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...

AMERICAN EGG BOARD MEDIA STATEMENT: Eggs are a “Healthy Food” in New Proposed FDA Definition

“Eggs are a ‘healthy food,’ according to a new proposed definition released today by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This proposed definition is more good news for egg lovers as it affirms the science showing that eggs are an all-around nutrient powerhouse, supplying nutrients such as choline, vitamin D, and essential fatty acids that are necessary for healthy living.

This new proposed definition aligns with current scientific research and the 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans by removing the limit on dietary cholesterol...

Which Wich® Superior Sandwiches Launches Exclusive Cloud'WICH

Which Wich® Superior Sandwiches is giving guests a new choice with the unveiling of the all-new Cloud'WICH. Created with an exclusive partnership in the sandwich space with The Cloud Bread Company, customers can now order their favorite Wich on healthy, great-tasting Cloud Bread.

Made with four simple ingredients – eggs, cream cheese, baking soda and baking powder – this new option is certified gluten-free, sugar-free, with zero carbs, no added preservatives and only 35 calories per slice. The Cloud'WICH caters to a variety of nutritional lifestyles, allowing...

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...

Vital Farms Grows Roots in Regenerative Agriculture With the Launch of New Restorative Eggs

Today, Vital Farms builds on its reputation in sustainable farming with the release of Restorative pasture-raised eggs, produced using regenerative agriculture principles like perennial rotations and cover crops. Regenerative agriculture helps create balanced environments between pastures and animals that aims to increase the land’s resiliency and improve the health of waterways.

Vital Farms collaborated with regenerative thought leader Understanding Ag for over a year to transition five initial farms to a core set of tenets that promote rich, nutrient-dense soil. As pioneers of...

Innovative Food Company, Egglife Foods, Announces Partnership With Jenny Mollen

According to the National Peanut Board, the average American child will consume 1,500 PB&Js before graduating high school. While tasty, the average PB&J isn't the most nutritious option, which is why Egglife Foods, the innovative food company that uses cage-free eggs instead of flour to reimagine carb-heavy foods, is rethinking this iconic schooltime staple – with less carbs and sugar and more protein.

In partnership with actor, Instagram personality and New York Times bestselling author Jenny Mollen, Egglife is sharing a variety of delicious and healthy twists...

Broiler Exports Set Records in 2022 First Half 

U.S. broiler exports recorded all-time highs in volume and value in the first half of 2022, according to new trade data released by the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service.

Broiler exports for the first six months of 2022 were 1,890,807 metric tons, up 6.7 percent from the same period of last year, while export value reached $2.580 billion, up 21.3 percent.

Cumulative turkey exports for January through June this year were 98,014 metric tons, down 19.9 percent from the same period a year earlier, while export value reached $316.9 million...

Eggland's Best Celebrates Release of Disney and Pixar's Lightyear with Sweepstakes, Recipes & More!

Eggland's Best is off to its biggest adventure yet! Known for its superior taste and nutrition, the #1 branded egg in the U.S. is on a mission to celebrate the in-home release of Disney and Pixar's Lightyear with stellar prizes and experiences.

Now through September 24, fans can head to EBFamilySweeps.com to enter the "Eggland's Best Superior Hero Sweepstakes" daily for the chance to win weekly "superior hero" prize packs! Weekly prizes include Lightyear DVDs and more, Eggland's Best swag and a three-month...

Big, Bold and Not a Bagel: Einstein Bros. Bagels Launches New Chorizo Breakfast Burrito Nationwide

Need a flavor-packed, on-the-go breakfast to get you through the day ahead? Look no further. Einstein Bros. Bagels has launched its mouth-watering Chorizo Breakfast Burrito inside select company and franchise locations.

Holding just the right amount of heat, the made-to-order Chorizo Breakfast Burrito is packed with fresh ingredients including fluffy, cage-free eggs, savory chorizo, thick-cut bacon, perfectly-cooked hashbrowns, a trio of asiago, parmesan and romano cheeses and zesty jalapeno salsa; all rolled up inside a warmed...

ANALYSIS: European Egg Market Steady-But-Firm Amid High Input Costs, Tight Supplies

As is typical of this time of year with many Europeans traveling on summer holiday, contacts across the EU are reporting lackluster demand in consumer markets this week...

Vital Farms Announces Expansion of Egg Central Station

Vital Farms’ world-class egg washing and packing facility expected to generate over $300 million in additional revenue and create over 50 high-quality jobs

Today, Vital Farms, a Certified B Corporation that offers a range of ethically produced foods nationwide, announced the expansion of Egg Central Station, its world-class egg washing and packing facility in Springfield, Missouri. The 150,000 square foot facility nearly doubled from its original size, creating additional capacity that will enable Vital Farms to continue growing its pasture-raised egg business. The expanded facility will...

This Week in Retail: A Look at Easter Features; CPI Data Released

This week in retail, the discussion is heavily centered on the economy, rising inflation with the latest CPI growth, and the bird flu outbreak in the U.S. Meanwhile, Easter week has arrived and grocers are looking to capture additional spending on the holiday.

USDA estimates that nearly 24 million poultry birds have died from high-path avian influenza since the virus strain was identified in February. The virus has since spread in wild birds to 32 states.

Another outbreak was confirmed Tuesday afternoon in a flock of roughly 2 million commercial layers in Nebraska, lifting the total number of commercial laying hens affected by HPAI to about 20 million head. 

Urner Barry's Midwest large benchmark quotation is currently at $2.84/dozen, down from $3.01/dozen the week prior but a staggering 176% above a year ago. At retail, large eggs on feature for the holiday week are highlighted at nearly $3/dozen while X-large averages $2.86/dozen...

REPORTER: Has Backyard Farming Cut Into National Retail Egg Sales?

This article was originally featured in the Spring 2022 Edition of Urner Barry's Reporter magazine. Want a FREE subscription? Click HERE.

Social isolation and work-from-home orders have led to a tremendous surge in U.S. pet adoptions since the onset of COVID-19. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, more than 23 million households—nearly 1 in 5 nationwide—have adopted a pet during the pandemic. But it turns out that furry friends aren’t the only way people have been...

This Week in Retail: Bird Flu and The Easter Outlook

Easter promotions are in full motion and households are gathering staples including eggs, ham, and lamb for the upcoming holiday.

According to a survey by the National Retail Federation, consumers plan to spend an average of $169.79 this year on Easter-related items, with food accounting for the largest spending category. The collective spending on the holiday is forecast at $20.8 billion, down slightly from $21.6 billion last year.

With HPAI spreading throughout the country, consumers are beginning to see higher prices for shell eggs. Roughly 13 million layers have been impacted by the current outbreak—the country’s worst since 2014-2015—while over two million commercial turkeys have fallen prey to the virus...

Vital Farms Introduces True Blues, Pasture-Raised Heirloom Blue Eggs

Today Vital Farms, a Certified B Corporation that offers a range of ethically produced foods nationwide, introduces True Blues, a specialty carton of beautiful pasture-raised heirloom blue eggs, available now exclusively at select regional Whole Foods Market locations. True Blues is a Certified Humane® dozen of entirely blue shell eggs produced with the same animal welfare standards Vital Farms is known and trusted for by people across the country.

“People are looking for new ways to bring novelty to their everyday, and eggs as a cooking staple are..."

Cal-Maine Foods Reports Third Quarter Fiscal 2022 Results

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. reported results for the third quarter of fiscal 2022 (thirteen weeks) and 39-week period ended February 26, 2022.

Net sales in the third quarter of fiscal 2022 increased 33.0 percent to $477.5 million compared to $359.1 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2021. The Company reported net income of $39.5 million, or $0.81 per basic and diluted common share, for the third quarter of fiscal 2022, compared to net income of $13.5 million, or $0.28 per basic...

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. Announces $82.0 Million for Capital Projects to Expand Cage-Free Production

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. today announced that its Board of Directors has approved new capital projects to further expand the Company’s cage-free egg production capabilities. The Company plans to fund the proposed projects for an estimated total of $82 million through a combination of available cash on hand, investments and operating cash flow.

The proposed projects will include the following Cal-Maine Foods’ locations:

- Delta, Utah - four new cage-free layer houses and two pullet house conversions with capacity for approximately 810,000...

UB Consulting: Analyzing the Growth of the Cage-Free Egg Market

The cage-free wave has been strong within recent years. Growing consumer preference along with corporate and legislative efforts have resulted in increased support for cage-free egg products and producers have altered operations to accommodate demand. Several states have even banned the sale of conventionally-produced eggs, adding further support to this growing segment.

California’s Proposition 12 requires shell and liquid eggs sold in the state to come from egg layers housed in cage-free systems. This law went into full effect on...

Sanderson Farms Family Farmers Awarded for Sustainability

Three Sanderson Farms family farmers in Texas, Mississippi and North Carolina have been recognized by the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association's Family Farm Environmental Excellence Awards at the International Production & Processing Expo. The awards are given annually to recognize exemplary environmental stewardship by family farmers engaged in poultry and egg production.

"It is a privilege to recognize these family farms for the excellent job they do in being good stewards of their land," said Greg Hinton, outgoing chairman for the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association and vice president of sales for Rose Acre Farms...

ANALYSIS: European Egg-Product Prices Soar amid Higher Input Costs, Covid, Bird Flu

A shift in consumer habits due to COVID-related restrictions, along with record-high inflation rates and the spread of Avian Influenza, has led to unprecedented price increases for European egg products in recent months...

The Counter Spices Up the Burger Game with the New Serrano Burger

The Counter brings the heat with the new, spicy Serrano Burger and two beverages to cool things down. Guests can sip on a chilled glass of Ruffino Pinot Grigio or enjoy a refreshing bottle of Modelo Especial. All three offerings are available now through May 1.

Guests can now enjoy the fiery and cool combinations:

- Serrano Burger - All-natural angus beef with red onion, cheddar cheese, smoked gouda cheese, bacon, serrano pepper and onion mix. Served on a brioche bun garnished with a deep-fried serrano pepper...

2022 Marks 2 Decades of "The American Masters of Taste" Honoring Eggland's Best with Gold Medal Seal

For the past 20 years, Chefs In America has awarded Eggland's Best with "The American Masters of Taste" Gold Medal Seal for the superior taste, quality and freshness of its eggs. This prestigious award spans the Eggland's Best portfolio, honoring the brand's Classic Eggs, Organic Eggs, Cage Free Eggs, and Hard-Cooked Eggs. Each product was triple-blind judged and awarded superior tasting compared to other brands within its category.

"There is no surprise that Eggland's Best continues to surpass other eggs year..."

New from Dutch Farms.. Widely Expanded Specialty Egg Line

Dutch Farms proudly introduces our largest specialty egg line expansion—ever (in fact, only one national brand has more specialty egg SKU's).

We know the egg market. All trend lines point toward increased demand in specialty eggs. Consumers continue to ask us for Organic, Cage-Free, Free-Range, and Pasture-Raised eggs.

Dutch Farms has unparalleled partnerships with local, small family farms that raise hens who are free to roam and nest, who allow outdoor access, and some who allow hens to forage for wild plants and food. Dutch Farms offers...

FDA Releases New Egg Regulatory Program Standards for Improving Egg and Egg Product Safety

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Egg Regulatory Officials (NERO) are announcing a new program for state egg and egg product regulators entitled the Egg Regulatory Program Standards (ERPS). The standards are designed to integrate the regulatory activities of partner agencies into an efficient and effective process for improving egg and egg product safety in the U.S.

The FDA Food Safety Modernization Act called for enhanced partnerships of government agencies and provides a legal mandate for developing an Integrated Food Safety System (IFSS)... 

Egglife Foods Goes Against the Grain with New Campaign and Innovative New Sweet Cinnamon Wrap

Egglife Foods, the innovative company reimagining flour-based foods by harnessing the power of eggs, is once again disrupting the tortilla category. The CPG startup that has made 'kicking flour to the curb' its mission officially announced the launch of a new creative campaign, which aims to drive awareness, familiarity and loyalty for its category disrupting egglife® egg white wraps along with its first-to-market innovation – new sweet cinnamon egglife® egg white wraps – by encouraging consumers to go against the grain...

Eggland's Best CEO Charlie Lanktree Announces Retirement

Eggland's Best, the #1 branded egg in the U.S., announced today that CEO Charlie Lanktree plans to retire after having served the company for 32 years. As part of the final steps of a successful transition plan put in place several years ago, Kurt Misialek will be adding CEO to his current role as President of Eggland's Best, effective January 1, 2022.

"It has been a great pleasure and honor to have spent more than 30 years leading a fantastic team," Lanktree said. "I'm thankful for our consumers who enjoy our products..."

USAPEEC Appoints Greg Tyler to Succeed Jim Sumner as President & CEO

The USA Poultry & Egg Export Council (USAPEEC) Executive Committee has appointed current Chief Operating Officer Greg Tyler as the council’s next President and Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Jim Sumner who will be retiring from the position in June 2022 after 32 years leading the organization.

The announcement was made today at the 2021 USAPEEC Winter Meeting.

Under Sumner, the percentage of U.S. chicken production that is exported tripled to about 18 percent, and in 2020 U.S. broiler exports reached 3.6 million metric tons, up 589 percent from 1990...

The Rise of Low-Carb, Keto, and Paleo Snack Trends

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many aspects of consumer behavior and daily life. The grocery market experienced much faster than average growth in 2020 since people were staying at home more than usual due to remote work and schooling. Consumers are also snacking more when home more during the pandemic, and some have gained weight.

Interest in low-carb eating plans has increased as consumers are making efforts to improve their health or shed pandemic pounds. The keto and paleo diet both feature lower carb content and have a...

Versova, Northwest Farms and Proterra Investment Partners Acquire Williamette Egg Farms

Northwest Farms and Proterra Investment Partners (Proterra) has acquired the operations and assets of Willamette Egg Farms (Willamette) in the Pacific Northwest from Michael Foods, Inc., a subsidiary of Post Holdings.

Northwest Farms is a newly formed company that includes several egg farming families who also are owners in Versova Management (Versova). Versova, headquartered in Sioux Center, IA, has assumed day to day management of the farms, located in Washington and Oregon.

The acquisition includes Willamette’s egg farms in Moses Lake, WA; and Canby and Molalla, OR. The farms...

Kroger and Kipster Farms Announce Plans to Bring the First Carbon-Neutral Eggs to U.S. Customers

The Kroger Co., America's largest grocery retailer, and Kipster Farms, the award-winning egg production system founded in The Netherlands, announced today a strategic partnership to bring the world's first carbon-neutral, cage-free eggs to retail shelves in the U.S.

"Simple Truth is excited to partner with the innovative team at Kipster to further elevate our brand's purpose to be a force for good," said Brad Studer, senior director, Our Brands for Kroger. "These Simple Truth and Kipster eggs will be produced..."

New Barn Organics Launches Regenerative Organic Certified™ Pasture Raised Eggs

When New Barn Organics decided to partner with NestFresh Eggs earlier this year on its first egg products, co-Founder Ted Robb wanted to ensure the brand's deep commitment to premium organic products was a focal point of this new partnership.

"NestFresh is one of the largest egg producers in the country, and there was no question that they could handle the day-to-day operations of our brand," says Robb. "But what really excited our team was their genuine desire to support our deeper mission and..."

Egg Processing Market to grow US$ 40.2 Bn by end of 2027, Says Coherent Market Insights

According to latest report, the global egg processing market is estimated to account for 40.2 Bn in terms of value, witnessing a CAGR of 4.3% by the end of 2027.

Egg processing is usually performed by the hens and is carried out in large numbers. Some of them include shell manipulation, cracking of shells, removal of scrapings, removal of tail feathers, removal of extra skins, etc. This process is very important to make healthy and hygienic egg products. Different steps are...

This Week in Retail: Consumers Get a Head Start on Their Holiday Shopping

The final days of October are upon us and grocery circulars will soon be inundated with holiday promotions. 

Retailers will increasingly advertise Thanksgiving staples and several outlets are offering shoppers free turkeys or other holiday favorites after spending a minimum amount. BOGO promotions are also popular at this time of year as grocers make room for fresh and frozen turkeys, hams, and beyond.

This week in retail, however, deep discounts at the meat case are hard to come by. Interruptions in the supply chain continue to influence price points for nearly all commodities while altering consumer shopping behavior.

Shoppers are expected to begin their holiday shopping earlier than usual this year. Some consumers are concerned that they may not be able to buy everything on their list due to the global gridlock at ports and production slowdowns...