A Snapshot of Plant-Based Protein Growth Amid the Pandemic 

Alternative protein markets, and those specifically utilized in the production of plant-based meat analogues, continue to boon as a result of COVID-19 economic implications. Primarily used to produce beef-like substitutes, products from companies like...

First Exports of UK Beef To the USA in 20 Years Underway

The first shipments of UK beef are to depart for the USA today, marking a historic moment for UK farmers and food producers.

Following the USA’s longstanding ban on EU beef – introduced in the wake of the BSE outbreak in 1996 – market access for UK beef was granted in March 2020. UK beef producers now have access to the US market for the first time in over 20 years.

Today’s news means the sector can now begin to reap the economic benefits of trade with the US – with industry estimating beef exports will be worth £66 million over the next...

Beyond Meat to Expand Walmart Distribution

Beyond Meat, Inc. announced a major expansion in its long-standing relationship with Walmart. Following this summer’s successful launch of the Cookout Classic value pack, Beyond Meat’s most affordable product offering to date, this fall, Walmart plans to triple availability of the Beyond Burger from approximately 800 locations to more than 2,400 stores nationwide beginning next week. The move comes as part of Beyond Meat’s effort to increase worldwide accessibility to simple, plant-based meat products made without GMOs.

Beyond Meat first launched its frozen products at Walmart in 2015. Since then, Walmart has expanded its Beyond Meat in-store offerings to include the Beyond Burger and Beyond Sausage in the fresh meat aisle and most recently...

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Cattle Slaughter

Sysco Announces Launch of New Menu Concepts

Sysco Corporation announced the nationwide launch of ten exciting menu concepts exclusively for Sysco customers through the company’s Cutting Edge Solutions platform. These chef-tested and innovative products are being launched to help foodservice operators with on-trend dining options as they enter a new normal phase of restaurant dining amidst the global pandemic.

Designed to help Sysco’s customers stay ahead of their competition, Cutting Edge Solutions products are sourced from best-in-class suppliers at the forefront of innovation. Each offering meets important dining trends such as...

NCBA Responds To Cattle Market Transparency Act

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) released the following statement in response to the Cattle Market Transparency Act, introduced today by Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.):

“Price discovery is an issue of critical importance to cow/calf producers, stockers, backgrounders, and feeders across the United States, and more negotiated trade is needed throughout the cattle feeding regions to ensure sufficient price discovery. That is why all of NCBA’s 46 state affiliate organizations unanimously adopted a fed cattle price discovery policy at our 2020 Summer Business Meeting. This policy directs NCBA to pursue a voluntary approach to price discovery...

Chipotle's Carne Asada is Back on the Menu

Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) today announced it is bringing back Carne Asada to restaurants across the U.S. for a limited time. The premium steak option will also return to the menu in Canada and make its debut in France, where it will become Chipotle's first new protein introduced in the European market.

Chipotle's Carne Asada is grilled fresh in small batches, seasoned with a blend of signature spices, hand cut into tender slices, and is finished with fresh squeezed lime and hand-chopped cilantro. The protein is officially approved for the Whole30® program and is compliant with Keto and Paleo diets...

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Cattle Slaughter

The Whopper Is Now Free of Colors, Flavors and Preservatives From Artificial Sources

Today, Burger King^® restaurants are proud to announce the Whopper^® sandwich now features no colors, no flavors and no preservatives from artificial sources in all markets across the United States. It’s the Whopper^® and nothing but the Whopper. The milestone is one of various efforts and substantial changes Burger King has made to its menu to promote real food and high-quality ingredients for its guests. In the U.S., 85% of the Burger King permanent food menu is now free of colors, flavors, and preservatives from artificial sources, and the brand is striving to achieve 100% by the beginning of next year...

Sweet Earth Foods Launches Plant-Based Bacon Cheeseburger in Foodservice 

Sweet Earth Foods, a Nestlé brand and award-winning plant-based food innovator, announced the launch of their Plant-Based Triple Play, a fully plant-based bac'n cheezeburger to debut in foodservice.

The launch will debut at The University of Massachusetts Dining Program, which is the largest collegiate dining program in America and a recognized leader in campus food quality, nutrition, and innovation.

To celebrate National Cheeseburger Day (September 18th), they'll feature the Sweet Earth Plant-Based Triple Play in their Amherst location's dining halls, take-away, through...

Study Sheds Light on U.S. Consumer Preferences on Conventional and Alternative Protein Products 

In the past six months, players within the plant-based protein industry have been dazzled by the performance of their alternative burgers, patties, nuggets, and sausages. As reported by the Good Food Institute (GFI) overall plant-based product sales increased to a peak of... 

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Cattle Slaughter

Beyond Meat Introduces Beyond Meatballs at Grocery Stores Nationwide 

Beyond Meat announced that Beyond Meatballs will be rolling into grocery stores nationwide starting this week. With more consumers looking for nutritious options that are delicious and easy to prepare, Beyond Meatballs are conveniently pre-seasoned with a signature blend of Italian spices, pre-rolled and ready to cook.

Beyond Meatballs will be launching at grocery stores nationwide including Whole Foods Market, Stop & Shop, Sprouts, Harris Teeter, Kroger, Albertsons, and others by early October. Sold in the fresh meat section with a suggested retail price of $6.99 for 12 meatballs, Beyond Meatballs have...

Impossible Foods Launches Plant-Based Sausage in Hong Kong

Impossible Foods is rolling out Impossible Sausage Made From Plants in Hong Kong, the first international market for the award-winning, plant-based patty.

Impossible Sausage is the company’s first all-new product since the 2016 debut of Impossible Burger. California-based Impossible Foods launched Impossible Sausage to much fanfare at the Consumer Electronics Show in January. Within six months, the patties have become available at more than 22,000 locations throughout the United States.

Starting today, Hong Kongers can buy Starbucks’ Maize Impossible Sandwich at...

Tyson Foods to Verify Sustainable Cattle Production Practices at Scale

Tyson Foods announced its work to verify sustainable beef production practices on more than 5 million acres of cattle grazing land in the U.S. This would be the largest known beef transparency program in the U.S., and part of Tyson Foods’ focus on sustainably feeding the world while taking care of people, the planet and animals.

Working with Where Food Comes From, the largest provider of certification and verification services to the food industry, Tyson Foods will source cattle from BeefCARE™ verified beef producers who are committed to raising cattle using...

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Cattle Slaughter

Beyond Meat Announces Agreement to Begin Production in China 

Beyond Meat has signed an agreement with Jiaxing Economic & Technological Development Zone to design and develop manufacturing facilities in the JXEDZ, including a state-of-the-art production facility to manufacture plant-based meat products including beef, pork and chicken under the Beyond Meat brand in China. The production facilities will be located in the JXEDZ, a historic and commercially important development zone with ready access to Shanghai.

Beyond Meat, Inc. will be the first multinational company focused solely on plant-based meat production to bring its own major production facility into...

Impossible Foods Debuts in Canada as International Expansion Accelerates

Canada’s most reputable chefs are launching Impossible Foods’ flagship product at their restaurants from coast to coast.

In response to overwhelming demand, the Impossible Burger will become available later this year in a wide variety of additional restaurants and grocery stores nationwide -- but patrons of the country’s top restaurants can get an exclusive sneak peek for the next two weeks.

Starting today, Canadians can try the plant-based Impossible Burger in world-class restaurants by...

July Beef and Pork Exports Rebound, but Still Below Year-Ago

July exports of U.S. beef rebounded from recent lows but remained below 2019 levels, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). U.S. pork exports, which are on a record pace in 2020, were also down from a year ago in July but increased compared to June. July lamb exports increased year-over-year and were the largest of 2020.

“With production returning to near-normal levels, we definitely saw an improvement in beef exports, though the recovery was not quite as strong as expected,” said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “China’s pork demand has moderated and we are also entering a time when year-over-year gains are not nearly as dramatic, as exports to China began...

Del Taco and Beyond Meat Team Up with DoorDash to Offer Free Delivery this Labor Day Weekend 

Del Taco Restaurants announced a new way to relax and enjoy a plant-based meal at home this Labor Day weekend, thanks to the brand’s partnership with Beyond Meat and DoorDash. Starting this Friday, September 4, through Monday, September 7, fans can use the DoorDash app to receive free delivery on all orders that include any Epic Burrito with Beyond Meat.

Del Taco’s foil-wrapped Epic Burritos deliver fast-casual quality with fast food convenience and value. Each burrito weighs about one pound, and are loaded with premium, fresh ingredients, and offered in combinations including...

Tyson Foods to Pilot Clinics to Promote Culture of Health

As part of efforts to boost the overall health and wellness of its workforce, Tyson Foods, Inc. is partnering with Marathon Health to pilot seven health clinics near company production facilities. The clinics will give Tyson team members and their families easier access to high-quality healthcare and, in most cases, at no cost.

The clinics, which will be operated by Marathon Health, will provide primary and preventive care, including health screenings, lifestyle coaching and health education, as well as behavioral health counseling. They will also collaborate with plant community health providers, including...

Urner Barry's Coronavirus Special Report - Volume IV

The global COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted consumer behavior, distribution, production, and market prices in a way we have never seen before. 

Now, as reopening efforts are underway, the latest business environment is a completely new venture for the food industry with its own learning curve. Both retail and foodservice have been forced to make sweeping changes in their respective sectors and adaptability remains key. Production setbacks were arguably one of the biggest challenges the meat industry faced in the last few months of the pandemic, but capacity has since largely returned to normal.

As we near the end of summer, seasonal shifts are also in play...

Outback Steakhouse Introduces New Menu Items

Outback Steakhouse is giving steak lovers something to celebrate – more options and lower prices. The steakhouse’s updated menu features innovative flavors and new dishes to please any steak lover’s palate, all at a more competitive price point.

Our team members are so excited to serve this new menu to our guests. After operating on a limited menu, we are bringing back some favorite items as well as some new additions, quality improvements and...

Wendy's Adds Pretzel Bacon Pub Cheeseburger to Menu 

Wendy's is introducing the Pretzel Bacon Pub Cheeseburger. After a few years out of the pretzel-bun game and some self-reflection, the new and improved Pretzel Bacon Pub Cheeseburger is back. In between the soft pretzel bun lies a quarter pound of fresh, never frozen beef topped with Muenster cheese, three strips of Applewood smoked bacon, smoky honey mustard, warm beer cheese sauce, crispy fried onions, and pickles.

"We love working with our Culinary Innovation team to deliver on emerging food trends and flavors that customers can't get enough of," said Carl Loredo Chief Marketing Officer for The Wendy's Company. "Like we did with Spicy Nuggets, we've been watching and listening as customers have been...

Impossible Foods' Flagship Product Rolls Out at Sprouts Stores

Impossible Foods is rolling out its flagship product, Impossible Burger, starting this week at more than 350 Sprouts Farmers Market stores in 23 states.

Sprouts shoppers can find Impossible Burger in the frozen meat section of the store in convenient, versatile 12-ounce packages for the price of $9.99. The product is available for curbside pickup and delivery.

Impossible Burger is versatile in all ground meat recipes, including...

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Cattle Slaughter 

Rabobank Beef Quaterly Q3 2020: New Faces Shaping Future UK Beef Imports 

Once outside the European bloc, the UK is expected to become the fifth or sixth largest beef-importing country. Consumer acceptance and non-tariff barriers will play significant roles in determining which countries ultimately supply the UK beef market in the future.

Brexit trade talks between the UK and EU continue to progress. “While pure economic reasoning and geopolitics normally play strong roles in trade negotiations, we believe that, in the case of the UK, consumer acceptance and non-tariff barriers will be equally significant in determining...

The Nature Conservancy, Cargill, McDonald’s and Target Unite to Invest in Beef Sustainability 

The Nature Conservancy, McDonald’s, Cargill and Target are coming together to launch a new five-year, $8.5 million project aimed at working with Nebraska farmers to advance proven soil health practices to help mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and help farmers adapt to climate change. Overall, this effort has the potential to sequester 150,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide over the course of the project – equivalent to removing over 32,000 cars from the road in one year.

Nebraska is one of the top states for U.S. beef production and among the top three states for corn production, a key ingredient for cattle feed. This project will work with interested farmers to reach...

Beyond Meat Launches New E-Commerce Site 

In an effort to make plant-based meat accessible to more consumers, Beyond Meat is launching a new e-commerce site and a whole new way to shop for Beyond Meat products. Featuring unparalleled access to a vast portfolio of signature plant-based meats, including all-new bulk packs, mixed product bundles, limited-time offers, trial packs and more, the direct-to-consumer site is a new and convenient way to experience Beyond Meat.

Available for order in the contiguous U.S., the online shop brings the plant-based meat directly to consumers doors, with...

Incogmeato Launches Partnership with Postmates to Bring a One-Bite Challenge to Plant-Based Skeptics

To celebrate National Burger Day on Aug. 27, Incogmeato by MorningStar Farms is issuing a simple challenge to flexitarian eaters in Dallas and Denver, and Twitter users nationwide – give Incogmeato's plant-based burger just one bite.

Sixty percent of Americans want to eat more plant-based but hesitate due to fears it won't taste as good as meat. Incogmeato is attempting to reassure flexitarians that its line of plant-based burgers, brats, sausage and chik'n nuggets look, cook and taste just like the real thing. To make overcoming first bite fears easy, Incogmeato is...

Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat Respond to Lightlife's 'Clean Break' Campaign

Lightlife, owned by Greenleaf Foods, announced earlier this week that it is making a 'clean break' from the competition. As the plant-based meat category is surging, with sales up 91% in the past year, there is rising concern among consumers about the ingredients in their food. This revelation inspired Lightlife to create a campaign to ensure consumers know exactly what they are eating.

“At Lightlife, we understand the factors that are driving the recent rise in plant-based protein sales,” said Dan Curtin, President of Lightlife Foods. “Because we care so much about leading the future of this important category and...

ANALYSIS: The Spread Between Wholesale and Retail Beef Prices

During the COVID-19, wholesale beef prices have moved through phases as the situation changed...

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Offers Menu Enhancements to Kick Off Fall 

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store announced it will welcome fall with new menu additions and limited-time seasonal items, including offering a classic comfort-food staple, Chicken Pot Pie, everyday.

In addition to the updated homestyle Chicken Pot Pie recipe, families can now enjoy a refreshed Kid's Menu and, for a limited time, they can savor the warmth of new seasonal beverages as well as the familiarity of a timeless dessert, Carrot Cake.

"Cracker Barrel has always been known as a place where families come together to connect," said Cracker Barrel Vice President of Culinary and Menu Strategy Cammie Spillyards-Schaefer. "As we move into this next season and continue to...

Carl's Jr. Launches New Angus Beef Burger 

In celebration of its newest craveable menu innovation, the Steakhouse Angus Thickburger, Carl's Jr. is offering an ultimate steakhouse dinner experience from the comfort of consumers' homes.

As many customers continue to look for new ways to elevate their nights in, Carl’s Jr. will partner with Nocking Point Wines to introduce a limited-edition “Carl’s Jr. x Nocking Point Wines Steakhouse Burger Box.” The box features a collection of...

PODCAST: Jack of All Trades - Mike Nesbitt, UK Beef and Shrimp Reporter

In this episode, Laura interviews UK Beef and Shrimp Market Reporter Mike Nesbitt. They discuss transparency with Vannamei shrimp, expansion to UK Beef reporting, Trade Flows, and more...

Impossible Foods Launches Impossible Burger Patties in Grocery Stores

Impossible Foods’ flagship product is now available in packages of two pre-formed, quarter-pound (4-oz) patties at nearly 2,000 grocery stores nationwide owned by Kroger.

Patty packs of the award-winning, plant-based Impossible Burger will begin rolling out this week at Kroger-affiliated stores, including Kroger, Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Mariano’s, Smith’s and more. Customers can find Impossible Burger patties in...

ANALYSIS: Taking a Look At the Spread Between Ribeyes and Strip Loins 

Typically, ribs and loins follow the same sort of trend, and are largely sought after in the foodservice sector. This year, with the pandemic, there has been...

Domino's Introduces New Chicken Taco and Cheeseburger Pizzas 

Domino's has introduced its newest specialty pizzas, the chicken taco pizza and the cheeseburger pizza, which were created for delivery.

"We're excited to add even more options to our lineup of delicious specialty pizzas," said Art D'Elia, Domino's executive vice president-chief marketing officer. "Now friends and family who are craving a taco or cheeseburger on pizza night won't be disappointed. Domino's new taco and cheeseburger pizzas are sure to...

Fed Cattle Exchange Acquired by Central Stockyards

The Fed Cattle Exchange, the only weekly fed cattle online auction for the cattle industry, has been acquired by Central Stockyards, LLC from 5150 Productions Company, LLC.

Since 2016 the Fed Cattle Exchange has provided the cattle industry with weekly, cost-effective cattle auctions that provide a platform for price discovery through competitive bidding. The prices determined in the weekly auctions benefit...

7-Eleven's 'Sips & Snacks' are Back

7-Eleven is launching Sips & Snacks 2.0 – a sequel of its 2019 in-store test which includes a new wave of food and beverages – and Californians get to be first to try them. This year's Sips & Snacks program will stock 200 7-Eleven stores in both the Los Angeles and San Diego metro areas with 84 exclusive items from a list of 25 hand-picked brands.

This special product assortment includes options for power-snackers, restricted diet-followers and anyone looking for ways to incorporate more functional, better-for-you sips and snacks to...

Faribault Foods Recalls Canned Soup Product 

Faribault Foods Inc., a Faribault, Minn. establishment, is recalling approximately 15,134 pounds of canned soup product due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product contains milk and soy, known allergens, as well as beef and pork, which are not declared on the product label.

The cans labeled as chicken noodle soup actually contain a meatball and pasta product. The canned soup items were produced on May 26, 2020. The following products are subject to recall...

Urner Barry to Offer New Market Coverage of UK Beef Trade

First of its kind coverage of the UK beef market will include quotations, news and analysis

Urner Barry, the leading provider of protein market news and information in the food industry, is pleased to announce a brand-new coverage area with the launch of a UK beef market report.

Adding to the timely, accurate and unbiased reporting on the U.S. beef market, Urner Barry will now offer coverage of the beef trade in the United Kingdom. This initiative provides transparency and insight into international market dynamics at a time when information is more critical than ever.

"We are excited for the opportunity to invest in the UK beef industry and continue our tradition of helping people make better trading decisions by providing independent, accurate and timely market information,” said Urner Barry CEO Joe Muldowney. “We're grateful for the incredible support we've seen so far from the U.K. on this endeavor and look forward to...

QDOBA Enhances Menu with New Signature Eats Entrees

QDOBA announced the introduction of its new Signature Eats menu that offers its guests unique chef-crafted flavor combinations, while also increasing convenience and flexibility. Now, in addition to the ability to create your own entreé through customizable options, QDOBA makes it easy to find your flavor through its set of Signature Eats recipes.

"Our new Signature Eats entrees are perfect for both first-time visitors and loyal fans," says Karin Silk, vice president of menu & off-premises at QDOBA. "The dishes feature curated combinations of our popular and freshly-prepared flavors. They are also...

Eckrich Debuts New Packaging for Deli Products in Stores Nationwide

Eckrich is introducing bold new packaging for the Deli collection which will begin rolling out in stores nationwide this month.

Through both qualitative and quantitative market research, Eckrich successfully created a design that breathes new energy into the heritage brand with a modern, approachable look, all with its key consumer top of mind. The designs feature a white background and crisp imagery, displaying the product and information in an organized, eye-catching way. The imagery also...

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Cattle Slaughter

Pork Exports Trend Lower in June but Remain on Record Pace; Another Tough Month for Beef Exports

June exports of U.S. pork fell below year-ago levels for the first time this year but exports remain on a record pace in 2020, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Beef exports were down sharply from a year ago in June, reflecting a lingering impact of a temporary slowdown in beef production combined with restrictions on foodservice and weakening economies in major import markets. June lamb exports trended higher, posting the second largest totals of 2020.

“We expected that the interruptions in red meat production would continue to weigh on June exports, but anticipated more of a rebound from the low May totals – particularly for...

Merck Animal Health Acquires IdentiGEN 

Merck Animal Health, known as MSD Animal Health outside the United States and Canada, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA, today announced the completion of its acquisition of IdentiGEN, a leader in DNA-based animal traceability solutions for Livestock and Aquaculture from MML Growth Capital Partners Ireland. Specific terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

IdentiGEN’s technology combines each species’ unique DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and data analytics to provide an evidence-based animal traceability solution, called DNA TraceBack, to accurately and precisely trace beef, seafood, pork and poultry that is verifiable from farm-to-table.

Food producers, processors and retailers are looking for accurate and complete animal traceability solutions that provide full accountability, as well as...

Beyond Meat Reports Second Quarter 2020 Financial Results

Beyond Meat, Inc. reported financial results for its second quarter ended June 27, 2020.

Beyond Meat President and CEO Ethan Brown commented, "I am proud of our record net revenues and growth during a very challenging period. As the toll of the COVID-19 pandemic took hold across the foodservice industry, we repurposed assets and repacked and rerouted products to meet increased consumer activity in the retail aisles. Throughout the quarter, our brand experienced an enviable combination of consumer trends – increasing household penetration; increasing buying levels per household; and strong repeat purchase rates of nearly...

Smashburger Announces Nationwide Launch of Fan-Favorite Colorado Burger

Smashburger is bringing back a fan-favorite menu item, announcing the return of its hometown burger. Launching today, the Colorado Burger is back by popular demand and available at all Smashburger locations nationwide for a limited time. In celebration of Smashburger's 13th anniversary and the restaurant's Colorado roots, Smashburger will host a single day promotion on Thursday, August 6, offering Smash fans who purchase any double or single Colorado Burger a second one for only 13 cents at participating restaurants.

As one of Smashburger's most beloved premium burger offerings, the Colorado Burger is made with Certified Angus Beef, and is topped with...

Beyond Meat Expands Club Store Distribution with BJ's Wholesale and Sam's Club

Beyond Meat is working to increase accessibility to plant-based meat through the development of new sales channels, including club and convenience stores. The company, which offers an 8-pack of its flagship Beyond Burger, first broke into the club channel last year at Costco. This summer, Beyond Meat added partnerships with BJ’s Wholesale and Sam’s Club, unlocking partnerships with three major club stores.

“Having entered all national conventional retailers in the US, we looked for where the white space existed and club stores were the next logical step towards increasing accessibility to plant-based meat among mainstream consumers,” said Chuck Muth, Chief Growth Officer, Beyond Meat. “By offering the Beyond Burger in a larger format, we’re able to provide value to consumers and a more accessible entry point for...

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Cattle Slaughter

Impossible Foods Debuts at Walmart 

Impossible Foods’ flagship product will begin rolling out at Walmart.

The Impossible Burger has started hitting Walmart shelves and will soon be stocked in nearly 2,100 Walmart Supercenter and Walmart Neighborhood Market locations. Customers can find Impossible Burger in the fresh meat section of the store in convenient, versatile 12-ounce packages. Impossible Burger is also available through Walmart Grocery Pickup & Delivery.

With the addition of Walmart locations, Impossible Burger will be available in more than 8,000 brick-and-mortar grocery stores across all 50 states -- a more than 50X increase...

Tyson Foods Reports Third Quarter 2020 Results

Tyson Foods, Inc. today reported the following results:

First Nine Months Highlights

• GAAP EPS of $3.96, down 12% from prior year; Adjusted EPS of $3.83, down 10% from prior year
• GAAP operating income of $2,102 million; Adjusted operating income of $2,155 million
• Total Company GAAP operating margin of 6.6% and Adjusted operating margin of 6.8%
• Generated $2.7 billion of...

JBS Food Canada ULC Recalls Raw Boneless Beef Products

JBS Food Canada ULC, a Brooks, Alberta, Canada establishment, is recalling approximately 38,406 pounds of boneless beef head meat 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 raw, frozen, boneless beef head meat items were imported on July 13, 2020 and were further processed by another company into ground beef products. The following products are subject to recall...

Tyson Foods Launches New, Nationwide COVID Monitoring Strategy; Expands Health Staff

As part of its commitment to team member safety and continually evolving efforts to protect workers from COVID-19, Tyson Foods, Inc. is launching a new, industry-leading monitoring program and expanding its occupational health staff, including a new chief medical officer position.

The comprehensive COVID monitoring strategy was designed with the assistance of outside medical experts and includes ongoing, data driven COVID testing of workers without symptoms, as well as those who exhibit certain symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has the virus.

“While the protective measures we’ve implemented in our facilities are working well, we remain vigilant about...

Jamaican Tastee Patties Recalls Meat and Poultry Patty Products

Jamaican Tastee Patties, LLC, a Miami, Fla. firm, is recalling approximately 60,457 pounds of meat and poultry patty products that were repackaged, relabeled and redistributed without the benefit of federal inspection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The firm also applied the mark of inspection of another federal establishment without proper authorization.

The baked and unbaked, frozen beef and chicken patty items were produced on various dates from September 2018 through July 2020. The following products are subject to recall...

PODCAST: Urner Barry's Executive Conference and Global Protein Summit

Urner Barry's Executive Conference and Global Protein Summit is a can't miss, online event, combining two of the most important shows in the protein industry. In the lastest UB Market Digest Podcast, Laura Zinger and Brian Moscogiuri discuss why this event is going to be so valuable and what to expect....

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Cattle Slaughter

Coco's Italian Market Recalls Italian Meatball, Beef Ravioli, and Pepperoni Pizza Products

Coco's Italian Market, a Nashville, Tenn. establishment, is recalling approximately 16,868 pounds of various ready-to-eat frozen meat products that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The frozen Italian meatball, beef ravioli, and pepperoni pizza items were produced on various dates from January 2019 through July 2020. The following products are subject to recall...

NCBA and NAMI Respond to USDA Report on Cattle Markets 

The USDA suggested broader reporting requirements for meatpacking companies as it investigates cattle market movements driven by the coronavirus pandemic and a fire at a major beef plant. The USDA stated in a report in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Justice that it continues to investigate potential regulatory violations and anticompetitive conduct within the industry. However, the report does not detail any wrongdoing by meat processors.

“In its analysis of the effects of the fire and the pandemic, USDA found no wrong-doing and confirms the disruption in the beef markets was due to devastating and unprecedented events,” said North American Meat Institute President and CEO, Julie Anna Potts. “It is difficult to see how the USDA’s recommended legislative proposals would have...

Study Quantifies Value of Red Meat Exports to U.S. Corn, Soybeans

Since 2015, indirect exports of corn and soybeans through beef and pork exports has been the fastest-growing category of corn and soybean use, delivering critical returns for corn and soybean farmers. These producers support the international promotion of U.S. beef, pork and lamb by investing a portion of their checkoff dollars in market development efforts conducted by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

USMEF has released an updated version of the independent study aimed at quantifying the value red meat exports provide to U.S. corn and soybean producers. The original study was conducted in 2016 with updates also released in 2018 and 2019. Key findings from the latest version, which utilizes 2019 export data, include...

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Cattle Slaughter

New Funding for Cattle Producers to Secure Strong Future for the Beef Industry

The National Cattlemen’s Foundation (NCF) announced its partnership with Cargill to provide funding to North American cattle producers to provide practical tools to help manage market shifts, reduce costs, manage finite natural resource availability and withstand extreme weather events.

The four-year strategic partnership, which was funded by a $3 million contribution from Cargill’s protein business, establishes a professional development scholarship program, and provides educational resources through the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (USRSB) and experiential learning in partnership with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA).

“Cargill is invested in the future of ranchers and farmers,” Jon Nash, Cargill Protein – North America business leader. “This contribution is just one of the ways...

Government Dietary Guidelines Reaffirm Beef's Important Role in a Healthy Diet

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) thanked the members of the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) for recognizing beef’s role in a healthy lifestyle, including the essential role of beef’s nutrients at every life stage. The DGAC released recommendations to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for the 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs), the cornerstone of all federal nutrition policy.

The beef community has made it a priority to protect the scientific credibility of Dietary Guidelines and promote accurate information about the nutritional advantages of beef as part of a balanced diet. NCBA, in its roles as both a contractor to the Beef Checkoff and as a member-driven policy association, submitted 21 sets of written comments, provided oral comments, and attended public meetings to...

NCBA CEO Colin Woodall Responds to Burger King #CowsMenu Campaign

The following statement was provided by Colin Woodall, CEO of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association:

"Members of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association are disappointed by the release of Burger King’s #CowsMenu campaign. The nation’s burger restaurants can, and many of them do, play a vital role in helping improve beef’s sustainability and reducing its environmental footprint. Unfortunately, Burger King has chosen a different path, relying on kitschy imagery that misrepresents basic bovine biology – cattle emissions come from burps, not farts – and on the potential impact of a single ruminant nutrition study that was...

Sweet Earth Foods Debuts New Plant-Based Burgers 

Sweet Earth Foods announced the release of its Awesome Bacon Burger. The new burger extends the plant-based food makers' portfolio just in time for grilling season, as nearly 40 percent of Americans are trying to eat more plant-based foods, according to Nielsen.

The Sweet Earth Awesome Bacon Burger is a smoky plant-based burger infused with vegan bacon bits. Made of textured pea protein, this plant-based burger contains 26g of protein per serving (27% DV) and is non-GMO project certified. The burger will be hitting shelves of HEB starting this week with nationwide distribution increasing over the coming weeks.

"We are so excited to announce the release of the Awesome Bacon Burger as the first-ever vegan bacon burger, proving eating plant-based can be...