Sweet Earth Awesome Burger Enters First National Restaurant Partnership with Ruby Tuesday

Sweet Earth Foods, an award-winning and rapidly growing plant-based food innovator, announced Ruby Tuesday as its first-ever national restaurant partner for the Sweet Earth Awesome Burger.

Ruby Tuesday will offer the Sweet Earth Awesome Burger as an off-menu plant-based protein through mid-March, with the potential to become a permanent menu item. Customers can also substitute the meatless Awesome Burger patty as part of any of the restaurant's wide variety of signature burger offerings.

"At Ruby Tuesday, our focus is to provide freshly prepared, high-quality meal options that are full of flavor at an affordable price," said Jenifer Boyd Harmon, Chief Marketing Officer for Ruby Tuesday. "We know many of our customers have...

Tyson Foods Initiates Coalition to Advance the Future of Sustainable Protein

Tyson Foods, Inc. today announced the creation of the Coalition for Global Protein, a multi-stakeholder initiative to advance the future of sustainable protein.

To mark the launch of the Coalition, Tyson Foods is convening leaders from the global protein industry, which includes all forms of protein, as well as academia, non-governmental organizations and financial institutions this week at Davos, Switzerland, alongside the 50th World Economic Forum Annual Meeting. The goal is to unite stakeholders across the food and agriculture sector to identify and implement new and creative solutions to sustainably feed the world’s growing population. The conversation will be moderated by Dr. Lawrence Haddad, executive director of Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition.

“Efforts to make the production of high-protein foods more sustainable must continue,” said Dr. Haddad. “These foods, many from animal sources, are vital for the healthy growth of young children, especially those...

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Cattle Slaughter

Krave Launches New Plant-Based Jerky and Pork Rinds

Krave continues to expand its portfolio of high-quality, better-for-you snacks with two new crave-worthy products: KRAVE Plant-Based Jerky and KRAVE Pork Rinds. Hitting store shelves nationwide in January 2020, the new products deliver the same quality-without-compromise inherent to the KRAVE brand while catering to the evolving dietary needs and on-the-go snacking occasions consumers experience every day.

As KRAVE's first departure from meat products, KRAVE Plant-Based Jerky is perfect for flexitarians and those looking to incorporate more plant-based foods into their diets. KRAVE Plant-Based Jerky features a taste and texture similar to that of KRAVE Gourmet Meat Cuts but is made from...

Western Ranchers Welcome BLM Action to Improve Grazing Regulations

Western ranchers welcomed a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Notice of Intent (NOI), which appeared in today’s Public Inspection and will publish in the Federal Register on January 21st, announcing that the agency is preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on new grazing regulations. The NOI opened a public comment period and announced that in-person scoping meetings will be held across the West.

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for BLM permittees to set the record straight,” said Dr. J.J. Goicoechea who chairs the NCBA Federal Lands Committee and PLC’s Grazing Regulations Working Group. “We have endured Bruce Babbitt’s ‘Range Reform’ for over 25 years—and the land, native grasses, and...

Sysco Announces U.S. Launch of Sysco Simply Plant-Based Burger Patty

Sysco Corporation, the leading global foodservice distribution company, announced the launch of its Sysco Simply Plant-Based Meatless Burger Patty, a Sysco brand exclusive product. This innovative burger is now available to the company’s customers in the majority of its U.S. markets.

This plant-based burger is the latest offering from Sysco Simply, the company’s lifestyle brand designed to help foodservice operators meet growing consumer demand for flexible and customized menu choices. The Sysco Simply burger is a vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO soy patty with 18 grams of plant-based protein per serving, helping foodservice operators...

Industry Applauds Senate Ratification of the USMCA 

The Senate passed the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, by a bipartisan vote of 89-10. The USMCA will advance United States agricultural interests in two of the most important markets for American farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness. The agreement builds upon existing markets to expand U.S. food and agricultural exports while supporting food processing and rural jobs. Canada and Mexico are the first and second largest export markets for U.S. food and agricultural products, totaling more than $39.7 billion food and agricultural exports in 2018, supporting 325,000 American jobs. Now, the USMCA will be heading to President Trump's desk for his signature.

Sonny Perdue, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, said, "We’ve long waited for this day and now USMCA will finally head to the President’s desk. The passage of USMCA is great news for America’s farmers and ranchers. With Congressional consideration now complete...

Burger King Adds the Impossible Whopper to the 2 for $6 Lineup

Burger King restaurants are jazzing up the popular 2 for $6 promotion, now with the Impossible Whopper sandwich. Available for a limited time only, guests can choose between the Impossible Whopper, Spicy Crispy Chicken, Crispy Chicken and Whopper sandwich.

“We are excited to offer our guests a plant-based product like the Impossible Whopper as part of our 2 for $6 promotion,” said Chris Finazzo, President, North America, Burger King Corporation. “This unbeatable deal gives friends and family a new reason to come in and try the Impossible Whopper and other BK favorites at an amazing value.”

Burger King restaurants rolled out the Impossible Whopper sandwich with a patty made from plants nationwide last year following...

What the Trade Agreement with China Means for the Meat and Poultry Industry

The Phase One economic and trade agreement signed by the United States and China on January 15, 2020, will provide U.S. exporters of beef, pork, and poultry, as well as live breeding cattle with expanded access to China’s rapidly growing market.

Market Overview: As incomes rise in China, demand for protein in diets increases as well. Chinese demand for imported beef, pork, and poultry is growing at a rapid rate, made more acute due to domestic pork supply constraints in China as a result of the ongoing outbreak of African swine fever. When China partially re-opened its market to U.S. beef and beef products in 2017, following a 13-year ban, many unscientific restrictions remained, including...

Industry Reacts to Phase One Trade Agreement with China 

President Donald Trump signed a Phase One trade agreement with China today. The agreement says that China will increase purchases of U.S. manufacturing, energy, and agricultural goods and services by at least $200 billion over two years. As part of the deal, the Trump Administration scrapped tariffs initially set to take effect in December, and agreed to cut tariffs on $120 billion in products to 7.5%. However, tariffs on another $250 billion in Chinese goods will remain in place for now. Steven Mnuchin, Treasury Secretary, stated a second phase could include more tariff relief.

The National Cattlemen's Beef Association applauded the signing of the deal with China, saying the agreement will lay the groundwork for American-produced beef to be highly competitive in the world's most populous market. “The Phase One Agreement with China will be a game changer for the U.S. beef industry. For many years, Chinese consumers have been...

Beyond Meat and Roquette Announce Multi-Year Pea Protein Supply Agreement 

Beyond Meat, a leader in plant-based meat, today announced a multi-year pea protein supply agreement with Roquette, a global leader in plant-based ingredients and a pioneer of plant proteins. The supply agreement builds on a longstanding partnership that began approximately ten years ago, and significantly increases the amount of pea protein to be supplied by Roquette to Beyond Meat over the next three years as compared to the amount supplied in 2019.

Ethan Brown, Beyond Meat’s Founder & CEO commented, “This latest contract with Roquette reflects Beyond Meat's commitment to further scaling the plant protein supply chain as global demand for our products continues to rise. Along with our supply chain partners, including Roquette, we are driving innovation and...

Certified Angus Beef: Consumer Demand, Ample Supply Spur Growth 

For a mature brand, sales growth, particularly over several consecutive years, is far from guaranteed. Sure, having a high quality product helps. But sustained success takes intention, a focus on shared goals, and commitment from the entire community behind the brand, said John Stika, president of Certified Angus Beef LLC.It’s a recipe for achievement that succeeded once again for the Certified Angus Beef brand in fiscal 2019. For the 13th year in a row, the brand saw record global sales. It was also the 15th consecutive year of sales growth.

The brand’s global network of nearly 19,000 licensed processor, foodservice and retail partners marketed 1.25 billion pounds of product, a 3.1% increase—or an additional...

TGI Fridays Kicks Off 2020 with Dinners for Two Starting at $20

TGI Fridays has announced it's kicking off 2020 by giving people the opportunity to get together more often, starting with its launch of Fridays Feast. Beginning January 13, guests can visit their favorite local Fridays and enjoy a complete three-course meal for two (two apps + two entrees + two desserts) starting at just $20. This menu offering is a delicious and affordable solution for guests who resolved to have more affordable together time with friends and family.

"We are excited to invite guests to come together over Fridays Feast," said Cindy Syracuse, TGI Fridays vice president of marketing. "Fridays knows a delicious meal at a great price offers a valuable opportunity for...

Chlorine-Washed Chicken and Hormone-Treated Beef Ban to Remain After Brexit

Chlorine-washed chicken and hormone-treated beef will not be allowed into the UK under any trade deal with the US, the Environment Secretary has told the BBC’s Countryfile program.

In an exclusive interview, Theresa Villiers told presenter Tom Heap that the current EU ban on such imports will be carried over into UK legislation following Brexit.

Ms Villiers said: “We will not be importing chlorinated-chicken. We will not be importing hormone-treated beef. Both of those are...

Impossible Foods CEO Criticizes Meat Industry; Intends to Replace Animals for Food Production

Pat Brown, CEO of Impossible Foods, criticized the meat industry in a recent interview, calling it "the most destructive technology on Earth by far." Brown added that the company's ultimate goal is to completely replace animals as a form of food with plant-based products by the year 2035. Impossible Foods currently offers a plant-based beef burger, and a new sausage product will be offered at various Burger King locations across the United States for testing this month. The company also announced that it will introduce ground pork and sausage, but there is no word on availability at this time. With beef and pork alternatives becoming readily available to consumers, Brown stated that poultry options are on the way as well.

Brown claims that Impossible Foods is so important because of the impact the meat industry has on the environment. However, testifying on behalf of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association at a U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee hearing on climate change in May, Kansas cattle producer Debbie Lyons-Blythe delivered a clear message...

U.S. Per Capita Availability of Red Meat, Poultry, and Seafood on the Rise

After falling from 148.6 pounds in 2004 to 133.5 pounds in 2014, the per capita supply of red meat, poultry, and fish/shellfish available for Americans to eat after adjusting for losses rose to 143.9 pounds in 2017. Red meat (beef, pork, veal, and lamb) accounted for 51 percent of 2017’s 143.9-pound total, compared with 42 percent for poultry (chicken and turkey) and 7 percent for fish and shellfish.

ERS calculates per capita loss-adjusted food availability in a given year by taking per capita supplies of food available for human consumption and adjusting for some of the spoilage, plate waste, and other losses in grocery stores, restaurants, and homes to more closely approximate consumption. Over 2015-17, beef had the...

CHART: Industry Expectatons for Weekly Cattle Slaughter

Walmart Opens Case-Ready Facility in Thomasville, Creates 200 Local Jobs

Walmart announced the opening of a case-ready facility that is part of the company’s new Angus beef supply chain. Governor Brian Kemp joined Walmart executives today to celebrate the opening of the company’s 201,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility in Thomasville, GA. Walmart began construction on the facility in August 2018. It is operated by FPL foods and brings 200+ jobs to Georgia.

“Today, we celebrate 200 new jobs for talented Georgians,” said Gov. Kemp. “Walmart has a long history in Georgia, I am thrilled that the company selected Thomasville as the location for this facility. It’s a vote of confidence...

ANALYSIS: Variety Meat Exports to Mexico See an Impressive Increase in Value YoY

According to data released by the USDA and compiled by the USMEF, November exports of beef were below the previous year's large totals. However, in Mexico, exports increased...

Ranchers Approve of NEPA Changes

President Trump announced noteworthy changes to the National Environmental Policy Act that would make it easier for federal agencies to approve infrastructure projects. NEPA was first introduced in 1970 to create and maintain conditions under which humans and nature can coexist, and has not undergone changes since 1986. Ranchers must be reviewed under NEPA for many reasons, but most common examples include renewal of a term grazing permit, construction of range improvements, or for eligibility to participate in USDA programs. However, due to litigation, outside pressure, and an abundance of caution, these costly processes can be further delayed. These delays create...

Tofurky Announces New Plant-Based Burger

Tofurky announced its new beef-style burger is now available in over 600 Target locations in the U.S. The new Plant-Based Burger by Tofurky is crafted using a combination of soy protein, vegetable protein, and wheat gluten and lightly seasoned with salt, onion, garlic, and black pepper. It can be found for an SRP of $5.99 in the produce section.

In addition to offering a tasty yet versatile flavor profile, the new burgers are created with Tofurky’s usual focus on the planet. The burger’s soy base claims a more sustainable footprint (given the ability to use all parts of the bean) when compared to pea protein, found in competitive products. Its two-patty packs will use sturdy, recyclable cartons that tout...

On The Border to Offer Tacos Featuring Beyond Meat 

On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina is giving taco lovers a new tasty, plant-based protein option with endless opportunities.

On The Border is the first brand in its category to offer Beyond Beef, a delicious plant-based ground meat from Beyond Meat, in enchiladas, nachos and even unlimited Beyond Meat Tacos as part of its Endless Tacos offer.

Available from Jan. 6 to March 8, On The Border guests can try the all-new Beyond Meat Taco – featuring 100% plant-based ground Beyond Beef seasoned exactly like On The Border's seasoned ground beef, topped with...

ANALYSIS: Comparing the Rise & Fall of Holiday Rib Values

We closed off the last two months of 2019 seeing ribs continue to fall in price, leaving many to wonder when they would reach their bottom. Seasonally, the rib primal begins to collapse after the holiday buying season. The seasonal trend stayed true to course; however...

McDonald’s Expanding Trials of Plant-Based Burger in Canada

McDonald’s announced the trial of its Beyond Meat burger has expanded to more locations in Canada as it attempts to gain feedback on its new plant-based menu item.

The burger will be available in 52 restaurants in Southwestern Ontario, starting on January 14. The sandwich, dubbed, “P.L.T.” for plant, lettuce, tomato was introduced to test markets last September in 28 restaurants in Ontario and nearby regions.

“The initial test of the P.L.T. allowed us to learn more about guest demand and how to integrate this new menu item into restaurant..."

Where Food Comes From Launches BeefCARE Sustainability Standard

Where Food Comes From, Inc. announced the launch of BeefCARE, the beef industry’s most comprehensive third-party verified sustainability program.

The launch follows recognition of the new BeefCARE program by the US Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, the multi-stakeholder initiative developed to advance and support continuous improvement in sustainability in the US beef value chain.

BeefCARE, the Company’s first ever sustainability offering for the beef industry, is a voluntary third-party program that verifies sustainability practices in beef production related to animal husbandry, environmental stewardship and...

November Pork Exports Shatter Previous Records; Beef Exports Trail 2018

U.S. pork exports posted the best month on record in November, easily reaching new highs in both volume and value, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). November exports of U.S. beef were below the previous year’s large totals.

Pork exports surged to 259,812 metric tons (mt) in November, up 26% year-over-year and 11% above the previous high set in July 2019. Export value was $712.7 million, up 32% from a year ago and breaking the previous record (also from July 2019) by 14%. These results pushed January-November exports 7% above...

Perdue Farms Launches New Direct-to-Consumer E-Commerce Website in Centennial Year

With nearly half or more of all shoppers buying perishables such as meat, produce and dairy items online*, Perdue Farms has launched a new e-commerce website that will offer a selection of its family of brands for sale directly to consumers at PerdueFarms.com.

The site will initially offer an assortment of frozen items across some of Perdue Farms' most popular brands including PERDUE, Niman Ranch, Coleman Natural, Sonoma Red and Skagit Red, with plans to add additional offerings over time as demand increases.

"As both online shopping and the demand for convenience show no signs of slowing down, we felt it was important to be in this space," said David Zucker, Perdue Farms senior vice president of e-commerce and new ventures. "We're excited that this is the first time we've been able to offer...

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Cattle Slaughter

USDA Proposes to Reapportion Cattlemen’s Beef Board Membership

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is proposing to adjust membership on the Beef Promotion and Research Board to reflect shifts in cattle inventory levels since the last board reapportionment in 2017, as required by the rules governing the board.

Under the proposal, total board membership would increase by two members, from 99 to 101, and would include the following changes...

Kettle Cuisine Midco, LLC, Recalls Ready-To-Eat Soup Products

Kettle Cuisine Midco, LLC, a Lynn, Mass. establishment, is recalling approximately 200 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) lentil and beef soup products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The products contain egg and wheat, known allergens, which are not declared on the product label.

The RTE lentil and beef soup items were produced on Dec. 12, 2019. The following product is subject to recall...

Pollo Tropical Launches New Vegan Menu Items Featuring Beyond Meat

Starting today, Pollo Tropical is taking its bold flavors beyond chicken with the launch of a Vegan Tropichop and Wrap featuring a "picadillo" made with Beyond Meat.

The Vegan Tropichop gives guests a new way to enjoy one of their most popular menu items. This Tropichop includes your choice of White or Brown Rice, Pollo Tropical's famous Black Beans, and the picadillo made with Beyond Beef, all topped with sautéed peppers and onions. The Vegan Wrap also features Beyond Beef, your choice of rice, plus black beans and Pollo Tropical's sweet plantains wrapped in a tortilla. These options are launching at $4.49 and $4.09 respectively.

Pollo Tropical partnered with Beyond Meat to develop these plant-based options that are...

REPORTER: Packing Plant Fire Causes Loss of Capacity, Leading to Record Margins

Boxed beef margins pierced through record levels driven by the reaction to the Tyson Food’s Holcomb, Kansas plant fire late Friday, August 9, 2019, and closure of the facility for an extended, unknown period. Before we expand on that...

Chipotle Innovates Lifestyle Bowls

Chipotle Mexican Grill announced today that it's rolling out a Supergreens salad mix nationally this week. Made of hand-cut romaine, antioxidant-rich baby kale and crisp baby spinach, Supergreens will replace the existing romaine-only salad base. This is Chipotle's second new menu item added in the last four months, following the successful launch of Carne Asada in September 2019. Chipotle has also made its grilled, Adobo chicken Whole30 compliant by switching the oil in its marinade, keeping the same great taste, but providing guests with specific dietary goals more options.

Chipotle was the first in the fast-casual industry to offer preconfigured, diet driven Lifestyle Bowls last year, which aided its digital sales growth to hit a $1B milestone recently. Statistics have shown that less than 25% of people stay committed to their new year's resolutions after 30 days, and...

REPORTER: Export Sales and Processing Capacity Critical Issues for U.S. Pork, Beef Industries 

Looking back on the events of 2019 makes it clear just how important export sales and having adequate processing capacity are for the U.S. pork and beef markets.

The cattle markets were rolling along through the spring and into the summer with one of the strongest demand periods in recent years. Then, in early August, news of a fire at a plant in Kansas, and predictions that the damage was extensive enough to likely keep the facility from resuming cattle harvest operations the balance of the year, led...

REPORTER: 2019 Snapshot of Beef Varieties

The arrival of summer weather was somewhat delayed in 2019—disappointing news for some but supportive conditions for the beef varieties market. Beef varieties trend during the cold months—and...

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Cattle Slaughter

Empirical Foods to Open New Ground Beef Facility in Kansas

South Dakota-based Empirical Foods announced plans to construct a new ground beef facility in Garden City, Kansas, adding that the investment is the largest in the company's 40-year history.

It said in a statement that the new plant, which Empirical will begin constructing in the first quarter of 2020, will supplement its existing production facility in South Sioux City, Nebraska and more than double the company’s current ground beef capacity.

“Demand for Empirical’s lean ground beef requires us to significantly increase our processing capacity to...

Advance Pierre Foods Recalls Ready-to-Eat Ground Beef Products

Advance Pierre Foods, a Cincinnati, Ohio establishment, is recalling approximately 15,739 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) beef patty products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically small, green soft plastic, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The frozen, RTE beef patty items were produced on Sept. 11, 2019. The following products are subject to recall...

NCBA Welcomes First Phase In U.S.-China Trade Deal

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) CEO Colin Woodall issued the following statement regarding today's announcement that the U.S. and China have agreed to a phase one trade deal:

“The announcement of a phase one deal with China is welcome news for the U.S. beef industry. While we wait to learn more about the details of the agreement, we are optimistic that this positive news will bring long lasting relief to farmers and ranchers who have been targeted with China’s retaliatory tariffs for many months.” said Woodall. “While tariffs grab most of the headlines, China’s unjustifiable...

NCBA Applauds U.S. Senate Introduction of Real MEAT Act

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) today applauded the introduction of the Real MEAT (Marketing Edible Artificials Truthfully) Act of 2019 by U.S. Senator Deb Fischer of Nebraska. The Senate bill is a companion to H.R. 4881, which was introduced by U.S. Representatives Roger Marshall (R - 1st Dist., Kansas) and Anthony Brindisi (D - 22nd Dist., N.Y.) in October.

“It’s clear that fake-meat companies are continuing to mislead consumers about the nutritional merits and actual ingredient composition of their products,” said NCBA President Jennifer Houston. “We commend the efforts of Senator Fischer on introducing this legislation, which would end deceptive labeling of fake meat products and allow cattle producers to...

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...

Beyond Meat Serves Canada with National Launch of Beyond Beef 

Starting today, Canadians can now enjoy even more options at their local grocer’s fresh meat counter with the launch of Beyond Beef, a new product from plant-based leader, Beyond Meat, Inc., that’s designed to look, cook and taste like ground beef. Canada is the first market outside of the U.S. to offer Beyond Beef.

“Canada is a very progressive market and since launching in retail there earlier this year, we’ve seen a tremendous response from Canadians who are interested in our plant-based proteins,” said Ethan Brown, Beyond Meat Founder and CEO. “We are excited to bring our latest product innovation to Canadians, welcoming...

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...