Boston Market Brings Back Fall Menu Items

With autumn well underway, Boston Market is bringing back seasonal items to the menu. Available for a limited time, guest favorites Chicken Marsala, Tuscan Chicken and Roasted Garlic & Herb Chicken return to Boston Market menus alongside Warm Apple Cobbler and all new Cilantro Lime Rice are now available at restaurants nationwide.

"This summer was unlike any other we've experienced in previous years, so we're getting back to what we know, love and appreciate this fall with familiar flavors that we hope can offer some much needed comfort and security", stated Randy Miller, President of Boston Market. "That is why we are so excited to be bring back...

Sysco Announces Launch of New Menu Concepts

Sysco Corporation announced the nationwide launch of ten exciting menu concepts exclusively for Sysco customers through the company’s Cutting Edge Solutions platform. These chef-tested and innovative products are being launched to help foodservice operators with on-trend dining options as they enter a new normal phase of restaurant dining amidst the global pandemic.

Designed to help Sysco’s customers stay ahead of their competition, Cutting Edge Solutions products are sourced from best-in-class suppliers at the forefront of innovation. Each offering meets important dining trends such as...

ANALYSIS: Record Chicken Weight a Product of the Times

Seasoned observers of the chicken industry understand that a number of factors contribute to feed conversion and weight gain among broilers...

Willow Tree Poultry Farm, Inc. Recalls Ready-To-Eat Chicken Salad Products

Willow Tree Poultry Farm, Inc., an Attleboro, Mass. establishment is recalling approximately 6,890 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) chicken salad products due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The products may contain walnuts, a known allergen, which are not declared on the product labels. 

The RTE chicken salad product labeled as “Classic Chicken Salad” may actually contain “White Meat Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad” and was produced on Sept. 2, 2020. The following product is subject to recall: [View Labels (PDF Only)...

ANALYSIS: Q4 Wing and Tender Performance Dependent on Price and Seasonality

It is certainly a relief to have our daily lives slowly returning to something we might recognize as normal. There is no doubt that is the case for...

Bell & Evans Begins Construction On an Organic Chicken Facility

Premium poultry producer Bell & Evans began construction on a new 411,500 square foot, Organic-Certified Chicken Harvesting Facility in Fredericksburg, Pennsylvania. The first precast walls were placed in July, and the facility will be operational by late 2021. The project will cost the company approximately $330 million and double its current production capacity.

Bell & Evans produces 100% premium Raised Without Antibiotics chicken and Organic chicken, approximately 60% and 40% of its business, respectively. The additional capacity will allow Bell & Evans to continue expanding...

Burger King Launches Plant-Based Chicken Nuggets in Germany 

Burger King has added plant-based chicken nuggets to the menu at locations in Germany. The nuggets were created by The Vegetarian Butcher, a Holland-based brand that was acquired by Unilever in 2018. Burger King stated that the launch was in reaction to the trend of a growing number of consumers looking for plant-based options when dining out.

Hugo Verkuil, CEO of The Vegetarian Butcher, said, "The nuggets are soft and meat-like on the inside, crispy and golden on the outside and offer a delicious vegetable-based alternative for...

Kentucky Fried Chicken Announces Partnership with DoorDash

Kentucky Fried Chicken announced that its world-famous fried chicken is now available for order and on-demand delivery through DoorDash. To celebrate the new partnership, KFC and DoorDash are offering fried chicken fans across the U.S. an irresistible deal: Beginning September 8, through Thursday, September 17, customers will receive 12 free chicken tenders with the purchase of select KFC bucket meals on orders placed through the DoorDash website or app with promo code KFC12.

To sweeten the deal, customers will also receive $0 delivery fees alongside their select bucket meal purchase, available from more than 3,000 KFC restaurant locations through September 17.

Since 1952, KFC has helped families enjoy a bucket of fried chicken practically anywhere, traveling easily while staying fresh and ready-to-eat. Some might even say...

Beyond Meat Announces Agreement to Begin Production in China 

Beyond Meat has signed an agreement with Jiaxing Economic & Technological Development Zone to design and develop manufacturing facilities in the JXEDZ, including a state-of-the-art production facility to manufacture plant-based meat products including beef, pork and chicken under the Beyond Meat brand in China. The production facilities will be located in the JXEDZ, a historic and commercially important development zone with ready access to Shanghai.

Beyond Meat, Inc. will be the first multinational company focused solely on plant-based meat production to bring its own major production facility into...

Sanderson Farms Releases 2019 Corporate Responsibility Report

Sanderson Farms, Inc. has released its 2019 Corporate Responsibility Report detailing the company's commitment to social and environmental responsibility. This year, Sanderson Farms introduced reporting using the standards set forth by the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) for the meat, poultry, and dairy sector.

"At Sanderson Farms, we believe strongly that we cannot fulfill our corporate purpose without conducting ourselves with total integrity," said Joe F. Sanderson Jr., chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Sanderson Farms. "We hope these disclosures will provide decision-useful information to...

Donnie King Named President of Tyson Foods’ Poultry Business

Donnie King has been named president of Tyson Foods’ poultry business, effective September 3, 2020, the company announced.

King has over 35 years of experience working in the poultry business, both domestically and globally. He will once again lead the company’s chicken unit, guiding and mentoring members of its leadership team, including Chad Martin, who will take on the new role of chief operating officer of poultry.

“Donnie is a recognized leader who will work with the team to accelerate our strategic growth plans for the chicken segment,” said Dean Banks, president and incoming CEO of Tyson Foods. “We are confident that his knowledge and experience will...

ANALYSIS: Don’t Count Your Chickens Before They Hit The Scale

When it comes to boneless breast valuation, most players would agree that, other than finicky demand, the seasonal ebb and flow of bird weights is perhaps...

Taco Bell Completes 2020 Menu Revamp

Taco Bell is putting the finishing touches on its new streamlined menu in order to make room for new innovations. It is also dedicated to creating a faster and more seamless restaurant experience than ever before, which means evolving the menu, restaurant designs, and operations to better serve both guests and team members alike.

“We’re constantly evaluating ways to provide a more efficient restaurant experience, and have already begun to see progress from streamlining our menu,” said Mike Grams, Taco Bell President, Global COO. “While we know fans may be understandably sad to see some of their favorites go, this evolution...

Tyson Foods to Pilot Clinics to Promote Culture of Health

As part of efforts to boost the overall health and wellness of its workforce, Tyson Foods, Inc. is partnering with Marathon Health to pilot seven health clinics near company production facilities. The clinics will give Tyson team members and their families easier access to high-quality healthcare and, in most cases, at no cost.

The clinics, which will be operated by Marathon Health, will provide primary and preventive care, including health screenings, lifestyle coaching and health education, as well as behavioral health counseling. They will also collaborate with plant community health providers, including...

Urner Barry's Coronavirus Special Report - Volume IV

The global COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted consumer behavior, distribution, production, and market prices in a way we have never seen before. 

Now, as reopening efforts are underway, the latest business environment is a completely new venture for the food industry with its own learning curve. Both retail and foodservice have been forced to make sweeping changes in their respective sectors and adaptability remains key. Production setbacks were arguably one of the biggest challenges the meat industry faced in the last few months of the pandemic, but capacity has since largely returned to normal.

As we near the end of summer, seasonal shifts are also in play...

Outback Steakhouse Introduces New Menu Items

Outback Steakhouse is giving steak lovers something to celebrate – more options and lower prices. The steakhouse’s updated menu features innovative flavors and new dishes to please any steak lover’s palate, all at a more competitive price point.

Our team members are so excited to serve this new menu to our guests. After operating on a limited menu, we are bringing back some favorite items as well as some new additions, quality improvements and...

Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods Recalls Chicken Salad Product 

Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods, a Richmond, Va. establishment, is recalling approximately 1,202 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) chicken salad product due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product may contain almonds, a known allergen, which are not declared on the product label.

The RTE chicken salad item was produced on August 26, 2020. The following product is subject to recall...

NCC Releases New Video Featuring Enhanced Safety Measures to Protect Processing Plant Employees

The National Chicken Council released a new video outlining how the chicken industry has enhanced safety measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Using drone photography, viewers can see new perspectives from the inside of a processing plant and the essential workers who help keep grocery shelves and restaurants stocked with our nation’s favorite protein: chicken.

The video features Ashley Peterson, Ph.D, the National Chicken Council’s Senior VP of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs. Dr. Peterson walks through the numerous safety protocols followed inside processing plants, including...

ANALYSIS: Digging Deeper into Chicken Leg Quarters

The uninspiring level of demand that sellers are currently contending with is nothing new for those with exposure to the back-half of the bird...

KFC Welcomes John Mays as New Director of Equity and Inclusion 

Kentucky Fried Chicken announced the appointment of John Mays as director of equity and inclusion for KFC U.S. In this newly formed role, Mays will lead the development and implementation of KFC’s equity and inclusion vision and strategy to help position the brand as an industry leader across the United States.

As director of equity and inclusion, Mays will lead organizational changes, raise awareness of equity and diversity issues and develop policies to address equity from the restaurant level to franchisees and the brand headquarters.

“At KFC, we have a passion for food and serving it with pride; we are also a people-first culture, and John embodies this culture day in and day out, making him...

Church's Chicken Introduces New "Go Box"

Originally established as Church's Fried Chicken To Go, Church's Chicken was built on the idea of convenience and accessibility for quality, value, and Texas-inspired flavor – which has become an even more pronounced focus for the brand today.

With COVID-19 significantly shifting consumer habits and increasing demand for off-premise dining, Church's is reconnecting with its to-go roots by offering a signature carrier option for guests to grab and go. Church's new "Go Box" provides...

QDOBA Tests Mexican Cauliflower Mash

QDOBA announced that it is testing Mexican Cauliflower Mash in 23 restaurants in Indianapolis and the surrounding area. QDOBA's Mexican Cauliflower Mash is a low-carb alternative to rice, made with cauliflower oven-roasted in-house and blended with fresh cilantro, pico de gallo and sour cream. This flavorful and keto-friendly option has 6 grams of carbs per 4 oz. serving.

"More than ever, guests are seeking low-carb options—whether cooking at home or ordering from...

Sanderson Farms Reports Results for Third Quarter of Fiscal 2020

Sanderson Farms, Inc. reported results for the third fiscal quarter and nine months ended July 31, 2020.

Net sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2020 were $956.5 million compared with $945.2 million for the same period a year ago. For the quarter, the Company reported net income of $32.8 million, or $1.48 per share, compared with...

House of Raeford Farms Announces Leadership Change at Arcadia, LA Complex

House of Raeford Farms announced the retirement of Mark Van Benthuysen, complex manager for the company’s Arcadia, Louisiana division effective August 31, 2020. Mark joined the company in 2006, after serving with ConAgra and Pilgrims for 27 years.

Van Benthuysen is a graduate of Northwestern State University with a degree in business administration and accounting. During his 41-year career in the poultry industry, Mark has been an active member of the Louisiana Poultry Federation. He also has been an important part of...

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Offers Menu Enhancements to Kick Off Fall 

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store announced it will welcome fall with new menu additions and limited-time seasonal items, including offering a classic comfort-food staple, Chicken Pot Pie, everyday.

In addition to the updated homestyle Chicken Pot Pie recipe, families can now enjoy a refreshed Kid's Menu and, for a limited time, they can savor the warmth of new seasonal beverages as well as the familiarity of a timeless dessert, Carrot Cake.

"Cracker Barrel has always been known as a place where families come together to connect," said Cracker Barrel Vice President of Culinary and Menu Strategy Cammie Spillyards-Schaefer. "As we move into this next season and continue to...

McDonald's is Bringing a Spicy Spin to Its Chicken Nuggets 

McDonald's has announced a pair of menu innovations arriving to U.S. restaurants this fall: Spicy Chicken McNuggets and Mighty Hot Sauce. Both will be available September 16 for a limited time at participating restaurants nationwide.

Breaded with a sizzling tempura coating made of both cayenne and chili peppers, these Spicy Chicken McNuggets are joining...

Papa John's Introduces New Grilled Buffalo Chicken Papadia 

Papa John’s is offering a new Grilled Buffalo Chicken Papadia for $6 until October 25.

The Grilled Buffalo Chicken Papadia is crafted from Papa John’s dough and comes loaded with grilled chicken and onions, held together by melty signature cheese, plus a three-cheese blend, all drenched in the saucey goodness of buttermilk-ranch and a tangy, fiery buffalo sauce.

For guests really looking to turn up the heat, Jalapeño Popper Rolls can be...

Domino's Introduces New Chicken Taco and Cheeseburger Pizzas 

Domino's has introduced its newest specialty pizzas, the chicken taco pizza and the cheeseburger pizza, which were created for delivery.

"We're excited to add even more options to our lineup of delicious specialty pizzas," said Art D'Elia, Domino's executive vice president-chief marketing officer. "Now friends and family who are craving a taco or cheeseburger on pizza night won't be disappointed. Domino's new taco and cheeseburger pizzas are sure to...

Faribault Foods Recalls Canned Soup Product 

Faribault Foods Inc., a Faribault, Minn. establishment, is recalling approximately 15,134 pounds of canned soup product due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product contains milk and soy, known allergens, as well as beef and pork, which are not declared on the product label.

The cans labeled as chicken noodle soup actually contain a meatball and pasta product. The canned soup items were produced on May 26, 2020. The following products are subject to recall...

ANALYSIS: Chicken Tenders: Rolling With the Punches

2020’s chicken market has been a far cry from conventional and the tender segment is no exception...

Wendy's Adds Spicy Chicken Sandwich to 4 for $4 Meal Deal

Wendy's is introducing its Spicy Crispy Chicken Sandwich to Wendy's 4 for $4. The latest addition brings the heat with a spicy all-white meat crispy patty, crisp lettuce, mayonnaise, and a warm bakery bun.

The restaurant will also be offering a Postmates code offering free 4 for $4 Meal Deals with any $10 minimum purchase for a limited time. The sandwich will be available nationwide at participating Wendy's restaurants.

The 4 for $4 Meal Deal was first introduced...

QDOBA Enhances Menu with New Signature Eats Entrees

QDOBA announced the introduction of its new Signature Eats menu that offers its guests unique chef-crafted flavor combinations, while also increasing convenience and flexibility. Now, in addition to the ability to create your own entreé through customizable options, QDOBA makes it easy to find your flavor through its set of Signature Eats recipes.

"Our new Signature Eats entrees are perfect for both first-time visitors and loyal fans," says Karin Silk, vice president of menu & off-premises at QDOBA. "The dishes feature curated combinations of our popular and freshly-prepared flavors. They are also...

Eckrich Debuts New Packaging for Deli Products in Stores Nationwide

Eckrich is introducing bold new packaging for the Deli collection which will begin rolling out in stores nationwide this month.

Through both qualitative and quantitative market research, Eckrich successfully created a design that breathes new energy into the heritage brand with a modern, approachable look, all with its key consumer top of mind. The designs feature a white background and crisp imagery, displaying the product and information in an organized, eye-catching way. The imagery also...

215 Poultry Facilities Recognized for Exceptional Safety Performance

The Joint Industry Safety and Health Council recently recognized 215 chicken and turkey facilities with safety awards. The companies were honored in recognition of their outstanding performance through the implementation of innovative and effective employee safety and health programs.

Award consideration was based on injury statistics over three years (2017 – 2019) and an evaluation of written applications by academia and other safety experts. Sixty-one facilities received...

ANALYSIS: Stairs Going Up, Elevator Going Down

While 2020’s chicken market has certainly had its fair share of ups and downs recently, it has also brought with it...

KFC Canada Makes Plant-Based Chicken Sandwich a Permanent Menu Item 

KFC Canada announced that Plant-Based KFC sandwiches will be available permanently coast-to-coast beginning August 10. After an incredibly successful pilot with plant-based partner Lightlife in 2019, vegetarians and flexitarians everywhere can now experience KFC.

"When we tested Plant-Based KFC by Lightlife late last year, we sold over a month's worth of sandwiches in six hours," said Samantha Redman, Chief Marketing Officer, KFC Canada. "Seeing the extraordinary demand for Plant-Based KFC, we worked quickly to bring these menu items to our restaurants across Canada."

Developed in response to Canada's evolving tastes and preferences for plant-based proteins, Plant-Based KFC is made in Canada by Lightlife, a leading plant-based protein brand whose portfolio of products are available in...

Tyson Foods Reports Third Quarter 2020 Results

Tyson Foods, Inc. today reported the following results:

First Nine Months Highlights

• GAAP EPS of $3.96, down 12% from prior year; Adjusted EPS of $3.83, down 10% from prior year
• GAAP operating income of $2,102 million; Adjusted operating income of $2,155 million
• Total Company GAAP operating margin of 6.6% and Adjusted operating margin of 6.8%
• Generated $2.7 billion of...

ANALYSIS: Jumbo Wings: A Mid-Year Coin Toss

2020 has been anything but predictable and the wing market is no exception. While a seasonal increase in buying interest and in paid prices is...

Tyson Foods Launches New, Nationwide COVID Monitoring Strategy; Expands Health Staff

As part of its commitment to team member safety and continually evolving efforts to protect workers from COVID-19, Tyson Foods, Inc. is launching a new, industry-leading monitoring program and expanding its occupational health staff, including a new chief medical officer position.

The comprehensive COVID monitoring strategy was designed with the assistance of outside medical experts and includes ongoing, data driven COVID testing of workers without symptoms, as well as those who exhibit certain symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has the virus.

“While the protective measures we’ve implemented in our facilities are working well, we remain vigilant about...

Pilgrim's Pride Reports Financial Results for Q2

Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation reports second quarter 2020 financial results.

Second Quarter Highlights

• Net Sales of $2.82 billion.
• Net GAAP loss of $(6.0) million.
• Operating Income margins of 2.2% in U.S., -13.3% in Mexico and 3.1% in Europe operations, respectively.
• Adjusted EBITDA of $112.2 million, or a 4.0% margin.
• Faced with the global Covid-19 pandemic, we remain guided by our principles of an uncompromising commitment to the safety of our team members, our duty to provide quality food globally, and our responsibility to provide continued...

Jamaican Tastee Patties Recalls Meat and Poultry Patty Products

Jamaican Tastee Patties, LLC, a Miami, Fla. firm, is recalling approximately 60,457 pounds of meat and poultry patty products that were repackaged, relabeled and redistributed without the benefit of federal inspection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The firm also applied the mark of inspection of another federal establishment without proper authorization.

The baked and unbaked, frozen beef and chicken patty items were produced on various dates from September 2018 through July 2020. The following products are subject to recall...

Maple Leaf Foods Closes Sale of Drummondville Poultry Plant to Giannone Poultry

Maple Leaf Foods announced that it has completed the previously announced sale of its poultry plant in Drummondville, Quebec, including the associated supply, to Giannone Poultry of St. Cuthbert, Quebec.

In connection with the sale, Maple Leaf Foods and Giannone have entered into a three-year supply agreement that will allow Maple Leaf Foods to maintain its supply of fresh chicken. The completion of this transaction is...

Perdue Farms Provides Statement on Virginia's Workplace Requirements

The state of Virginia has enacted new mandatory requirements for workplaces to keep employees safe during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Perdue Farms employs more than 3,300 associates throughout its Virginia facilities including poultry operations in Accomac and Bridgewater, distribution center in Prince George, and a deepwater port and grain facility in Chesapeake, as well as nearly 70 poultry farm families and more than 800 grain farmers, contributing nearly $930 million in economic impact to the state annually.

Perdue’s poultry facilities fall into Virginia’s “Medium Risk” category. Other types of businesses in this category include...

PODCAST: Urner Barry's Executive Conference and Global Protein Summit

Urner Barry's Executive Conference and Global Protein Summit is a can't miss, online event, combining two of the most important shows in the protein industry. In the lastest UB Market Digest Podcast, Laura Zinger and Brian Moscogiuri discuss why this event is going to be so valuable and what to expect....

Applebee's to Celebrate National Chicken Wing Day with Special Offer 

This Wednesday, Applebee's is celebrating National Chicken Wing Day. On July 29th, Applebee's is offering guests buy one, get one free for to go or delivery on any of its wing options. The offer is valid for online orders only, which consumers can place through the restaurant's website or app for carside pickup or delivery.

Guests can choose from two orders of boneless, two orders of bone-in, or one of each. Once added to the cart, consumers should enter WINGDAY at checkout to get the deal. Options include...

ANALYSIS: Chicken Cold Storage: A Mid-Year Freeze

Wednesday’s release of the USDA’s Cold Storage Report closely coincides with the current standing of most major chicken lines and also reflects...

Kentucky Fried Chicken and 3D Bioprinting Solutions to Use a Bioprinter to Produce Nuggets 

Kentucky Fried Chicken is taking the next step in its innovative concept of creating a "restaurant of the future" by launching the development of innovative 3D bioprinting technology to create chicken meat in cooperation with the 3D Bioprinting Solutions research laboratory.

The idea of ​​crafting the “meat of the future” arose among partners in response to the growing popularity of a healthy lifestyle and nutrition, the annual increase in demand for alternatives to traditional meat and the need to develop more environmentally friendly methods of food production.

The project aims to create the world's first laboratory-produced chicken nuggets. They will be as close as possible in both taste and appearance to the original KFC product, while being more...

Kentucky Fried Chicken to Offer Plant-Based Chicken in Southern California 

Beyond Fried Chicken is back! Kentucky Fried Chicken and Beyond Meat announced today a sneak peek of Beyond Fried Chicken, their plant-based chicken collaboration, in Southern California. Beginning July 20, Beyond Fried Chicken will be available for customers in more than 50 select KFC restaurants in the Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego areas, while supplies last.

Beyond Fried Chicken is plant-based protein that boasts the flavors of KFC’s world-famous fried chicken and has a texture that looks and pulls apart like a chicken breast. KFC and Beyond Meat worked together to develop a plant-based fried chicken that would appeal to...

Hafiz Foods Recalls Samosas Containing Chicken Produced Without Benefit of Inspection

Hafiz Foods, Inc., a Houston, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 675 pounds of chicken samosas that contain poultry produced without the benefit of federal inspection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The ready-to-cook, frozen chicken samosas were produced from May 2020 to June 29, 2020. The following products are subject to recall...

Maple Leaf Foods Announces Sale of Drummondville Poultry Plant to Giannone Poultry

Maple Leaf Foods announced the sale of its poultry plant in Drummondville, Quebec, and associated supply, to Giannone Poultry of St. Cuthbert, Quebec. As part of the sale, Maple Leaf Foods and Giannone have reached a three-year supply agreement that will allow Maple Leaf Foods to maintain its supply of fresh chicken.

Maple Leaf Foods acquired the plant and supply in 2018 with the purchase of select Cericola Farms assets. Maple Leaf Foods will continue to own and operate the Bradford, Ontario poultry plant that was also acquired in connection with the 2018 Cericola purchase. The sale of the Drummondville plant is expected to close this summer subject to normal closing conditions and...

ANALYSIS: For Chicken Processors, “Normal” Can’t Come Soon Enough

Between the ongoing challenges associated with plant worker absenteeism, fluctuating slaughter figures and the unpredictable pull from both...

Sweet Earth Foods Debuts New Plant-Based Burgers 

Sweet Earth Foods announced the release of its Awesome Bacon Burger. The new burger extends the plant-based food makers' portfolio just in time for grilling season, as nearly 40 percent of Americans are trying to eat more plant-based foods, according to Nielsen.

The Sweet Earth Awesome Bacon Burger is a smoky plant-based burger infused with vegan bacon bits. Made of textured pea protein, this plant-based burger contains 26g of protein per serving (27% DV) and is non-GMO project certified. The burger will be hitting shelves of HEB starting this week with nationwide distribution increasing over the coming weeks.

"We are so excited to announce the release of the Awesome Bacon Burger as the first-ever vegan bacon burger, proving eating plant-based can be...

Carando Introduces New Calzone Products 

Carando, a brand of Smithfield Foods, is venturing further into the deli section with the addition of handheld, fully-cooked calzones. The new line features three mouth-watering flavors to tantalize every palate, including Pepperoni, Meatball, and Chicken Parmesan. Known for its authentic Italian flavors, the calzones offer consumers a simple, no-prep meal without skimping on taste.

"As a leader in Italian meats, we are excited to expand our portfolio and bring more of the traditional taste of Carando to consumers," said Diane Purnell, brand manager for Carando at Smithfield Foods. "Our new fully-cooked calzones offer convenient, on-the-go options for...

Maggie Ernst, Longtime National Chicken Council Employee, to Retire

After 34 years at the National Chicken Council, most recently as senior director of meetings and member services, Maggie Ernst has announced her retirement from NCC.

Maggie on-boarded with the council in 1986, under the leadership of then-NCC President George Watts. During her decades of service to the industry, she managed NCC’s meetings and special events planning, program development and operations, as well as overseeing member relations and services, and served as the long-time editor of NCC’s weekly newsletter, The Washington Report.

“Maggie loved her colleagues, some of whom she worked alongside for decades and considered family,” said NCC President Mike Brown. “But above all, she was loved by our members who always...

Fire at Tyson Foods Plant, Some Injuries Reported 

According to the Nashville Fire Department, a fire broke out at a Tyson Foods chicken plant in Nashville, Arkansas, located in Howard County. Firefighters arrived just after 2 a.m., where they found a fire located in a building separate from the main processing plant. Local reports claim that the employees were at the plant when the fire started, and two employees were injured and are receiving medical attention.

Worth Sparkman, a spokesperson for Tyson Foods, stated that company officials and firefighters are determining the cause of the fire, and operations at the plant on July 9 are limited to harvesting and deboning with further processing at the plant temporarily suspended as the investigation continues.

“Unfortunately, two of our team members have been injured and are receiving medical attention. We appreciate the quick response of...

ANALYSIS: The Growing Price Gap Between Jumbo and Select Sized Boneless

Last year, we published an article titled, “Boneless Chicken Breasts and the New Norm” which shed light on...

Applebee's Brings Back Irresist-A-Bowls

Applebee’s is reintroducing Applebee’s Irresist-A-Bowls as the official entrée to welcome guests back into dining rooms across the country.

Each Irresist-A-Bowl comes overflowing with mouthwatering flavor, including the Southwest Chicken Bowl, with the option to upgrade to steak, featuring mixed greens and cilantro rice, topped high with house-made pico de gallo, black bean corn salsa and guacamole. The return of the Tex-Mex Shrimp Bowl is also featured on the menu, as well as the Homestyle Chicken Bowl which is now served with breaded pieces of tender boneless chicken.

“We are excited to ‘Welcome Back’ guests with three great new Irresist-A-Bowls all featured at $7.99. Whether in our restaurants, through Applebee’s To Go or by Delivery, all of our guests can enjoy these...

Senators Coons, Wicker Request Financial Assistance for Chicken Farmers Impacted by COVID-19

Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) led a letter signed by 17 other senators requesting direct financial assistance for chicken farmers that have been financially impacted by COVID-19.

“As the chicken industry in Delaware and across the country continues to cope with reduced demand and processing capacity, chicken farmers have experienced a big hit to their bottom lines. In many instances, farmers are receiving fewer birds on a less frequent basis, and in some cases, they have been forced to depopulate millions of healthy birds.

Although other farmers have benefited from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, chicken farmers have not received any assistance and...

ANALYSIS: U.S. Protein Inventories Drawn Down During Plant Closures

U.S. cold storage stocks declined across the beef, pork, chicken, and egg categories in May as product was needed to...

Lloyd's Barbeque Introduces Pulled Pork and Chicken Products 

The makers of Lloyd’s barbeque products announced its pecanwood smoked pulled pork and hardwood smoked chicken made with 2-time world barbeque sauce champion Pig Beach Mustard BBQ Sauce.

Winner of the 2014 and 2016 Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, Pig Beach Mustard BBQ Sauce is a perfect match for Lloyd’s lightly seasoned hardwood smoked pulled meats. Recognized by USA Today as the “Most Prestigious Barbecue Contest,” the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest is a four-day competition held in Memphis, Tenn., that draws nearly 250 teams competing from around the world.

“Barbeque is all about bringing families and friends together,” said Eric Jacobson, Lloyd’s barbeque brand manager. “Our new hardwood smoked pulled meats made with...

Urner Barry's Coronavirus Special Report - Volume III

The global COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted consumer behavior, distribution, production, and market prices in a way we have never seen before. From stay-at-home directives that spurred a run on retail while foodservice operations were limited or halted all-together, to production cutbacks caused by labor shortages at the plant level, the industry has had much to contend with over the past several months.

Now, as many states have begun reopening phases, the industry is making strides in returning to a more “normal” business environment—however the face of this new normal will likely look a bit different...

Pilgrim's Pride Corporation Recalls Chicken Breast Nugget Products

Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation, a Waco, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 59,800 pounds of fully cooked chicken breast nugget products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically flexible rubber material, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The frozen ready-to-eat (RTE) chicken breast nugget items were produced on May 6, 2020. The following products are subject to recall...

Church's Chicken Rallies in Q2, Sets Sights on Continued Growth and Positive Momentum

Just six months ago, Church's Chicken turned in its best performance in ten years for comparable same-store sales, and made 2020 the launch date for the brand's five-year strategic plan. Then, like all restaurants and businesses, plans were set back due to COVID-19 and the brand enacted a refocused action plan in response. Overall, the COVID-19 sales challenges were only temporary for Church's, as it reports that domestic sales have returned to pre-pandemic positive trends the past two months.

"Without question, our ability to weather this crisis is due to our entire franchise community, corporate and restaurant team members coming together to quickly and effectively adapt to a changing market and continue to...

ANALYSIS: Hatchery figures: Filling a Need but Which One?

By almost every measure, 2020 has been an historic year and one which has rocked the chicken industry to its core...

CBP Intercepts Nearly 20,000 Pounds of Smuggled Animal Products from China at LA/LB Seaport

In just a few weeks, from April 6 to June 6, U. S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agriculture specialists assigned to the LA/Long Beach Seaport, intercepted 19,555 pounds of prohibited pork, chicken, beef and duck products arriving from China.

Most of the unmanifiested animal products were commingled in boxes of headphones, door locks, kitchenware, LCD tablets, trash bags, swim fins, cell phone covers, plastic cases and household goods in a clear attempt to smuggle the prohibited meats.

CBP agriculture specialists identified, examined and seized 12 shipments containing a total of 834 cartons which lacked the required...