USDA Announces Funds to Expand Processing Capacity Following NCBA Advocacy

Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association commended the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) following Secretary Tom Vilsack’s announcement of over $223 million in grants and loans to support small to mid-sized processing facilities.

“NCBA has long advocated for expanded processing capacity to provide cattle producers with additional options for turning their cattle into high-quality beef. Today, the cattle industry needs more targeted capacity in high-need areas, and we look forward to these facilities launching and expanding operations,” said NCBA Senior Director of Government Affairs Tanner Beymer...

Quicklly and Instacart put Indian Groceries on the Map with 60-Minute Delivery

Quicklly, a comprehensive, one-stop marketplace for Indian/South Asian groceries, tiffins, meal kits and fully-prepared restaurant dishes, and Instacart today announced the companies' expanded partnership to offer delivery of Quicklly's Indian pantry staples, desi spices and sauces in as fast as an hour across seven U.S. cities: New York City, N.Y., Chicago, Ill., Austin, Texas, Fremont, Calif., Sunnyvale, Calif., Naperville, Ill. and Edison, N.J. The Instacart app also offers nationwide delivery of Quicklly's ready-to-eat Indian meals kits in three to four days, creating... 

Odd Burger Signs Agreement for 40 New Vegan Fast-Food Restaurants in Ontario

Odd Burger Corporation, one of the world's first vegan fast-food chains and the first to go public, announced today that it has signed an agreement with a party to open 40 new locations in Ontario.

Odd Burger and Starke Investments, a company specializing in real estate and franchise development, have signed an area representative agreement that will bring forty Odd Burger locations to the province over the next eight years. Starke Investments will oversee franchise sales to individual owners, store construction, and provide support for franchises...

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop Announces 4-Store Franchise Deal with Expansion into Utah

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop announces a 4-store agreement with John Cassity, which will include the brand’s expansion into Utah, and growth within Colorado, an existing market. The Texas-based restaurant group is recognized for its Baja-style fare with nearly 150 franchise- and corporate-owned locations in 18 states (with planned openings in Alabama and Utah which will bring the total to 20).

In addition to Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, Cassity owns five Einstein Bros. Bagel shops and four Subway sandwich shops.

“John is a highly qualified and experienced..."

Walmart and Symbotic Expand Partnership to Implement Industry-Leading Automation System

Symbotic LLC, a revolutionary A.I.-powered supply chain technology company, and Walmart Inc. announced an expanded commercial agreement to implement Symbotic’s robotics and software automation platform in all 42 of Walmart’s regional distribution centers over the coming years. This is an expansion of Walmart’s prior commitment to deploy Symbotic Systems in 25 regional distribution centers.

The end-to-end software-enabled high-density robotics platform plays a strategic role in supporting the retailer’s goal of modernizing its vast supply chain network and allows Walmart to transform its regional distribution...

Kroger Announces Second Year of Go Fresh & Local Supplier Accelerator

America's largest grocery retailer, The Kroger Co. today announced the second year of its groundbreaking Go Fresh & Local Supplier Accelerator, a program designed to enhance and accelerate the selection of local items sold in the Kroger Family of Companies. The program provides a pathway to entry for local businesses of all sizes by allowing American-based growers and producers the chance to work directly with the retailer. Through the Supplier Accelerator, Kroger is continuing to expand its fresh departments – including produce, deli, bakery, meat, seafood, dairy, specialty cheeses, and...

Cargill Expands RadiPure® Pea Protein into the META & India Markets 

As more consumers aim to add plant-based foods to their diets, Cargill is expanding RadiPure® pea protein in Middle East, Turkey, Africa (META) & India, a move that will help food and beverage manufacturers in the region respond to evolving marketplace trends.

"No individual protein source can solely feed the world. While consumers are looking for alternatives to increase their protein intake, they do not want to compromise on taste and texture. Our RadiPure® pea protein helps us meet this growing demand in the market," Banu Oksun...

NCBA and PLC Welcome Expansion of ELAP

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and the Public Lands Council (PLC) welcome the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) decision to expand the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) to cover a portion of the costs incurred from the transportation of livestock to feed sources.

“We are appreciative that the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) listened to requests from producers who are suffering through the continued impact of multiple years of unprecedented drought and skyrocketing input costs. We are also grateful for the efforts of Senator..."

Yum China Expands Share Repurchase Authorization by $1 Billion

Yum China Holdings, Inc. today reported that its Board of Directors (the "Board") has increased the Company's share repurchase authorization by $1 billion to an aggregate of $2.4 billion.

From 2017 to March 16, 2022, the Company repurchased approximately 24 million shares of common stock for $971 million, including approximately 4 million shares repurchased for $188 million quarter-to-date 2022. This increase brings the total remaining authorization to approximately $1.4 billion.

"The Board's approval to expand our share repurchase program reflects the strength of..."

Marco's Pizza® Inks 46-Store Phoenix Agreement

Marco's Pizza, one of the nation's fastest-growing pizza brands, announces a 46-store development agreement that will bring new stores to the Phoenix metro market over the next six years. This development news contributes to the brand's overall growth goal of 1,500 units by 2023, as Marco's sets sights on becoming the No. 4 brand in pizza.

Behind this development agreement is 11-year Marco's area representative and franchisee Robert Pina, who joined the brand in 2011 in Houston, Texas. He currently oversees development in Houston and San Antonio with his...

Blaze Pizza Signs New Franchise Agreement to Propel Expansion Across Tennessee

Blaze Pizza, the nation's leading fast-casual franchise pizza concept, announced today the signing of a new franchise agreement to expand the brand's presence across Chattanooga, bringing three new units to southern Tennessee. The news comes at an exciting period of development fueled by an impressive year for the fast-growing pizza franchise. Throughout 2021, Blaze Pizza achieved significant nationwide growth with the opening of 14 new restaurants in key target markets including Texas, Florida, Nevada, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Georgia and California. The company's investments in operational efficiencies coupled...

NCBA Pleased to See Next Steps in Processing Capacity Funding

Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the availability of up to $215 million in grants and resources as part of a continued effort to strengthen the meat and poultry processing sector and create a more resilient food supply chain. NCBA appreciates the Administration’s efforts to expand and diversify processing capacity and looks forward to working with USDA to ensure proper implementation of the funds...