The Latest Market Briefing is Here! 

Breakdown the poultry, egg, red meat and seafood markets with exclusive analysis from UB Market Reporters

Urner Barry is the leading provider of protein market news and information in the food industry. Through daily canvasses of the trade and an unrivaled historical database, our analysts are uniquely positioned to report on the underlying conditions and significant disruptors to the market. In this Market Briefing, Urner Barry reporters outline the latest action in the commodity protein markets, highlighting seasonal factors, disruptors, and current supply and demand fundamentals...

IHOP Introduces New Signature Burritos and Bowls

IHOP introduced its latest menu innovation, Burritos & Bowls, designed with flavor combinations and easy portability in mind. Starting today, guests can select from a lineup of six different builds – in breakfast, lunch and dinner varieties – all of which can either be wrapped in a flour tortilla or served in a bowl.

The six new Burritos & Bowls flavors range from signature ingredients, like IHOP’s hickory-smoked bacon and include hash browns to hotter fare like poblano queso sauce and...

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Cattle Slaughter

Nestlé Prepared Foods Recalls Not-Ready-to-Eat Pepperoni Hot Pockets Product

Nestlé Prepared Foods, a Mt. Sterling, Ky. establishment, is recalling approximately 762,615 pounds of not-ready-to-eat (NRTE) pepperoni hot pockets product that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically pieces of glass and hard plastic, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced.

The frozen NRTE pepperoni hot pockets product was produced from Nov. 13, 2020 through Nov. 16, 2020. The product has a shelf life of 14 months. The following product is subject to recall...

Tyson Introduces New Instant Pot Kit Options

"What's for dinner?" has taken on an entirely new meaning over the last year with more people cooking at home. New flavors of Tyson Instant Pot Kits, Tyson Instant Pot Seasoned Proteins and Tyson Oven Ready Family Size Kits are just what families need to ease the burden and cooking fatigue—protein-packed meals offering that made from scratch taste without the effort.

Cooking and preparing meals from home has increased 67-percent since COVID-19 began. After months of home-cooked meals, families are turning to prepared foods and easy prep meals as a way to...

Taco Bell Announces Return of Potatoes and Plans to Launch Beyond Meat Menu Items

Taco Bell is starting fresh in 2021, especially with its vegetarian fans. The brand is kicking the year off with the return of potatoes and exploring a new plant-based protein with Beyond Meat.

After a brief hiatus from menus due to Taco Bell's menu simplification efforts last year, Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes and the Spicy Potato Soft Taco will be back starting March 11. Taco Bell is also teaming up with Beyond Meat to create an innovative new plant-based protein that will be tested in the next year. Taco Bell chose to team up with...

QDOBA Launches New Health-Conscious Menu Offerings

Ahead of the New Year, QDOBA launched new, health-conscious creations under the Vegetarian, Keto & More category of their online menu. Introduced on December 29, the new entrées are designed to provide customers with menu options that help meet guests' dietary goals and needs, such as keto, vegetarian, low-carb, gluten-free and more. The offerings include QDOBA's recently introduced Mexican Cauliflower Mash, a low-carb alternative to rice made with fresh cauliflower that's oven-roasted in-house daily.

"With many people looking to improve their personal wellness in the New Year, we wanted to offer our guests a wide range of menu options that help them...

Nathan’s Famous Expands Through Third Party Delivery to Canada

Nathan’s Famous, Inc., announces the expansion of their menu offerings to Victoria, Canada. The menu is available to consumers through Uber Eats, DoorDash and SkipTheDishes third-party delivery only. Nathan’s Famous is offering its classic hot dog and fries as well as its expanded menu featuring premium burgers, hand-dipped chicken favorites and more.

“We are excited to bring the Nathan’s Famous menu to Victoria, Canada for the first time in the brand’s history,” said James Walker, SVP, Restaurants. “We expect the brand to resonate well with...

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Cattle Slaughter

November Beef Exports Largest in More Than a Year; 2020 Pork Exports Top Previous Annual Record

U.S. beef exports posted one of the best months on record in November, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). November was also a strong month for pork exports, which already surpassed the full-year volume and value records set in 2019.

“Demand for U.S. beef in the global retail sector has been outstanding and we expect this to continue in 2021,” said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “Unfortunately, foodservice continues to face COVID-related challenges. We expect a broader foodservice recovery this year, especially from mid-2021, but will likely...

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Cattle Slaughter

Hot Dogs and Sausages Market Expected to Reach $96.4 Billion by 2025 

According to Research and Markets, the hot dogs and sausages market are expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 4.08% over the forecast period to reach a market size of US$96.405 billion in 2025 from US$75.839 billion in 2019.

The rate at which urbanization is taking place which in turn is buttressed by globalization and rural to urban migration is facilitating the adoption of new consumption trends which have accommodated the inclusion of sausages and hotdogs among others. As of 2018, North America was the most urbanized region of the world, wherein the urban areas constituted...

Dietary Guidelines for Americans Solidifies the Benefits of Beef and A Healthy Diet

The National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) commends the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for finalizing the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs), which recognizes the role of lean beef in a healthy diet across all life stages and ages.

Updated every five years, the DGAs serve as the foundation for federal nutrition policy and shape the recommendations found on USDA’s MyPlate. While there is no one-size-fits-all diet, “Beef is one of Americans' favorite foods, and science consistently shows...

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Cattle Slaughter

FiveStar Gourmet Foods Debuts New Salad Featuring Beyond Meat

FiveStar Gourmet Foods is partnering with Beyond Meat to bring more salad protein choices to consumers. FiveStar is introducing a new Simply Fresh Taco Salad made with Beyond Meat, featuring plant-based beef crumbles from Beyond Meat.The new 7.5-oz complete salad recently debuted in Publix supermarkets. Available to retailers nationwide starting in January, the salad is just one of the many new product possibilities for the culinary giant.

"We are thrilled to be working with Beyond Meat, a company we appreciate and respect. This partnership allows us to be more versatile with our main product lines and enables...

Meat and Poultry Industry Reacts to COVID-19 Stimulus Package 

The COVID-19 stimulus bill agreed upon by Congress contains language that would authorize the USDA to provide up to $1 billion in assistance to contract chicken growers for revenue losses sustained because of the pandemic. According to the bill, the fund is specifically for contract growers of livestock and poultry to cover up to 80% of revenue losses.

Mike Brown, President of the National Chicken Council, said, "On behalf of the chicken industry and our farm families across the country, I want to personally thank Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) for his leadership and his support in helping to secure this vital funding...

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Cattle Slaughter

Understanding Price Risk Management: an Interview with Stable

Urner Barry sat down with Richard Counsell to understand more about Stable’s business and the help they are providing the industry with their risk management tools. Growing up with a farming background in the southern UK, Richard spent his early career managing both commodity and technology focused businesses in London, Chicago and Melbourne. As the CEO of Stable, Richard currently divides his time between London, Minneapolis and Bermuda, expanding Stable's global platform to match complex commodity risks with simple financial solutions.

1. For the readers who have not yet heard of Stable, can you give a quick summary of your business?

Stable offers customizable price risk management tools across untraded, non-futures based agricultural markets. Our aim is to...

NAMI’s Challenge of California’s Prop 12 Receives Key Support

The North American Meat Institute’s (Meat Institute) lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of California’s Proposition 12 (Prop 12) received key support from the federal government and 20 states with the filing of two amicus briefs.

The U.S. Department of Justice filed an amicus brief in support of the Meat Institute’s petition for rehearing en banc in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

In addition, the States of...

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Cattle Slaughter

ANALYSIS: A Closer Look at the Seasonality of the Round Primal

Currently, the round primal looks as if it is finding its seasonal demand which has moved prices higher into...

NCBA Commends Selection of Vilsack to Lead USDA

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) issued the following statement in support of Tom Vilsack's pending nomination as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA):

"Former USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack is adding another chapter to an already storied career in agriculture. He has the unique skill set to be able to hit the ground running on day one and cattle producers are...

Strong October for Pork and Beef Muscle Cut Exports; Variety Meat Trends Lower

U.S. pork exports posted broad-based gains in October, solidifying 2020’s record pace, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Beef muscle cut exports were also higher than a year ago in October, though lower variety meat volumes pushed total beef exports slightly below last year.

October pork exports were up 8% year-over-year to 242,536 metric tons (mt), with value also increasing 8% to $641.1 million. Through the first 10 months of the year, exports were 15% ahead of last year’s record pace at 2.46 million mt, with value up...

White Castle Announces Return of Comfort Food Sliders 

White Castle is bringing back comfort food, just in time for the chilly winter ahead. This week, the fast food restaurant chain added two past favorites – the Sloppy Joe Slider and Mac & Cheese Nibblers – as well as a brand new item, the Smoky Joe Slider, to its menu through February 14, 2021.

The Sloppy Joe Slider is just like the classic Sloppy Joe, only Slider-sized. The limited time offer sandwich features a blend of...

PODCAST: An Economic Point of View - Will Sawyer of CoBank

This week on Market Digest Laura speaks with CoBank Lead Protein Industry Analyst, Will Sawyer. Will brings his expertise to the plate as they discuss holiday demand for protein items, protein supply, the beef complex, corn and soy inflation, and...

Mosa Meat Backed by Leading Global Impact Investors, Bringing Oversubscribed Round to $75M

Mosa Meat, the European food technology company that introduced a cultivated beef hamburger in 2013, announced the second closing of its Series B funding. This second closing of $20M brings the total raised so far in the round to $75M.

The funding brings together leading global investors who are dedicated to sustainability, and to supporting Mosa Meat in its mission. These include Blue Horizon Ventures, Target Global, ArcTern Ventures and Rubio Impact Ventures.

Mitsubishi Corporation, Japan, the global integrated business enterprise that develops...

Protein Market Buying Opportunities 

As COVID-19 continues to impact consumer habits across the globe, many protein markets are experiencing unusual or contra-seasonal trends through the holiday season. Highlighted are just a few items that might be catching the eye of wholesale and distribution buyers in early December...

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Cattle Slaughter

Continental Glatt Kosher Meats Corp. Recalls Ready-To-Eat Meat and Poultry Products 

Continental Glatt Kosher Meats Corp., doing business as First Choice Kosher Meat & Deli Inc., a Spring Valley, N.Y. firm, is recalling approximately 61,504 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) meat and poultry products that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced.

The RTE meat and poultry items were produced on various dates from June 26, 2020, through Nov. 20, 2020, with various sell-by dates ranging from October 2, 2020, through April 18, 2021. The products subject to the recall can be found on the following...

ANALYSIS: Australian Beef and Veal Exports to USA Hit Record Low in November

This week the Australian Department of Agriculture (DAFF) reported total beef and veal shipments to the United States at...

Boston Market Announces December Holiday Meal Offerings

Boston Market is offering countless festive meal options this December. Whether looking to bring home a pre-cooked feast, have one shipped directly to any doorstep or add a few a la carte staples to round out your holiday menu, Boston Market offers a variety of meal solutions.

"This year more than ever, the holidays should be a time to enjoy precious moments with loved ones, whether that be around a table or on a computer screen," said Boston Market President Randy Miller. "We pride ourselves on serving up hassle-free meal solutions that allow our guests more time to...

APHIS Announces $14.4 Million in Farm Bill Funding to Protect Animal Health

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is awarding $14.4 million to 76 projects with states, universities, and other partners to strengthen our programs to protect animal health.

This critical funding supports projects focused on increasing practical livestock biosecurity measures or advancing rapid depopulation and disposal abilities to be used during...

Changed Beef Consumption Habits Following COVID-19 Create Opportunities

The global Covid-19 pandemic and African swine fever (ASF) have changed beef consumption patterns through 2020. While total beef consumption has not seen too much change, we have seen distribution channels change, benefiting some at the expense of others. As the impacts of ASF are overcome and disruptions from Covid-19 subside, old distribution channels will recover.

“It is likely that many consumers will revert to their previous habits, but we do see opportunities for...

ANALYSIS: Cash Cattle Prices Could See Pressure in Q1

Boxed beef prices appear to be seasonally topping after staging an impressive rally throughout November. Although some primals continue to be...

NCBA Congratulates Rep. David Scott on His Nomination to Chair the House Agriculture Committee

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) issued the following statement in response to U.S. Representative David Scott (GA-13) being nominated by the Democratic Steering Committee to become the next Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee:

"Congressman Scott is a devoted friend of America’s cattle producers and I congratulate him on being selected by his colleagues to lead...

Smashburger Introduces New Pulled Pork Tailgater Burger Nationwide

Smashburger has announced its newest premium burger creation that is big enough for game day. Now through January 17, 2021, guests are invited to indulge in the Pulled Pork Tailgater Burger available at Smashburger locations nationwide along with a $2 beer special.

Featuring slow-smoked pulled pork, caramelized onions, Swiss and Certified Angus Beef® piled up on a pretzel bun with spicy mustard, the new Pulled Pork Tailgater is made to...

Chipotle Tests Smoked Brisket in Select Markets

Chipotle Mexican Grill announced it is testing Smoked Brisket at 64 restaurants throughout Cincinnati and part of Sacramento, California. Chipotle's latest protein features smoked beef brisket that is seasoned with a special spice blend, seared on the grill every day, and finished with a sauce made with Mexican peppers.

"We're thrilled to offer a new, responsibly-sourced brisket that tastes terrific and meets our industry leading Food with Integrity standards," said Chris Brandt, Chief Marketing Officer. "The richness of...

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Cattle Slaughter

Alternative Protein Market for Animal Feed Worth $4 Billion by 2026

The global alternative protein market for animal feed is projected to cross USD 4 Billion by 2026, according to a new research report by Global Market Insights, Inc. Growing animal feed business coupled with increasing livestock production across the globe are expected to have a positive impact on alternative protein industry for animal feed during the forecast period.

The alternative protein market for animal feed from the cattle livestock segment exceeded...

Cattle Producers Congratulate Congressman Newhouse On Being Elected Western Caucus Chair

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association's (NCBA) Vice President of Government Affairs, Ethan Lane issued the following statement in response to U.S. Representative Dan Newhouse (WA-04) being unanimously elected as Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus:

"Congressman Newhouse is a strong advocate for cattle producers and has been instrumental in getting critical legislation across the finish line – while at the same time educating others on...

Top Meat, Poultry, Egg and Seafood Price Action Broken Down in the Latest Market Briefing 

Urner Barry is the leading provider of protein market news and information in the food industry. Through daily canvasses of the trade and an unrivaled historical database, our analysts are uniquely positioned to report on the underlying conditions and significant disruptors to the market. In this Market Briefing, Urner Barry reporters outline the latest action in the commodity protein markets, highlighting seasonal factors, disruptors, and current supply and demand fundamentals...

The NPD Group Reveals Consumers' Top Plant-Based Product Choices 

When it comes to eating plant-based foods, consumers are definite in which types of these foods they want to eat at home and which they want to eat from a restaurant or foodservice outlet, finds The NPD Group. About 93% of meals or snacks that include milk alternatives are consumed at home and 7% are at/from a restaurant or foodservice outlet.

When it comes to meat analogues, restaurants and other foodservice outlets have the largest share of eating occasions at 78% while at home represents...

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Cattle Slaughter

ANALYSIS: Power Move Setting Up In the Beef Cutout Behind Retail Strength

There has been a recent broad-based surge in the boxed beef market. Strength in ribeyes, tenderloins, chuck rolls, and...

NCBA and PLC Secure NEPA Improvements for Livestock Producers

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Executive Director of Natural Resources and the Public Lands Council (PLC) Executive Director Kaitlynn Glover released the following statement on the U.S. Forest Service’s (USFS) final rule to update the agency’s National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations:

"This announcement represents decades of work by livestock producers who have told the Forest Service and other federal agencies for years that NEPA regulations need serious improvement. This rule formalizes changes that will allow

Rabobank Global Animal Protein Outlook 2021: Emerging From a World of Uncertainty

After a year full of uncertainties, global animal protein is expected to rise again, as it looks for opportunities.

In 2021, Rabobank anticipates production growth in most regions, with the biggest change taking place in Asia, where the impacts of African swine fever (ASF) are fading. Pork is expected to lead that growth – with a gradual recovery process, as ASF is still active. Poultry and aquaculture are also forecast to grow, followed by beef. Wild-catch seafood, however, is expected to decline.

Global animal protein trade continues to create areas of opportunity and risk, with China...

Beyond Meat Unveils Next Iterations of Beyond Burger Coming in Early 2021 

Beyond Meat announced the next step forward in cutting-edge innovation with the unveiling of two new versions of the Beyond Burger which are expected to launch nationwide in early 2021. The new iterations are designed to meet consumers’ growing demand for plant-based proteins that deliver on both taste and nutrition, while featuring an enhanced meaty flavor and the craveable taste consumers love.

Similar to the range of nutritional options of beef currently available in the marketplace, the two versions are designed to offer more choice for consumers. The new Beyond Burgers will include...

Tyson Foods Reports Strong Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2020 Results

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

Fiscal 2020 Highlights

• GAAP EPS of $5.86, up 6% from prior year; Adjusted EPS of $5.64 (52-week basis), up 3% from prior year
• GAAP operating income of $3,114 million, up 10% from prior year; Adjusted operating income of $3,116 million (52-week basis), up 5% from prior year
• Total Company GAAP operating margin of...

Tyson Foods Announces Global Forest Protection Standard

Tyson Foods, Inc. announced a Forest Protection Standard focused on reducing deforestation risk in its global supply chain of four commodities – cattle and beef; soy; palm oil; and pulp, paper and packaging.

Earlier this year, Tyson Foods partnered with Proforest to conduct a deforestation risk assessment. The assessment concluded that nearly 94 percent of the company’s land footprint is at no to low risk of being associated with deforestation. To proactively address the remaining six percent that was found to be...

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Cattle Slaughter 

Pork Exports Remain on Record Pace Through September; Beef Exports Trend Lower

September exports of U.S. pork increased 10% year-over-year, keeping 2020 exports on a record pace, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Beef exports were fairly steady with last year in major Asian markets but trended lower overall.

Pork exports reached 222,475 metric tons (mt) in September, with value increasing 6% to $563.2 million. Through the first three quarters of the year, exports were 16% ahead of last year’s record pace in both volume (2.22 million mt) and value ($5.69 billion). The increases were even stronger for pork muscle cuts, jumping 22% to 1.87 million mt valued at...

WATCH: Protein Industry Insights on the UK Beef Market 

With Brexit trade talks still somewhat in limbo, the UK Beef market sits at a crucial juncture. While an air of uncertainty continues to circulate, recent trade deals with the US holds significant potential for the UK beef trade. Despite pockets of optimism, there is a genuine concern a second wave of infections may hinder processing, although output remains steady for the time being.

Our Beef Market Reporters Joe Muldowney and Michael Nesbitt came together for this eye-opening chat on Brexit, US/UK Trade deals, Coronavirus' effect on the beef market...

Denny's Adds Melts and Bowls To the Menu

Nothing says fall quite like comfort food and Denny's is delivering with an all new Melts lineup and a new Bowls menu. Available nationwide, Denny's will now feature a selection of warm and cheesy grilled sandwiches served with wavy-cut fries, and two hearty dishes combining flavors and textures for a complete meal in a bowl.

New menu items include...

BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse Brings Tailgating Home with Brewhouse Homegating Packs 

Fall is here and that means football season is officially in full swing. Sports buffs know that game day isn't complete without the cherished tradition of tailgating. That's why BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse is bringing the tailgating experience from the stadium to the living room this season with the introduction of the new Brewhouse Homegating Pack.

The Brewhouse Homegating Pack allow fans to recreate the excitement of a tailgate from the comfort of their own home by indulging in gameday favorites such as wings, pizza, award winning BJ's Handcrafted Signature Beers, and more. The crowd-pleasing package includes...

Cattle Industry Convention Postponed Until August 2021

The Cattle Industry Annual Convention and NCBA Trade Show is one of the industry’s biggest events each year, bringing together cattlemen and cattlewomen from across the nation to do the work of our industry. Unfortunately, the current pandemic presents challenges that make bringing people together difficult. With the health and safety of our attendees, exhibitors, sponsors, and partners in mind, NCBA has made the difficult decision to postpone the in-person event to August 2021. However, NCBA will hold some of its traditional business meetings in the January or February timeframe, in accordance with the association’s bylaws.

“Decisions of this magnitude, which impact multiple organizations, stakeholders and companies, are never easy. However, the limits on the number of people who can gather at an event in Nashville and the travel restrictions facing...

Prime Roots Launches Meals Featuring Plant-Based Proteins at Whole Foods 

Prime Roots, a plant-based meat producer will bring high quality, meat-free meals to eaters through their latest partnership with Whole Foods. Fresh off their sold-out bacon launch, Prime Roots understands that their community of eaters crave clean plant-based alternatives to their favorite meats, and the company is excited to showcase and let consumer try their Koji-based chicken, beef, and bacon in chef-prepared, convenient fresh plant-based meals. Customers can look forward to flavorful, protein-packed meals ranging from comforting classics like "Bacon" Mac and Cheese to exciting, unique flavors and dishes like their Hawaiian Shoyu Chicken.

Prime Roots leverages their natural Koji-based platform technology to create minimally-processed meals. Prime Roots meats are gluten-free and soy-free and are made with...

Maple Leaf Foods Reports Third Quarter 2020 Financial Results

Maple Leaf Foods Inc. reported its financial results for the third quarter ending September 30, 2020.

"Maple Leaf continues to deliver on its responsibility as an essential service, its commitment to protect employees, and its support of local communities during these extraordinary times," stated Michael H. McCain, the Company's President and CEO. "I continue to be amazed and humbled by the steadfastness of our team and their ability to maintain critical infrastructure in the face of extremely challenging circumstances.

"Our operational resiliency, strong brands, and the success of our sustainable meat strategy delivered excellent results in Meat Protein in the third quarter," continued Mr. McCain. "While supply chain disruptions impacted short-term Plant Protein performance, we are seeing...

Impossible Burger Debuts in Canadian Grocery Stores

Impossible Foods is making its plant-based burger available to home chefs in Canada in nearly 600 Sobeys Inc. banner stores beginning this week, including Sobeys, Foodland, Safeway, Thrifty Foods, IGA, IGA Extra, and the retailer’s online home delivery platform, Voilà by Sobeys.

Sobeys is the exclusive retailer of the Impossible Burger until February 2021, at which point the product will be available to purchase in all of Sobeys 1,500 family of stores across Canada.

“We are proud to be the first national retailer to bring Impossible Foods to Canada,” said Paul MacLeod, Vice President, Merchandising at Sobeys Inc. “We are always looking to find innovative products to keep...

USTR and USDA Release Report on Agricultural Trade Between the United States and China

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a report highlighting the progress made to date in implementing the agricultural provisions in the U.S.-China Phase One Economic and Trade Agreement, which is delivering historic results for American agriculture.

Since the Agreement entered into force, the United States and China have addressed a multitude of structural barriers in China that had been impeding exports of U.S. food and agricultural products. To date, China has implemented at least...

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Cattle Slaughter

Urner Barry's Market Briefing Brings You the Latest in Protein Pricing Insight

In this Market Briefing, Urner Barry reporters outline the latest action in the commodity protein markets, highlighting seasonal factors, disruptors, and current supply and demand fundamentals....

Papa John’s Brings Back the Double Cheeseburger Pizza

Papa John's is bringing back the brand’s cult-favorite Double Cheeseburger Pizza for just $12. But Papa John’s isn’t stopping there. They’re turning the popular Double Cheeseburger Pizza, originally launched in 2015, into a Papadia for $6. To satisfy their biggest fans’ cravings, Papa John’s is treating their Papa Rewards members to a coveted sneak peek starting today at select locations.

The Double Cheeseburger Pizza and Double Cheeseburger Papadia feature a huge portion of seasoned beef, melty cheese, zesty pickles and signature burger sauce, all held together by...

Impossible Foods Debuts in Asian Grocery Stores 

Impossible Foods is making its award-winning, plant-based meat available to home chefs in Asia in nearly 200 grocery stores across Hong Kong and Singapore, the first time Impossible Beef Made From Plants has been available for home chefs outside of the United States.

Starting this week, Impossible Beef will roll out at nearly 100 PARKnSHOP banner stores across Hong Kong, including PARKnSHOP, FUSION, TASTE, food le parc and GREAT FOOD HALL. It’s also available for delivery through parknshop.com.

In Singapore, Impossible Beef will start rolling out this week at nearly 100 NTUC FairPrice stores, including...

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Cattle Slaughter

Kroger's Simple Truth Brand Expands Plant Based Collection

The Kroger Co. announced the expansion of its exclusive Simple Truth Plant Based collection, unveiling more than 50 new, fresh and flavorful plant-based foods at affordable prices, including non-dairy cheeses, oat milk ice cream and Emerge fresh chicken-less patties and grinds.

Kroger's Simple Truth Plant Based collection launched with more than 20 products last September, featuring vegan chocolate chip cookie dough, oat milk, sour cream, deli slices, sausage, and other products. Since then, the line has continued to grow to meet customer demand, offering a diverse selection of vegan- and flexitarian-friendly snacks, spreads, dips, desserts, burger patties and grinds, and more. By the end of 2020, the collection will feature more than...

Demand for Grass-Fed Beef Products to Boost Market Growth 

The grass beef market size is poised to grow by $14.50 billion during 2020-2024, progressing at a CAGR of over 6% throughout the forecast period, according to the latest report by Technavio.

Report Highlights

The major grass beef market growth came from the fresh grass-fed beef products segment. The awareness of the health benefits of grass-fed beef such as higher content of omega-3 fatty acids linoleic acid and antioxidant vitamins like vitamin E fuel its demand in the US, Australia, and other markets. This consequently adds to the revenue, thus boosting...

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Cattle Slaughter 

ANALYSIS: Ribeye to Strip Spread Continues to Widen Into Year-End

If we look at the chart for the spread (or price difference) between the ribeye and strip loin, it usually...

Burger King CMO, Fernando Machado, Talks Plant-Based Burgers at the 2020 Urner Barry ECGPS

During our second day of packed content and industry leading insights at Urner Barry’s Executive Conference and Global Protein Summit, participants were fortunate to hear from Chief Marketing Officer, Fernando Machado of Restaurant Brands International, which operates popular quick service restaurant (QSR) brands like Burger King, Tim Hortons, and Popeyes. Leading with a presentation on how QSRs have navigated the global COVID-19 pandemic, Machado was asked to comment on how consumer demand behavior has shifted between the Impossible Whopper, traditional beef Whopper, and chicken sandwiches.

Reinforcing Burger King’s commitment to monitoring how consumers preferences evolve and shift, Machado affirmed, “Our demand for beef burgers is there and continues to grow. The traditional Whopper is still, by far...

ANALYSIS: UB Beef Cutout CAB®/Choice Spread Remains Historically Wide

The chart shows the spread between the UB Certified Angus Beef® Cutout and the UB Choice Cutout. The positive number reflects the premium paid for...

Red Meat Muscle Cut Exports Strong in August; Variety Meats Trend Lower

August exports of U.S. beef and pork muscle cuts were above last year’s strong volumes, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Variety meat exports were lower than a year ago, due in part to the lack of available labor required to harvest and export some items.

Led by record-large demand in South Korea and Taiwan, beef muscle cut exports were the largest in more than a year at 89,148 metric tons (mt), up 3.5% year-over-year, while export value increased slightly from a year ago to $611 million. Combined beef/beef variety meat exports were 109,752 mt in August, down 4.5% from a year ago. Export value was $673.8 million, down...

Del Taco Introduces New Menu Items Featuring Cholula Hot Sauce 

Del Taco is introducing a slate of new menu items featuring Cholula Hot Sauce. Taking the main stage is the $1 Crispy Chicken Cholula Taco and the $5 Epic Cholula Crispy Chicken Burrito, which builds on Del Taco’s successful crispy chicken items launched earlier this year.

“We’ve received an incredible response and strong customer demand for our Crispy Chicken since introducing it to our permanent menu this summer. We want to build on that momentum by giving our fans even more crave-worthy flavor options, and what better way to do so than with an iconic hot sauce brand collaboration,” said Tim Hackbardt, Del Taco’s Chief Marketing Officer. “Cholula and tacos are made for each other, but it is amazing poured on just about everything else and that’s why we have it in a burrito, on loaded fries, and in

Veggies Made Great Partners with Beyond Meat and Debuts New Frittatas 

Veggies Made Great is partnering with Beyond Meat to create a new Veggies Made Great Frittata Line made with Beyond Meat, which will be available at select retailers in the coming weeks, and available online at the Veggies Made Great website and Amazon.

The Frittatas come in two flavors:

• Veggies Made Great Sausage & Pepper Frittata made using Beyond Beef Crumbles 
• Veggies Made Great Sausage, Egg & Cheese Frittata made using...

The Case for Capacity: Can the U.S. Beef Industry Expand Packing Capacity?

Rabobank’s analysis suggests that an additional 5,000 to 6,000 head daily beef packing capacity would help return US cattle supplies and packing capacity to an historical equilibrium without a sharp contraction in beef cow numbers, while still maintaining packer profitability.

Recent supply chain disruptions in beef packing and processing have amplified the discussion surrounding the need for and feasibility of US beef packing capacity expansion. Adding packing capacity would result in both a larger US beef industry over the long run and more balanced profitability throughout the supply chain. If the US can avoid...

CHART: Industry Expectations for Weekly Cattle Slaughter