This Week in Retail: Beef Ads Lag Leading Up to Memorial Day

The Memorial Day holiday is just one weekend away and grocers are gearing up for the unofficial start to the summer grilling season.

This major retail occasion typically drives sales from the meat case, with items like burgers and hot dogs stealing the spotlight.

Beef features account for 28% of total protein ad volume this week, up slightly from the previous week. Pork and seafood are tied for second with 25%. Chicken claims 16%, even with the week prior. 

While beef holds the top spot in retail buying opportunities, market participants have reported lackluster beef features for this time of year. May is typically the strongest period of the year for beef demand...

While beef holds the top spot in buying opportunities, market participants have noted lackluster beef features for this time of year. May is typically the strongest period of the year for beef demand...

This Week in Retail: Protein Demand and Rising Food Inflation

Fueled by rising food inflation, consumers nationwide continue to see higher prices for protein along with other goods, both at retail and foodservice. 

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 8.3% in April, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics—down slightly from the month prior. However, the latest figure was still near a 40-year high and slightly above what some analysts had anticipated. 

The food index increased 0.9% last month, its seventeenth consecutive monthly increase. 

Five of the six major grocery store food group indexes increased in April. The fruits and vegetable category was the only index that declined last month. The index for meats, poultry, fish, and eggs rose 1.4% in April, driven by a 10.3% increase in the egg index...

USDA Data Reveal: Cattle Sale Revenues Grew 16% in 2021

Following two Congressional hearings on the beef and cattle markets largely focused on prices producers receive for their cattle, the North American Meat Institute (Meat Institute) today said the latest USDA annual report on livestock income clears up misconceptions about the state of cattle markets and shows cash receipts for the sale of cattle and calves increased 16 percent, from $63.1 billion in 2020 to $72.9 billion in 2021.

“As our members said in their testimony, prices are improving for cattle producers due to supply and demand reflecting..."

Meat Institute to House Ag Chair Scott: Packer Margins Since 2015 Due to Increased Herd Size

The North American Meat Institute (Meat Institute) today answered questions asked of meat and poultry industry companies by House Agriculture Committee Chairman David Scott during a hearing on beef and cattle markets:

“The analysis of beef and cattle market margins from 2015 are not in dispute,” said Julie Anna Potts, President and CEO of the Meat Institute. “Cattle prices hit record highs in 2014 and 2015, when the overall cattle herd was at its smallest since 1952 (for context, that was during the Truman...

Meat Institute to House Ag: More to Beef & Cattle Markets than Packers & Producers

The North American Meat Institute (Meat Institute) today said the beef and cattle markets are complex, driven by supply and demand and have more participants than packers and producers who add value at each step in production.

“Too often, the policy debate around the cattle and beef industry is an overly-simplified discussion limited to cattle producers versus beef packers. It is imperative policy makers remember: packers don’t buy fed cattle from cow-calf producers; nor do packers sell beef to consumers,” said Julie Anna Potts, President...

Meat Institute to House Ag: More to Beef & Cattle Markets than Packers & Producers

The North American Meat Institute (Meat Institute) today said the beef and cattle markets are complex, driven by supply and demand and have more participants than packers and producers who add value at each step in production.

“Too often, the policy debate around the cattle and beef industry is an overly-simplified discussion limited to cattle producers versus beef packers. It is imperative policy makers remember: packers don’t buy fed cattle from cow-calf producers; nor do packers sell beef to consumers,” said Julie Anna Potts...

Tyson Foods CEO: Beef Prices Driven by Strong Demand, Constrained Production and Record Inflation

“It’s a question of basic supply and demand,” says King.

A combination of market forces, including consistently strong demand for finished beef, constrained production due to labor shortages caused by the global pandemic, and record inflation, have been driving current beef prices, Tyson Foods President & CEO Donnie King says in prepared testimony delivered to the U.S. House Agriculture Committee. The testimony was presented in advance of a hearing on Wednesday.

King makes the following points in his testimony:

- As with nearly...

NAMI to Senate Ag: Cattle Prices at Seven Year Highs; Reject Costly Grassley-Fischer Bill

With cattle prices at seven-year highs following record beef production in February and March as the packing sector recovers from COVID-related labor shortages and supply chain issues, the North American Meat Institute today urged members of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry to reject the Grassley-Fischer bill’s mandates and federal intrusion in the beef and cattle markets.

“Leading agricultural economists have determined Grassley-Fischer bill’s latest draft remains costly to producers, especially producers in Texas..."

NCBA Renews Call for Suspension of Brazilian Beef Imports

Following the recent USDA report highlighting an increase in Brazilian beef imports, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) renewed its call for the immediate suspension of fresh beef imports from Brazil. NCBA has repeatedly called for a thorough audit of Brazil’s animal health and food safety system, to ensure the safety of the U.S. cattle herd. In 2021, Brazilian exports to the United States increased by 131 percent. In the first three months of 2022, Brazil has already shipped more than 50,000 metric tons of fresh beef to the...

United States and Japan Reach an Agreement to Increase Beef Safeguard Trigger Level

United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai and United States Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack today announced that the United States and Japan have reached an agreement to increase the beef safeguard trigger level under the U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement. The new three-trigger safeguard mechanism will allow U.S. exporters to meet Japan’s growing demand for high-quality beef and reduce the probability that Japan will impose higher tariffs in the future.

“This agreement is a great win for our two countries that ensures American farmers and ranchers...,”

This Week in Retail: Steak Features See Boost from Warmer Weather; Eyeing HPAI

Sunday marked the official start of spring. For retailers, that means grilling season is rapidly approaching, and with it—the opportunity for increased meat sales.

Steak features surged this week, accounting for 50.5 percent of total beef ads—up 16 percentage points from the week prior. Feature volume for roasts, meanwhile, has decreased, falling from 38.2 percent last week to 23.2 percent this week.

This week in retail, the steak complex averages $8.12 per pound, up 12.8 percent from a year ago. Boneless strip steaks are widely featured at grocery outlets across the nation and average $11.68 per pound, up 36 percent from a year ago. Top sirloin steaks are up 3.3 percent YoY at $5.64 per pound while bottom round steaks clock in at $5.54 per pound, up a whopping 68.4 percent from this week last year...

Cattle Producers Welcome Contract Library Pilot Program

On Thursday, the Senate passed the Fiscal Year 2022 Omnibus Appropriations package. In addition to providing funding for a number of programs of importance to U.S. beef cattle producers, the bill also maintained key provisions the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has long advocated for, such as the Electronic Logging Device exemption for livestock haulers, important EPA regulatory relief, and an extension of the Livestock Mandatory Reporting program. Also included in the package is a Cattle Contract Library pilot program, a critical tool as NCBA works to increase market transparency for cattle producers...

NAMI: Congress Blocks Industry Input on Cattle Contract Library Pilot Program

The North American Meat Institute (Meat Institute) today said the Fiscal Year 2022 Omnibus Appropriations Bill creates a Cattle Contract Library pilot program requiring beef packers to report private business information to the government that will then be published, but blocks public comment on the Biden Administration’s proposed rules for the program.

“Congress and the Administration say they value transparency in the beef and cattle market yet they bury this rider without debate in a giant spending bill and direct USDA to create the pilot program without any feedback..."

Beef Quarterly Q1 2022: Strong Demand but Cost Headwinds Prevail

Global beef markets remain tight. Ongoing strong demand and more limited supplies have kept global beef prices high. But cost pressures are flowing into the supply chain.

Over the past two years, retail beef price movements have been phenomenal, driven largely by strong consumer demand and some supply shocks. In many cases, this increase in prices was caused by demand pull. With supply unable to keep up, the increase in demand has created an imbalance in the market and as a result beef prices have lifted...

This Week in Retail: Farewell February; What's Next?

Wrapping up the final full week of February, wintry weather is in full force as back-to-back storms rip through the Eastern two-thirds of the country. Amidst the havoc, retailers are eagerly looking towards spring demand, which is boosted by seasonal influences including more favorable grilling conditions and holidays like Easter.

Retail protein sales are typically sluggish in February, leaving much to be desired among grocers. However, consumer retail demand for meat has remained strong so far this year despite a normal seasonal lull and higher prices for most items. In the near term, grocers will begin to shift their retail features from red meat and poultry towards seafood as Lenten observers begin a 40-day period of fasting and reduced meat consumption starting on March 2^nd.

The seafood complex accounts for 27% of total protein features this week. Beef makes up 26.5% of feature volume, while pork closes in on 21%. Chicken claims almost 13% of ad space, followed by eggs...

2021 Beef Exports Shatter Previous Records; Pork Export Value Also Reaches New High

U.S. beef exports greatly exceeded previous volume and value records in 2021, surpassing $10 billion for the first time, according to year-end data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Pork exports finished slightly below the record volume reached in 2020 but set a new value record, topping $8 billion for the first time.

December beef exports totaled 121,429 metric tons (mt), up 1% from a year ago, while value climbed 33% to $991.8 million – the third largest...

NCBA Releases 2022 Policy Priorities

During the 2022 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show, the executive committee of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) approved the organization’s 2022 policy priorities with an emphasis on strengthening the economic, environmental and social sustainability of the cattle industry.

NCBA’s policy priorities include:
- Improving market leverage and opportunities through increased access to market data and risk management tools for producers.
- Securing the future of the beef industry by protecting crucial tax provisions, limiting regulatory burdens on farms and ranches, and leveling the playing field for producers.
- Boosting the resiliency of the beef...

NCBA Responds to New York Times Op-Ed Misinformation

Statement from the National Cattlemen's Beef Association:

It is incredibly disappointing that media outlets like the New York Times continue to publish opinion pieces like today’s Meet the People Getting Paid to Kill Our Planet, which not only threaten the livelihoods of American farmers and ranchers, but are also riddled with misinformation and lacking in credible sources.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s (NCBA) primary goal is protecting the livelihoods of America’s cattle farmers and ranchers. It is our responsibility to ensure these men and women have the ability to pass their...

North American Meat Institute: New York Times Gets it Wrong

The following is a statement released by the North American Meat Institute (Meat Institute):

The New York Times’ The Daily podcast’s examination of the beef and cattle markets is simply wrong.

The beef and cattle industry is a complex marvel of American ingenuity with innovations that have allowed the US beef industry to produce more meat with fewer cattle, while improving sustainability, food safety, affordability, worker safety and beef quality.

There are many steps in the beef value chain: cow calf operators, feeders, packers, processors, wholesalers, retailers, and food service...

This Week in Retail: Wing Prices Take Flight Ahead of Super Bowl

Seafood feature volume advanced to 28% this week, taking the top spot across proteins in retail buying opportunities. Beef closely follows with 27%, while pork and chicken features claim 18% and 10%, respectively, of ad space. Egg features climbed to 13%, up from 7% the week prior.

At the seafood counter, catfish, cod, and tilapia fillets average $6.55 per pound, nearly 13% above year-ago levels. Cooked shrimp features are roughly 90 cents higher than a year ago, averaging $8.49 per pound. Raw shrimp is featured at $7.57 on average for various counts, down 8.4% from this time last year.

In the retail beef complex, 80% lean ground beef averages $3.49 per pound, up 7% from a year ago but lower than both boneless skinless chicken breasts and chicken tenders. The steak and roast complexes continue to maintain hefty premiums to year-ago levels. Steaks average $8.47 per pound, up from $7.19 per pound in 2021. Roasts are featured at $6.06 per pound on average, a nearly 34% YoY increase...

This Week in Retail: Wintry Weather Boosts Protein Sales

While major buying occasions are sparse in January, wintry weather helps support sales at the meat case this month as consumers stock up on protein for hearty, comfort food recipes.  At present, the National Weather Service is calling for significant winter weather in the Southern and Eastern U.S.

Buying opportunities for seafood and beef have dominated the protein complex so far this year. Seafood narrowly beats out beef for first in buying opportunities this week, claiming 28% of total ad volume. Beef accounts for 26%. 

Retail feature prices for most beef roast cuts—popular with cold-weather cooking—are higher than year-ago levels. Bottom round averages $4.98 per pound, a 15% YoY increase. 80% lean ground beef is up $1.04 per pound, or 37.4%, from last year at $3.82 per pound on average.  

Pork makes up 24% of total ad volume this week. Hams are featured at competitive price points since retailers are looking to clear out excess inventory after the holidays...

Holy Grail Steak Co. Launches Burger Subscription Service

Holy Grail Steak Co. today introduces Burger Lab, a subscription service that delivers a variety of the highest quality burger patties right to your doorstep.

When you join Burger Lab, you will receive two types of burgers from Holy Grail's exclusive beef and pork collections every three months. Each box includes a total of twelve 8 oz burger patties (six of each type) and recipe cards for inspiration. From Wagyu and Mangalitsa pork to Santa Carota carrot-finished burgers and proprietary blends, this is the perfect way to taste your way through...

November Beef Exports Set New Value Record; Pork Exports Remain Strong

U.S. beef export value reached another new high in November, topping $1 billion for the second time in 2021, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). November pork exports were lower than a year ago, but year-to-date export value maintained a record pace at more than $7.5 billion.

November beef exports totaled 123,641 metric tons (mt), up 7% from a year ago and the fourth largest monthly volume in the post-BSE era. Export value was...

This Week in Retail: Eyeing Prop 12, Pandemic Uncertainty in 2022

Rounding out the first week of 2022, uncertainty surrounding the ongoing pandemic continues to impact businesses and the overall wellbeing of the world’s population.

Retailers, along with other participants throughout the supply chain, are monitoring labor constraints, made worse by the rapid spread of the Omicron variant. Prolonged disruptions to the production, further processing, and distribution of consumer goods from worker absenteeism and potential further government restrictions remain key concerns for producers and buyers alike in the New Year.

Meanwhile, the second phase of California’s Proposition 12 went into effect on January 1. Under the law, veal calf producers are required to provide their animals with at least 43 square feet of usable floor space per calf. Sows must have a minimum of 24 square feet of usable space per animal. Laying hens are required to be cage-free. Proposition 12 prohibits the sale in California of veal, pork, and eggs not raised in compliance with these...

UB Consulting: Assessing the Impact of Inflation on Protein Producers

Inflation. The subject is being discussed everywhere, from your favorite news station to the line in the grocery store. Prices for producers and consumers alike have increased. The pandemic has created a supply chain headache across sectors, including the food industry. With the flu season underway, concerns are growing over the OMRICON variant.

Like many others, protein producers struggle with increased input costs for production and transportation. This short analysis examines several key indexes, such as Producers Price Indexes (PPI), to illustrate such claims relative to recent developments of price accelerations over the past few years...

SONIC Brings the Patty Melt Back to Menus Nationwide

SONIC® Drive-In is bringing back its cheesy, classic Patty Melt to drive-ins across the nation. Starting at just $3.99*, guests can experience this savory delight beginning Dec. 27, while supplies last.

Satisfying that melty cheese craving, the SONIC® Patty Melt features a quarter pound** 100% pure seasoned beef patty, grilled onions, two slices of American cheese, mayo, and mustard – all packed between two thick, delectable slices of Texas Toast. For double the goodness, guests can try the Double Patty Melt—featuring two, quarter pound...

Kentucky Tornado Victims to Benefit from Beef and Bourbon Dinners by David Burke

To help rebuild the lives of those impacted by the tornadoes that ravaged Western Kentucky on Dec. 10 and 11 (including members of his extended business family), world renowned chef and restaurateur David Burke will orchestrate simultaneous Kentucky-themed dinners benefitting the Team Western Kentucky Relief Fund on Thursday, Jan. 13 at nine of his restaurants in New Jersey, New York, and North Carolina. The three-course $150 per person meal will showcase Kentucky's most famous export, bourbon–courtesy of...

This Week in Retail: Seafood Features Are Ablaze Amid the Holidays

With Christmas at our doorstep, some households are stocking up on last-minute gifts, along with food for those hosting holiday meals.

Just ahead of the holiday, seafood climbed to the top spot among protein ads this week with 29.5 percent. Beef comes in second with 25.9 percent of total protein ad volume, followed by pork with 21.6 percent. Chicken makes up 4.7 percent, compared to 5.7 percent the previous week. Turkey features increased to 16.8 percent, up from 12.2 percent last week...

Urner Barry's New Market Briefing Provides an In-Depth Look at the Protein Trade Before the Holidays

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...

This Week in Retail: Inflation Climbs to 39-Year High in Latest CPI Data

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) for November, showing the all items index up 6.8 percent over the past 12 months. This was the fastest 12-month increase since June 1982.

The food index increased 0.7 percent last month after rising 0.9 percent in both September and October. The index for food away from home rose 0.6 percent in November after gaining 0.8 percent in October, according to the BLS. Over the last year, the food away from home index has risen 5.8 percent. This was the largest yearly increase dating back to January 1982...

Award-Winning Speakers Headline 2022 Cattle Industry Convention

“Everything is bigger in Texas,” and that includes the speaker lineup for the 2022 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show to be held Feb. 1-3, in Houston. General session speakers will hit audiences hard with powerful messages that educate, motivate and inspire.

The convention will kick off on Feb. 1, with Buzz Brainard, host of Music Row Happy Hour, who will be back by popular demand as emcee during the general sessions. Brainard’s voice is well known on SiriusXM radio, Animal Planet and the Discovery Channel...

This Week in Retail: A Look at Holiday Ribs and Hams

The standing rib roast or holiday ham is a traditional centerpiece at the Christmas dinner table. With a little over two weeks to go until Christmas, wholesale buyers are completing their holiday purchases and will increasingly showcase these popular items at retail.

For the wholesale rib market, prices are under significant pressure following a record-shattering peak at nearly $615/cwt in late September, according to Urner Barry’s Choice quotation. Typically, the wholesale rib market begins its seasonal advance from September through around mid to late November as retailers secure inventory for the holiday.

At present, the rib cutout is in an inverse price trend compared to 2020, which saw record-high levels for this time of year...

Beef Export Value Shatters Annual Record; Pork Exports Still on Record Pace 

October was another strong month for U.S. red meat exports as beef export value continued to soar, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). October pork exports were below last year’s large total but year-to-date shipments remained slightly above the record pace of 2020.

Beef exports reached 115,709 metric tons (mt) in October, up 7.5% from a year ago, while export value climbed 48% to $956.9 million – the second-highest total on record, behind August 2021...

Beef + Lamb New Zealand and Silver Fern Farms Collaboration Increases Sales in U.S. Market

Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) and Silver Fern Farms are celebrating another year of successful joint marketing efforts in the United States. The partnership, which included a series of seasonal marketing campaigns, outdoor advertisements and creative brand programs, resulted in significant sales growth and increased awareness.

NCBA Fights for Definitive Labels on Lab-Grown Meat

Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) submitted comments to the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) related to the labeling of meat or poultry products that contain lab-grown animal cells. NCBA believes that the term “beef” should only be applicable to products derived from livestock raised by farmers and ranchers. As USDA-FSIS works to develop regulatory standards for labeling lab-grown, or cell-cultured, protein products, NCBA is committed to ensuring that product labels are fair, accurate, and will safeguard a...

This Week in Retail: Jingle Bells, December Sells

December has arrived and retailers have been proactively preparing for what could be a record-breaking season for holiday spending.

The National Retail Federation predicts the highest holiday retail sales on record this year. According to the NRF’s forecast, holiday sales during November and December could grow between $843.4 billion and $859 billion. This compares with a previous high of $777.3 billion in 2020.

Rising incomes along with household wealth, a desire to return to in-person events, and a favorable weather forecast for the holiday season are among the factors contributing to a promising spending outlook...

ANALYSIS: Tightening Supplies Lift Cash Cattle Prices

Negotiating leverage in the spot market appears to be shifting from the packers to the cattle owners...

Smashburger® Collaborates With Celebrity Chef And Restaurateur Rick Bayless To Launch New Menu Items

Smashburger®, the better burger fast casual restaurant, announces the launch of its newest creation, the Chorizo Cheeseburger by Chef Rick Bayless. Developed in collaboration with the award-winning chef and restauranteur, and winner of Bravo TV's Top Chef Masters Chef Rick Bayless, the authentic Mexican-inspired burger is available at all Smashburger locations nationwide starting today through February 15, 2022. Throughout the duration of the limited time dish, Smashburger is encouraging guests to donate to the Frontera Farmer Foundation, a nonprofit organization established by...

Hopdoddy Burger Bar Adds Force of Nature Bison to its Better Burger Menu

Hopdoddy Burger Bar, a leader in the burger space, has partnered with Force of Nature to provide the highest quality free-range, grass-fed bison for its famous Buffalo Bill burger or as an alternative patty option in any burger on the menu. The new partnership is Hopdoddy's latest step in evolving and elevating the better burger concept it pioneered more than a decade ago with the opening of its first Austin location.

Located in Dripping Springs, Texas, Force of Nature is committed to regenerative farming...

Checkers® & Rally's® Beefs (and Butters) Up a Classic for a Limited Time

Checkers & Rally's, an iconic and innovative drive-thru restaurant chain known for its bold and flavorful food at an exceptional value and its people-first attitude, today rolls out a fresh, innovative take on the boss of all burgers with the new Garlic & Butter Bacon Buford.

Available for a limited time starting Monday, Nov. 15, the Garlic & Butter Bacon Buford features two of Checker's & Rally's largest, 100 percent hand-seasoned beef hamburger patties topped with two slices of Swiss cheese, two slices of crispy bacon, crisp...

NCBA Urges Vilsack to Halt Brazilian Beef Imports

Today, the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) called on Secretary Vilsack to immediately suspend all imports of fresh beef from Brazil to the United States.

In the letter to USDA, NCBA asked for a suspension until the agency conducts a thorough risk assessment and review of the processes that Brazil's Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food Supply (MAPA) uses to detect disease and other threats to consumers. NCBA also urged USDA to review Brazil's veterinary diagnostic laboratory system.

"It's time to keep Brazilian fresh beef out of this country until USDA can..."

This Week in Retail: Gearing Up for Thanksgiving 

With Thanksgiving just two weeks away, some households are proactively stocking up on holiday staples amid ongoing interruptions in the production and transportation of many commodities.

Frozen turkeys make up 89.3 percent of turkey ads this week—up from 52.1 percent the previous week. Feature prices for frozen turkey are in a wide range from 55 cents to $1.19 per pound. 

Typically, retailers will use whole turkeys as loss leaders during the holidays in order to increase customer traffic. That may be harder for grocers to do this year due to persistent snags in the supply chain. Amplifying the logistical issues affecting global trade such as a lack of labor and port bottlenecks is historically tight levels of whole turkeys in cold storage.

USDA reported total whole frozen turkeys in cold storage at the end of September at 258.4 million pounds, the lowest level for that month since 2006. At present, nearly all weight categories for whole turkeys, whether young hens or young toms, are quoted at all-time highs. Urner Barry’s benchmark quotation for young toms, East, frozen, 18 pounds is $1.43 per pound, a record high and up 27.7% from the prior five-year average...

North American Meat Institute: Grassley-Fischer Bill Ignores Economic Fundamentals

The North American Meat Institute today said a new Senate bill ignores the analysis of beef and cattle markets by the country’s leading agricultural economists and the bill’s mandated government intervention will have unintended consequences that will hurt livestock producers and consumers.

“Beef and cattle markets are dynamic. This fall prices cattle producers received for their livestock have risen without any government interference,” said Julie Anna Potts, President and CEO of the North American Meat Institute. “In a rush to do ‘something,’ this bill would replace the free market with..."

Applegate Farms, LLC Introduces the DO GOOD DOG™ Hot Dog

Applegate Farms, LLC, the nation’s leading natural and organic meat brand, today announced the launch of the DO GOOD DOG™ hot dog, the first nationally available hot dog made with beef raised on verified regenerative U.S. grasslands. Beef for the DO GOOD DOG™ hot dog comes from SunFed Ranch® in Northern California and boasts the Savory Institute’s Land to Market Seal, the world’s first regenerative sourcing verification.

The DO GOOD DOG™ hot dog is Applegate’s latest evolution of the humble hot dog and is an 

Processed Meat Market to Reach $497.1 Bn, Globally, by 2030 at 4.8% CAGR: Allied Market Research

Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Processed Meat Market by Meat Type (Poultry, Beef, Pork, and Others), Product Type (Frozen, Chilled, and Canned), Application (Commercial and Residential), and Distribution Channel (HoReCa, Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, Independent Retailers, and Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast 2021-2030." According to the report, the global processed meat industry was estimated at $319.6 billion in 2020, and is anticipated to hit $497.1 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 4.8% from...

USMEF Welcomes Ohio Corn as Million Dollar Club Member

The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) is recognizing the Ohio Corn Checkoff as the newest member of the USMEF Million Dollar Club – a group of agricultural organizations that have invested more than $1 million in the promotion of U.S. beef, pork in lamb in international markets.

Ohio Corn’s first investment in USMEF programs came in 1990. An award honoring Ohio corn producers for more than 30 years of steadfast and consistent support of USMEF will be presented Nov. 11 at the USMEF Strategic Planning Conference in Carlsbad, Calif...

This Week in Retail: Consumers Get a Head Start on Their Holiday Shopping

The final days of October are upon us and grocery circulars will soon be inundated with holiday promotions. 

Retailers will increasingly advertise Thanksgiving staples and several outlets are offering shoppers free turkeys or other holiday favorites after spending a minimum amount. BOGO promotions are also popular at this time of year as grocers make room for fresh and frozen turkeys, hams, and beyond.

This week in retail, however, deep discounts at the meat case are hard to come by. Interruptions in the supply chain continue to influence price points for nearly all commodities while altering consumer shopping behavior.

Shoppers are expected to begin their holiday shopping earlier than usual this year. Some consumers are concerned that they may not be able to buy everything on their list due to the global gridlock at ports and production slowdowns...

HelloFresh’s Thanksgiving Feast Returns

HelloFresh, the world’s leading meal kit company, is bringing back its annual Thanksgiving Feast, providing a delicious, stress-free way to celebrate everyone’s favorite holiday together. The specialty box features all of the ingredients and step-by-step directions to cook two chef-curated entrée options – Traditional Turkey or Beef Tenderloin – plus an assortment of sides, a decadent dessert, and an optional appetizer starting at $16.99 per serving.

- Traditional Turkey ($169.89 + $8.99 shipping): Serves 8-10 and features Roast Turkey with a Garlic-Herb Butter Rub and Classic Gravy. Sides include Creamy...

North American Meat Institute Statement on Cattle Contract Library Act

The North American Meat Institute, a trade association for meat and poultry packers and processors of all sizes, today released the following statement regarding the Cattle Contract Library Act of 2021, H.R. 5609, which was marked up and reported out of the House Committee on Agriculture:

“Members of the Meat Institute are still analyzing the bill and how it might affect their operations,” said Julie Anna Potts, President and CEO of the Meat Institute. “More time is needed to consider how the bill will affect livestock producers..."

This Week in Retail: Buying Opportunities Increase for Pork

Meat and poultry features are bountiful this week as consumers hunker down for hearty home-cooked meals during chilly autumn evenings. While Halloween is just around the corner, some retailers are already showcasing Thanksgiving promotions.

This week in retail, buying opportunities were lower week-over-week for turkey and seafood features. Towards the tail-end of October National Pork Month, marketing campaigns pushed pork features higher than the previous week. Meanwhile, retail activity for chicken and beef was nearly flat with the week prior. 

Buying opportunities for seafood this week are centered around fresh/frozen fillets—namely tilapia—and raw shrimp. The fresh/frozen fillets complex makes up 33% of ad space and averages $6.89 per pound, 20.1% above a year ago. Tilapia is up 7.8% from this week last year at $5.93 per pound on average. Atlantic salmon boneless filet is also widely featured and averages $8.68 per pound, compared to $7.70 per pound last year. The raw shrimp complex claims 23% of ad space. The regional price spread for 16-20 raw ranges from $6.99 per pound to $8.99 per pound, generally on par with year-ago levels...

This Week in Retail: Spread Between Food at Home vs Away from Home Narrows

The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) for September, released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), showed the food index up 0.9 percent last month after gaining 0.4 percent in August. The Food at Home (FAH) index showed a 1.2 percent over the month increase with gains across all six major food group indices. The index for meats, poultry, fish, and eggs demonstrated a 2.2 percent over the month increase. The index for dairy and related products posted the smallest increase at 0.7 percent. 

The BLS defines the CPI as the change in prices paid by consumers for goods and services. Overall, the CPI rose by 0.4 percent in September. Notably, gains in the indices for food and shelter contributed to more than half of the monthly all items increase. Over the last 12 months, the all items index rose 5.4 percent before seasonal adjustment. 

The BLS reports that the index for Food Away From Home (FAFH), which was up 0.4 percent in August, gained 0.5 percent in September. Over the last year, the FAFH index rose 4.7 percent. Increases for limited and full-service meals offset a decline in the index for food at employee sites and schools...

Crider Foods Recalls Canned Beef With Gravy Products Due to Possible Unsafe Levels of Lead 

Crider Foods, a Stillmore, Ga., establishment, is recalling approximately 525,717 pounds of canned beef with gravy products that may be contaminated with unsafe levels of lead, due to a spice mix used from an outside supplier, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The canned beef with gravy product items were produced on October 22, 2020 and March 15, 2021 production dates. The following products are subject to recall:

- 12-oz. cans of...

REPORTER: Beef Grocery Prices Higher as Inflation Spills Into Food Costs

This article was originally featured in the Fall 2021 Edition of Urner Barry's Reporter magazine.

If you have filled up your grocery cart at any point during the year, you may have experienced some sticker shock along the way. While retail beef prices are down from 2020 pandemic highs, when the second run on the supermarkets coincided with reduced slaughter from COVID-19 plant shutdowns, the USDA All-Fresh Beef Retail in June was the second highest on record. And the average through...

This Week in Retail: Seafood Reigns Number One in Retail Ads This Week

Grocers' protein promotions this week included more seafood, which claimed the top spot in retail buying opportunities at about 30%. This is up from 27.3% the week prior and 25% this time last year.

The uptick in seafood featuring might be attributed to increased marketing campaigns for National Seafood Month. Organizations such as NOAA Fisheries utilize this month as a time to educate consumers about the U.S. seafood industry while sharing creative recipes to integrate fish, shrimp, and more into mealtimes and even tailgating parties. 

Retailers widely featured 16-20 raw shrimp this week at an average of $7.78 per pound. Down 7.5% from the week prior, this attractive price point could draw more consumers to the seafood case. 

The regional price spread for Atlantic Salmon boneless fillet ranged from $7.66 per pound to $8.86 per pound, generally down from week-ago levels but up on average from 2020. In the fresh/frozen fillets complex, tilapia averaged $4.99 per pound, down 8.6% from the week prior and 6.2% below 2020... 

NAMI Witness to House Ag Committee: Beef & Cattle Markets Driven by Supply & Demand

Following warnings about government intervention in beef and cattle markets from leading agricultural economists from around the country, François Léger, Owner and CEO of FPL Food, on behalf of the North American Meat Institute (Meat Institute) offered his perspective on the market as a beef packer and processor during the House Agriculture Committee’s hearing to “Review the State of the Livestock Industry.”

“The cattle and beef industry are driven by the supply and demand fundamentals of the free market, and the cattle industry is cyclical,” Léger said...

REPORTER: Lackluster Cattle Slaughter and Tight Supplies Help Lift Boxed Beef Prices

This article was originally featured in the Fall 2021 Edition of Urner Barry's Reporter magazine.

For those monitoring cattle slaughter levels, there is a common takeaway that processing capacity has not yet recovered to prepandemic levels. Production and distribution challenges due to ongoing labor shortages may continue to impact chain speeds for months to come.

Inadequate slaughter levels for the current level of demand are helping fuel a renewed rally in boxed beef prices. Following a demand-driven...

This Week in Retail: Looking Ahead to October

Don’t blink—it’s nearly October. Corn and soybean harvests are underway, sweater weather is approaching, and grocers are seeing additional opportunities to promote protein sales. Pork and seafood are receiving special accolades next month, as October is recognized as National Pork and Seafood Month.

Both campaigns are aimed at supporting farmers and encouraging household consumption by showcasing creative ways to incorporate pork and seafood into mealtimes. Whether it's for back-to-school lunches or family-time dinners, there are no shortages of pork and seafood-centric recipes to celebrate October and fall time festivities. 

Traditionally, hogs were marketed in October. These days, specialized facilities allow for year-round production. While every...

This Week in Retail: Tight Cold Storage Stocks Keep Prices Elevated for Many Meat Items

Pumpkin spice lovers, rejoice! Yesterday marked the first day of autumn and consumers are gearing up for cooler temperatures and hearty home-cooked meals. As we approach the fourth quarter, retailers are optimistic that fall-oriented demand will help maintain a strong consumer pull for meat and poultry products.  

For hog producers, autumn typically signals a period of seasonal expansion in supplies. Buying interest among packers who purchase hogs in the open market has slowed considerably in recent weeks, according to livestock dealers. This suggests that hog supplies overall are adequate for packers’ needs and current processing capacity, which continues to be strained by labor challenges...

This Week in Retail: Heat Lingers, but Grocers Look Towards Fall Demand

Heat continues to blanket much of the country in mid-September. Meanwhile, hurricane season is wreaking havoc along the eastern U.S. and Gulf Coast, with tropical storm Daniel being the latest system to rear its ugly head.

With some communities still reeling from the devasting damage of Hurricane Ida and others flooded by torrential rainfall from Nicholas, late-summer grilling plans are far removed from the priority list for many households. 

Meanwhile, the first day of fall is just under one week away. For retailers, the transition to autumn will mean increased consumer preference for fall favorites like roasts. Weather-permitting, tail gaiting at sports events as fans celebrate NFL season could prolong demand for grilling cuts while supporting popular game-time foods like wings.

Speaking of wing fanatics, the National Chicken Council recognizes September as National Chicken Month. Some grocers are advertising additional chicken cuts to encourage consumer spending on poultry. However, the number of chicken advertisements this week in Urner Barry’s survey was down from a week ago and was also below the last half of August...

The Executive Conference is Back and Better Than Ever This Year—and There's Still Time to Register!

We're bringing you in-person networking, impactful content, and a hard-hitting lineup of speakers, including the one and only Bo Jackson!

Urner Barry’s Executive Conference is just a few weeks away and there’s still time to register and make your way to Las Vegas for this exclusive event!

This year’s show is at The Venetian in Las Vegas, September 26-28^th. Yes, we are LIVE and in-person this year and we know you are anxious to get back down to business and meet with fellow colleagues to network and learn at the industry’s most prestigious event!

The past 18 months have brought countless challenges and disrupted market dynamics more than ever before. Our industry has...

Grand Island Fire Department Battles Blaze at JBS Beef Plant in Nebraska

On Sunday evening, a fire broke out at the rendering section of JBS’s beef plant in Grand Island, Nebraska. According to a recent tweet from the Grand Island Fire Department, fresh crews have been called to the scene to battle the blaze.

On a Facebook post, JBS stated, “As of this time fabrication and slaughter A and B shift will not be working September 13, 2021. We will...

Tyson Foods Categorically Rejects Conclusions Drawn by White House

Tyson Foods categorically rejects the conclusions drawn by the Secretary of Agriculture and the Director of the National Economic Council in a White House press briefing.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently published a report detailing the drivers of consumer inflation in the food sector, none of which are related to industry consolidation or scale. The report can be found here.

Increase in Beef Prices due to Unprecedented Market Conditions

As we have explained in great detail to the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary, in testimony provided in August 2021, which can...

Record Value for July Beef Exports; Pork Value also Strong

U.S. beef exports set another new value record in July, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). July export value climbed 45% from a year ago to $939.1 million, while volume was the third largest of the post-BSE era at 122,743 metric tons (mt), up 14% year-over-year.

For January through July, beef exports increased 18% from a year ago to 822,830 mt, with value up 30% to $5.58 billion. Compared to the pace established in 2018, the record year for...

Traders Assess Suspension of Brazilian Beef Exports to China Due to BSE

Over the weekend, the agriculture ministry reported that Brazil has suspended beef exports to China after confirming two cases of “atypical” bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in two domestic meat plants. BSE, also referred to as mad cow disease, is a fatal neurodegenerative disease of cattle that is transmitted through contaminated feed. The two cases recently confirmed in Brazil were “atypical” since the disease appeared “spontaneously and sporadically, unrelated to the ingestion of contaminated food”, according to the agriculture ministry. 

It is not yet certain when Brazilian beef exports to China will resume. The ministry stated there was no risk to animal or human health.

BSE was first diagnosed in 1986 in the United Kingdom and has since been detected in other countries. The first known case of BSE in the United States occurred in 2003 and resulted in the loss of most of the United States’ beef exports in 2004. 

Brazil was the world's largest beef exporter in 2020. The indefinite suspension of Brazilian beef exports to China could be supportive of U.S. beef exports if the ban is not resolved quickly...

This Week in Retail: How the Ads Stack Up for Labor Day

Labor Day weekend is a stone’s throw away and retailers are spotlighting popular grilling items as we approach the final weeks of summer. 

Beef reigns number one in circular ad space this week with 28.6 percent of total feature volume, followed by seafood with 25.5 percent. Pork surpasses chicken for third with 24.3 percent. Chicken claimed 17.1 percent.

In the beef complex, 80% lean ground beef is on feature for an average of $3.19 per pound, down from $3.25 per pound last year. 80% lean ground beef is the only item in the beef complex displaying lower YOY feature prices this week. Top round London Broil, a favorable choice for grillling, is featured at $4.16 per pound, 27.2% above a year ago. The steak complex currently averages $8.70 per pound, nearly one dollar more per pound versus last year. T-bone and top sirloin are heavily advertised this week and their feature prices average about 23% and 8%, respectively, above 2020...

NCBA Secures Extension of Critical Exemption for Livestock Haulers

Today, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced an extension of the exemption from hours-of-service (HOS) requirements for livestock haulers. Livestock haulers continue to need this flexibility for the well-being of livestock during hauls, and to keep grocery stores stocked with beef during the continued disruption of COVID-19. This extension comes after consistent advocacy by the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA).

Thanks in part to NCBA's continued push on this issue, livestock haulers have been operating under an HOS exemption since the beginning of the...

This Week in Retail: The Value of Labor

Labor Day – a holiday to honor the American labor movement – is a little over one week away. The invaluable contributions made by our nation’s workers warrants special recognition this year as nearly all sectors face widespread labor shortages during these unprecedented times.

These days ‘Help Wanted’ signs are commonplace and many restaurants have pared down their menu offerings in response to tight supplies. The retail landscape across nearly all proteins has been shaped by labor and processing constraints as some grocers struggle to secure enough product. Retail prices for several red meat, poultry, and seafood items this week continue to trend above 2020 levels.

Labor Day ads will be in full view next week and retailers will promote popular grilling items like pork chops, ribs, and steak. Grocers are also prepping for an influx of...

Beef Quarterly Q3 2021: Déjà Vu Argentina

In May this year, the Argentine government imposed a 30-day suspension on beef exports. After those 30 days, new limitations were placed on the volume and type of beef that could be exported. In our feature article, we look at what impact this will have on the Argentine beef industry and the global market.

Covid-19

Global confirmed case numbers began rising again in mid-June, after falling from a peak in late April. Numbers in Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean region, Africa, and the Western Pacific region have seen large rises. Food retail figures remain strong, and foodservice sales were still...

This Week in Retail: Prepping for Labor Day; Pork and Beef Indices Forge Record Highs  

Labor Day weekend – a symbolic end of summer – is sadly within reach for families scrambling to fit in one last vacation before school resumes. For some college students, the fall semester has already begun. Among retailers, the Labor Day holiday is widely viewed as the last major grilling weekend of the year.

Grocery stores could see an uptick in foot traffic as parents restock on school staples like breakfast and lunch foods. Typically, aside from back-to-school demand and Labor Day grilling opportunities, the meat case takes a back seat in mid to late August. This year, however, beef and pork appear well-positioned to remain in the spotlight despite a traditional period of seasonal... 

Real Good Foods Expands Frozen Entrée Offerings at Kroger Stores Nationwide

The Real Good Foods Company, a high growth brand in frozen food, announced today the launch of seven new frozen, high protein, low carb, grain free, gluten free entrées in approximately 1,500 Kroger stores nationwide. These tasty offerings are made with real ingredients that allow consumers to stay on track with their health and wellness goals while also bringing convenience to every lifestyle.

"We are delighted with this expansion of approximately 10,000 points of distribution in Kroger stores and Kroger owned banners," said Bryan Freeman, Executive Chairman of...

This Week in Retail: Tight Supplies, Stellar Protein Demand; A Case of Déjà Vu?

August is flying by and retail ads are beginning to shift from grilling staples to tailgating must-haves as retailers highlight NFL preseason. Consumer demand for beef, pork, and chicken has remained stellar leading up to the fall, and tight supplies across most protein items may continue to keep retail prices elevated.

This week in retail we look at the situation surrounding the poultry and red meat complex, which continues to be influenced by the pandemic and ongoing logistical challenges. 

This time last year, retail prices were higher for many protein items amid efforts to reopen food service and dining capacity across the nation. The situation in August 2021 appears to be a case of déjà vu as retail prices, for beef and pork, in particular, trend higher than year-ago levels. The Delta variant is fueling volatility in the marketplace and re-emerging patterns of panic-buying are becoming increasingly likely. 

A year ago, seafood and beef features...

PODCAST: UK Beef Chats Episode 28

This week on UK Beef Chats Episode 28, Mike Nesbitt discusses the softening of red meat demand at retail, items that are peaking interest for catering demand, panic buying and much more!

ANALYSIS: Lackluster Cattle Slaughter, Tight Supplies Lift Boxed Beef Prices

For those monitoring cattle slaughter levels, there is a common takeaway that processing capacity has not yet recovered to pre-pandemic levels. Production and distribution challenges due to ongoing labor shortages may...