Analyzing Genomes to Improve Disease Control in Poultry

Marek's disease—a highly contagious viral disease caused by a herpesvirus—is a constant threat to poultry worldwide. It is also one of the most preventable diseases with vaccination. However, while vaccines prevent poultry from becoming sick with symptoms of the virus, they do not prevent virus spread and mutation—considered the main reason for increased virus virulence, or severity, in field strains in U.S. commercial flocks.

To help improve the control of Marek's disease, veterinary medical officer John Dunn and his team at the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Avian Disease and Oncology Laboratory in East Lansing, Michigan, analyzed Marek's disease genomes to find out which genes are mostly associated with virulence. They sequenced DNA from 70 virus strains, collected over the years from across the United States, and identified significant genetic variants...

ANALYSIS: Record Low Medium Breast Meat Values: What's Happening at Retail?

When it comes to the former, the USDA Fresh Chicken Retail Feature Activity shows that current total chicken featuring resides well below the seven-year average, including 2018, a year which was certainly one to forget for those marketing fresh chicken parts...

Tip Top Poultry Recalls Fully Cooked Poultry Products

Tip Top Poultry, Inc., a Rockmart, Ga. establishment, is recalling approximately 135,810 pounds of fully cooked 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, diced, and mechanically separated ready to eat chicken was produced on January 21, 2019 and display “PACK DATE 01/21/19” on the labels. The products subject to recall can be found in this spreadsheet.

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

FAT Brands Continues Expansion in Pakistan With 5-Unit Development Deal

FAT(Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc, parent company of Fatburger, The Last Great Hamburger Stand, announces today the development of five co-branded Fatburger and Buffalo’s Express concepts in Pakistan. In partnership with Crescent Star Foods (Pvt), the co-branded restaurants will increase the brand’s presence in Pakistan to six restaurants.

Hollywood's iconic Fatburger is best known for its mouthwatering, juicy burgers made famous by founder Lovie Yancey in Los Angeles more than 70 years ago. Each Fatburger is made-to-order with traditional fixings and delicious add-on items such as bacon, onion rings, cheese and egg. Buffalo’s Express further complements Fatburger’s menu offerings with...

This Week in Retail: Prepare for Pre-Season Protein Demand

We’re halfway through August, but protein demand doesn’t expire with the summer season. In fact, consumers may even be stepping up their purchases at the meat case as the NFL preseason is officially underway! And the regular season is just around the corner.

It’s been six long months since fans were treated to their favorite teams facing off on the gridiron. Now, everyone is getting in on the action. Retailers across the board are running promotions to capitalize on the return of football frenzied spending.

Grocers are changing up end caps from summer smore displays to game day essentials. Grilling ads are shifting from summer barbecues in the backyard to...

Tyson Foods Recalls Weaver Brand Ready-To-Eat Chicken Patty Products

Tyson Foods Inc., a Pine Bluff, Ark. establishment, is recalling approximately 39,078 pounds of Weaver brand frozen chicken patty product that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The frozen, fully cooked chicken items were produced on January 31, 2019. The following products are subject to recall...

ANALYSIS: Cold Storage Holdings: A Prognosticator of Wing Performance?

As preseason football season gets underway, fans are beginning to flock to their local drinking hole to watch the game and enjoy America’s favorite finger food: chicken wings. Taking a look at inventory levels and price reaction in the period leading up to...

House of Raeford Farms Recognized for Outstanding Safety Performance

The Joint Industry Safety and Health Council has awarded six House of Raeford Farms locations with safety awards for outstanding performance through the implementation of innovative and effective employee safety and health programs.

Two House of Raeford processing plants—Arcadia, LA and Rose Hill, NC – were each recognized for their commitment to safety with Awards of Distinction during the 2019 National Safety Conference for the Poultry Industry in Destin, FL.

Awards of Distinction are the highest level of recognition a company can receive from the Joint Industry Safety and Health Council. Injury statistics over three years and...

Ruby Tuesday to Roll Out Two New Meals for a Limited Time

To reach both current and new guests capitalizing on the Ruby Tuesday commitment to flavor and freshness, Ruby Tuesday is rolling out the flavor-filled Cheesy Crunch Burger and Honey Crunch Chicken Sandwich across 460 participating locations for a limited time only, Aug. 19 through Sept. 23. Combining highly appealing ingredients that are both crunchy and spicy, the new items focus on big flavor at an everyday value price of $7.99.

“We want to create meals that highlight the brand’s belief that fresh is best, flavor is key and comfort is a must,” said Jenifer Boyd Harmon, chief marketing officer for Ruby Tuesday. “In addition, we wanted to remind consumers that Ruby Tuesday offers value you can count on without compromising...

Pilgrim’s Releases 2018 Sustainability Report

Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation (Nasdaq: PPC) today announced the release of its 2018 Sustainability Report. The interactive digital report provides a comprehensive overview of the company’s recent achievements and progress toward 2020 sustainability goals.

“Our 2018 Pilgrim’s Sustainability Report shares the ways our 55,000 team members and more than 5,400 family farm partners are contributing to environmental, social and economic progress in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Mexico and Europe,” said Pilgrim’s Global President and CEO Jayson Penn. “We are committed to improving the lives of families around the world through high-quality, sustainable food solutions and are focused on long-term success for our business and our stakeholders.”

The 2018 report transparently details Pilgrim’s achievements related to team members, customers and...

Oregon Passes Cage-Free Egg Law 

Senate Bill 1019 has been signed into law in Oregon, requiring all eggs sold within the state border to come from cage-free facilities. Through passing this legislation in Oregon, all states on the west coast now have laws in place requiring eggs to come from cage-free hens. Similar to laws passed in California and Washington, the new law in Oregon requires that eggs produced and sold in the state come from cage-free barns that have scratching areas, perches, nest boxes, dust bathing areas, and other enrichments that allow the hens to exhibit natural behavior. These standards are based off of the United Egg Producer's Animal Husbandry Guidelines for U.S. Egg-Laying Flocks, and will go into effect by the end of 2023.

The term "egg-laying hen," addressed in the bill, applies to any female domesticated chicken, turkey, duck, goose, guinea fowl, or other species of fowl that is kept for the purpose of egg production. Egg products are included in this new law, but does include products such as...

USPOULTRY Releases Report of Antimicrobial Use Across U.S. Broiler Chickens and Turkeys

U.S. Poultry & Egg Association announced last week the release of the U.S. poultry industry’s first-ever report quantifying antimicrobial use on broiler chicken and turkey farms. The new report shows dramatic reductions of turkey and broiler chicken antimicrobial use over a five-year timeframe. As part of its commitment to the transparency and sustainability of a safe food supply, the poultry industry aims to strike a balance between keeping poultry flocks healthy and the responsible use of antimicrobials, especially those medically important to human health.

Under the research direction of Dr. Randall Singer, DVM, PhD, of Mindwalk Consulting Group, LLC, this report represents a five-year set of data collected from 2013 to 2017 regarding the use of antimicrobials in U.S. broiler chickens and turkeys throughout their lifetime, from hatchery to day of harvest. It was prepared through a systematic collection of on-farm antimicrobial use data to capture the...

NCC Reaches Out to President Trump Regarding Recent ICE Actions in Mississippi

As a result of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers arresting approximately 680 people in sweeping raids at seven sites in six different cities in Mississippi on Wednesday, August 7, the National Chicken Council sent the following letter on August 8 to President Trump.

Dear President Trump,

The National Chicken Council (NCC) writes to you regarding the recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions in Mississippi on August 7, 2019. As these recent events have shown, the U.S. chicken industry is heavily affected by our nation’s immigration policy. We are not in a position to comment on any specific incident and do not presume to do so, but we do wish to...

Taylor Farms Illinois Inc Recalls Chicken Products

Taylor Farms Inc., a Chicago, Ill. establishment, is recalling approximately 342 pounds of breaded chicken products due to a processing defect that may have led to undercooking of products, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The ready-to-eat breaded chicken items were produced August 3, 2019. The following products are subject to recall...

Immigration Agents Raid Mississippi Meat Processing Plants

Yesterday, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents raided multiple Mississippi poultry processing facilities to execute federal criminal warrants. Mike Hurst, U.S. Attorney, said, “U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents are executing federal search warrants today at multiple locations across the state of Mississippi as part of a coordinated operation with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi pursuant to ongoing HSI administrative and criminal investigations."
 
During a press conference, Mike Hurst first gave credit to Customs Enforcement and Homeland Security for enforcing the law through arrests that were part of a year long investigation process. Hurst added that as a result of hard work, the largest single state immigration enforcement operation in the nation's history took place...

Wayne Farms Introduces All Natural Ladybird Premium Chicken Brand 

After a successful market entry and a round of market tests Wayne Farms LLC is launching its new brand LADYBIRD Premium Chicken in select Northeast locations and planning wider distribution by the end of the year.

LADYBIRD Premium Chicken was developed for foodservice and cash and carry customers looking to capitalize on trending preferences in the consumer marketplace while sourcing a more tender chicken product. Humanely raised on family farms, the all natural line of fresh products are made from smaller, all-female chickens providing more consistent sizing and portion control. LADYBIRD chicken is aged on the bone before processing, optimizing...

Top Taste Food Warehouse Recalls Meat and Poultry Products 

Top Taste Food Warehouse, a Brooklyn, N.Y. establishment, is recalling an undetermined amount of pork and chicken dumpling product because they were produced, packed, and distributed without the benefit of USDA inspection and used the mark of inspection without authorization, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The frozen pork with vegetable dumpling and the chicken with vegetable dumpling items were produced July 30, 2018 through July 31, 2019. The following products are subject to recall...

QDOBA Mexican Eats Launches New Keto, Vegan, and Double Protein Bowls

QDOBA Mexican Eats, a leading Mexican fast-casual chain, is adding three new chef-inspired bowls to its restaurants systemwide. Following the successful introduction of Impossible™ – a plant-based protein – to its menu, the brand continues to expand its lifestyle options to fit guests’ varying lifestyles. QDOBA’s latest creations include:

• Smoked Brisket Keto Bowl: Smoked brisket and hand-smashed guacamole sit on a bed of crisp lettuce, topped with made in-house pico de gallo, salsa verde and shredded cheese.
• Grilled Fajita Vegan Bowl: Sautéed fajita vegetables, hand-smashed guacamole, corn salsa, made in-house pico de gallo and salsa verde piled high on seasoned...

Tyson Foods Reports Third Quarter 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:

First Nine Months Highlights

•GAAP EPS of $4.51, down 33% from record prior year (prior year included a one-time tax benefit of $2.71)
•Adjusted EPS of $4.25, down 7% from record prior year
•GAAP operating income of $2,223 million; Adjusted operating income of $2,291 million
•Total Company GAAP operating margin...

This Week in Retail: Enter the Dog Days

Goodbye July—hello August. The dog days of summer are here as we enter the lazy hazy final crazy days of the season.  

August is often referred to as the “Sunday of summer” and that perspective could bode well for retail sales as consumers seek to soak up the last few weeks of sunshine and outdoor activity before the school year resumes and the weather begins to transition again.

Beef is killing the retail game in recent weeks, taking the top weekly spot for protein feature volume during the entire month of July. Currently, beef ads account for 27 percent of circular real estate, beating out second placed seafood at 23 percent. Steak features make up about half...

ANALYSIS: Automated Deboning Diluting Seasonal Volatility?

With the national average unemployment rate currently situated at 3.7%, it comes as no surprise that ongoing labor shortages have been a major source of frustration for chicken processors...

Pilgrim's Pride Reports Second Quarter Results

Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation (NASDAQ: PPC) reports second quarter 2019 financial results.

Second Quarter Highlights

• Net Sales of $2.84 billion.
• Net Income of $170.1 million.
• Operating Income margins of 9.8% in U.S., 17.5% in Mexico and 4.5% in Europe operations, respectively.
• Adjusted EBITDA of $349.3 million (or a 12.3% margin), and Adjusted EPS of $0.69.
• U.S. portfolio continues to deliver strong results in our differentiated segments, while more market features and promotional activity of chicken supported better demand in the commodity segment. We continue to evolve our well-balanced portfolio to further...

U.S. Consumers Buy Chicken for Versatility, Value, Variety

Chicken purchasers cite more positive attributes than purchasers of beef, pork, fish and plant-based meat proteins, according to new research presented today at the 2019 Chicken Marketing Summit.

The National Chicken Council (NCC) and WATT Global Media presented the results of a study that explored the drivers for grocery purchases of chicken compared to other meat and plant-based proteins. IRI provided supporting data from its retail databases. The study was commissioned by the NCC and conducted online by IRI July 1-10, 2019, among 780 adults. Funding was provided by Elanco, WATT Global Media, NCC and Meyn.

Chicken Checks More Boxes

Buyers were asked about attributes in eight categories: taste, health, versatility, family appeal, value for...

ANALYSIS: YTD Headcount: It’s All About Efficiency

Following last week’s analysis, which investigated the year-over-year uptrend in both headcount and average live weight, this week, we delve into the individual bird weight classifications to shed some additional light on the recent surge in weekly RTC production figures...

House of Raeford Farms Announces $40 Million Feed Mill for Louisiana Complex

House of Raeford Farms announced that construction would begin this summer on a new feed mill for the Arcadia, Louisiana complex. The facility, to be located in Simsboro, Louisiana and Lincoln Parish, will be built at a cost of $40 million and be capable of producing 12,500 tons of feed weekly, double the capacity of the current mill.

The company will also make building modifications and add new equipment totaling over $7 million to the hatchery in Gibsland, Louisiana and the processing plant in Arcadia, Louisiana. As a result, the complex will add more than 100 new jobs, and live production will contract for 86 new poultry houses over the next two years with a new construction impact to...

Early Bird Pricing Ends SOON for Global Protein Summit in Chicago

Urner Barry, the leading provider of protein market news and information in the food industry, is hosting a brand-new event specifically designed for those in the beef, pork, and poultry industry on October 6-8, in Chicago.

Urner Barry’s Global Protein Summit has been designed to bring clarity and insight into the increasingly complex business of food and agriculture, with a two-day agenda packed with intel from the foremost experts on economics and agribusiness. Throughout the event, hear from top speakers and analysts on China and other global trade partners, African Swine Fever, alternative proteins, changing consumer demands, and what to look out for as we move forward. A few speakers now include...

IHOP Introduces Crispy Chicken to Expand All-Day Menu

IHOP® Restaurants announced today that it is further expanding its all-day menu by launching new, Buttermilk Crispy Chicken. Made with all-natural chicken breasts and a signature seasoning blend, the Buttermilk Crispy Chicken menu features eight delicious new menu items, ranging from savory to sweet and from breakfast to late-night.

The centerpiece of the new menu is Crispy Chicken & Pancakes, which combines three of IHOP’s hot, fluffy World Famous Buttermilk pancakes with four breaded and seasoned chicken breast strips to create what’s sure to become breakfast’s newest obsession. For a limited time...

Koch Foods Recalls Breaded Poultry Products

Koch Foods, a Fairfield, Ohio establishment, is recalling approximately 743 pounds of fully cooked boneless chicken bites due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The products contain soy, milk, and eggs, known allergens, which are not declared on the product label.

The frozen, fully cooked breaded boneless chicken bites were labeled as fully cooked chicken strips and were produced on May 31, 2019. The following products are subject to recall...

ANALYSIS: Heavy Chickens and More of Them

The price depreciation that many key items within the chicken complex have exhibited this week has prompted players to search for both external and internal variables in an effort to shed some light on the recent price slump...

Wendy's Makes Summer Sizzle With Launch Of Baconfest

As the home of the #1 selling bacon cheeseburger*, and quite frankly, the Boss of Bacon, Wendy's is launching an epic bacon celebration – Baconfest. Why? Because Wendy's bacon is always worth celebrating and honestly, doesn't need a reason.

Starting today, Wendy's is kicking off Baconfest exclusively with DoorDash, offering its bacon-loving fanatics a free Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger and $0 delivery fee with a minimum of $10 Wendy's purchase for a limited time using code BACONFEST.** Free bacon and $0 delivery fee? Yes, please...

Fieldsource Food Systems, Inc. Recalls Beef and Poultry Products

Fieldsource Food Systems, Inc., a Brea, Calif. establishment, is recalling approximately 12,953 pounds of diced 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 wheat, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.

The uncooked, marinated, diced beef and chicken cubes were produced from June 9 through July 10, 2019. The following products are subject to recall:

20-lb. boxes containing four unmarked 5 lb. plastic bags...

ANALYSIS: Cold Storage Holdings and Whole Wings: An Inverse Relationship

Counter to what historic seasonality suggests, the jumbo whole wing market has proven to be fairly steadfast following the “finger food”-oriented buying outreach of Q1...

REPORTER: Supplies: It's a Matter of Balance 

 

KFC Celebrates National Fried Chicken Day with Free Grubhub Delivery July 4-7

Kentucky Fried Chicken® has announced free delivery through delivery partner, Grubhub, to celebrate one of our favorite days of the year, National Fried Chicken Day (July 6). And, because the Colonel thinks every occasion is a good time for a bucket of Original Recipe®, the fried chicken experts are celebrating with free delivery all weekend long (July 4-7) – just in time for the 4th of July holiday weekend.

Heading to a family picnic, summer BBQ or pool party? Give the grill a rest and let the Colonel take the stress out of holiday cooking with a bucket of Original Recipe®, KFC’s world-famous secret blend of 11 herbs & spices. Since its origination in 1940, the Colonel’s secret recipe has been often imitated, but never duplicated, and...

ANALYSIS: A Historic Glance at Boneless Breast Values…

From a historical perspective, medium-sized boneless breasts have retained an unwavering premium over their heavier-sized companions...

Sanderson Farms Comments on Legal Proceedings

Sanderson Farms, Inc. (NASDAQ: SAFM) today issued the following statement regarding certain ongoing legal proceedings:

“The United States Department of Justice filed a motion on Friday, June 21, 2019, in In re Broiler Chicken Antitrust Litigation stating that it is conducting a criminal investigation regarding the broiler industry. The Company has not been subpoenaed in connection with the Department of Justice investigation. The Company continues to believe the civil plaintiffs’ claims as to Sanderson Farms are wholly without merit, and we are committed to defending the case vigorously.”

Sanderson Farms, Inc. is engaged in the production, processing, marketing and distribution of fresh, frozen and minimally prepared chicken. Its shares trade on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol SAFM...

ANALYSIS: 2019 Chicken Market: Anything but Stagnant

In light of this week’s relatively subdued level of spot buying and selling activity, we thought it would be a good opportunity to get a bird’s eye view of some key market influencers and assess their impact on the supply and demand equation...

Tyson Foods: We’re Activating the Ingredients for More Growth

Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN) continues to meet changing consumer needs and is well-positioned for long-term, sustainable growth, company officials told investors and analysts today during Tyson Foods’ Investor Day at the New York Stock Exchange.

Chairman John Tyson, President and CEO Noel White and members of the company’s senior management team spoke at the event, which showcased the strength of Tyson’s diversified portfolio, execution of its long-term growth strategy, efforts to increase its value-added product offerings, continued innovation in food and sustainability, and expansion into new global markets.

“We’re poised for long-term growth because we understand consumers and can meet their needs through a broad portfolio of diverse products,” said White. “As we look ahead, prepared foods and value-added chicken are expected to be...

Boston Market Launches New Summer Sandwich Menu 

The first day of summer – and longest day of the year – is just around the corner, and that can only mean one thing: time to sack the sad sack lunch. While the nation gears up for summer Fridays and weekend picnics in the park, we quickly forget that lunch is arguably the most important meal of the day, and no one deserves a subpar sandwich. To help guide the way (well, minus the "sub") toward more mouth-watering midday options, the rotisserie everything experts at Boston Market® are debuting four new sandwich offerings this month that must be tasted to be believed – literally.

Friday, June 21 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Boston Market is inviting everyone to leave that corner bakery and/or cafe in the dust and enjoy a free sandwich on the house – pitting "theirs" against ours in a full-on sandwich throwdown. Simply bring in your current favorite sandwich and taste the difference fresh, never frozen (and never "fil-a'd") rotisserie chicken can make. You'll be hooked. Guests are then invited to vote for...

Pasture Raised Foods LLC Recalls Raw Whole Poultry Products 

Pasture Raised Foods, LLC, doing business as Greener Pastures Chicken, a grower/non-inspected processor located in Elgin, Texas, is recalling an undetermined amount of frozen raw whole poultry products that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The frozen raw whole poultry items were produced from Nov. 29, 2018 through May 24, 2019. The following products are subject to recall...

Perdue Foods Launches Chicken Plus Products 

Plant-based food may be one of the hottest trends in grocery today, but for parents trying to get their kids to eat their vegetables the struggle is still real. To help flexitarian families who are hungry for new ways to fill the vegetable void without sacrificing flavor or nutrition, Perdue is introducing first-of-its-kind nationally distributed new PERDUE® CHICKEN PLUS™ Nuggets, Tenders and Patties blended with vegetables.

Perdue’s latest innovation PERDUE® CHICKEN PLUS™ blends cauliflower, chickpeas and plant protein to create the next generation of frozen chicken nuggets, tenders and patties, and each serving is complete with one-quarter cup (half a serving of vegetables) and is made with 100 percent all-natural ingredients and no antibiotics ever white meat chicken...

Tyson Foods Inc Recalls Ready-To-Eat Chicken Fritter Products 

Tyson Foods, Inc., a New Holland, Pa. establishment, is recalling approximately 190,757 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken fritter products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically hard plastic, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The frozen ready-to-eat chicken fritter items were produced on February 28, 2019. The following products are subject to recall...

New Survey Examines Consumers’ Understanding of the Environmental Impact of Chicken Production

Further delivering on its commitment to transparency, the National Chicken Council (NCC) today unveiled the findings of its new nationwide survey about how deeply consumers understand sustainable food practices as it relates to broiler chicken production, an industry that maintains one of the lowest environmental footprints in animal agriculture. NCC announced the new survey as the Sustainable Brands ’19 Conference kicks off today in Detroit.

According to survey results, knowledge of the environmental impact of chicken among consumers is low. Only half of survey participants (51%) are moderately knowledgeable about chicken’s impact on the environment, while three-quarters (71%) are moderately knowledgeable about how chicken is produced. While most are familiar with topics related to...

Tyson Foods Completes Acquisition of Thai and European Businesses from BRF S.A.

Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN) announced today the successful completion of the acquisition of the Thai and European businesses from BRF S.A. The purchase includes four production facilities in Thailand, and one each in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. These businesses build on the company’s growth strategy to expand offerings of value-added protein in global markets.

“The addition of this experienced and talented team combined with these businesses strengthens our capabilities and increases our reach to new markets. I’m glad to welcome them to the Tyson Foods family,” said Noel White, president and CEO of Tyson Foods. “We’re now strategically aligned to better serve customers in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, building on our global strategy.”

It’s estimated that approximately 90 percent of global protein consumption growth will occur outside the United States, with 60 percent of the volume growth coming from...

Technavio: Global Poultry Market Projected to Grow 

The global poultry meat market is expected to post a CAGR of about 4% during the period 2019-2023, according to the latest market research report by Technavio.

A key factor driving the growth of the global poultry meat market is the increasing import and export of poultry meat. Various countries have increased the import of chicken meat in recent years. For instance, Japan, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, China, and Iraq were some of the key importers of chicken meat during 2018. In addition, there has been a significant increase in the import of chicken meat from emerging economies including Philippines owing to the rising demand for chicken meat among the consumers. Therefore, the rising export of chicken meat from...

Perdue Foods LLC Recalls Perdue Simply Smart Organics Poultry Products

Perdue Foods LLC., a Bridgewater, Va. establishment, is recalling approximately 31,703 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically pieces of bone material, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The fully cooked chicken products were produced on March 21, 2019. The following products are subject to recall...

Los Hernandez Tamales, LLC Recalls Chicken and Pork Products

Los Hernandez, LLC., a Moxee, Wash. establishment, is recalling approximately 9,090 pounds of chicken and pork tamales that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The tamale products were produced from Dec. 3, 2018 through Feb. 7, 2019. The following products are subject to recall...

Butterball Launches New Flavor In Premium Deli Portfolio

In 2018, Butterball launched its premium deli portfolio, featuring specialty and seasoned items with category-driving flavors that were selected specifically for the premium set. This year, Butterball is adding to this premium line with its new flavor option, Herb Roasted Thanksgiving Style Turkey Breast, to build on the Thanksgiving flavor Butterball is most recognized for. Joining Butterball’s signature Thanksgiving Style Roasted Turkey Breast product, the Herb Roasted Thanksgiving Style item will deliver a unique and complimentary flavor profile to any deli case. Oven roasted with a topical herb seasoning, this product allows consumers to enjoy the savory flavor combination of holiday stuffing and oven roasted turkey year-round.

Each of the following deli turkey and chicken items provide consumers with a premium eating experience and wholesome ingredients...

Sanderson Farms Inc Reports Results for Second Quarter of Fiscal 2019

Sanderson Farms, Inc. (NASDAQ: SAFM) today reported results for its second fiscal quarter and six months ended April 30, 2019.

Net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2019 were $845.2 million compared with $813.5 million for the same period a year ago. For the quarter, net income was $40.6 million, or $1.83 per share, compared with net income of $41.9 million, or $1.84 per share, for the second quarter of fiscal 2018.

Net sales for the first six months of fiscal 2019 were $1,588.6 million compared with $1,585.4 million for the same period of fiscal 2018. Net income for the first half of the fiscal year totaled $22.8 million, or $1.03 per share, compared with net income of $93.2 million, or $4.08 per share, for the first six months of fiscal 2018...

Perdue Responds to UGA Study on USMCA

The University of Georgia recently published a study claiming the new United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement would cost some Georgia vegetable and fruit growers revenue and jobs. The sensational assertions are flat wrong. As a proud UGA alumnus, I’m here to tell you USMCA is good for Georgia’s farmers and all American agriculture.

Chapter by chapter, verse by verse, USMCA improves virtually every component of NAFTA and Georgia’s agriculture industry stands to gain significantly. It’s important to note we didn’t get all the improvements we wanted for seasonal fruits and vegetables. While we were hopeful we could make progress in the renewed NAFTA, USMCA isn’t a step backward. The UGA study assumed we lost ground, but the facts are it wasn’t ground we had to begin with. Since the inception of NAFTA more than 20 years ago, agricultural trade between our three countries has...

ANALYSIS: ASF Update; Changing Global Protein Flows

At the time of this report, African Swine Fever continues to spread generally unchecked through China and has more recently expanded to the neighboring nations of Hong Kong, Vietnam and Cambodia, in addition to the revelation that North Korea has been dealing with it since at least February. The lastest official numbers from China admit a 20.8% drop in the April hog herd vs last year and sow losses of 22.3% year over year. As China is notoriously selective with the amount and accuracy of data that they provide the world, this situation could be...

Sikorski Sausages Co Ltd Recalls Meat and Poultry Sausage Products 

Sikorski Sausages Co., Ltd., a London, Ontario, Canada establishment, is recalling approximately 74 pounds of various imported meat and poultry sausage products that were not presented for import re-inspection into the United Sates, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The various ready-to-eat meat and poultry sausage items were imported on May 14, 2019. This spreadsheet contains a list of the products subject to the recall.

The products subject to recall bear Canadian establishment number...

Blount Fine Foods Recalls Soup with Chicken Products

Blount Fine Foods, a McKinney, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 6,690 pounds of soup with chicken products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically plastic, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The ready-to-eat chicken tortilla soup items were produced on April 26, 2019. The following products are subject to recall...

This Week in Retail: The Memorial Day Rundown

It’s finally here, the unofficial start to summer and the very official start to the grilling season. In the week leading up to Memorial Day weekend, the beef category claims the top spot for protein feature volume at 27 percent, followed by seafood at just under 26 percent.

Chicken managed to knock out pork for the number three spot with 22.5 percent of ad space, leaving pork with 18 percent. Cheaper grilling items like thighs and drumsticks helped boost chicken featuring volume this week. Meanwhile, the beef segment presents the ultimate showdown between ground beef and steak. In the pork complex, we see an increase in pork chop featuring, up nearly 8 percent week over week.

Taking a closer look at the beef complex, Urner Barry’s weekly retail beef index is right on par with the 3-year average at $5.85 per pound. This is down from the previous week’s index of $6.47 per pound. Ground beef features are modestly lower year over year at an average...

Restaurant Food Costs: What does ASF Mean for Protein Prices in the US?

Rabobank expects food costs in the US to increase in the second half of the year, as protein prices are impacted by stronger export demand following the African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak. Pork and chicken prices will be the most impacted. Beef will be the last to see increases materialize, but QSR patty prices are expected to be the most vulnerable component. If a trade agreement with China were to be brokered, price increases would be faster and steeper.

Restaurants Should Expect Rising Protein Prices

For the past two years, restaurants have been favored by a relatively benign food cost environment, which helped compensate for rising costs in other areas (labor, real estate). We expect this situation to change (for proteins) towards the second half of the year and...

Caito Foods LLC Recalls Salads with Chicken Products 

Caito Foods LLC., an Indianapolis, Ind. establishment, is recalling approximately 1,767 pounds of salad with 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 soy, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.

The ready-to-eat salads with chicken items were produced on May 12 through May 15, 2019. The following products are subject to recall...

Which Rules the Roost When it Comes to Restaurant Orders: Burgers or Chicken Sandwiches?

Burgers have been a top item ordered at U.S. restaurants for decades but chicken sandwiches have come on strong over the last several years. There are more chicken sandwich restaurant concepts and chicken sandwiches are appearing on more menus. So have burgers been knocked off their perch by chicken sandwiches? “No,” says The NPD Group, which daily tracks U.S. consumers use of restaurants and other foodservice outlets. Burgers still rule the roost and are the top sandwich ordered overall.

By the numbers, the average number of times a customer purchased a burger at a restaurant over the 12-month period ending February 2019 was 14.7 times and the customer purchase frequency of chicken sandwiches was 8.7, according to NPD’s receipt harvesting service, Checkout, which tracks...

Taylor Farms Texas Inc Recalls Salad with Chicken Products 

Taylor Farms Texas Inc., a Dallas, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 1,079 pounds of Caesar salad with 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 anchovies, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.

The ready-to-eat Caesar salad with chicken item was produced on May 8, 2019. The following products are subject to recall...

HelloFresh Elevates the At-Home Dinner Experience with the Launch of New Premium Menu Items

HelloFresh SE (HFG), the leader in delivering delicious ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes to households worldwide, today announced the launch of two new premium menu offerings: Craft Burgers and Taste Tours. Beginning today, customers can select from an alternating menu of Craft Burgers and Taste Tours dishes that are designed to elevate the at-home cooking experience by bringing everything needed to create fully-loaded burgers and flavorful global cuisines right to your doorstep.

Upping the ante on HelloFresh’s beloved burger offerings, the new Craft Burgers bring a gastropub experience to the kitchen table with loads of gourmet toppings like truffle, bacon, and caprese-style. For home cooks who love global cuisine like dim sum and paella, the new Taste Tours dishes take customers on...

This Week in Retail: Grocery Outlook for May—Beef, Chicken Steal the Show

It’s finally here—the month that unofficially kicks off the summer grilling season and features several retail buying occasions to boost spending.

May brings about warmer weather conducive to grilling activities, along with graduation parties, Mother’s Day and, of course, the big kahuna—Memorial Day. Healthy demand on the wholesale side has already been evident for some time as packers and processors prepare for retail and foodservice needs.

Mother’s Day is well known to be a foodservice holiday, but increasingly, the grocery segment has managed to compete with foodservice through convenience offerings like prepared foods, meal kits, catering, and deli. And, with the cost of food away from home growing at a faster rate than that of... 

Santa Fe Importers, Inc. Recalls Ready-To-Eat Chicken Products

Santa Fe Importers, Inc., a Long Beach, Calif. establishment, is recalling approximately 1,589 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) chicken meatball 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 contain soy, a known allergen, which is not declared on the products label.

The frozen, RTE chicken Thai-style meatballs were produced and packaged on April 24, 2019. The following products are subject to recall...

Kroger and Home Chef Launch Pilot for Three New Retail Meal Solutions

The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) and Home Chef announced today a pilot to enhance its existing selection of meal kits sold in more than 900 Kroger Family of Stores across the country with three new options.

• Home Chef Oven-Ready meals feature fresh, ready-to-cook ingredients packed in an oven-safe tin to make both meal preparation and clean-up quick and effortless.
• Home Chef Heat & Eat meals are delicious, fully-cooked, ready-to-heat meals, proteins and sides that can be prepared in as little as five minutes.
• Home Chef Lunch Kits include salads, grain bowls, sandwiches and more with fully cooked proteins and can be prepared easily...

Tyson says Hog Disease Impact to Linger for Years

Global meat prices are poised to rise after China culled tens of millions of hogs to contain a fast-spreading swine disease, the chief executive of Tyson Foods Inc. said.

The top U.S. meat processing company already is paying higher prices for U.S. hogs and other meat as Chinese buyers crank up purchases, Tyson executives said Monday. In the months ahead, Tyson anticipates higher meat costs for consumers, as well as stronger profits in its own pork, beef and chicken-processing operations.

Noel White, CEO of the Arkansas-based company, said the potential impact of the past year's African swine fever outbreaks was unprecedented, and could lower global meat supplies by 5% at a time when protein consumption is on the rise world-wide...

Conagra Brands Inc Recalls Chicken Pad Thai and Chicken Fried Rice

Conagra Brands, Inc., a Russellville, Ark. establishment, is recalling approximately 2,094,186 pounds of frozen entrees due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product contains milk, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.

The P.F. Chang’s Home Menu Chicken Pad Thai and Chicken Fried Rice are frozen, heat treated, not fully cooked and not shelf stable. They were produced on various dates between Oct. 1, 2018 and April 11, 2019, with “Best By” dates of Sept. 26, 2019 through April 5, 2020.

The products subject to this recall bear establishment number...

Tyson Foods Inc Recalls Chicken Strip Products 

Tyson Foods, Inc., a Rogers, Ark. establishment, is recalling approximately 11,829,517 million pounds of frozen, ready-to-eat chicken strip products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically pieces of metal, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The frozen, ready-to-eat chicken strip items were produced on various dates from Oct. 1, 2018 through March 8, 2019 and have “Use By Dates” of Oct. 1, 2019 through March 7, 2020. The following products are subject to recall...

Tyson Foods Reports Strong Second Quarter Fiscal 2019 Results

Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN), 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 $2.67, down 49% from record prior year (prior year included a one-time tax benefit of $2.71)
• Adjusted EPS of $2.78, down 10% from record prior year
• GAAP operating income of $1,442 million; Adjusted operating income of $1,495 million
• Total Company GAAP operating margin of 7.0%; Adjusted operating margin of...

UB Executive Conference: Meat and Poultry Panel Captivates with Complex Analysis and Insight

Day two of the 2019 Executive Conference was filled with premium analysis and top insights, and it all led up to the highly anticipated Reporter Panel discussions. This year, the congruent breakout sessions featured a Poultry and Red Meat panel, with Urner Barry Market Reporters Gary Morrison, Dylan Hughes, Russell Barton, and Evan Addis. Here are a just few highlights from the session:

Examining a few macro-economic factors, Gary Morrison kicked off the conversation noting that the stock market is in its longest bull run in history. There is record low unemployment. Consumer confidence is up, and wages are rising. And it’s protein that tends to benefit from more spending—as consumer spending buoys consumption.

“Right now, we’re seeing all-time... 

U.S. Exports for Most Major Meat Commodities Grew in 2018

U.S. exports of beef, pork, and broilers (young chickens) were strong in 2018, driven by domestic production increases and favorable foreign demand. Compared to the previous year, beef exports increased 10.3 percent, pork exports increased 4.2 percent, and broiler exports were 4.1 percent higher than in 2017. Lamb and mutton exports were 1.5 percent lower despite stronger domestic production. Turkey exports declined 1.8 percent, with lower turkey production likely a contributing factor. Egg exports were 6.1 percent lower in 2018 than a year earlier, while production increased 2.1 percent year over year.

The ERS Livestock and Meat International Trade Data product provides monthly and annual data on U.S. meat and livestock exports and imports. The data are broken down by country and commodity and are available for cattle, beef, hogs and pigs, pork, lamb and mutton, broilers, turkeys, and eggs. An analysis of the data helps explain...

Sonic Drive-In Says Aloha with New King's Hawaiian Clubs

SONIC® Drive-In adds a taste of Hawaii to its menu this month with the all-new KING’S HAWAIIAN® Clubs. Complete with island flair, SONIC transforms its Classic Crispy Chicken Sandwich and SONIC Burger to create the irresistible KING’S HAWAIIAN Chicken Club and KING’S HAWAIIAN Burger Club.

Guests can choose between the KING’S HAWAIIAN Chicken Club made with 100-percent all white meat crispy chicken or the KING’S HAWAIIAN Burger Club made with a savory 100-percent pure beef patty, both piled high with fresh lettuce, ripe tomato, crunchy bacon, and natural Swiss cheese layered on the iconic KING’S HAWAIIAN Bun. Starting at just...

Urner Barry to Host Global Protein Summit in Chicago This Fall

Urner Barry, the leading provider of protein market news and information in the food industry, is pleased to announce a brand-new event designed to bring clarity and insight into the increasingly complex business of food and agriculture, through the first-ever Global Protein Summit.

Urner Barry’s Global Protein Summit will be held in Chicago on October 7-8, 2019. Specifically designed for those in the beef, pork, and poultry industry, this two-day agenda is packed with intel from the foremost experts on economics and agribusiness. Hear from top speakers and analysts on China and other global trade partners, African Swine Fever, alternative proteins, changing consumer demands, and what to look out for as we move forward.

“We understand how complex this environment has become, and how hard it is to navigate through the rapid pace of change in the global protein markets,” says Jim Kenny, COO at Urner Barry. “Our customers are telling us that...

Wendy's Releases New Chicken Lineup 

Wendy's recently released the Made to Crave menu – a sandwich line dedicated to unlocking a whole new world of flavors. Now, Wendy's Made to Crave menu is bringing you a new chicken lineup guaranteed to satisfy those craveable taste buds. Introducing three new chicken sandwiches to Wendy's chicken menu: Avocado BLT, S'Awesome Bacon Chicken and Barbecue Chicken.

Made to Crave Chicken sandwiches takes Wendy's core menu that much further, driving more flavor variety to your go-to chicken sandwiches while never sacrificing quality. The best part? The Made to Crave Chicken lineup features each of Wendy's different fillets. We're talking the lightly breaded and specially seasoned homestyle, grilled and for when you want to raise the temperature a bit – spicy. Each sandwich is made with...

UB Executive Conference: Keynote Rob Lynch of Arby’s Says “Persevere with Pride”

“We Have the Meats” is the #1 recognized tagline in QSR today—and Rob Lynch is the man behind that marketing strategy.

Rob Lynch is President at Arby’s and this year’s keynote speaker at Urner Barry’s Executive Conference.

When Rob first joined the company, Arby’s wasn’t the force it is today. But then CEO of Arby’s Paul Brown told him in their initial meeting, “Were going to change the entire company, or die trying.”

It’s safe to say, they succeeded. The company has seen incredible growth in just the last five years, making countless headlines and unforgettable impressions while...

EU Set to Ban Meat Names for Veggie Alternatives 

What’s in a name? The fast-growing meat substitute market may soon face this question as meat-related terms and names could be banned for veggie alternatives, following a vote from the EU’s Agriculture Committee’s in early April. Terms such as steak, sausage, escalope, burger and hamburger will no longer be allowed for vegetable-based products, if the measures pass the next stages. However, they still face a vote by the full parliament, then need to be put to member states and the European commission.

Upping the likelihood of approval is a similar ban on the use of dairy product names such as milk, cheese or yogurt for plant-based products which came into force in...

Poultry is King of Proteins in International Poultry Council Outlook

As the International Poultry Council (IPC) took stock of the global protein outlook at its first semester meeting in New Orleans, La. last week, one economic reality riveted attention: Total world production of pork will decline in 2019 with poultry in position to wrest the crown from pork as the world’s most consumed meat protein.

The upheaval in meat proteins is being driven by African swine fever (ASF) in pig herds in three continents and 15 countries. Production losses in 2019 are expected to amount to 14 percent of the world’s pork supply but may continue to move higher.

“Hog losses in China due to ASF will trigger big shocks in global protein markets,” Christine McCracken, senior protein analyst at Rabobank, told IPC members, “and poultry is the meat protein with the most to win...

Church's Chicken Offers New Spicy Tenders LTO

Fried chicken with a spicy kick that's not only hot, but flavorful too, is a Church's Chicken® tradition that's been going strong for 66 years and counting. It started with guests squeezing the juice of a jalapeño pepper over the brand's hand-battered fried chicken, but it hasn't stopped there. Today, Church's menu still prominently features jalapeño peppers, but also includes the brand's one-of-a-kind Spicy Chicken recipe made from a signature blend of red pepper, cracked black pepper, chipotle, and habanero peppers, in addition to jalapeño peppers. The bold, Texas-inspired heat and savory flavor is a big fan favorite with guests, but what many don't know is that there's a Church's menu "secret" for...