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...

ANALYSIS: Heavy Chickens and More of Them

Keen observers of the chicken market are well aware of the growing price spread between medium and jumbo-sized product...

PODCAST: Checking In on Chicken - Retail Demand, Unemployment, and More

COVID-19 has caused shockwaves across the whole protein sector and chicken is no exception. Retail demand, unemployment, seasonal factors, and more...

Sweet Earth Foods Debuts Eight New Plant-Based Products

Sweet Earth Foods announced the national launch of a selection of eight new burritos and entrée bowls. As the latest additions to Sweet Earth's best-selling product lines, these two new burritos and six new entrée bowls are available now in the frozen aisle of grocery stores, with distribution increasing in the following weeks.

The new burritos and bowls all incorporate plant-based Awesome Grounds or Mindful Chik'n, satisfying cravings for the meaty, juicy taste of traditional meats, and making them a good source of protein. Created with wholesome ingredients like veggies and globally inspired spices, the burritos and bowls are...

Pilgrim’s CEO on Paid Leave of Absence

Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation (NASDAQ: PPC) today announced that president and CEO Jayson Penn has begun a paid leave of absence, effective immediately. During his leave of absence, Mr. Penn intends to focus on his defense of the recently disclosed indictment against him, to which he has pleaded not guilty. The Pilgrim’s Board of Directors has appointed Fabio Sandri, Pilgrim’s CFO, as interim president and CEO.

“Pilgrim’s operates with the highest standards of integrity and is committed to free and open competition that benefits both customers and consumers,” said Gilberto Tomazoni, chairman of Pilgrim’s Board of Directors...

ANALYSIS: A Divergence Between YoY Chicken Headcount and Average Live Weight

It almost goes without saying that COVID-19 related challenges have impacted just about every aspect of the chicken market and have translated into a highly volatile set of buying and selling conditions over the past several months...

Tyson Foods’ Statement on Department of Justice Indictment in Broiler Chicken Investigation

Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN) issued the following statement today regarding the June 2, 2020, indictment by the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) charging multiple executives of other companies in the broiler chicken industry with conspiring to restrain trade.

“Tyson Foods is committed to competing vigorously, honestly and in compliance with the letter and the spirit of the antitrust laws and respects the important role that the Department of Justice plays in enforcing these laws...

Pilgrim’s Publishes 2019 Sustainability Achievements and Advancement Toward 2020 Goals

Pilgrim’s Pride today announced the release of its 2019 Sustainability Report and progress toward 2020 sustainability goals. The report transparently details the company’s progress in the key priority areas of team member health and safety, product integrity, animal welfare, water and energy across its operations in the UK, Continental Europe, Mexico, Puerto Rico and the United States.

“The Pilgrim’s global team is driven by our passion to sustainably produce food that positively impacts the lives of our team members, grower partners, customers, shareholders and society,” said Jayson Penn, President and CEO, Pilgrim’s. “We are focused on doing things the right way and creating...

ANALYSIS: A Jumbo/Medium Chicken Breast Meat Inflection Point

Over the years, medium-sized boneless breasts have enjoyed an unyielding premium over their jumbo-sized counterparts...

USDA Announces Transition to Preventive Plan for Virulent Newcastle Disease in California

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is announcing that effective today, we are transitioning our virulent Newcastle disease (vND) efforts in southern California from a response focus to implementing a prevention plan aimed at keeping vND from recurring in the region. Even with extensive testing taking place, APHIS has not confirmed any new vND cases since February 1, 2020. As a result, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is removing its vND quarantine.

“APHIS and CDFA employees have worked tirelessly over the past two years toward this goal,” said Dr. Burke Healey, USDA Chief Veterinarian. “While this is a big accomplishment, we need to continue...

Blue Apron Partners with Award-Winning Chef to Create Sizzling Summer Dishes

Award-winning chef and restaurateur, Tim Hollingsworth, has created a menu of recipes inspired by his famous cooking style exclusively for Blue Apron to bring seasonal, summertime staples to home cooks across the country. Beginning the week of June 29 through the week of July 20, Blue Apron customers can channel their inner gourmet chef with new, elevated takes on family favorites curated specially by Hollingsworth in partnership with Blue Apron's culinary team.

Known for using high quality and sustainable ingredients, Hollingsworth combines the flavors and memories of the backyard cookouts of his Texas childhood with California cuisine and his wife Coco's Lebanese culinary traditions, into restaurant-quality dishes that can be made at home...

Nestle Prepared Foods Company Recalls Lean Cuisine Fettuccini Alfredo Products

Nestle Prepared Foods Company, a Jonesboro, Ark. establishment, is recalling approximately 29,002 pounds of chicken product labeled as Lean Cuisine Fettuccini Alfredo because the product contains undeclared soy, a known allergen, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The Lean Cuisine Fettuccini Alfredo is not supposed to contain chicken and chicken does not appear in the ingredients statement or on the label.

The frozen, Lean Cuisine Fettuccini Alfredo products were produced and packaged on April 22, 2020. The following products are subject to recall...

ANALYSIS: A Bird’s Eye View of YTD Chicken Production

With mid-year just around the corner, this week we thought it would be a good opportunity to investigate how chicken headcount and average live weights are stacking up against...

Sanderson Farms Reports Results for Second Quarter of Fiscal 2020

Sanderson Farms, Inc. today reported results for its second fiscal quarter and six months ended April 30, 2020.

Net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2020 were $844.7 million compared with $845.2 million for the same period a year ago. For the quarter, the Company reported net income of $6.1 million, or $0.28 per share, compared with net income of $40.6 million, or $1.83 per share, for the second quarter of fiscal 2019.

Net sales for the first six months of fiscal 2020 were $1,667.8 million compared with $1,588.6 million for the same period of fiscal 2019. The net loss for the first half of the fiscal year totaled $32.5 million, or $1.48 per share, compared with net income of...

Conagra Brands Recalls Frozen Not-Ready-To-Eat Chicken and Turkey Bowl Products

Conagra Brands, Inc., Russellville, Ark. and Marshall, Mo. establishments, are recalling approximately 276,872 pounds of not ready-to-eat chicken and turkey bowl products because the products may contain extraneous material, specifically small rocks, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The scope of this recall has been expanded to include Healthy Choice Power Bowls Chicken Feta & Farro Bowls, Healthy Choice Power Bowls Unwrapped Burrito Scramble Power Bowls, and Healthy Choice Power Bowls Turkey Sausage & Egg Scramble Power Bowls produced on various dates. The products were produced at two different establishments.

The following additional products are subject to recall...

ANALYSIS: COVID 19 Rooted Chicken Production Cutbacks on Tap 

Not a day goes by when the immediate and future potential impact of COVID-19 isn't central to dialogue...

Field Roast Expands Frozen Portfolio with Plant-Based Nuggets

Field Roast Grain Meat Co, owned by Greenleaf Foods, has added Plant-Based Nuggets to its portfolio of frozen plant-based appetizers and entrees. The crispy, bite-size nuggets feature a bold, inspiring taste and expand the brand’s frozen portfolio that also includes Fruffalo Wings and Miniature Corn Dogs.

“Remember the joy that a chicken nugget could bring you as a kid?,” said Dan Curtin, president of Greenleaf Foods. “We’re bringing that back with an absolutely delicious plant-based nugget...

Nestlé Introduces New Life Cuisine 

Nestlé is introducing Life Cuisine, an exciting new brand delivering delicious and satisfying meal solutions to match the approach to eating well. From gluten-free to high-protein, Life Cuisine is made with flavorful ingredients that help power your day.

Over the years, the definition of wellness has evolved from calorie-conscious eating to a more holistic approach that extends well beyond just what's on your plate. Once-niche dietary trends like gluten free and meatless meals have also...

ANALYSIS: Chicken Exports Spring Forward as China Makes a Comeback

The latest release of the USDA’s export figures help to paint a strong underlying picture to our trade relations with key export partners, and marks a significant return of...

ANALYSIS: Seasonal Draw, or Supply Side Flaw?

As the immediate shock of COVID-19 begins to subside, market participants look to the stats in an attempt to...

Consumers Continue to Purchase Meat from Restaurants and Retail Despite Coronavirus Concerns

Fear of the unknown proved to be true when observing consumers’ reaction to the emergence of COVID-19. When the virus first made its way to the United States, panic ensued. Grocery store shelves were depleted, and necessities like toilet paper were nowhere to be found. Consumers have come accustomed to finding resourceful solutions and are willing to be more flexible than ever before.

However, the coronavirus has thrown yet another curveball, with many meatpacking plants either temporarily closing or reducing operations. While consumers have stocked up on meat, there seems to be less panic this time around.

When Datassential asked consumers what best describes the way they eat today, nearly 69% described themselves as...

The Consumer Perspective on the Potential Meat Shortage 

As warnings of a potential meat shortage seem to dominate headlines, consumers may begin to panic buy and stockpile proteins in case supply chain disruptions due to COVID-19 lead to empty meat cases at the grocery store. While retailers did see aisles that include toilet paper, paper towels, and cleaning products wiped out at the height of the pandemic, it is possible that consumers have already purchased meat products in bulk.

According to a recent survey conducted by Datassential, about 77% of consumers have at least one week's supply of meat on hand. This is followed by 26% having enough meat in the home to last about two to three weeks. Only 7% of respondents have run out of meat and will be purchasing more. Additionally, some shoppers purchased enough meat to last...

ANALYSIS: Maintaining Perspective on Chicken Price Changes

As the shock and awe caused by the rapid market appreciation begins to subside and acceptance kicks in, this week we thought it would be a good opportunity to...

Tyson Foods Reports Second Quarter 2020 Results

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

First Six Months Highlights

• GAAP EPS of $2.52, down 6% from prior year; Adjusted EPS of $2.43, down 13% from prior year
• GAAP operating income of $1,327 million; Adjusted operating income of $1,395 million
• Total Company GAAP operating margin of 6.1% and Adjusted operating margin of 6.4%
• Record Beef GAAP operating margin of 6.6% and record Adjusted operating margin of 6.9%
• Record total Company sales of...

Cargill Launches New Plant-Based Products in China

Cargill announced it is launching a series of plant-based products in China, bringing more quality protein options to the Chinese market. The launch includes products for foodservice and a consumer-facing brand PlantEver. PlantEver is expected to debut in the Chinese market at the end of June and be available online and offline. 

“Our plant-based protein products were developed through extensive consumer engagement and research. We combine our knowledge and expertise in R&D and innovation to create some of the best tasting products in the plant-based category,” said Jackson Chan, managing director of Cargill Protein China. “The launch is just the beginning, we look forward to continuing to innovate. Our customers in China can count on a partner with...

ANALYSIS: Chicken Processors Coping with COVID-19 Related Set Backs

In light of the recent challenges that COVID-19 has brought upon the chicken industry, this week we thought it would be a good opportunity to check in on the supply side of the equation to...

Pilgrim’s Pride Reports Q1 2020 Results 

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

First Quarter Highlights

• Net Sales of $3.07 billion.
• Net GAAP Income of $67.3 million, including one-time $0.09 per share gain on case settlement.
• Operating Income margins of 4.4% in U.S., -7.3% in Mexico and 2.8% in Europe operations, respectively.
• Adjusted EBITDA of $165.5 million, or a 5.4% margin.
• Strong focus in execution and dedication by our team members, combined with portfolio strategy of differentiated products, strong Key Customer relationships, and diversified global footprint reducing volatility of specific market conditions, especially under unprecedented Covid-19 impact at end of first quarter...

Industry Reacts to President Trump’s Executive Order to Keep Meat Plants Operating 

President Trump intends to sign an executive order to ensure meat processing plants remain open during the coronavirus pandemic. The executive order will call on the Defense Production Act recognizing the facilities as a part of the United States’ critical infrastructure. This comes as concerns rise that the food supply chain will be disrupted as the virus spreads.

Julie Anna Potts, President and CEO of the North American Meat Institute, said, “By keeping meat and poultry producers operating, the President's Executive Order will help avert hardship for agricultural producers and...

Chipotle Introduces New Lifestyle Bowls 

Chipotle Mexican Grill announced five new Lifestyle Bowls inspired by wellness experts and the Chipotle Together Wellness Live-Streams to help fans get back on track with their health and fitness goals.

Chipotle partnered with YouGov to better understand how consumers food behavior and patterns have shifted during this unprecedented time of social distancing. The brands' joint study found over a third of Americans surveyed (35%) are struggling to maintain healthy lifestyles, and over four in ten (44%) aren't maintaining...

Urner Barry's Coronavirus Special Report - Volume II

View the full report HERE.

ANALYSIS: Coping with Production Excesses

From the slowdown in foodservice and QSR buying outreach, to plant worker absenteeism and even some inclement weather being thrown into the mix, chicken processors have...

ANALYSIS: Retail Ad Activity: Boneless Breasts

It almost goes without saying that the widespread direct and indirect implications of COVID-19 have wreaked havoc on what many considered to be...

National Chicken Council Requests Relief for Chicken Farmers Affected by COVID-19

The National Chicken Council sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue requesting relief for family farmers due to potential supply chain effects related to the COVID-19 outbreak.

“As a result of reduced workforce at processing plants, foodservice demand vanishing virtually overnight, historically high cold storage supply levels and a potential loss of international trade market access due to the recent detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), some chicken processors have begun to reduce eggs set to reflect decreased demand and to avoid any potential animal welfare concerns,” the letter read. “One implication of trying to...

Chicken Processors Redoubling Efforts to Keep Essential Workers Safe and Healthy

“These are certainly trying and unprecedented times, and chicken processors are doing everything they can to 1) keep their employees safe and 2) work to keep chicken on the shelves – in that order,” said National Chicken Council President Mike Brown. “Our members are following all of the CDC and local health department guidelines, and many have consulted with infectious disease physicians to develop site plans.”

Brown noted that companies have enacted many additional measures to keep workers safe, including...

Conagra Brands Recalls Frozen Not-Ready-to-Eat Chicken Bowl Products

Conagra Brands, Inc., a Russellville, Ark. establishment, is recalling approximately 130,763 pounds of not ready-to-eat chicken bowl products because the product may contain extraneous material, specifically small rocks, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The frozen, not-ready-to-eat chicken bowl items were produced on Jan. 23, 2020. The following products are subject to recall...

ANALYSIS: A Chicken Production Assessment

During times of market agitation, chicken market participants and industry observers turn to the stats in an attempt to regain a sense of...

Perdue Farms Continues Increased Measures to Protect and Support Associates During COVID-19

Perdue Farms remains focused on the health and safety of its associates, farmers, customers, consumers, communities, and business partners, as well as ensuring the continuity of its supply chain during the global COVID-19 pandemic. The federal government has deemed food industry workers as mission-critical personnel, which is a huge responsibility that Perdue is committed to fulfilling while keeping associates safe.

“As the COVID-19 crisis continues to evolve, we’ve enacted numerous proactive measures to protect our associates during this uncharted time,” shared Perdue Farms CEO Randy Day. “For example, at our plants, we are practicing social distancing not only in common areas, such as break rooms and cafeterias, but also...

ANALYSIS: A Bird’s Eye Perspective of Price Volatility

Following an historic, if not overwhelming, upward surge in retail-oriented demand patterns, chicken marketers have now found themselves contending with...

Perdue Farms Confirms Positive Case of COVID-19 at Georgia Production Facility 

Perdue Farms learned that an Associate at the Perry, Georgia Cook Plant, who has not been to work for more than a week, has tested positive for COVID-19. Perdue is unable to disclose additional details around this individual in accordance with privacy laws. Upon receiving this notification, the company immediately enacted its pandemic response protocols, which follow strict guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including:

• Notifying and coordinating response procedures with all pertinent parties (local health officials, onsite USDA inspector, Perdue HR and Wellness Staff, Coronavirus Response Leader, and facility Director of Operations...

ANALYSIS: Assessing COVID-19’s Initial Impact on the Chicken Market

Although COVID-19 is a relatively new challenge here in the US, its acute and unparalleled impact on spot market dynamics cannot be overstated...

Meat Sales Surged 77% the Week of March 15 Amid Growing COVID-19 Cases

The week ending March 8 saw a fast acceleration of meat sales in dollars, units and volume. As the number of school closures, social distancing guidelines and other COVID-19 related measures significantly sharpened the subsequent week, sales surged along with it. Thanks to the heroic efforts of everyone in the meat and poultry industry, the supply kept flowing. Retailers restocked their meat cases again and again as shoppers across the country stocked up on meat and poultry to feed their families nutritious meals.

Meat department sales without deli meat were up an incredible 76.9% over the week ending March 15, 2020 versus the comparable week in 2019, according to data insights firm IRI, and deli meat sales advanced...

USDA Announces Expanded Red Meat Access to China as Phase One Trade Deal Moves Forward

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced continued progress in the implementation of agriculture provisions in the U.S.-China Phase One Agreement.

The new actions are led by increased access for red meat and poultry into China. According to the statement, U.S. beef producers, for the first time since 2003, will have access to nearly all beef products into China.

An expansion of pork products that will be allowed into Chinese ports was also included in the...

Protein Alternatives Market Outlook to 2025; Dominated by Cargill

According to ResearchAndMarkets, the global protein alternatives market is projected to grow with a CAGR of 7.4% during the forecast period (2020-2025).

The market studied has witnessed a significant growth due to the increasing intolerance toward animal protein, thereby leading to the shift in preference of the meat-consuming population toward meat substitutes made of vegan protein, therefore, driving the market studied.

Consumers in developing regions, like Asia-Pacific and Africa, have started to incorporate more protein in their daily diets. Many companies operating in the market place have started to initiate...

Sanderson Farms Confirms Employee has Tested Positive for Novel Coronavirus

Sanderson Farms, Inc. confirmed that an employee at the Company’s McComb, Mississippi, processing plant has tested positive for novel coronavirus. This individual’s work area was contained to one small processing table. “Upon learning of this case, we took a number of immediate steps to protect the health and safety of our employees,” said Joe F. Sanderson, Jr., chairman and chief executive officer of Sanderson Farms, Inc. “Following CDC and local health department guidelines, and procedures developed in consultation with an infectious disease physician, we identified six individuals in the work area who could be at risk, and those employees, along with...

ANALYSIS: An Historical Look at Q1 Boneless Breast Performance

It almost goes without saying that the widespread impact of COVID-19 has left most food-oriented businesses scrambling to adapt to the rapidly developing and unpredictable swing in demand patterns...