PODCAST: Chicken, China, and Chatting - Matt Busardo Talks Poultry

Matt Busardo joins Laura this week for the very first time representing the UB poultry office. They talk chicken paws, China, select breasts, and more. Be sure to listen in on Soundcloud, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.

Did you know? Urner Barry's Market Digest Podcast is now available on Spotify, iTunes, Apple Podcast, iHeartRadio, and SoundCloud! More ways to listen to top industry news and analysis.

Tyson Foods Initiates Coalition to Advance the Future of Sustainable Protein

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

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

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

African Poultry Sector Remains Strong Opportunity for Investors

According to a recent Rabobank report, the time is now for investors that are looking to stake their claim in the African poultry industry.

A report authored by Nan-Dirk Mulder, Senior Analyst, Animal Protein, said that local and international investors are eyeing the steady growth for both the African poultry and egg industries over the past decade and see the region as a strong investment opportunity...

Rabobank’s initial report on investment opportunities in African poultry, “Time for Africa” was released in 2017, and Mulder provided an update on an opportunity...

ANALYSIS: Chicken Weights – Onward and Upward

It almost goes without saying that when it comes to commodity valuation, there is no shortage of variables which have the potential to influence the supply and demand sides of the equation...

Tyson Introduces Instant Pot Kits

Tyson Brand and Instant Brands, creator of the multicooker, Instant Pot, have teamed up to create the brand-new Tyson Instant Pot Kits. Designed to cook in 20 minutes, these fully prepped kits have everything you need for a meal, including Tyson chicken, as well as premium long-grain rice and bold sauces.

The kits were designed to help Instant Pot users who want new ways to use their multicooker to make their favorite protein, and fast. The Tyson Instant Pot Kits come in three culinary-inspired and on-trend varieties that are sure to satisfy all palates...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rabobank: Opportunities Remain Wide Open for African Poultry 

Since the 2016 report ‘Time for Africa,’ we’ve seen ongoing investments in the USD 25 billion African poultry and egg industries, driven by strong long-term fundamentals. This has recently accelerated again after a slowdown in 2016/17 resulting from economic volatility in some African countries, especially those with a high dependence on oil and mining. “The middle class in Africa is expected to continue growing, as the population doubles and more people move to big cities. These core fundamentals, together with the untapped potential of local feed grain production, offer an attractive investment opportunity,” according to Nan-Dirk Mulder, senior animal protein analyst.

“This will all lead to ongoing market growth and modernization at all stages of the value chain, creating an increasingly interesting platform for international investors. The growing demand and modernization of...

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

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

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

Popeyes Announces New Partnership with DoorDash

Popeyes today announced a new, nationwide partnership with DoorDash, bringing the Popeyes Chicken Sandwich and other fan-favorite menu items directly to customers’ doorsteps around the country. To celebrate the new partnership, Popeyes is thanking its loyal customers by giving away free Chicken Sandwiches exclusively through DoorDash for the next week only.

From January 13 through 19, customers who order $20 or more of Popeyes through DoorDash can receive a free Chicken Sandwich combo meal and a $0 delivery fee with code...

Culinary International Recalls Chicken Burrito Products

Culinary International, LLC, a Vernon, Calif. establishment, is recalling approximately 626 pounds of egg burrito products labeled as chicken burrito products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The products contain eggs, a known allergen, which was not declared on the product label.

The frozen, not ready-to-eat (NRTE) chicken burrito items were produced on Sept. 10, 2019. The following products are subject to recall...

REPORTER: From Fast Food to Halal, Mennella’s Poultry Does it All

Entering its 75th year in business, Mennella’s Poultry is a third-generation meat distributor in Paterson, New Jersey. Back when all one could ever need was located on a single street, consumers would visit Mennella’s to purchase a dozen eggs or poultry from their live chicken market. In 1964 the World’s Fair came to New York, and Mennella’s Poultry was hired by Chicken Delight to deliver products to the fair. The business was working around the clock, driving to Delaware and Pennsylvania daily, picking up chickens and preparing them...

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

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

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

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

Hooters Launches Meatless Wings Nationwide 

Meatless tacos, meatless burgers, now it's time for meatless wings! For the first time on the casual-dining stage, 318 Hooters restaurants across the U.S. are introducing meatless wings in a national launch – the Unreal Wings made with Quorn.

Hooters Unreal wings are made with Quorn's Meatless Wings, which are fried and then tossed in Hooters' classic sauces and dry rubs. From Original BBQ to Honey Thai Chili Pepper to Classic Buffalo, the Unreal Wings are vegetarian, non-GMO, soy-free and...

Church's Chicken Adds New Items to Menu for a Limited Time

Church's Chicken is kicking off the new year with double the deliciousness, featuring a duo of limited-time offerings sure to appeal to the flavor seeker in all of us - without breaking the bank.

First is the all-new Handheld Chicken Pot Pie – a perfectly portable version of classic chicken pot pie, featuring all-white-meat chicken and mixed vegetables in a buttery and creamy sauce wrapped in a hot, flaky and golden fried pie crust. In addition, fans will celebrate the return of one of Church's most popular Down Home taste sensations – Buttermilk Ranch MegaBites – dippable, portable and juicy, all-white-meat chicken bites hand battered and...

Chipotle Innovates Lifestyle Bowls

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

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

REPORTER: Chicken Sandwich Wars

Whether you’re a loyal foodie hungry for a new twist on an old favorite, or a chicken industry veteran who has weathered more than a few conflicts, almost everyone has heard of or were quite possibly impacted by the great chicken war of 2019. This past summer one certainly couldn’t tweet, turn on the TV, listen to the radio, or pop in your favorite fast food establishment without seeing or hearing some reference to the month-long marketing campaign turned social...

ANALYSIS: Chicken Storage on a Predictable Path

Other than the dialogue related to China and the impact it has already had on trade sentiment and market values, the backdrop of chatter is still...

ANALYSIS: A Chicken Production Assessment

With just under two weeks to go before the new year is upon us, it’s safe to say that 2019 has proven to be an historic period for chicken production...

Sanderson Farms, Inc. Reports Results for Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2019

Sanderson Farms, Inc. today reported results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended October 31, 2019.

Net sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019 were $906.5 million compared with $798.1 million for the same period a year ago. For the quarter, the Company reported a net loss of $22.9 million, or $1.05 per share, compared with a net loss of $ 43.2 million, or $1.95 per share, for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018.

Net sales for fiscal 2019 were $3.440 billion compared with $3.236 billion for fiscal 2018. Net income for the fiscal year totaled $53.3 million, or $2.41 per share, compared with...

Daring Foods Launches Nationwide with Rastelli Foods Group

Daring Foods, the first plant-based chicken made from only five non-GMO ingredients, announced today its arrival in the US through a strategic partnership with family-run butcher and industry leading food service supplier, Rastelli Foods Group.

Through the multi-million USD deal partnership, Rastelli Foods Group will be the exclusive national distributor of Daring Foods; bringing its plant-based chicken to restaurants and retailers throughout the country. In addition, Rastelli's will support Daring's push into direct-to-consumer product delivery in February 2020 through daringfoods.com.

This marks a new chapter in plant-based alternatives – created from simple ingredients that customers will have no trouble recognizing, yet mimics chicken in...

Rabobank: Poultry Quarterly Q1 2020

The outlook for global poultry in 2020 is slightly more positive than it was in 2019, when markets suffered from relative oversupply. A key driver of the gradual recovery will be ongoing strength in trade flows to Asia in order to supply African swine fever-affected markets such as China, Vietnam, South Korea, and the Philippines. These trade flows will be positive for dark-meat prices, though they will be subject to increasing volatility. Improved beef prices (the main substitute for fresh poultry), stable global average feed prices, and more balanced supply will also all support the gradual recovery. The downside is that global whole-bird and breast-meat markets will remain pressured and have limited price upside.

African swine fever (ASF) will increasingly push chicken expansion in Asia in 2020. This will help fill the gap in local protein markets affected by ASF, but it also...

ANALYSIS: Boneless Chicken Breasts and the New Norm

If we had to choose one item in the chicken market which has been most highly impacted by the deeply rooted industry trend of heavier and heavier bird weights, it would have to be...

ANALYSIS: Digging into 2019’s YTD Production Stats

With 2020 just around the corner, chicken market participants take some time to reflect on how this year has played out, so far...

KFC Canada Introduces Plant-Based Chicken 

KFC Canada announced its latest innovation, KFC Plant-Based Fried Chicken. With the desire to share the Colonel's legendary finger lickin' good taste with every Canadian, KFC Canada partnered with Lightlife, a leading plant-based protein brand, to create a signature Plant-Based Fried Chicken Sandwich and Popcorn Chicken.

KFC Canada's Plant-Based Fried Chicken will make its debut during a limited, one-restaurant, one-day test on Wednesday, November 27 in Mississauga, Ontario. KFC fans looking to try the new plant-based options are invited to visit KFC at 6055 Creditview Road in Mississauga, Ontario between the hours of 10:30am to 11:00pm, or while supplies last.

"We believe the Colonel's famous finger lickin' good taste should have no boundaries," said Sam Redman, Chief Marketing Officer, KFC Canada. "So we've created...

FSIS Releases List of 172 Poultry Plants Approved to Export to China 

Since China has announced it will lift its ban on imports of all U.S. poultry products, 172 U.S. poultry processing plants have been approved to export to China. The list of processing plants has been published on the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service portal. United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer stated that China is an important export market for America's poultry farmers, and estimates indicate that more than $1 billion worth of poultry and poultry products will be exported to China each year.

Find the complete list from the FSIS here...

Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc. Recalls Chicken Fried Rice Products

Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc., an Oakland, Miss. establishment, is recalling approximately 172,692 pounds of chicken fried rice products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically pieces of plastic, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The not-ready-to-eat, frozen chicken fried rice items were produced from July 9, 2019 to July 11, 2019 with various packaging and best by dates. The following products are subject to recall...

Missa Bay, LLC Recalls Salad Products Due to Possible E. coli O157:H7 Contamination

Missa Bay, LLC, a Swedesboro, N.J. establishment, is recalling approximately 97,272 pounds of salad products that contain meat or poultry because the lettuce ingredient may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The salad products items were produced from October 14, 2019 through October 16, 2019. The products subject to the recall can be found on the following spreadsheet. FSIS will likely update the poundage as more information becomes available. FSIS will also post product labels on its website once they become available.

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 18502B” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to distribution locations in...

BrucePac Recalls Ready-to-Eat Chicken Sausage Products

BrucePac, a Silverton, Ore. establishment, is recalling approximately 55,550 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) chicken sausage products due to misbranding, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The products contain a pork casing, which is not declared on the label.

The frozen, RTE chicken sausage items were produced on various dates from November 15, 2018 to June 24, 2019. The following products are subject to recall...

ANALYSIS: Deciphering Chicken Dark Meat

News of China lifting its five-year ban on U.S poultry and therefore granting access to more than a billion dollars’ worth of potential export business for chicken and chicken products is making the rounds...

American Poultry Farmers Regain Access to China 

Today, China has announced it will lift its ban on imports of all U.S. poultry products. China has banned all U.S. poultry since January 2015 due to an avian influenza outbreak in December 2014, even though the United States has been free of the disease since August 2017. The United States is the world's second largest poultry exporter, with global exports of poultry meat and products of $4.3 billion last year.

According to an Urner Barry chicken analysis, China was the number two trade partner with the U.S. poultry industry before the ban. Prior to the ban, China was pulling in about 195.7 thousand metric tons of U.S. chicken annually. Of that tonnage, approximately 77.7 thousand metric tons were...

Creative Food Processing Recalls Poultry Products

Creative Food Processing, a Santa Clara, Calif. establishment is recalling approximately 1,941 pounds of raw chicken products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product contains wheat, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.

The raw chicken skewer items were produced from April 16, 2019 to Nov. 6, 2019. The following products are subject to recall...

Tyson Foods Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2019 Results

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

Fiscal 2019 Highlights

• GAAP EPS of $5.52, down 33% from record prior year (prior year included a one-time tax benefit of $2.71)
• Adjusted EPS of $5.46, down 11% from record prior year
• GAAP operating income of $2,827 million; Adjusted operating income of $2,977 million
• GAAP operating margin of 6.7%; Adjusted operating margin of...

ANALYSIS: Chicken Price Check: Feeling the Pressure

With just two months to go before 2020 is upon us the year’s macro trends are revealing themselves...

Simmons Prepared Foods, Inc. Recalls Poultry Products

Simmons Prepared Foods, Inc., a Gentry, Ark. establishment, is recalling approximately 2,071,397 pounds of poultry products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically metal, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The poultry items were produced from Oct. 21, 2019 through Nov. 4, 2019. This spreadsheet contains a list of the products subject to the recall.

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “P-1949,” “P- 486” or “P-5837” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to institutions in...

Cay Thi Queentrees Food USA Recalls Poultry Products

Cay Thi Queentrees Food USA, the importer of record, a Garden Grove, Calif. firm, is recalling approximately 43,848 pounds of poultry products that were imported and distributed in the United States without the benefit of FSIS import re-inspection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. Additionally, the products were imported from Vietnam, a country ineligible to export poultry products to the U.S.

The poultry products entered the U.S. on Jan. 2, 2019 and Jan. 25, 2019. The following products are subject to recall...

ANALYSIS: China Trade Talks Suggest a Light is at the End of the Tunnel

Current trade discussions between the US and China stand to benefit the US poultry industry which has been unable to export to China since 2015...

Pilgrim's Pride Reports Third Quarter Results

Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation reports third quarter 2019 financial results.

Third Quarter Highlights

• Net Sales of $2.78 billion.
• Net Income of $109.8 million.
• Operating Income margins of 6.5% in U.S., 11.5% in Mexico and 4.9% in Europe operations, respectively.
• Adjusted EBITDA of $258.4 million (or a 9.3% margin), and Adjusted EPS of $0.45.
• U.S portfolio generated an improved performance due to our differentiated strategy. Demand in less commoditized segment remained strong while pure commodity was significantly better year on year but...

Emergy Foods Unveils Whole Steak & Chicken Cuts Under New Plant-Based Meat Brand, Meati Foods

Emergy Foods today introduced its new alternative meat brand, Meati Foods, the first in market to produce whole cuts of plant-based meat in the form of steak and chicken breasts. The main ingredient, fermented fungi, or mycelium naturally delivers the taste, texture, and protein profile of meat. The nutrient-dense plant-based meats from Meati Foods are rich in fiber and vitamins found in vegetables and are made with five functional ingredients, without the use of soy, wheat, or pea protein. Meati Foods highly efficient and proprietary process, which is all done in-house, combines traditional methods of fermentation with modern-day knowledge to improve resource use by 1000-fold over conventional methods.

Tyler Huggins, Co-founder and CEO announced, “We are excited by the growth in the plant-based meat category, but are concerned with issues around...

Tyson Introduces Air Fried Chicken

Tyson Brand has announced the new Tyson Air Fried Chicken, featuring perfectly crispy, simply seasoned, golden breading and juicy all-white meat chicken with no antibiotics ever.

With 75% less fat, Tyson Air Fried Chicken is all pleasure and no guilt. This tasty option for fried chicken lovers can satisfy those familiar cravings; no air fryer necessary. Now available nationwide, Tyson Air Fried Chicken is available in three varieties...

ANALYSIS: Cold Storage and Pullet Placements Paint Mixed Picture

With September’s YoY chicken inventories dropping by about 4.5%, the most recent release of the USDA’s Cold Storage Report has caught the attention of market participants...

T & R Enterprise USA Inc. Recalls Meat and Poultry Products 

T & R Enterprise USA Inc., a St. Louis, Mo. establishment, is recalling approximately 118,000 pounds of meat and poultry egg roll products that were produced and packed under insanitary conditions, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The meat and poultry egg roll items were produced on various dates from Aug. 1, 2019 to Sept. 26, 2019. The following products are subject to recall...

MawMaw's Chicken Pies Recalls Chicken and Meat Products

MawMaw’s Chicken Pies, a Kernersville, N.C. establishment, is recalling an undetermined amount of chicken pie and meatloaf products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The products contain milk and soy, known allergens, which are not declared on the product label.

The not-ready-to-eat chicken pie and meatloaf items were produced between Sept. 17, 2019 to Oct. 16, 2019. The products have a one-year shelf life. The following products are subject to recall...

ANALYSIS: Weighing In On Chicken Wings

In light of the attention that chicken wings have received recently, we thought it would be a great opportunity to check in on the various factors currently impacting the market...

Bell & Evans Introduces Line of Premium Chicken Meatballs

Family owned, premium chicken producer Bell & Evans just launched a line of uncooked, frozen chicken meatballs this fall that are unlike any you’ve ever tried. Flavors include Parmesan Breaded with Mozzarella, Buffalo Seasoned and a traditional, savory Chicken Meatball.

All three varieties are made from a blend of dark meat chicken and skin for full flavor and are uncooked and nitrogen frozen to lock in freshness and natural juices. How many quick meal options deliver the flavor, quality and nutrition that Bell & Evans offers in their prepared products? There’s finally a line of...

ANALYSIS: All Eyes on Chicken Production

As chicken market participants navigate through the final quarter of 2019, they turn to the stats in an effort to better assess the various market influences that they face within the current trade environment...

KFC Introduces Fried Wings 

Kentucky Fried Chicken is delivering a touchdown this football season with the introduction of its new Kentucky Fried Wings™. The chicken expert's new, always hot and fresh wings are available in participating KFC U.S. restaurants today as part of the permanent menu. Making this even hotter, fans can try them out from the comfort of their own home with free delivery* on kfc.com, the fried chicken chain's new online delivery platform, Grubhub and Seamless.

Sure to be the MVP of this season's tailgate parties and more, Kentucky Fried Wings are available classic (unsauced) or tossed in your choice of three sauces: Nashville Hot, Buffalo or Honey BBQ – all so finger lickin' good, you won't even need a Wet-Nap.

Thanks to Kentucky Fried Wings, gone are the days of waiting for hot and fresh wings, or needing to call ahead with an order. Kentucky Fried Wings are...

Natural Grocers Expands Meat and Seafood Department

Natural Grocers recently refreshed its Meat and Seafood Department selections in all its grocery stores across 19 states. The new and improved Meat and Seafood Department features high-quality and exotic varieties of grass-fed meat, pork, poultry, fish and seafood. Customers can expect a wide variety of offerings including, bison, beef, yak, wild boar, elk, venison, lamb, pork, chicken, turkey, ostrich, cod, mahi mahi, salmon, scallops, shrimp, tuna, pollock, rockfish and sole.

"Our standards ensure that all of our meat is naturally and humanely raised and our seafood is sustainably sourced, which we believe is the best for...

Chipotle Enhances Animal Welfare Standards in Canada and Europe 

Chipotle Mexican Grill announced that it's signing the European Chicken Commitment, a venture that will apply even higher animal welfare standards to its entire European supply chain by 2026. Priding itself on serving food with integrity, Chipotle was an early participant in the U.S., supporting the Better Chicken Commitment since 2017 and has now extended this U.S. Broiler commitment to its operations in Canada as well.

Chipotle is committed to cultivating a better world, which means sourcing responsibly raised ingredients. For over 25 years, Chipotle has been an industry leader in exceptional animal welfare standards in the fast-casual space. As a brand started by a classically trained chef with a passion for real food, Chipotle has pioneered...

Sysco’s Cutting Edge Solutions Announces Additional Product Offerings

Sysco Corporation, the leading global foodservice distribution company, announced the availability of nine new products exclusively for customers through its Cutting Edge Solutions platform.

Designed to enable customers to succeed by differentiating themselves in an evolving and competitive business environment, Cutting Edge Solutions products are sourced from leading and up-and-coming suppliers and assists customers with refreshing their menus, driving increased traffic and streamlining back-of-house operations. Since its inception in October 2015, Cutting Edge Solutions has delivered...

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews Unveils Latest Fall Menu Items 

At Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews beginning today through January 26, guests can satisfy their burger cravings with the all-new French Onion Ringer, a flavor-packed burger with Swiss cheese, crispy onion straws, French Onion spread and tomatoes on a melted provolone-capped onion bun, topped off with three golden-fried onion rings. The Gourmet Burger Authority is also bringing back a fan favorite, the El Ranchero Burger, which is topped with American cheese, candied bacon, crispy onion straws, house-made jalapeño ranch, barbecue ketchup, tomatoes and shredded romaine.

"At Red Robin, we are excited to introduce these new, unique burgers with ingredients that guests can only experience at...

Mintel: Affluent Brits Flock to Chicken Shops and Restaurants as Sales Increase

Well-heeled Brits are joining the nation’s chicken shop obsession, according to latest research from Mintel. Over the last year alone, the number of affluent Brits visiting chicken outlets and restaurants has shot up from 40% in 2018 to 45% in 2019.

Meanwhile, those who have stable household finances are also now more likely to be enjoying the nation’s chicken shops and restaurants. Almost half (47%) of those describing their financial situation as ‘OK’ visited a chicken shop in 2019, compared to 41% a year earlier. This comes as the chicken segment has seen some worse-off consumers exiting the market. The number of Brits with a challenging financial situation visiting chicken shops dropped from...

ANALYSIS: Keeping Tabs on Key Market Factors

In light of an underwhelming level of spot buying and selling activity within the chicken complex, we thought it would be a great opportunity to check in on some of the major influencers to see what impact they are having on the market...

National Chicken Council Unveils New Sustainability Resources

With the help of technology, modern breeding, nutrient management, feed conversion and improved animal husbandry practices, chicken producers in the U.S. have significantly reduced the use of water, farmland, electricity, greenhouse gas emissions, and other valuable natural resources.

In fact, producing the same amount of chicken today as 1965 has 50% less impact on the environment. Many factors have contributed to the reduced environmental impact of producing chicken, including...

Mighty Spark Continues Rapid Growth with Launch of All-Natural Poultry at Walmart and CVS

Mighty Spark, an independent company that donates a meal with each purchase consumers make of their all-natural premium poultry, is expanding its assortment and presence at retailers nationwide with the launch of patties and ground blends at select Walmart stores, and chicken snack sticks at 2,500 CVS locations.

"In addition to launching at Walmart and CVS stores, Mighty Spark's rapid expansion includes recent launches at Giant Landover, United Supermarkets, Save Mart, Lucky, Rouses and more, expanding our nationwide presence to thousands of additional stores to bring more consumers healthy, delicious protein," said Nick Beste, CEO and Founder, Mighty Spark. "With our expanded distribution comes...

Tip Top Poultry, Inc. Recalls Ready-To-Eat Poultry Products

Tip Top Poultry, Inc, a Rockmart, Ga., establishment, is recalling an undetermined amount of ready-to-eat (RTE) poultry products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The frozen cooked, diced or shredded, RTE chicken products were produced between January 21, 2019 and September 24, 2019. The products subject to recall can be found in this spreadsheet.

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “Est. P-17453” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to...

NCC Applauds Signing of US-Japan Trade Deal

The United States and Japan outlined initial details of a trade deal as the countries work on details of a broader agreement in the coming months.

Under the agreement, frozen U.S. poultry will be among the agricultural products that will benefit from staged tariff elimination.

“Under the U.S.- Japan Trade Agreement, frozen chicken products will receive favorable tariff reductions enabling our products to compete more effectively with those countries in...

ANALYSIS: Checking in on Chicken in Cold Storage

Monday’s release of the USDA’s Cold Storage Report helps to reinforce many of the key market observations which we reported on throughout the month of August...

Astrochef LLC Recalls Chicken Pub Style Entrees

Astrochef LLC., a Rockwall, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 11,475 pounds of frozen chicken pub style entrees labeled as beef pub style entrees due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product contains soy, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.

The frozen pub style entrees were produced on June 18, 2019. The following products are subject to recall...

ANALYSIS: Examining 2019’s Production Expectations

In light of this week’s relatively subdued level of spot trade activity within the chicken marketplace, we thought it would be a good opportunity to step away from the day-to-day in favor of a mile-high glimpse of 2019’s protein production outlook...

PODCAST: Navigating the Chicken Market - Football Season, GPS, and more!

This week Laura interviews the Director of Editorial Jamie Chadwick, and Senior Vice President Russ Whitman. They discuss the chicken market, Urner Barry's Global Protein Summit and much more. See you in Chicago, October 6-8th!

Cultured Meat Market Forecast to Grow by 2032

According to MarketsandMarkets, the cultured meat market size is estimated to be valued at $214 million by 2025, and projected to reach $593 million by 2032. This projection will lead to a compound annual growth rate of 15.7% from 2025 to 2032. The rising consumption of meat along with increasing demand for nutritional meat are a few of the key factors driving the growth of the industry. When considering the categories of poultry, beef, seafood, pork, and duck, the poultry segment is projected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast. This is due to the availability of poultry when compared to other meat sources such as beef, and also the consumer preference for poultry and poultry products.

The increasing popularity of poultry products in many quick service restaurants has encouraged manufacturers to develop innovative alternative products to meet consumer demand. Additionally, the rising demand for chicken, due to...

Panera Bread Launches New Category of Warm Grain Bowls

Just in time for fall, Panera is launching hearty, warm Grain Bowls featuring a medley of whole grains, crisp greens, vibrant vegetables and lean protein infused with bold, internationally-inspired flavors and sauces. The new Baja warm Grain Bowl and Mediterranean warm Grain Bowl--both available with or without chicken--mark Panera's entry into the grain bowl category. The introduction of grain bowls is the next step in Panera's evolving mission to offer more grains, plants and proteins on its menu, with a focus on delivering craveable food that makes you feel not just full, but fulfilled. This "Full of Good" philosophy leans into the notion that consumers shouldn't have to compromise between...

Perdue Foods Recalls Simply Smart Organics Frozen Chicken Ready-to-Eat Products

Perdue Foods, LLC, a Perry, Ga. establishment, is recalling approximately 495 pounds of frozen ready-to-eat chicken products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product contains wheat, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.

The frozen ready-to-eat chicken products are labeled as gluten free chicken breast tenders but contain chicken nugget products. The items were produced on August 30, 2019. The following products are subject to recall...

ANALYSIS: Chicken Exports: A Strong Start to Q3

July’s export figures bring some much-needed clarity to a market which has been riddled with political trade tension and cross-protein competition, mostly in the form of increased outbound shipments of chicken...

Chick-fil-A Now Serving "No Antibiotics Ever" Chicken at All Restaurants in the U.S.

Chick-fil-A announced today it has reached its goal to serve No Antibiotics Ever (also known as "NAE") chicken in its 2,400+ Chick-fil-A restaurants in the United States. In 2014, Chick-fil-A announced it was pursuing a bold commitment to serve only chicken raised with No Antibiotics Ever nationwide by the end of 2019. Along with supply partners, Chick-fil-A met the milestone early, serving only No Antibiotics Ever chicken at every Chick-fil-A restaurant in the United States since May 2019. Beginning in October, packaging in restaurants will reflect this achievement.

The No Antibiotics Ever commitment made by Chick-fil-A allows no antibiotics of any kind to be administered to the chicken within its supply, starting from the egg. The United States Department of Agriculture audits and verifies that suppliers are...

Hy-Vee Fresh Commissary Recalls Ready-To-Eat Beef and Chicken Products

Hy-Vee Fresh Commissary, an Ankeny, Iowa establishment, is recalling approximately 6,233 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) beef and chicken products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The products contain milk, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.

The RTE beef and chicken products were produced on Sept. 7-8, 2019. The following products are subject to recall...

ANALYSIS: Another Day, Another Chicken

Keeping in line with what has, so far, been an historic year for production, the pullet placement figures suggest that even more broilers will be in the cards moving forward...

BCI Foods Inc. Recalls Meat and Poultry Soup Products 

BCI Foods, Inc., a Quebec, Canada firm and importer of record, is recalling approximately 3,304 pounds of meat and poultry soup products that were not presented for import re-inspection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The meat and poultry soup items were imported on July 17, 2019. The following products are subject to recall...

THE COUNTDOWN IS ON: Just One Month Until the Global Protein Summit!

That’s right, we are only ONE MONTH AWAY from Urner Barry’s Global Protein Summit in Chicago!

On October 6th, top industry professionals will descend on the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile to hear from the world’s foremost experts on impacts surrounding the beef, pork and poultry trades.

The Global Protein Summit is a must-attend event for analytic insight into market trends and potential disruptors to businesses operating in this increasingly complex landscape. The world is changing and, in order to be successful, we must adapt and learn quickly.

Over the course of the three-day event, attendees will hear from a spectacular lineup of presenters...

McDonald’s to Spice Up Menus with New Spicy BBQ Glazed Tenders and Spicy BBQ Chicken Sandwich

September just got a whole lot saucier at McDonald’s.

Introducing McDonald’s new Spicy BBQ Glazed Tenders and Spicy BBQ Chicken Sandwich, two new chicken menu items coming to participating restaurants nationwide for a limited time beginning on September 11. Perfectly sauced with just the right amount of spice, the new offerings are set to be an unexpected, feel-good boost to any occasion, from backyard parties to tailgates.

• Spicy BBQ Glazed Tenders: Picture our classic Buttermilk Crispy Tenders, battered and breaded to perfection, hand-tossed and perfectly sauced to order in our new, mouthwatering Spicy BBQ glaze that contains just a hint of jalapeno.
• Spicy BBQ Chicken Sandwich: This BBQ staple features...

Tyson Foods Experiencing Short-Term Challenges in Fiscal Fourth Quarter

Tyson Foods, Inc. today said it is experiencing short-term challenges that are negatively affecting fourth quarter earnings. These challenges include margin compression related to a reversal of a gain on mark to market grain derivatives recognized in our third quarter, commodity market volatility, implementation of enhanced food safety initiatives, a beef processing plant fire, and slower than expected operational improvements in the Chicken segment. As a result, the company is revising its fiscal 2019 adjusted earnings guidance to a range of $5.30 to $5.70 per share and we continue to monitor potentially adverse mark-to-market movements and other volatilities.

“The discrete challenges we’ve encountered this quarter now lead us to believe we will fall short of our previously stated guidance,” said Noel White, Tyson Foods’ president and CEO, “but our outlook for fiscal 2020 remains...

ANALYSIS: A Clear Trend Toward More Efficient Chicken Weights

With YTD ready-to-cook production continuing to trend upward by about 2% when compared to 2018, and in the absence of any major deviations in what has been a fairly lackluster set of demand patterns for chicken recently, we thought it would be a good time to turn our attention to the supply side of the equation...