Analysis: Chicken’s Enhanced Presence on Freezer Shelves

Given the turbulent market undercurrent which continues to ensnarl the chicken complex, players are digging through the supply-side data as they scavenge the stats for direction and clarity...

KFC is Testing New Kentucky Fried Chicken Wraps in Select Atlanta Restaurants

The fans asked, and we listened! Kentucky Fried Chicken® is shaking up its menus with the release of its new Kentucky Fried Chicken Wraps in select Atlanta restaurants for a limited time, starting today.

Kentucky Fried Chicken Wraps are packed with flavor and available in three mouthwatering options for fans to choose from, starting at only $3 each or in a two-wrap combo*. Varieties include:

- The Classic Chicken Wrap, a hand-breaded Extra Crispy™ Tender, crunchy pickles, and creamy mayo, wrapped up...

Just Ahead of Thanksgiving, Record Turkey and Egg Prices Indicate Strain on Poultry Sector

The effects of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), inflation and more in turkey and other poultry markets

Fall has arrived and Thanksgiving is just around the corner. As many begin planning for the holiday meal, one of the questions being asked is, “Will there be enough turkeys to go around for Thanksgiving?” There are many factors fueling this question. High prices, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and inflation have garnered attention from consumers and media nationwide. This Market Intel will address the current issues influencing the turkey industry and what consumers can expect as we edge closer to Thanksgiving and beyond...

Do Good Chicken Reports 10 Million Pounds of Food Surplus Saved From Landfills in First Six Months 

Do Good Chicken™, the first chicken brand that fights food waste and combats climate change, reports it has diverted more than 10 million pounds of healthy surplus grocery food from landfills, after community donations are made, to upcycle into nutritious chicken feed. The milestone comes just six months since Do Good Chicken's spring 2022 retail launch and equates to saving surplus grocery food weighing approximately three times the weight of the Statue of Liberty, preventing an estimated 950 metric tons of greenhouse...

This Week in Retail: Protein Indices Are Above 3-Year Average; CPI Data Released 

In the face of ongoing inflationary pressures along with animal disease issues impacting the protein industry, wholesale beef, pork, and poultry prices continue to reside at or challenge all-time highs. 

In the retail red meat complex, Urner Barry’s weekly retail feature beef index this week averages $6.34 per pound, down $1.02 per pound from a week ago but 6 cents per pound above the 3-year average.

The boxed beef market is currently moving mostly sideways but has dipped to 52-week lows in recent days. Despite this, Urner Barry's Choice and Select cutouts remain at near seasonal all-time highs, second or third to 2021 and 2014....

Wayne-Sanderson Farms Rebranding Focused on Shared Values, Future Goals of New Poultry Company

Wayne-Sanderson Farms has unveiled a new brand identity and logo following the recent merger of the two industry leaders. The company’s new identifying mark was designed to resonate the shared values and business objectives of what is now the third-largest poultry producer in the nation.

“It’s an exciting time for our company, our employees and our customers,” said Clint Rivers, Wayne-Sanderson Farms president and CEO. “Bringing two of the best companies in the business together positions us for more sustainable operations, more competitive...

CDFA Finalizes Proposition 12 Regulations—What Lies Ahead?

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has finalized the Proposition 12 implementation rules, which can be found here. The finalized regulations are similar to the second modified text, which was released in June of this year. 

According to an FAQ on CDFA's website, Proposition 12 is a "ballot initiative passed in 2018 by California voters that prohibits confining farm animals (egg-laying hens, veal calves and breeding pigs) in a cruel manner and prohibits the sale of products (eggs, veal meat and pork meat) from farm animals confined in a cruel manner into California commerce."

The law mandates minimum housing space requirements for breeding pigs, veal calves, and egg-laying hens and was originally set to begin on January 1, 2022. However, a ruling earlier this year delayed Proposition 12 for 180 days after the final rules went into effect...

Chipotle Tests Chicken Al Pastor in Select Markets

Chipotle Mexican Grill today announced it is testing Chicken Al Pastor at 94 restaurants in Denver and Indianapolis. Available now for a limited time, Chicken Al Pastor features the bold yet balanced flavor of spicy adobo, achiote, morita peppers, pineapple, cilantro and fresh lime juice.

Firing Up Fans
Chipotle kitchens are heating up with the brand's latest fiery chicken menu innovation. Following the success of Pollo Asado, Chipotle is testing a new premium chicken option that adds an exciting level of spice to guests' go-to orders. Prepared in small batches throughout...

Perdue Foods Voluntarily Withdraws PERDUE® Gluten Free Chicken Breast Tenders

Perdue Foods LLC has voluntarily withdrawn frozen fully cooked PERDUE® Gluten Free Chicken Breast Tenders with a “Best If Used By Date” of 07/12/23 and a UPC Bar Code of 0-72745-83492-9 because a foreign material was identified in a minimal amount of consumer packages. The withdrawn product was distributed exclusively through BJ’s club stores.

There have been no reports of injury or illness associated with this product.

“We determined the source of the material to be blue ink and a small..."

ANALYSIS: June Chicken Exports: A Mid-Year Perspective Check

Although the month-over-month (MoM) chicken export comparisons during June aren’t particularly revealing at first glance, it’s important to maintain a broad sense of perspective on just how far the chicken industry has come so far this year...

This Week in Retail: Reviewing the Chicken Complex; CPI Update

This week in retail, we’ll take a deeper dive into the retail chicken landscape ahead of the approaching NFL season, which officially kicks off in four weeks.

Chicken currently ranks fourth in protein buying opportunities with 16.4%. Seafood, beef, and pork hold the top three spots, respectively.

Urner Barry’s Weekly Retail Feature Chicken Index is $2.96 per pound this week, up 10% from the 5-year average of $2.69 per pound. 

Within the chicken complex, boneless skinless breasts hold the most ad volume at 42.5%. Drumsticks are the next highest featured item with 15.5% of total chicken ads...

NCC Statement in Response to FSIS Announcing its Plans to Declare Salmonella an Adulterant 

The National Chicken Council today released the following statement in response to FSIS announcing its plans to declare Salmonella an adulterant in frozen, raw, breaded, stuffed, chicken products. Attributable to Ashley Peterson, Ph.D., senior vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs.

“As these products often appear ready to eat, but contain raw chicken, we recognize their nature raises special considerations that merit additional attention. The National Chicken Council (NCC) and our member companies have invested millions of dollars and have worked for more than a...

Hot Ones™ New Boneless Chicken Bites Heat Up the Freezer Aisle

First We Feast's, Hot Ones, has expanded its partnership with John Soules Foods and FoodStory Brands to launch five new flavors of Hot Ones Boneless Chicken Bites that are paired with the show's authentic sauce flavors. The line rolled out this month in Walmart's freezer aisle and will soon debut in other retailers across the country. The new Hot Ones Boneless Chicken Bites come in 18.6 oz. resealable bags, including heat-and-eat all-natural, white-meat boneless chicken bites, each paired with an official Hot Ones sauce...

Real Good Foods Announces Launch of High Protein, Low Carb, Grain Free, Chicken Nuggets & Strips

The Real Good Food Company, Inc., an innovative, high-growth, branded, health- and wellness-focused frozen food company, today announced the launch of its most anticipated platform ever, nutritious Chicken Nuggets and Strips.

Real Good Foods is expanding into the largest frozen food category, Frozen Meat & Poultry, with a nutritious twist on one of US consumers' favorite foods. The Frozen Meat & Poultry category, an $8.9B category according to SPINS L52 weeks, is ripe for real innovation, as most breaded chicken options today offer the...

Consumers Rely on Chicken Even as Inflation Affects Prices

While consumers average rating for their current financial situation is in the middle between “poor” and “excellent,” 87 percent are buying more or the same amount of fresh chicken now compared to six months ago, according to research presented today at the 2022 Chicken Marketing Summit.

The National Chicken Council (NCC) and WATT Global Media presented the results of a study that focused on current and anticipated U.S. consumer behavior, specifically, consumption of fresh chicken. The results suggest opportunities for chicken to maintain market share. IRI provided supporting data from its...

Do Good Chicken Featured on the Global Stage by the World Economic Forum

Do Good Chicken, the first chicken brand that fights food waste and combats climate change has been featured by the World Economic Forum (WEF). The video celebrates Do Good Chicken as a revolutionary climate-forward brand, making positive impact for our planet.

Each year about 40% of healthy grocery food gets tossed into landfills. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, if food waste were its own country, it would be the third largest emitter of greenhouse gases in the world, behind the U.S. and...

ANALYSIS: The Changing Tide of Chicken Hatch

When it comes to chicken production, one of the more perplexing topics of conversation over the past year has been the hatch...

Boston Market Launches The One and Only, Rotisserie Chicken Nuggets

Boston Market is changing how you eat rotisserie chicken and nuggets. The future of nuggets is here and thanks to Boston Market, they're roasted, not fried. Today, the beloved family brand proudly announces the launch of its one and only, Rotisserie Chicken Nuggets, a healthier grab-and-go meal option that currently does not exist in the market and is packed with big flavor. The nugget innovation will be available at all 315 restaurants nationwide and can be ordered in either signature or spicy flavors.

Boston Market's Rotisserie Chicken Nuggets...

This Week in Retail: This Year's July Fourth Cookout Could be Costlier 

Consumers might sweat when shopping for July Fourth festivities since this year's cookout could be costlier than in years past.

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, inflation remains elevated at a multi-decade high with the index for meats, poultry, fish, and eggs rising 14.2% over the last 12 months.

Despite higher retail prices and squeezed budgets, most households are forging ahead with their Independence Day plans. According to the National Retail Federation, 84% of consumers plan to celebrate the Fourth this year.

Of those, 59% of people plan to ring in Independence Day with a cookout...

PERDUE® CHICKEN PLUS® Chicken Tots™ Among PEOPLE Magazine’s Best Supermarket Products of the Year

PERDUE® CHICKEN PLUS® Chicken Tots™ today was named a winner in the PEOPLE’s Food Awards 2022 as one of the Best Supermarket Products of the Year. The Chicken Tots took gold as best chicken product among testers who selected the “most delicious new foods in the grocery store.”

“The combo of white-meat chicken, cauliflower, chickpeas, cabbage and potatoes covered in a crunchy panko coating made it a star with parents,” said PEOPLE editors, who sampled nearly 1,300 new products...

ANALYSIS: A Birds-Eye Glimpse into Q3 Production Expectations

The most recent release of the Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Outlook Report brings with it some signs of encouragement for players on the buying side of the negotiation table...

Popeyes® Celebrates 50 Years of Loving that Chicken

Y’all, Popeyes® just turned 50! That’s a lot of LOVE and a lot of signature chicken. The beloved southern brand was founded in 1972 by Al Copeland in New Orleans, and since its doors opened on June 12th, the brand has offered guests fried chicken and southern sides that mimic the delicious homemade food you would find walking into any kitchen in the south. Its Louisiana roots and bold Cajun flavors and seasonings have allowed the brand to stand out with fans against the competition for decades...

ANALYSIS: April’s Chicken Exports Bring Hint of Seasonality

Total chicken export volume through the end of April, while noteworthy, generally forged along a well-worn seasonal path...

ANALYSIS: Boneless Breast Descent Seasonally Anticipated

It almost goes without saying that jumbo boneless breasts have been the central focus of chicken market participants lately, and with good reason...

Northern Tier Bakery, LLC Recalls Ready-To-Eat Salad Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination

Northern Tier Bakery, LLC, a St. Paul Park, Minn. establishment, is recalling approximately 905 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) salad products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The RTE salad items were produced from May 18, 2022, through June 8, 2022. The following products are subject to recall [view labels]:

4-oz. plastic packages of “SUPERMOM’S KITCHEN Chef Salad EGG, WHITE TURKEY MEAT, HAM, MONTEREY JACK...

Farmer Focus Evolves Package Design To Attract Consumers to Organic Chicken

Today, Farmer Focus, the only 100% USDA organic and Humane CertifiedⓇ chicken company with a mission to promote and protect generational family farms, announces updated packaging designed to stand out on crowded shelves attracting new consumers to organic chicken while showcasing differentiated brand values. In addition to highlighting key claims like “Organic & Free Range”, the packaging features a new QR code, making it easier than ever to trace every package of Farmer Focus chicken back to the farm where it was raised.

The packaging changes were inspired by consumer...

This Week in Retail: Protein Features for Memorial Day Weekend

For Memorial Day weekend, beef features steal the spotlight with 30% of total protein ad volume. Seafood claims 28.5%, followed by pork with 23%. Chicken features account for 15% of retail buying opportunities, while turkey sneaks in with 1.6%.

In the beef complex, steaks have nearly 48% of feature volume. Ground beef ads account for 30%. The steak complex averages $9.18 per pound, up $1.15 per pound from a year ago. All except for top round and bone-in rib are priced higher than a year ago.

The price of 80% lean ground beef averages slightly above a year ago at $3.32 per pound. Burgers are often favored as a cost-effective and easy way to feed large gatherings...

ANALYSIS: Chicken Production: Is Hatchability Beginning to Heal?

With 2022’s trade environment riddled with challenges ranging from price volatility to disease, buyers and sellers of chicken are going through the production stats with a fine-tooth comb in hopes of finding any sign of relief...

This Week in Retail: Beef Ads Lag Leading Up to Memorial Day

The Memorial Day holiday is just one weekend away and grocers are gearing up for the unofficial start to the summer grilling season.

This major retail occasion typically drives sales from the meat case, with items like burgers and hot dogs stealing the spotlight.

Beef features account for 28% of total protein ad volume this week, up slightly from the previous week. Pork and seafood are tied for second with 25%. Chicken claims 16%, even with the week prior. 

While beef holds the top spot in retail buying opportunities, market participants have reported lackluster beef features for this time of year. May is typically the strongest period of the year for beef demand...

While beef holds the top spot in buying opportunities, market participants have noted lackluster beef features for this time of year. May is typically the strongest period of the year for beef demand...

Do Good Foods Launches Carbon-Reduced Chicken in Philadelphia

Today, a new climate-forward food company, Do Good Foods, has officially launched Do Good Chicken in grocers throughout Philadelphia. The company is on a mission to change the world with products that enable people to "Do Good" with everyday purchases. Its first introduction, Do Good Chicken, is a simple, tasty, good for plate and planet option that helps fight food waste and combat climate change.

Each year, about 40% of healthy grocery food gets tossed into landfills. According to the United Nation Food and Agriculture Organization...

This Week in Retail: Protein Demand and Rising Food Inflation

Fueled by rising food inflation, consumers nationwide continue to see higher prices for protein along with other goods, both at retail and foodservice. 

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 8.3% in April, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics—down slightly from the month prior. However, the latest figure was still near a 40-year high and slightly above what some analysts had anticipated. 

The food index increased 0.9% last month, its seventeenth consecutive monthly increase. 

Five of the six major grocery store food group indexes increased in April. The fruits and vegetable category was the only index that declined last month. The index for meats, poultry, fish, and eggs rose 1.4% in April, driven by a 10.3% increase in the egg index...

McDonald's USA Helps Fans Unleash Their McNugget Persona with In-App Deal on April 27

There's no wrong way to enjoy Chicken McNuggets® – whether you use them as a delicious way to get to your fave dipping sauce, eat all the McNugget shapes in a specific order, or swear by your own menu hack (like dunking your McNuggets into a McFlurry®... IYKYK).

Some people may not understand the way you roll, but we do. Take the McNuggets Personality Quiz to find out if you're the Creative Type, Sauce Superfan, Shape Connoisseur or Sharer. Then, test out your...

ANALYSIS: Q2 Chicken Production Expectations Buck Protein Downtrend

The latest release of the Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Outlook Report is certainly eye-opening as ready-to-cook (RTC) production of most key proteins is projected to decline on a year-over-year (YoY) basis throughout Q2...

Chicken n' Biscuits by Cracker Barrel™ Enters the Chicken Sandwich Competition

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® has announced its original virtual brand Chicken n' Biscuits, known for serving up hearty portions of delicious chicken-forward meals and fresh biscuits, will now offer a new, exclusive Homestyle Chicken Sandwich at 400 locations nationwide via DoorDash, Uber Eats and Grubhub. The new Homestyle Chicken Sandwich is built from the brand's quintessential chicken fried chicken – hand-breaded fried chicken with signature breading, perfectly crispy on the outside and perfectly juicy on the inside. The sandwich is adorned with fresh pickles and...

ANALYSIS: Weighing Chicken Slaughter Expectations

The chicken industry is no stranger to upward-trending bird weights...

ANALYSIS: Chicken Cold Storage: A Contra-Seasonal Tale

A quick glance at the latest Cold Storage Report highlights the contra-seasonal inventory movement of several key lines within the chicken complex...

This Week in Retail: Steak Features See Boost from Warmer Weather; Eyeing HPAI

Sunday marked the official start of spring. For retailers, that means grilling season is rapidly approaching, and with it—the opportunity for increased meat sales.

Steak features surged this week, accounting for 50.5 percent of total beef ads—up 16 percentage points from the week prior. Feature volume for roasts, meanwhile, has decreased, falling from 38.2 percent last week to 23.2 percent this week.

This week in retail, the steak complex averages $8.12 per pound, up 12.8 percent from a year ago. Boneless strip steaks are widely featured at grocery outlets across the nation and average $11.68 per pound, up 36 percent from a year ago. Top sirloin steaks are up 3.3 percent YoY at $5.64 per pound while bottom round steaks clock in at $5.54 per pound, up a whopping 68.4 percent from this week last year...

Panera Announces New Chef's Chicken Sandwiches

Today, Panera is announcing new Chef's Chicken Sandwiches, available at Panera bakery-cafes nationwide on March 30. The addition to the menu will feature two new seared, chef-crafted chicken sandwiches elevating even the highest of chicken sandwich expectations with each bite. To satisfy every craving, Panera is unveiling two takes on the Chef's Chicken Sandwich: the "Signature Take" and the "Spicy Take." Both handcrafted masterpieces will be available starting at $10.99;* and Panera is confident the combination of its chefs' sandwich expertise along with high quality, Clean ingredients** is worth it, and...

ANALYSIS: Cumulative Chicken Slaughter Walks Along Well-Worn Path, With Some Caveats

With Q1 all but in the rearview mirror, and in light of the recent volatility surrounding much of the chicken complex, we thought it would be a timely opportunity to assess how the year-to-date (YTD) slaughter figures are stacking up so far...

New Study Highlights Benefits of the Partnership Between Contract Farmers and Chicken Companies

The National Chicken Council today released a study that presents the results of a recent broiler industry survey designed to capture key live chicken production statistics. In addition, the study summarizes several key trends in broiler production efficiency, returns and loan quality data.

“Raising chickens under contract is one of the best and most reliable sources of cash flow that helps keep families on the farm,” noted agriculture economist and the study’s author, Dr. Thomas Elam, president of FarmEcon LLC. “The business partnerships between chicken farmers and chicken companies are mutually beneficial, viable and profitable. The real winner is the American consumer, though, who benefits from the healthiest and most affordable protein in the meat case.”

ANALYSIS: Chicken Exports Keep in Line with Seasonal Trend

Although the newly released chicken export figures for January were a mixed bag, trade volume generally followed along a familiar, albeit enhanced, seasonal path...

Chipotle Launches Pollo Asado in the U.S. and Canada

Chipotle Mexican Grill today announced its all new Pollo Asado is available at restaurants in the U.S. and Canada for a limited time. Pollo Asado is grilled fresh in Chipotle's kitchens using classic cooking techniques to build bright, craveable flavor. The protein is available at participating locations and via the Chipotle app, Chipotle.com, and third-party delivery partners.

An Entirely New Chicken Experience

Chipotle's first chicken menu innovation in its 29-year history, Pollo Asado's elevated flavor profile offers a new take on your go-to order. Grilled fresh and...

ANALYSIS: The “Why” Behind WOG Values

For anybody keeping tabs on the chicken market recently, they know that trade experiences and sentiment have been diverse and, at times, contentious...

ANALYSIS: Chicken Hatch Anchors Production Potential

With nine of the past twelve months year-over-year (YoY) pullet placement advancements in the books, chicken market participants are turning to the charts and wondering why headcount figures continue to reside below 2021...

Smashburger® Launches New Nationwide Menu with the Addition of Two Chicken Tender Offerings

Smashburger®, the better burger fast casual restaurant, announces the launch of its brand new menu, launching nationwide today. The new revamped menu will feature two brand new menu items: Adult Chicken Tenders and Scorchin' Hot Chicken Tenders. Inspired by successful menu testing at select locations and the popularity of the 2021 Scorchin' Hot Crispy Chicken Sandwich, the new chicken offerings will be available in 3-piece and 5-piece quantities and are made of crispy, all white meat chicken, with your choice of sauce...

Zaxby's Launches New Signature Club Sandwich

Zaxby's, the premium quick-service restaurant known for its Chicken Fingerz™, wings and signature sauces, is adding the new Signature Club Sandwich to its lineup of award-winning sandwiches. Zaxby's version of the Signature Club Sandwich features the brand's Signature Sandwich adding two slices of bacon and American Cheese with a choice of Zax sauce or Spicy Zax sauce. The sandwich is served as a meal with crinkle fries and a drink and will replace the Zaxby's Club that is currently on the menu. Prices may vary by location.

"With the launch of..."

This Week in Retail: Farewell February; What's Next?

Wrapping up the final full week of February, wintry weather is in full force as back-to-back storms rip through the Eastern two-thirds of the country. Amidst the havoc, retailers are eagerly looking towards spring demand, which is boosted by seasonal influences including more favorable grilling conditions and holidays like Easter.

Retail protein sales are typically sluggish in February, leaving much to be desired among grocers. However, consumer retail demand for meat has remained strong so far this year despite a normal seasonal lull and higher prices for most items. In the near term, grocers will begin to shift their retail features from red meat and poultry towards seafood as Lenten observers begin a 40-day period of fasting and reduced meat consumption starting on March 2^nd.

The seafood complex accounts for 27% of total protein features this week. Beef makes up 26.5% of feature volume, while pork closes in on 21%. Chicken claims almost 13% of ad space, followed by eggs...

Church's Chicken® Brings Back Texas Tenders™ 'n Butterfly Shrimp For a Limited Time

Church's Chicken® is taking customers to the Great State of Flavor™ by bringing back two fan favorites and introducing a new and sweet soon-to-be favorite. The Texas Tenders™ 'n Butterfly Shrimp, which made its debut in 2021, is returning for a second year along with the Strawberry Blast drink option. To accompany the limited-time meal, Church's is also introducing a brand-new Banana Pudding dessert topped with classic Nilla® Wafer cookies.

The Texas Tenders™ 'n Butterfly Shrimp...

Zaxby's offers 'Get One, Give One' Boneless Wings Meal on Random Acts of Kindness Day

Zaxby's, the premium quick-service restaurant known for its Chicken Fingerz™, wings and signature sauces, is celebrating Random Acts of Kindness Day with a special 'Get One, Give One' online-only deal all day long on Feb. 17, while supplies last. Zaxby's Boneless Wings Meal features five, tender, tasty boneless wings tossed in new Buffalo Garlic Blaze or another one of nine different sauces and is served with Texas Toast, crinkle fries and Ranch sauce.

"We wanted to serve up some kindness for our..."

ANALYSIS: Chicken Exports: An Admirable Conclusion to a Choppy Year

With 2021’s ending export figures now released, chicken market participants are digging into the stats to gauge how December’s exporting efforts ultimately played out...

This Week in Retail: February Lull Lifted by Game Day Food Purchases

Among retailers, February is normally a sluggish period for protein sales since wintry weather foils efforts to grill outdoors (except for the select few devoted fans, that is). A disruptive winter storm is currently blasting through the central, northeastern, and southern U.S. following a Nor’easter that hammered the East Coast last weekend.

Along with the weather, other factors that typically contribute to sluggish meat sales this month include tighter budgets following holiday shopping in December along with the absence of major holidays.

Grocers are looking for ways to increase store traffic this month by featuring attractive prices, when possible, on cuts of meats commonly used by families to stretch their food dollars. This includes pork butt and beef shoulder, which are great for slow-cooking and can be used in leftovers. Moreover, the upcoming Super Bowl presents an opportunity for grocers to drum up additional interest in the meat case. The Los Angeles Rams and Cincinnati Bengals will battle for the coveted Lombardi Trophy next weekend...

Wendy's New Hot Honey Duo of Craft Sandwiches Delivers Sweet, Sweet Heat Morning, Noon and Night

Wendy's® answers the question, "where does heat meet sweet?" with the launch of the new Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich and Hot Honey Chicken Biscuit. Marrying the sweet taste of honey with the fiery habanero kick you expect from the Queen of Spice, the hand-crafted duo packs a punch Wendy's fans will love all day long. With the Hot Honey Chicken Biscuit for breakfast and Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich available rest of day, Wendy's reigns supreme when it comes to bringing...

ANALYSIS: Chicken Hatchability Struggles to Gain Altitude

Nine of the past twelve months have brought with them a notable increase in year-over-year (YoY) pullet placements, and with a 12.7% advance now in the books, December’s figures were no exception...

This Week in Retail: Wing Prices Take Flight Ahead of Super Bowl

Seafood feature volume advanced to 28% this week, taking the top spot across proteins in retail buying opportunities. Beef closely follows with 27%, while pork and chicken features claim 18% and 10%, respectively, of ad space. Egg features climbed to 13%, up from 7% the week prior.

At the seafood counter, catfish, cod, and tilapia fillets average $6.55 per pound, nearly 13% above year-ago levels. Cooked shrimp features are roughly 90 cents higher than a year ago, averaging $8.49 per pound. Raw shrimp is featured at $7.57 on average for various counts, down 8.4% from this time last year.

In the retail beef complex, 80% lean ground beef averages $3.49 per pound, up 7% from a year ago but lower than both boneless skinless chicken breasts and chicken tenders. The steak and roast complexes continue to maintain hefty premiums to year-ago levels. Steaks average $8.47 per pound, up from $7.19 per pound in 2021. Roasts are featured at $6.06 per pound on average, a nearly 34% YoY increase...

New Year, New Flavor: 7-Eleven Introduces Limited Time Only Spicy Garlic Chicken Roller

Attention, spicy food lovers! The menu at 7-Eleven, Inc. is getting spicier this winter. That's right, the world's leading convenience retailer is dropping a hot new item on its iconic roller grill: the Spicy Garlic Chicken Roller.

The mouthwatering roller is perfect for lunch on the go or an anytime snack and is available now for a limited time only at participating 7-Eleven® stores nationwide. The Spicy Garlic Chicken Roller has all white meat chicken and a smooth swiss cheesy blend breaded in...

Roses are Red, Violets are Blue, Write a Love Note on Tyson® Nuggets to Express Your 'I Love You'

Food is often an expression of love. And this Valentine's Day, Tyson® brand is inviting Americans to show their love to a sweetheart, friend or family member with the brand's beloved heart-shaped chicken nuggets, Nuggets of Love. Made with 100% white meat chicken raised with no antibiotics ever, Tyson Nuggets of Love are now available for a limited time at select retailers nationwide.

To help people say, "I love you" this Valentine's Day, Tyson brand is...

This Week in Retail: Wintry Weather Boosts Protein Sales

While major buying occasions are sparse in January, wintry weather helps support sales at the meat case this month as consumers stock up on protein for hearty, comfort food recipes.  At present, the National Weather Service is calling for significant winter weather in the Southern and Eastern U.S.

Buying opportunities for seafood and beef have dominated the protein complex so far this year. Seafood narrowly beats out beef for first in buying opportunities this week, claiming 28% of total ad volume. Beef accounts for 26%. 

Retail feature prices for most beef roast cuts—popular with cold-weather cooking—are higher than year-ago levels. Bottom round averages $4.98 per pound, a 15% YoY increase. 80% lean ground beef is up $1.04 per pound, or 37.4%, from last year at $3.82 per pound on average.  

Pork makes up 24% of total ad volume this week. Hams are featured at competitive price points since retailers are looking to clear out excess inventory after the holidays...

ANALYSIS: Jumbo Wings: Keeping an Eye to the Sky

During NFL playoff season, which is now upon us, wing marketers would typically be gearing up as they prepare for one of the busiest quarters of the year...

ANALYSIS: November Broiler Exports: A Month of Extremes

With the latest export figures hot off the press, poultry players are enthusiastically digging into the stats as they attempt to gauge the end result of November’s marketing efforts...

You Pick 2®: Panera Ignites 2022 Menu with New Soup and Salad Duo

Today, Panera Bread has announced two delicious new menu items curated by Panera's expert chefs: Thai Chicken Soup and Citrus Asian Crunch Salad with chicken. Both items are from Panera's new platform of bold, globally-inspired, authentic flavors that begin rolling out this year. They can be enjoyed alone or as part of the ultimate flavor-packed You Pick 2. Panera's iconic You Pick 2 combination entrees allow guests to mix and match — from comforting and classic to bold and adventurous – into 465 combinations...

This Week in Retail: Eyeing Prop 12, Pandemic Uncertainty in 2022

Rounding out the first week of 2022, uncertainty surrounding the ongoing pandemic continues to impact businesses and the overall wellbeing of the world’s population.

Retailers, along with other participants throughout the supply chain, are monitoring labor constraints, made worse by the rapid spread of the Omicron variant. Prolonged disruptions to the production, further processing, and distribution of consumer goods from worker absenteeism and potential further government restrictions remain key concerns for producers and buyers alike in the New Year.

Meanwhile, the second phase of California’s Proposition 12 went into effect on January 1. Under the law, veal calf producers are required to provide their animals with at least 43 square feet of usable floor space per calf. Sows must have a minimum of 24 square feet of usable space per animal. Laying hens are required to be cage-free. Proposition 12 prohibits the sale in California of veal, pork, and eggs not raised in compliance with these...

ANALYSIS: Chicken Production: Down the Hatch

Between January and November ’21, monthly broiler type pullet placement figures advanced above year-ago levels eight times...

Church's Chicken® Shows Customers How They Do Val-YOU as the Holiday Season Wraps

As customers begin to think of ways to save following a busy holiday season of spending and giving, Church's Chicken® is showcasing its commitment to providing value. To continue the season of giving even after the holidays, Church's is providing a variety of value options for customers to save on the bold, craveable flavors from its made-from-scratch menu.

Offering both value and quality, Church's 10-piece chicken leg and thigh deal starts at $10.99 or the 3-piece chicken deal...

PLANT PROTEIN: Get to Know Players in the Plant Protein Market: CHKN Not Chicken

Portland, Oregon-based startup CHKN Not Chicken vows that its blend of plant-based proteins and spices is real food, not a science experiment.

“We’ve been working on the recipe for CHKN Not Chicken for more than two years now. It took a lot of work to develop a product that we were all proud of and that we knew delivered on the taste and texture of chicken,” says co-founder & CEO Brian Pope. “We also wanted to ensure that the product was...

UB Consulting: Assessing the Impact of Inflation on Protein Producers

Inflation. The subject is being discussed everywhere, from your favorite news station to the line in the grocery store. Prices for producers and consumers alike have increased. The pandemic has created a supply chain headache across sectors, including the food industry. With the flu season underway, concerns are growing over the OMRICON variant.

Like many others, protein producers struggle with increased input costs for production and transportation. This short analysis examines several key indexes, such as Producers Price Indexes (PPI), to illustrate such claims relative to recent developments of price accelerations over the past few years...

Pure Prairie Farms Breathes New Life Into Midwestern Chicken Plant

New premium chicken integrator, Pure Prairie Farms Inc., completed its long-anticipated purchase of a former Simply Essentials chicken processing plant last week. The former plant, which previously closed in August of 2019, is a state-of-the-art retail tray-packaging facility and features air-chill technology, an under-represented and underserved attribute in the market. In addition to organic offerings, additional product features include all natural, highly trimmed products, made from chicken flocks in which antibiotics have never, ever been used, and that have been fed a...