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 ...

ANALYSIS: Egg Inventories Hit Record Highs

National shell egg inventories were reported by the USDA at a record 1.610 million cases Monday, March 25th, climbing 9.1% from the week prior and 20.2% when compared to 3 weeks from Easter last year...

Proposition 12 Establishes New Standards for the CA Egg Market

In November 2018, California voters passed a ballot initiative that will once again change the landscape of egg production in the state and for those around the country looking to send eggs and egg products into the area. It will establish new space requirements for egg laying hens, in addition to setting new minimum requirements for calves raised for veal and breeding pigs.

The initiative will be phased in over the next two years. It will require producers to keep egg-laying hens in cages with...

Central Valley Eggs Responds to Growth with Second Production Site

Central Valley Eggs is pleased to announce the start of their second production site in California. The first site has been at full capacity since early 2018. The next site will be in Tulare, California. Jeff Peterson, General Manager, states, “Our concept of cage free, done on an economical scale with careful attention to hen welfare is resonating with the marketplace.” He adds, “The mandated changes caused by the passage of Prop 12 will create additional opportunities as we grow our production.”

Central Valley Eggs is a partnership with Opal Foods, Western Milling and...

Cargill and Heifer Launch Hatching Hope Global Initiative 

Cargill and Heifer International have joined forces to create The Hatching Hope Global Initiative. The bold initiative aims to improve the nutrition and economic livelihoods of 100 million people by 2030 through the production, promotion and consumption of poultry.

Hatching Hope will work directly with women smallholder farmers, initially in India, Mexico and Kenya. The program helps farmers not only feed their families but also become part of the solution to bridging the global food and nutrition security gap, while boosting local economies and providing nutrition education.

“We believe that the key to ending hunger and poverty is for farmers to be able to earn a living income,” said Pierre Ferrari, president and CEO of Heifer International. “Through Hatching Hope, we’re investing in smart, resourceful women farmers, working with them to improve...

Sonic Puts an Egg on It with the All-New Brunch Burger

SONIC® Drive-In brings you brunch on-demand any time with the new limited-time Brunch Burger. Made with a 100-percent pure beef patty topped with melty cheese, crispy bacon, and a perfectly fried egg, served on a bakery-soft brioche bun, this glorious combination of breakfast and lunch with a side of medium crispy Tots is available all day for just $2.99*.

For the extra-hungry brunch fan, SONIC also offers the Bigger Brunch Burger that doubles the beef, available a la carte for $4.99*. Guests can even take their brunch all the way by ...

White Castle Lures Cravers with Limited-time 3 for $3 Value Deal

White Castle, America's first fast-food hamburger chain, is giving fans even more power to pick their Crave with the new 3 for $3 value deal. With "Threedom to Choose," customers can now mix and match any three sliders out of five tasty varieties for only $3 at restaurants across the country. White Castle also announced the return of the Seafood Crab Cake Slider and Shrimp Nibblers®, available at most White Castle restaurants for a limited time beginning February 25.

White Castle's bold new 3 for $3 value deal gives customers the "Threedom to Choose" any three sliders out of five hot and steamy options for just $3. Customers will have their choice from the Seafood Crab Cake Slider, the Bacon Cheese Slider, the Sausage, Egg and Cheese Waffle Slider, the Fish Slider or the Chicken Ring Slider. The new "Threedom to Choose" deal is available for ...

PODCAST: Market Correction in the Egg Sector?

This week's segment features Brian Moscogiuri, giving great insight into trends and happenings in the egg market. We discuss market corrections, supply situation, exports, and of course, IPPE 2019!

Eggland's Best Celebrates First-Of-Its-Kind Patent for Production of a Better Egg

Eggland's Best (EB), the nation's #1 egg, is pleased to announce that the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) has granted a first-of-its-kind patent only to Eggland's Best for its method of producing a better shell egg. This patent, A Method for Production of a Verified Enriched Shell Egg, confirms that Eggland's Best shell eggs are produced in a method that enriches their nutritional content.

Eggland's Best's patented method of production and verification ensures that every EB egg has superior qualities including high nutritional content, a reduced risk of Salmonella Enteritidis (SE), and other exceptional egg and shell qualities. This patent demonstrates and verifies that the EB process is superior, resulting in the highest quality egg...