $0.06 per diluted common share, compared to net loss of $9.3 million, or $1.45 per common share in the year-ago period; and...

OSI Industries, LLC Recalls Ready-To-Eat Beef Patty Products

OSI Industries, LLC, a Fort Atkinson, Wisc. establishment, is recalling approximately 4,218 pounds of ready-to-eat beef patty products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically metal, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The frozen, ready-to-eat beef patty items were produced on August 10, 2019. The following products are subject to recall...

Cattlemen Applaud Introduction of Real MEAT Act of 2019

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) today applauded the bipartisan introduction of the Real MEAT (Marketing Edible Artificials Truthfully) Act of 2019 by U.S. Reps. Roger Marshall (R - 1st Dist., Kansas) and Anthony Brindisi (D - 21st Dist., N.Y.)

“A growing number of fake meat products are clearly trying to mislead consumers about what they’re trying to get them to buy,” said NCBA President and Tennessee cattlewoman Jennifer Houston. “Consumers need to be protected from deceptive marketing practices, and cattle producers need to be able to compete on a fair, level playing field. We want to thank Congressmen Brindisi and Marshall for leading the way on this very important issue.”

Specifically, The Real Meat Act will...

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Cattle Slaughter

Denny's to Offer Beyond Meat Burger 

For more than 65 years, Denny's has been delivering on its commitment to serve guests delicious and affordable meals, investing in menu innovation and increased quality that has put America's Diner at the forefront of the Family Dining category. In response to guests' interest in plant-based dining and flexitarian diets, Denny's has partnered with Beyond Meat to launch the Denny's Beyond Burger.

Available at all Los Angeles area Denny's locations beginning today, the new Denny's Beyond Burger features a 100% plant-based Beyond Burger patty topped with freshly sliced tomatoes and onions, crisp lettuce, pickles, American cheese and All-American sauce on a multigrain bun - offered...

Before the Butcher’s UNCUT Plant-Based Burgers Debut in 192 Ralphs

Before the Butcher’s UNCUT plant-based burger and sausage products are now available in 192 Ralphs Grocery stores in southern California, marking the entry of the UNCUT brand in retail grab-and-go cases. More than 50 additional stores will carry the line by November 1, including Whole Foods Market in Long Beach, 10 Central Market locations in Texas, and 40 Lucky’s Markets in 10 states from Colorado to Florida.

All locations in the initial 250+-store rollout will carry the full collection of UNCUT packaged products, including the UNCUT Burger, UNCUT Savory Chicken Burger, UNCUT Roasted Turkey Burger and UNCUT Breakfast Sausage Patty. That lineup offers more variety than any other plant-based burger brand, providing multiple options for...

Beef Exports from Ireland to China Resume 

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed TD, today announced that following the Chinese audit of beef plants last month, 14 further beef plants have been approved from today to export to the Chinese market.

Minister Creed said, "I am delighted that all of the beef plants which were audited in September have now been approved by the Chinese Authorities." There are now no outstanding plant applications.

He said, "This is the strongest endorsement possible of Irish food safety standards, we were the first country in western Europe to achieve access to the Chinese market and now it is clear that...

Pride of Florida Recalls Beef Products Due to Possible E. Coli O157:H7 Contamination

Pride of Florida, a Raiford, Fla. establishment, is recalling approximately 64,797 pounds of raw 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 various dates from Sept. 23, 2019 to Oct. 10, 2019. The following products are subject to recall...

South Dakota Cattleman to U.S. Senate Committee: American Beef is Climate Change Solution

South Dakota cattle producer Todd Wilkinson today told a U.S. Senate subcommittee that contrary to the claims of some environmental and anti-animal-agriculture activists, "American beef production and consumption is a climate change solution."

"Climate policies that unfairly target cattle producers fail to recognize the positive role of cattle and beef in a healthy, sustainable food system," Wilkinson told members of the U.S. Senate's Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Clean Air and Nuclear Safety. "Rather than adopting misguided policies that threaten the viability of farmers and ranchers, we want to shift the conversation."

The subcommittee held today's hearing on the issue of "Reducing Emissions While Driving Economic Growth: Industry-Led Initiatives." In his testimony, Wilkinson discussed...

Explosion Suspends Production at Cargill's Dodge City Plant 

An explosion at Cargill's Dodge City beef packing plant has two injured employees and ceased operations for the remainder of the day. 

Daniel Sullivan, Cargill's media relations director, North America, Global Corporate Affairs, issued the following statement: 

"A small stand-alone building at our protein facility in Dodge City, KS, experienced an explosion this morning. Two employees are receiving medical treatment for burns, and we are investigating the cause of the accident. As an extra precaution...

Hardee's to Begin Testing Beyond Meat at Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner 

Hardee’s, known for quality you can taste, today announced it will be partnering with Beyond Meat as one of the first U.S. quick service restaurants to offer plant-based breakfast, lunch and dinner options. In keeping with the brand’s innovative heritage of offering new twists on classic favorites, Hardee’s will be testing a new Beyond Breakfast Sausage Biscuit and an Original Beyond Thickburger for a limited-time in two regional markets – Raleigh, NC and Kansas City, MO, beginning October 16, 2019.

To celebrate the launch, Hardee’s will offer customers a free Beyond Breakfast Sausage Biscuit, during breakfast hours, or Original Beyond Thickburger, during...

Kenosha Beef International Recalls Seasoned Beef Products

Kenosha Beef International, a Columbus, Ohio establishment, is recalling an undetermined amount of seasoned beef products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically metal shavings, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The seasoned beef items were produced on various dates from Sept. 20, 2019 to Oct. 4, 2019. The following products are subject to recall...

Sold-Out Global Protein Summit a Smash Hit in Chicago

Attendees raving about the first ever conference, applauding speakers, insights, and prime networking

The Global Protein Summit debuted in Chicago last week—with those in attendance hailing the program as timely, illuminating, and critically important. The sold-out event, hosted by Urner Barry, featured a hard-hitting lineup of expert presenters covering the biggest topics impacting the beef, pork, and poultry business.

Two days of packed content, 25 speakers, protein-specific breakouts and unparalleled networking opportunities defined this inaugural event, held at the InterContinental Magnificent Mile in the heart of Chicago. The show brought together common themes affecting the supply chain, including China, trade agreements, African Swine Fever, the economy, alternative protein competition, and what to expect as we look ahead...

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Slaughter 

Natural Grocers Expands Meat and Seafood Department

Natural Grocers recently refreshed its Meat and Seafood Department selections in all its grocery stores across 19 states. The new and improved Meat and Seafood Department features high-quality and exotic varieties of grass-fed meat, pork, poultry, fish and seafood. Customers can expect a wide variety of offerings including, bison, beef, yak, wild boar, elk, venison, lamb, pork, chicken, turkey, ostrich, cod, mahi mahi, salmon, scallops, shrimp, tuna, pollock, rockfish and sole.

"Our standards ensure that all of our meat is naturally and humanely raised and our seafood is sustainably sourced, which we believe is the best for...

Certified Angus Beef Brand Announces 15th Consecutive Year of Growth

For the 13th straight year, Certified Angus Beef LLC reported record sales of its signature Certified Angus Beef brand. It's also the 15th consecutive year of growth for the original brand of premium Angus beef. Nearly 19,000 processor, foodservice and retail global partners marketed 1.25 billion pounds in fiscal 2019, ending Sept. 30, a 3.1% increase over fiscal 2018.

That growth, said brand president John Stika, was made possible by "an entire community of Angus farmers, ranchers and feeders being extremely intentional over several years in how they breed, raise and care for cattle with a focus on quality."

It starts at the farm, but Stika credited everyone from gate to plate who brings...

Nestlé Develops Fully Plant-Based 'Bacon Cheeseburger'

Nestlé announced today that it has developed vegan alternatives to cheese and bacon, designed to complement its existing plant-based burger patties. This makes it the first food and beverage company to develop and produce all three essential elements for a no-compromise plant-based 'bacon cheeseburger'.

This complete burger solution will first be offered to professional clients such as restaurant and foodservice operators. Nestlé's plant-based burger patties are already available to food professionals, with the full package including...

Carl's Jr. Launches New BBQ Cheeseburger Made with Beyond Meat 

Carl’s Jr., known for craveable menu items, is excited to expand its partnership with Beyond Meat® to launch an innovative new menu item – the Beyond BBQ Cheeseburger – available at participating restaurants beginning October 9, 2019. Drawing on the success of its Beyond Famous Star, the restaurant developed a new burger build meant to complement the Beyond Burger™ patty, while drawing on the flavors of its famed Western Bacon Cheeseburger.

The new Beyond BBQ Cheeseburger will feature some of the restaurant’s most popular ingredients including a Beyond Burger patty topped with Carl's Jr. original BBQ sauce, American cheese, crispy onion rings, all on a sesame seed bun, for an indulgent flexitarian option that turns...

NCBA Statement on Trade Agreement with Japan

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) President Jennifer Houston today issued the following statement after attending a White House ceremony in honor of the bilateral trade agreement between the United States and Japan that will lower Japan’s massive tariffs on U.S. beef.

“I was deeply honored to attend the ceremony at the White House where we celebrated a bilateral trade agreement with Japan. As the top market for U.S. beef exports, Japan accounts for one quarter of our exports and roughly $2 billion in annual sales. As a beef producer, I understand the value of exports to my bottom line, and President Trump understands that increased access to foreign markets like Japan is the economic stimulus we need. We are grateful for President Trump’s leadership and for the hard work of...

Sysco’s Cutting Edge Solutions Announces Additional Product Offerings

Sysco Corporation, the leading global foodservice distribution company, announced the availability of nine new products exclusively for customers through its Cutting Edge Solutions platform.

Designed to enable customers to succeed by differentiating themselves in an evolving and competitive business environment, Cutting Edge Solutions products are sourced from leading and up-and-coming suppliers and assists customers with refreshing their menus, driving increased traffic and streamlining back-of-house operations. Since its inception in October 2015, Cutting Edge Solutions has delivered...

Kepak Secures USDA Approval to Distribute Irish Beef Burgers in the United States

Kepak Group has become the first ever European meat processor to be awarded United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) approval for the supply, marketing and distribution of Irish beef in a value-added format of beef burgers into the US market.

The approval announced at Anuga, the world’s largest trade fair for food and beverages in Cologne, Germany, secures access for Kepak to the US beef burger market which is currently valued at over $122bn.

The development follows the successful launch in 2017 of the first Irish beef retail brand in the United States, Kepak’s Celtic Beef Company, and means...

August Exports Strong for U.S. Pork; Beef Exports Below Last Year

U.S. pork exports continued to post very strong results in August, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), while beef exports were below the record-large totals of August 2018.

August pork exports increased 22% from a year ago to 221,586 metric tons (mt), while export value climbed 19% to $588.8 million. These results pushed January-August export volume 4% ahead of last year’s pace at 1.7 million mt, while value increased 1% to $4.35 billion.

Pork export value averaged $54.18 per head slaughtered in August, up 22% from a year ago. For January through August, the per-head average was down 2% to $51.70. August exports accounted for 27.1% of total U.S. pork production and...

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Cattle Slaughter

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews Unveils Latest Fall Menu Items 

At Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews beginning today through January 26, guests can satisfy their burger cravings with the all-new French Onion Ringer, a flavor-packed burger with Swiss cheese, crispy onion straws, French Onion spread and tomatoes on a melted provolone-capped onion bun, topped off with three golden-fried onion rings. The Gourmet Burger Authority is also bringing back a fan favorite, the El Ranchero Burger, which is topped with American cheese, candied bacon, crispy onion straws, house-made jalapeño ranch, barbecue ketchup, tomatoes and shredded romaine.

"At Red Robin, we are excited to introduce these new, unique burgers with ingredients that guests can only experience at...

Meyer Natural Foods Introduces Laura's Plant-Based Burgers

Meyer Natural Foods announced the launch of two new plant-based burger options under its Laura's brand.

The new plant-based burgers are available in two varieties: Organic & Classic Recipe. Both versions offer consumers options which are gluten free and contain non-GMO ingredients with protein 100% plant sourced. The USDA National Organic Program prohibits the use of genetically modified ingredients.

"When we learned consumers who purchase meat are also bringing home...

Ohio Man Sentenced for Intentionally Selling Sick, Adulterated Calves for Human Consumption

On September 26, 2019, Cory Gillette, a cattle hauler and dealer, of Albany, Ohio, was sentenced to 5 years of probation, a $1,000 fine and 150 hours of community service for introducing adulterated food into interstate commerce and for making false statements to federal investigators. Gillette pleaded guilty to those charges in January.

According to charges filed in the United States District Court in the Southern District of Ohio, Western Division, Mr. Gillette presented cattle to slaughterhouses that tested positive for Gentamicin, a new animal drug that is a medically important antimicrobial prohibited in food intended for human consumption and not approved for use in cattle.

Under federal law, food is deemed to be adulterated if it contains a new animal drug that is unsafe for its intended use, as determined by approved conditions for...

Whataburger Reveals New Breakfast Burger

Whataburger’s brand-new Breakfast Burger is officially here. The burger features a 100% beef patty, Whataburger’s one-of-a-kind Creamy Pepper Sauce, two slices of savory bacon, a freshly-cracked egg, three crispy hash browns, and American cheese, all conveniently sandwiched in a 4” bun. The Creamy Pepper Sauce is also available as a dipping sauce.

“Anytime we talk about the Breakfast Burger, people get really, really excited,” said Whataburger Vice President of Marketing and Innovation Rich Scheffler. “This is a hearty creation, and some of our customers said they would drive out of their way to get this. We’re excited to be able to offer...

Impossible Burger Sales Skyrocket at Retail Debut 

After its highly anticipated retail debut, the Impossible Burger remains the number one item sold at grocery stores on the East and West coasts where the product is offered. The flagship product from Impossible Foods made its worldwide debut in grocery stores on September 20th at all outlets of Gelson's Markets in Southern California. Since its launch, Gelson’s has sold more Impossible Burgers than all types of ground beef, based on both revenue and total number of pounds sold. On September 26th, the Impossible Burger became available in all 100 outlets of Wegmans on the East coast, including seven states and two Fairway locations in New York City. The Impossible Burger became the number one single item sold in the meat department at Fairway's two Manhattan locations.

Also, during the product's first full weekend on stores shelves in Southern California, the Impossible Burger outsold by more than...

McMaster University Study says No Need to Cut Down on Red Meat 

A major study led by researchers at McMaster and Dalhousie universities has found that cutting back on red and processed meat has little impact on health. A panel of international scientists systematically reviewed the evidence and have recommended that most adults should continue to eat their current levels of meat. The researchers performed four systematic reviews focused on randomized controlled trials and observational studies looking at the impact of red meat and processed meat consumption on cardiometabolic and cancer outcomes. In one review of 12 trials with 54,000 people, the researchers did not find a statistically significant correlation between...

Don Lee Farms Launches Plant-Based Burger 

Don Lee Farms is announcing the launch of the Better Than Beef Burger: a burger made from plants. The burger delivers the satisfaction and experience of beef but with the lowest calories, fat and saturated fat compared to other leading brands.

The new burger is an excellent source of protein made from plants.

Donald Goodman, President, Don Lee Farms, said, “We are thrilled to introduce the new Better Than Beef Burger. This new burger, along with our growing vegan line launched fifteen years ago, reinforces our family’s commitment to...

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Cattle Slaughter

CFIA Suspends Meat Company's License 

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has suspended the Safe Food for Canadians (SFC) licence #3WYHVFPD (Est. 99) of Ryding-Regency Meat Packers LTD. (also doing business as Tri-Pet Holdings Incorporated), a beef slaughter and processing establishment located in Toronto, Ontario, effective September 17, 2019.

While the suspension is in effect, the licence holder may not conduct any activity for which SFC licence # 3WYHVFPD was issued.

CFIA suspended the licence # 3WYHVFPD because Ryding-Regency Meat Packers LTD. failed to implement effective control measures in accordance with Part 4 of the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR).

CFIA is conducting a food safety investigation. There are food recalls associated with...

EU Beef Exports to Korea Resume After Almost 20 Years

After almost 20 years, the Republic of Korea lifted its import restrictions on beef and beef products from some European Union Member States. Producers from Denmark and the Netherlands are the first ones to be able to resume exports.

Commissioner for trade, Cecilia Malmström, said: “Trade isn't just about doing trade deals. After many years of hard work this announcement means that Dutch and Danish farmers gain a new market to sell their beef. Once again the EU is delivering for our agricultural sector.”

Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis, in charge of health and food safety, welcomed this announcement, stressing that “this is another sign that trade partners acknowledge that the battle against BSE has been won and...

Meat Packing Plant Execs Plead Guilty to Selling $1 Million in Adulterated Ground Beef to Prisons

Two meat packing plant executives today pleaded guilty to their role in a scheme to sell more than $1 million of adulterated meat — including whole cow hearts labeled as “ground beef” — to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Erin Nealy Cox.

West Texas Provisions, Inc. president Jeffery Neal Smith, 49, and operations manager Derrick Martinez, 43, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States before Magistrate Judge Lee Ann Reno Tuesday afternoon.

According to plea papers, the defendants admitted to selling more than 775,000 pounds of uninspected, misbranded, or adulterated meat to...

Two Defendants Charged in Scheme to Sell Fraudulently Misbranded Beef Products

An indictment was unsealed today in federal court in Brooklyn charging Howard Mora and Alan Buxbaum with conspiring to commit wire fraud in connection with a scheme to use counterfeit United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) stamps to misbrand USDA “Choice” beef products as higher quality USDA “Prime” and sell those products at inflated prices. The defendants were arrested this morning and are scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Robert M. Levy.

Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Bethanne M. Dinkins, Special Agent-in-Charge, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General (USDA-OIG), announced...

McDonald’s Tests New Plant-Based Burger in Canada

McDonald’s will be conducting a 12-week test of a new plant-based burger called the P.L.T., which stands for Plant. Lettuce. Tomato. in 28 restaurants in Southwestern Ontario, starting September 30. The P.L.T. is made with a Beyond Meat plant-based patty that has been crafted exclusively by McDonald’s, for McDonald’s, to deliver the iconic taste customers know and love.

“McDonald’s has a proud legacy of fun, delicious and craveable food—and now, we’re extending that to a test of a juicy, plant-based burger,” said Ann Wahlgren, McDonald’s VP of Global Menu Strategy. “We’ve been working on our recipe and now we’re ready to...

NCBA President Jennifer Houston Testifies on State of Cattle Industry

Jennifer Houston, President of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, testified about the current state of the cattle industry before the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

Topics ranged from the effects of the recent fire at a Tyson beef processing facility in Kansas to the pending reauthorization of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and Mandatory Price Reporting to implementation of the 2018 Farm Bill.

“I want to start by thanking you, Chairman (Pat) Roberts and other members of the committee who have been helpful over the last few weeks as we have dealt with the recent fire at...

Impossible Foods to Make East Coast Grocery Debut 

After a record-shattering launch on the West Coast, the Impossible Burger will make its East Coast grocery store debut today at all 100 Wegmans locations in seven states, and at two Manhattan locations of Fairway Market. Though widely available in restaurants since 2016, the Impossible Burger first appeared in grocery stores just last week, when it debuted at all 27 of Gelson's Markets in Southern California. During its first full week on sale, the Impossible Burger outsold ground beef based on both revenue and total number of pounds at Gelson's. In fact, the Impossible Burger was the number one packaged good sold at Gelson's from Friday through Sunday across the 27 stores.

Rob McDougall, CEO of Gelson's Markets, said, "The Impossible Burger generated more excitement than any other single product we’ve seen in more than a half-century of operations. In addition to exceptional sales and volume, the launch initiated...

Sweet Earth Foods Debuts New Plant-Based Culinary Innovations 

Sweet Earth Foods, an award-winning and rapidly-growing plant-based food innovator, announced today the launch of their newest products, the Sweet Earth Awesome Burger and Sweet Earth Awesome Grounds. Sweet Earth's Awesome Grounds will provide the same plant-based protein in a ground version that allows greater flexibility to cook various meals and sides, such as meatballs and tacos.

The Awesome Burger and Awesome Grounds advance Sweet Earth's mission by delivering on the taste and texture of beef with the nutritional benefits offered by plant-based proteins. The non-GMO Awesome Burger was developed by Sweet Earth's culinary team with Nestlé R&D support, with a focus on achieving awesome flavor and nutrition. It's made with U.S.-sourced yellow pea protein, which is...

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Cattle Slaughter

THE COUNTDOWN IS ON: Just One Month Until the Global Protein Summit!

That’s right, we are only ONE MONTH AWAY from Urner Barry’s Global Protein Summit in Chicago!

On October 6th, top industry professionals will descend on the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile to hear from the world’s foremost experts on impacts surrounding the beef, pork and poultry trades.

The Global Protein Summit is a must-attend event for analytic insight into market trends and potential disruptors to businesses operating in this increasingly complex landscape. The world is changing and, in order to be successful, we must adapt and learn quickly.

Over the course of the three-day event, attendees will hear from a spectacular lineup of presenters...