Cal-Maine Foods Reports Third Quarter Fiscal 2020 Results

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. reported results for the third quarter ended February 29, 2020.

Net sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2020 were $345.6 million, a 10.0 percent decrease, compared to $384.0 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2019. The Company reported net income of $13.7 million, or $0.28 per basic and diluted share, for the third quarter of fiscal 2020, compared to net income of $39.8 million, or $0.82 per basic and diluted share, for the third quarter of fiscal 2019.

For the thirty-nine weeks ended February 29, 2020, net sales were $898.3 million compared to $1,080.6 million for the prior-year period. The Company reported net loss of $42.1 million, or...

ANALYSIS: Egg Prices Begin to Stabilize as Consumer Shopping Slows, Demand Normalizes

Following weeks of unrelenting demand, market sources from coast to coast are beginning to see retail orders for eggs...

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...

ANALYSIS: Shell Egg Prices Soar to Record High Levels as COVID-19 Demand Persists, Inventories Drop

U.S. shell egg prices soared to fresh all-time highs today, as retail demand continues to come in at levels never-before seen due to COVID-19. The early round of buying witnessed a few weeks ago was...

ANALYSIS: Shell Egg Prices Soar 95%, Inventories Drop as COVID-19 Fears Drive Retail Demand

U.S. shell egg prices have nearly doubled over the past two weeks, as coronavirus-related concerns have flooded retail stores with shoppers in pursuit of household necessities – eggs being one of the most...

JUST Expands Partnerships Globally, Raises Capital & Adds Former Coca-Cola Executive

JUST announced a host of partnerships to manufacture and distribute its JUST Egg across North America, Latin America, Europe, and East Asia. This global infrastructure, which includes millions of additional points of potential distribution and access to production facilities on multiple continents, will provide the scale needed to meet the increasing worldwide demand for the product.

Included in this partnership announcement are South Korea’s food company, SPC Samlip; one of Southeast Asia’s largest food companies, Betagro Group; bakery company, Grupo Bimbo; one of Latin America’s largest edible oil and fat producers, Alianza Team; and local delivery platform, Delivery Hero. This infrastructure builds on a previously announced manufacturing and distribution partnership with...

ANALYSIS: Shell-Egg Prices Jump to Three-Month High Amid Coronavirus Fears, Production Cuts

U.S. shell egg prices jumped to a three-month high yesterday amid reduced outputs and a surge in retail demand, spurred – at least in part – by fears related to...

Post Holdings Reports Poultry Plant Fire in Nebraska

Post Holdings reported a fire took place last evening at its Michael Foods farm operation in Bloomfield, Nebraska. While the cause of the fire has not been determined, all employees were safely evacuated and no injuries were reported. Post Holdings reported that the fire impacted less than 5% of the layer population of Michael Foods' internal and external layer network.

According to some reports, one of the barns was destroyed and approximately 400,000 chickens perished. Michael Foods has about 20 barns at the site and about 4 million chickens. The barn that burned was relatively new and designed to produce cage-free eggs. Councilman Ray Lush stated that the plant employs about 125 to 150 people, which is...

Barilla Reformulates Protein+ Line

Barilla is offering a new and improved Protein+ line, now made entirely with 100% plant-based ingredients, specifically semolina durum wheat mixed with protein from lentils, chickpeas and peas. As today's consumers are increasingly looking for plant-based products, Barilla identified a delicious new recipe that removes the egg whites from the formula, while maintaining the same great taste and "al dente" texture of traditional semolina pasta.

The reformulation of Protein+ can complement a variety of lifestyles, including those that are vegan or are simply looking to incorporate more protein and fiber into their diet. The new formula now includes...

American Egg Board Introduces Made with Real Eggs Seal

People want to know and understand what is in the food they eat. To help restaurants and food manufacturers give consumers confidence in their products, the American Egg Board (AEB) has introduced the new Made with REAL Eggs certification seal to easily communicate their food products are made of genuine eggs.

Additionally, new research shows that when consumers know a product is made with real eggs, the value of the product increases. More than 80 percent of those who buy egg products said seeing the Made with REAL Eggs seal would positively influence their purchase decision. The seal also gave consumers confidence that a manufacturer's brand was of high quality (82 percent) and that a product would taste better (80 percent).

"Eggs are recognized as one of nature's most perfect foods, and one of the most popular foods among Americans today. In fact, consumer demand for eggs and egg products has reached...

MGM Resorts Announces New Sustainable Sourcing Goals For Eggs And Chickens

MGM Resorts International announced plans to expand its responsible sourcing program with a set of goals for eggs and chickens.

Under its cage-free & free-range egg and chicken policy, the Company has set a goal to source 100 percent of eggs (shell, liquid, and egg products) from cage-free sources throughout its global portfolio before 2030. In tandem, the Company has also committed to sourcing chickens from...

Carrefour Introduces a Method for Avoiding Male Chicks to Be Culled 

As part of its food transition plan, Carrefour and Loué have entered into a partnership to produce and sell eggs laid by chickens produced using a spectrophotometric in-ovo sexing technique. Consumers will be able to purchase the products from 1 May.

This is another step forward for animal welfare, and Carrefour is involving players across the sector in identifying and developing the best in-ovo sexing techniques in France. As soon as a concerted solution that can be industrialized has been identified, Carrefour will commit to...

Arizona Introduces Cage-Free Egg Legislation

New legislation has been introduced in Arizona that would phase out the use of cages in egg production or eggs sold from hens raised in cages. Representative Timothy Dunn introduced House Bill 2724, which is being described as a compromise between Hickman's Family Farms and the Humane Society of the United States.

If passed, Arizona will be joining states like California, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, and Michigan, which have all passed cage-free egg laws. However, according to an Urner Barry egg analysis, the number of cage-free laying hens in the United States dropped by 1.2 million head in January, marking the first time since August of 2016, when the USDA began...

JUST and Sodexo Partner on Breakfast

JUST announced a partnership with Sodexo, a global food services and facilities management leader, to bring the award-winning, top-selling JUST Egg to Sodexo’s higher education, healthcare and corporate sites across the United States.

Crafted by a team of Michelin starred chefs, the plant-based JUST Egg’s key ingredient is protein from the mung bean, a dietary staple in Asia for thousands of years.

Through this partnership, JUST joins Sodexo’s commitment to sourcing responsibly, encouraging plant-based meals and reducing food waste as part of Sodexo’s Better Tomorrow 2025 strategy to...

Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s Offer Free Beyond Meat Menu Items the Monday After Sunday’s Big Game

Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s are encouraging Americans who overindulged during Sunday’s Big Game to recover with a plant-based Monday by enjoying an item from the all-day Beyond Meat menu. Monday, February 3, recovering Americans can use the phrase “Beyond the Game” to unlock one free Beyond Meat menu item with the purchase of any large drink, including soft drinks, coffee and cold brew, at participating locations.

The day after Sunday’s Big Game is notoriously the most skipped workday in America, with an estimated 17.2 million Americans missing work. Knowing the woes of adulting on one of the worst Mondays of the year, Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s are...

Avian Flu Spreads to New Province in Poland, According to Poland’s Veterinary Services

The highly pathogenic avian flu virus (HPAI) that has been spreading in Eastern Europe since early 2020 has now reached a new province in Northern Poland, the country’s Chief Veterinary Officer said in a press release on January 27th.

“Outbreak No. 2020/15 was designated on a farm where 23,351 turkeys for fattening were kept, located in the town of Rąbity, in the commune of Zalewo, in the Iławski poviat, in the Warmian-Masurian province” according to the press release.

The HPAI of the H5N8 subtype was first diagnosed on December 30th, 2019 at a poultry farm in Poland in the Eastern Polish province of Lublin, which borders on both Belarus and Ukraine. About 15 cases have been reported in...

Moba-Pelbo Joins Forces with Innovo Solutions

Moba is proud to announce that Pelbo, one of its subsidiaries in Brugherio, Italy, has partnered up with Innovo Solutions, an Italian-based innovative company that develops, manufactures and installs pasteurization plants for food producers. Innovo's knowledge and experience will enable Moba-Pelbo to take egg processing to the next level.

Mr. Fabio Gualtieri, Pelbo's Sales Director, is very excited about what this new partnership will bring to Moba-Pelbo: "The new collaboration with Innovo will increase our expertise in handling big egg processing projects. Furthermore, we will expand...

Ovostar Announces Operation Results for 2019 

Ovostar Union Public Company Limited, a vertically integrated holding company, one of the leading egg and egg products producer in Ukraine, announces its operational results for the year 2019.

As of 31 December 2019 the Company’s total flock was 8.1 mln heads, including 6.7 mln laying hens (31 December 2018: 7.6 mln and 6.4 mln. respectively).

The volume of eggs produced in 2019 totaled 1 587 mln (2018: 1 625 mln eggs). In the reporting period the sales volume in shell eggs segment fell by 17% to 1 147 mln eggs (2018: 1 381 mln). The volume of eggs exported was 525 mln that makes up 46% of the total sales in the segment (2018: 587 mln or 42%). The decrease of shell eggs sales is accounted for by...

JUST Launches New Egg Offering 

JUST announced the second quarter availability of a new JUST Egg offering: a fluffy, folded egg, perfect on top of toast, inside breakfast sandwiches or as a plant-based, protein-packed addition to any meal.

The product will begin rolling out in April in the freezer section of Whole Foods Markets; select Albertsons Safeway stores; Gelson’s Markets in Southern California; Stop & Shop in the Northeast, Kings Food Markets in the New York metro area and Giant Martin's in the Mid-Atlantic, with more to come. In all, it will be sold in approximately 5,000 stores at launch and will be available for restaurants and other foodservice destinations from major distributors.

The folded JUST Egg will be sold as a box of four, and the key ingredient is protein from the...

Rabobank: Opportunities Remain Wide Open for African Poultry 

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

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

Culinary International Recalls Chicken Burrito Products

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

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

Egg Market Prices Unchanged So Far on Current Flu Outbreak in Poland

The H5N8 flu outbreak has not had any impact on industry shell egg prices thus far, but participants are monitoring the situation very closely, according to various sources.

Industry shell egg market prices are still under some downward pressure despite the spread of a highly pathogenic bird flu (HPAI) in Poland. Poland, the western region in particular, has become an increasing important supplier of industrial cage eggs for egg processors in Western Europe. 

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), the Dutch Association of Egg Traders and Egg Product Manufacturers (ANEVEI) and the Polish poultry organization (KIDPIP) said that seven outbreaks of highly pathogenic bird flu (HPAI) of the H5N8 serotype had been....

REPORTER: UK Egg Production Reaches All-time High

The UK’s egg packing station throughput reached another all-time record during Q3 reaching 7,998 thousand cases of eggs, up 3.6% year-on-year, according to...

Cal-Maine Foods Reports Second Quarter Fiscal 2020 Results

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. today reported results for the second quarter (thirteen weeks) ended November 30, 2019.

Net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2020 were $311.5 million, a 12.5 percent decrease, compared to $356.0 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2019. The Company reported net loss of $10.1 million, or $0.21 per basic and diluted share, for the second quarter of fiscal 2020, compared to net income of $21.8 million, or $0.45 per basic and diluted share, for the second quarter of fiscal 2019.

For the twenty-six weeks ended November 30, 2019, net sales were $552.7 million compared to $696.6 million for the prior-year period. The Company reported net loss of $55.8 million, or $1.15 per basic and diluted share, for...

Kettle Cuisine Midco, LLC, Recalls Ready-To-Eat Soup Products

Kettle Cuisine Midco, LLC, a Lynn, Mass. establishment, is recalling approximately 200 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) lentil and beef soup 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 egg and wheat, known allergens, which are not declared on the product label.

The RTE lentil and beef soup items were produced on Dec. 12, 2019. The following product is subject to recall...

Reporter: Egg Prices Jump More Than 60% Ahead of the Holidays

Outbreak of Listeria Infections Linked to Hard-Boiled Eggs

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention issued a food safety alert that bulk, fresh hard-boiled eggs produced by Almark Foods of Gainesville, Georgia, are contaminated with Listeria and have made people sick. These products were packaged in plastic pails for use nationwide by foodservice operators. The products have not been recalled. However, the CDC is warning against selling, serving, or using these eggs to make other food products because Listeria can cause severe infections. The CDC added that retailers and foodservice operators should confirm who supplies their bulk hard-boiled eggs, as consumers will not be able to tell if products purchased contain these eggs.

The CDC is advising retail and foodservice operators not to use bulk hard-boiled eggs produced at the Almark Foods Gainesville, Georgia facility, regardless of use-by date. Food processors and manufacturers should not...

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. Completes Acquisition of Egg Production Assets of Mahard Egg Farm

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. today announced that it has closed the previously announced acquisition of certain assets of Mahard Egg Farm, relating to its commercial shell egg production, processing, distribution and sale of shell eggs business. The acquired assets include commercial shell egg production and processing facilities with current capacity for approximately 3.9 million laying hens and permitted capacity for up to 8.0 million laying hens, a feed mill, pullets and related production facilities located in Chillicothe, Texas, and Nebo, Oklahoma, and a distribution warehouse located in Gordonville, Texas.

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. is primarily engaged in the production, grading, packing and sale of fresh shell eggs, including...

ANALYSIS: Egg Prices Rally Nearly 60%

US shell egg prices have risen sharply over the last three weeks. From the lows seen in the middle of October, the benchmark Midwest large quote has jumped...

Cal-Maine Foods Announces Definitive Agreement to Acquire Egg Production Assets of Mahard Egg Farm

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. today announced that it has reached a definitive agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets of Mahard Egg Farm, relating to its commercial shell egg production, processing, distribution and sale of shell eggs business. The assets to be acquired, subject to the completion of this transaction, include commercial shell egg production and processing facilities with current capacity for approximately 3.9 million laying hens and permitted capacity for up to 8.0 million laying hens, a feed mill, pullets and related production facilities located in Chillicothe, Texas, and Nebo, Oklahoma, and a distribution warehouse located in Gordonville, Texas. The Company expects to close the transaction in the next few weeks.

Commenting on the announcement, Dolph Baker, chairman and chief executive officer of Cal-Maine Foods, Inc., said, “We are very pleased to announce the acquisition of these assets from Mahard Egg Farm. Cal-Maine Foods already has...

Cal-Maine Foods Reports First Quarter Fiscal 2020 Results

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. today reported results for the first quarter (thirteen weeks) ended August 31, 2019.

Net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2020 were $241.2 million, a 29.2 percent decrease, compared to $340.6 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2018. The Company reported net loss of $45.8 million, or ($0.94) per basic and diluted share, for the first quarter of fiscal 2020, compared to net income of $12.4 million, or $0.26 per basic and diluted share, for the first quarter of fiscal 2019. Results for the first quarter of fiscal 2020 include a non-cash impairment charge of $2.9 million related to decommissioning some older, less efficient production facilities as the Company continues to...

U.S. Poultry, Egg Industries Welcome Announcement of Japan Trade Agreement

U.S. poultry and egg organizations welcome the announcement of a trade agreement between the United States and Japan, an achievement that stands to benefit our industry.

“Frozen chicken, turkey, and processed egg products will receive favorable tariff reductions enabling our products to compete more effectively with those of countries in the Trans-Pacific Partnership,” the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council (USAPEEC), National Chicken Council (NCC), National Turkey Federation (NTF) and United Egg Producers (UEP) said in a joint statement issued Monday.

“While this is just the first stage of a bilateral agreement, it is welcome news and we would like to thank President Trump, Secretary Perdue and Secretary Lighthizer for...

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...

Applebee's Offers Handcrafted Burger Deal for a Limited Time 

Applebee’s has mastered the art of crafting craveable burgers with its Handcrafted Burgers, which are made to order with premium toppings stacked high. Each burger at Applebee’s is made tastier and more flavorful with 100% fresh and never frozen ground beef, smashed on the grill to seal in the juicy goodness, and served with endless classic fries.

Leading the pack is Applebee’s own Quesadilla Burger, available for a limited-time price of only $7.99, starting today. The restaurant’s original creation is part burger, part quesadilla, piled high with Pepper Jack cheese, Applebee’s signature Mexi-ranch sauce, crispy Applewood-smoked bacon, house-made pico de gallo and shredded lettuce in a crisp, warm Cheddar quesadilla. To top it off, this limited-time deal also includes...

Denny's Features Sirloin Steak in New Limited Time Offer 

For more than 60 years, Denny's has been offering guests a variety of delicious and affordable menu items for breakfast, lunch, dinner and any time in between. And now, Denny's is dishing up even more value than ever before with its new Sirloin Steak & Eggs available starting today for only $8.99 ($10.99 in some markets), offering guests the perfect combination of breakfast and dinner for less.

For a limited time, guests can enjoy Denny's new Sirloin Steak & Eggs, featuring an expertly seasoned USDA choice sirloin steak, crispy hash browns and two fresh eggs. This winning combination is just one of many new and exciting menu items that has been added to the Denny's menu recently. 78 percent of Denny's menu has been updated to reflect new recipes, higher-quality ingredients and...

Tim Hortons to Offer JUST Egg in Canada 

Tim Hortons, which is owned by Restaurant Brands International, started offering alternative proteins earlier this year. The first plant-based item to be featured on the menu is Beyond Meat's alternative sausage for three breakfast sandwiches. The quick service restaurant recently began offering the Beyond Burger as well, the first burger to appear on the menu. Now, plant-based company JUST Egg has received its first fast-food deal with Tim Hortons.

Andrew Noyes, a spokesman for JUST, stated that "Canada is one of the most requested markets for JUST and we're excited to be able to offer our product at select Tim Hortons locations for this market test." Tim Hortons reported that the restaurant will...

ANALYSIS: US Table Egg Flock Falls 14 Million Head Over Last 3 Months

The USDA’s Monthly Chicken and Eggs report, released Tuesday July 23^rd, showed that at 327.31 million layers...

REPORTER: US Egg Prices Tracking Back Toward 2016 Lows

This article was originally featured in the Summer 2019 Edition of Urner Barry's Reporter magazine.

It seems there is never a dull year in the egg market. From diseases that rock the supply chain, promotions that excite consumers, changes in dietary guidelines, shifts in production standards, and countless other issues, markets are constantly being impacted by unexpected issues, both domestically
and abroad.

Over the last five years, the egg market has seen record highs and lows around the 2015 Avian Influenza Outbreak. Had it not been for these extremes, Urner Barry’s benchmark prices would have just broken all-time highs and lows in the last year alone. “Retail Wars” and international issues led to a record first quarter in 2018 and yet, a year later, egg prices struggled through the Easter marketing period, extending their decline...

Eggs International: How Different Nations Set Standards 

This article was originally featured in the Summer 2019 Edition of Urner Barry's Reporter magazine.

Starting in 2019, Urner Barry has “eggs”-panded its international egg reporting in the EU. While the U.S. and EU egg markets are interrelated in today’s globalized marketplace, the way eggs are prepared for retail is very different across the pond. In fact, eggs produced for U.S. supermarkets can’t be sold in the EU, and vice versa. This variation is due to differing philosophies when it comes to sanitation and disease prevention.

THE U.S.

USDA standards require that eggs be washed and sanitized to remove any dirt present on the shell. This process ensures a clean shell, but it also damages or removes the egg’s cuticle. The cuticle, also known as the bloom, is a natural covering on the exterior of the eggshell, which seals...

Ruiz Foods Products Inc Recalls Bacon Breakfast Wrap Products

Ruiz Foods Products Inc., a Denison, Texas, establishment, is recalling approximately 246,514 pounds of frozen, not ready-to-eat (NRTE) breakfast wrap products containing bacon that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically small rocks, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The frozen egg, potato, bacon and cheese wrap items were produced on Jan. 17, 2019 and Jan. 18, 2019. The following product is subject to recall...

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...

Sparboe Companies Announces the Sale of its New Hampton, Iowa Plant to Deb El Food Products

Sparboe Companies is pleased to announce the sale of its New Hampton, Iowa plant to Deb El Food Products. Deb El will continue to operate the New Hampton plant, which produces liquid, frozen and dried egg products. Sparboe’s shell egg division, Sparboe Farms, will continue to operate their shell egg facilities in Minnesota, Iowa and Colorado and is not part of the sales agreement.

Beth Schnell, Sparboe CEO says of the agreement “We would like to thank all of our employees in New Hampton for the years of dedication and hard work and wish them the best under new leadership. We are pleased to have partnered with another family owned company in this transaction and look forward to Deb El’s success in New Hampton. Proudly celebrating our 65th anniversary, Sparboe will continue to focus on...

Executive Conference: Egg Panel Examines Consumption, Promotions, and Exports

People are still talking about Urner Barry’s 2019 Executive Conference—the venue, (the food!), the networking, amazing speakers, and exclusive market intel. 

The final sessions on Tuesday featured Urner Barry’s Market Reporters in the highly anticipated panel discussions. These breakout sessions are exclusively designed to deliver pertinent market analysis to industry attendees. This year’s Egg Panel included Brian Moscogiuri, Randy Pesciotta, and European Egg Market Reporter Ben Leveau. The team also introduced UB’s newest Egg Market Reporter, Karyn Rispoli, to the crowd. Here are just a few highlights from the session: 

“Right now, we’re seeing the highest per capita consumption levels in recent history,” Brian Moscogiuri said. “That’s 200 eggs in a shell per person, per year!” 

In 2015, the egg industry saw...

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...

Global Poultry Eggs Market Shows Growing Prominence of Private Label Brands 

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

Eggs are a popular choice of protein for a majority of the global population, as they are affordable and healthy. Moreover, egg yolks are a significant source of vitamins, minerals, and fat. They contain fat-soluble vitamin D and are naturally high in choline. Choline promotes normal cell activity, liver function, and the transportation of nutrients throughout the body. It also contributes to ...

This Week in Retail: The Rundown on Easter Features

Pork moved into the top spot this week just in time for the holiday, claiming 25.4 percent of protein feature volume. Beef came in second, scoring 23.6 percent, with seafood closely following at 23 percent. Chicken accounted for 16.2 percent. Turkey features were bumped up to 5.6 percent, compared to 3.6 the week prior.

When comparing holiday week retail prices year-over-year, we have to go back to the week of March 26^th, 2018, as Easter fell three weeks earlier last year. Looking at the retail ham complex, ham features come in at an average price of $1.66 per pound, compared to $1.86 per pound during the week leading up to Easter a year ago. That’s an 11 percent drop YOY and should...

First Look at the Commemorative Egg for the Annual White House Easter Egg Roll 

On April 22, over 30,000 families are expected to attend the annual White House Easter Egg Roll, for its 141st year. As per tradition, America's egg farmers will provide 74,000 eggs to be used for the iconic roll, decorating, and EggPops.

Also as part of the tradition, commemorative eggs have been given to the First Lady on behalf of America's egg farmers annually since 1977. Each egg is custom designed for the First Lady at the time. The handcrafted eggs have been presented to seven first ladies: Rosalynn Carter, Nancy Reagan, Barbara Bush, Hilary Clinton, Laura Bush, Michelle Obama, and Melania Trump. The design for this year's Commemorative Egg was inspired by ...

U.S. Beef, Poultry and Egg Products Gain New Market Access in Tunisia

U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced today that the government of Tunisia and the United States have finalized U.S. export certificates to allow imports of U.S. beef, poultry, and egg products into Tunisia.  This announcement follows meetings between U.S. and Tunisian officials on the safety and wholesomeness of U.S. beef, poultry, and egg products.

“President Trump continues to prioritize the opening of new markets for U.S. agricultural products, and we welcome Tunisia’s agreement to begin imports of U.S. beef, poultry, and egg products,” said Ambassador Lighthizer. “New access to the Tunisian market is an important step in ensuring that American farmers and ranchers can continue to expand their exports of U.S. agricultural products.”

“I'm convinced that when the Tunisians get a taste of U.S. beef, poultry, and eggs, they're going to want more. These products coming into Tunisia are...

Fire at Hickman's Egg Farm 

Hickman's Family Farms had a fire in barn 13 in Tonopah on Thursday. None of the employees, building trades, or firefighters were injured. Fortunately the fire was contained to the new barn due to the rapid response of on-site personnel and timely arrival of the fire department. However, it is a complete loss, but Hickman's stated that insurance will cover the majority of expenses incurred as they rebuild.

A few birds in Barn 12 may suffer from smoke inhalation, but the only production loss Hickman's will face will be from the disruption of feed, lights, and water for a short time. Hickman's is grateful the fire was contained so quickly, and thanks all involved for their teamwork and ...

Cal-Maine Foods Reports Third Quarter Fiscal 2019 Results and Announces Expansion Projects

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. (NASDAQ: CALM) today reported results for the third quarter (thirteen weeks) ended March 2, 2019.

Net sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2019 were $384.0 million, an 11.9 percent decrease, compared to $435.8 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2018. The Company reported net income of $39.8 million, or $0.82 per basic and diluted share, for the third quarter of fiscal 2019, compared to net income of $96.3 million, or $1.99 per basic and diluted share, for the third quarter of fiscal 2018. Results for the third quarter of fiscal 2018 were favorably affected by a $35.0 million, or $0.72 per basic and diluted share, discrete tax benefit related to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) tax reform legislation enacted during the period, and the subsequent revaluation of the Company’s deferred tax liabilities at the new, lower corporate tax rate.

For the thirty-nine weeks ended March 2, 2019, net sales were $1,080.6 million compared to $1,059.8 million for the prior-year period. The Company reported net income of ...