ANALYSIS: Prudent Buying Takes Hold in Boxed Beef Market as Risk Premiums Limit Forward Bookings

Through just over two months, the USDA’s Weekly 22-90 Forward Delivery Period report has showcased a significant dip in load counts when compared to recent years. For example, compared to last year, the load counts are down by 7.4% and counts are also approximately 20-percent below the five-year average.

Sellers have played an aggressive hand with pricing out front particularly in February as uncertainty continues to mount, the aggressiveness comes amid a margin battle as packers battle rising...

ANALYSIS: Deciphering Ground Chuck Retail Prices in Today's Market

On a year-over-year basis, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) reached its COVID-era peak registering at 9.1% in June 2022. Although it has since moderated, the latest data from the USDA reveals that U.S. consumers are allocating the largest proportion of their disposable income to food since 1991, with 11.3% spent in 2022.

This heightened focus on food prices prompts a closer look at discounted Ground Chuck pricing at retail outlets. To conduct a comprehensive analysis, Circana's pricing data was adjusted to account for inflation...

Valley Meats, LLC, Recalls Ground Beef Products Due to Possible E. Coli O157:H7 Contamination

Valley Meats, LLC, a Coal Valley, Ill. establishment, is recalling approximately 6,768 pounds of raw ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The raw ground beef items were produced on December 22, 2023. The following products are subject to recall [view labels]:

• 12-lb. box package containing “ANGUS GROUND BEEF PATTIES” with product code 1208PL, Run No. 3356GRDB...

Scanga Meat Company Recalls Ground Beef Products Due to Possible E. Coli O103 Contamination

Scanga Meat Company, a Salida, Colorado establishment, is recalling approximately 563 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O103, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The raw ground beef products were produced on December 11, 2023. The following products are subject to recall [view labels]:

• 6-lb. plastic tubes containing “It’s a treat to eat Scanga Meat OUR REGULAR GROUND BEEF” and may have lot code 3345...

ANALYSIS: Ribs Pushing Higher in Typical Seasonal Fashion – But Still Not at Recent Spreads

With beef production down 5.2 percent through October 13, product availability has become a large concern for high-quality middle meats, ribs and tenderloins in particular.

Market participants in the Certified Angus Beef and upper two-thirds arena are becoming much more proactive around procurement this year when it comes to these items. Last week Urner Barry reported full steady to firm tones in the CAB rib category, while tenderloins were the lone item in the loin complex to move higher on limited supplies and active...

Freddy's Hits Milestone with 500th Location Opening in Burleson, Texas

Fast-casual restaurant concept Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers® announced today the opening of its 500th restaurant, located at 608 SW Wilshire Blvd in Burleson, Texas. This significant milestone underscores Freddy's accelerated growth since its inception in 2002 and emphasizes how strongly the concept has resonated in each of the markets it serves.

"As we celebrate this milestone, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of pride and gratitude. Reaching 500 locations was made possible first and foremost through the commitment of our passionate franchise partners, which we believe...

QSR Industry Titan, Bryon Stephens, Named Chief Development Officer for Savvy Sliders

Michigan based Savvy Sliders announced today that Bryon Stephens will be its Chief Development Officer. Stephens brings 35 years of industry knowledge to the Savvy Sliders brand. With 35 stores open today, and another 30 in development, Stephens will guide the three-year old brand to a growth trajectory of more than 500 stores over the next 48 months.

“We’ve created a concept that reimagines what a slider means to consumers by providing them with “More 2 Love” in our products and services... 

Price Relief Coming at the Drive-Through

It takes a lot to get between Americans and fattening food, but everyone has their limits.

Quick serve has been the most successful restaurant category since the pandemic hit, initially because of its ability to provide socially distanced meals and then because of a lower price point as inflation squeezed household budgets. Some upper-middle-class diners have even defected from sit-down to fast-casual eateries like Chipotle or all the way to traditional fast food. But keeping profitability high has required a delicate dance of efficiency gains and...

O’Charley’s Announces New “Smash Hit” Burger Lineup

O’Charley’s Restaurant + Bar is inviting guests to “meat” their all-new “Smash Hit” Burger lineup beginning May 22. This rollout arrives just in time for National Burger Day on May 28, when guests will receive $5 off any burger that day.

The all-new smash burgers are the same 7 ounces guests love but are grilled so that the edges are nice and crispy and the flavor gets big and bold, giving them a bun-in-a-million taste. The irresistible new burger lineup is wide-ranging...

Wendy's Partners with Pipedream to Pilot Industry-First Underground Delivery System for Mobile Orders

The Wendy's Company today announced a new partnership with Pipedream, a hyperlogistics company, to pilot its underground autonomous robot system with the goal of delivering digital food orders from the kitchen to designated parking spots in seconds, for faster and more convenient pick-up experiences. As the first quick service restaurant (QSR) to pilot this cutting-edge technology, the partnership marks another bold step for Wendy's in driving industry innovation as it strives to serve digital-forward customers with greater ease, speed and accuracy.

"We know... 

White Castle Celebrates National Slider Day on May 15 by Giving Away a Free Cheese Slider 

In recognition of National Slider Day — White Castle's self-proclaimed holiday celebrating The Original Slider® — the 102-year-old burger chain will be treating its Craver fans to complimentary Cheese Sliders in restaurants on May 15. No purchase is necessary, but customers do need to present a digital coupon, which can be found on White Castle's website.

Cravers all over the country can join in the National Slider Day celebrations with the help of a discount coupon for select Sliders from local food ...

FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Frozen Meatloaf Entree Products

FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Frozen Meatloaf Entree Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert due to concerns that frozen ready-to-cook meatloaf entrée products may contain undeclared milk, a known allergen. These entrees are removed from their master carton and delivered to consumers in ready to prepare trays that do not bear an ingredient statement. While egg, soy, and wheat are declared in the ingredient list that appears on the... 

Taco Bell, Cargill and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Partner to Restore Habitats 

With bold ambitions to operate 10,000 restaurants in the coming years, Taco Bell acknowledges its responsibility to balance global expansion with intentional impact. In pursuit of parent company Yum! Brands' broader climate efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 50% by 2030, Taco Bell is taking bigger steps to improve the environmental effects of its supply chain, especially for one of its top-selling ingredients. Taco Bell is now partnering with its long-time supplier Cargill and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation...

Senior FAT Brands Executives Appointed to Lead Global Restaurant Franchising Company

FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc. announces Ken Kuick and Rob Rosen as Co-CEOs, effective May 5, 2023. As previously announced, Andy Wiederhorn will step down as CEO and continue in his role as Chairman of the Board, where he will focus on the strategic direction of the company, the allocation of capital, and ensuring the management team executes the Company’s business plan while maintaining quality restaurant operations.

Joining FAT Brands in 2021, Mr. Kuick, Chief Financial Officer, and Mr. Rosen, Executive...

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. Announces Executive Leadership Appointments

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc., a full-service restaurant chain serving an innovative selection of high-quality gourmet burgers in a family-friendly atmosphere, under its North Star growth plan, today announced a series of key appointments toward the completion of its Executive Leadership Team that will continue to position the Company for success and create long-term shareholder value. This includes the appointment of Kevin Mayer to Chief Marketing Officer and Mark Simpson as Interim Chief People Officer beginning May 1...

New Smithfield Foods Report Documents 21 Years of Progress Toward Sustainability Goals

Smithfield Foods, Inc. today published its 21st annual sustainability impact report tracking progress toward its ambitious sustainability targets in its continuing commitment to produce "Good Food. Responsibly.®"

"Smithfield's sustainability programs have accelerated over the past several years, and 2022 was a year of significant progress," said Stewart Leeth, chief sustainability officer for Smithfield Foods. "We completed a comprehensive watershed analysis, made progress toward our food loss and waste goals and expanded our renewable energy footprint to further reduce. 

Omaha Steaks New PureGround Burgers Are Next Level

After 105 years of creating one-of-a-kind experiences for people, Omaha Steaks has mastered offering premium proteins and gourmet foods to share with family and friends. Now, they’re taking their burgers to the next level with the launch of the PureGround™ Burgers, a new selection of gourmet burgers made entirely from single cuts of premium aged steak.

An authentic gourmet experience, these PureGround™ Burgers are super-juicy with a texture that delivers a luxurious bite. They are available in five delicious...

ANALYSIS: Top Butts Becoming the Top Choice?

Inflation has been top of mind for participants for quite some time now, even more so in the boxed beef markets. This concern has translated into purchasing patterns shifting a bit this year, with value becoming more of a focal point. Top Butts are the highlight here as it offers a cheaper alternative to some of those more expensive middle meat cuts like ribeyes or strips. XT Top Butts are up nearly 17% so far this year and approaching levels not seen for this time period since 2015...