ANALYSIS: The Tug of War Between Chicken Wings and Boneless Breasts

During October of last year, we explored the growing price disparity between jumbo boneless breast quotations and jumbo-sized whole wings...

A Look at the Pandemic’s Impact on Restaurant Jobs in 2020

The National Restaurant Association provided a look at how the coronavirus pandemic impacted employment at eating and drinking places throughout 2020.

Overall, the restaurant and foodservice sector was expected to provide 15.6 million jobs in 2020, accounting for 10% of payroll jobs in the economy. Those numbers would take a turn for the worst as the pandemic began in March.

Starting in March, millions of people were left without work as lockdowns and stay-at-home orders were implemented, leading to mass layoffs and furloughs...

ANALYSIS: Chicken Wings Start Year Undefeated

With NFL playoff season at our doorstep, wing marketers are ordinarily gearing up as they prepare for one of the busiest quarters of the year...

REPORTER: Q3 Pork: Hot Prices and Frigid Freezer Inventories

With COVID-19 concerns continuing throughout the third quarter and into the fourth quarter of 2020, areas such as boning-line labor, foodservice and recreational activities, cold storage, and production were all affected. The Pork Carcass Cutout noted an uncharacteristic price rally between July and October 2020, increasing by around 31.6%. Looking at the past, the 5-year and 10-year averages saw declines around 12% during this timeframe, while in 2019 the cutout saw a moderate increase of 3.8% for the respective time period...

ANALYSIS: Turkey Cold Storage: A November to Remember

With November in the rear-view mirror, the time has finally come for turkey market participants to peer into the freezer and assess...

ANALYSIS: WOGs - A Year in Review

With 2021 right around the corner, chicken market participants are taking a step away from the day-to-day to assess how the year has shaped up...

A Look at Potential Regulatory Impacts on the Meat Industry Ahead of Biden Presidency

In the final session of the North American Meat Institute’s Post-Election Outlook Series, the discussion revolved around the regulatory implications of the incoming Biden Administration. A pair of experts explored what companies will have in store from a compliance perspective.

Carmen Rottenberg, former Administrator for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Food Safety and Inspection Service and the Managing Director for Groundswell Strategy and Christopher DeLacy, Partner, Holland & Knight were the panelists for the discussion...

Whose Workers Are Most Essential? Meatpackers, Airlines Lobby for Covid-19 Vaccine Priority

The arrival of Covid-19 vaccines is sending big industries jostling to persuade public-health officials and state leaders that their workers are more essential than others.

Leaders in the food, restaurant, aviation and utility industries are calling on state and federal authorities to give their workers priority access to the shots, arguing that their employees are needed to keep the economy running and face high risks of contracting the virus. Though the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued guidance on which Americans should be first in line for the initial doses, state governors have the final say—meaning the makeup of the priority line could vary widely by state...

ANALYSIS: Pork Butts at Decade Lows for December

Bone-in pork butts have witnessed pressure in the market since the beginning of October, following almost...

ANALYSIS: What’s Next for Whole Body Turkeys?

After processors successfully marketed their whole body tom and hen production and the fruits of their labor are being enjoyed, they now shift their attention...

Rabobank Global Animal Protein Outlook 2021: Emerging From a World of Uncertainty

After a year full of uncertainties, global animal protein is expected to rise again, as it looks for opportunities.

In 2021, Rabobank anticipates production growth in most regions, with the biggest change taking place in Asia, where the impacts of African swine fever (ASF) are fading. Pork is expected to lead that growth – with a gradual recovery process, as ASF is still active. Poultry and aquaculture are also forecast to grow, followed by beef. Wild-catch seafood, however, is expected to decline.

Global animal protein trade continues to create areas of opportunity and risk, with China...

Injuries and Illnesses in Poultry Processing Fall Below All Manufacturing for First Time

The incidence of occupational injuries and illnesses within the poultry sector’s slaughter and processing workforce has fallen below all manufacturing for the first time since the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) began recording injuries and illnesses information in 1994. The total recordable poultry processing illness and injury rate for 2019 was 3.2 cases per 100 full-time workers annually, down from 3.5 in 2018. The poultry industry’s rate of 3.2 was below the rate of 5.1 for similar agricultural industries in terms of injuries per 100 full-time workers and lower than the rate of 4.0 for the entire food manufacturing sector and all of manufacturing at 3.3...

ANALYSIS: The Ups and Downs of This Year’s Chicken Hatch

It has been a topsy turvy year for the chicken industry to say the least. Between highly volatile retail and foodservice demand patterns, the enduring inconsistencies in...

ANALYSIS: What’s Going On with Tom Breast Meat?

It’s safe to say that Thanksgiving and the whole bird centric activity which typically...

ANALYSIS: SpareRibs Lingering Around PEDv 2014 Levels

Like most items throughout the fresh pork complex, spareribs underwent a significant rally from...

ANALYSIS: Pork Cutout Showing October Highs

With both heightened retail and export demand continuing into the Autumn months, along with labor constraints and limited cold storage stocks, the Urner Barry Pork Cutout has ascended to...

Weekly Initial Unemployment Claims Reach Highest Number Since August 

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, initial unemployment claims for the week ending October 10 reached 898,000, an increase of 53,000 from the previous week's revised level. This is the highest number since August 22, and economists surveyed by Dow Jones had expected about 830,000 claims. The increase in claims indicates that the labor market is still struggling to get back to its pre-pandemic mark.

The 4-week moving average was 866,250, an increase of 8,000 from the week prior. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 6.8% for the week ending October 3, a decrease of 0.9 percentage point from the previous week's revised rate. Those receiving first-time benefits under the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program continued to...

ANALYSIS: Pork 42 Trim vs. Beef 50 Trim

For some processed meat products, beef and pork trimmings can be used interchangeably on items such as...

Weekly Unemployment Claims Decrease as Slow Recovery Continues 

According to the U.S. Labor Department, initial unemployment claims for the week ending September 26 totaled 837,000, a decrease of 36,000 from the previous week's revised level. This was the fifth consecutive week that claims were under 1 million after staying there for five months following COVID-19 related shutdowns. While the number of claims is showing a slow recovery, the total is still well above any number the country has seen prior to the pandemic.

The 4-week moving average was 867,250, a decrease of 11,750 from the previous week's revised average. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was...

Publix Named Among Fortune’s Best Workplaces for Women

Publix has been recognized by Fortune as one of the Best Workplaces for Women, ranking No. 29 out of 100 companies on the 2020 list.

“We are honored to be recognized by Fortune as a best workplace for women,” said Publix Director of Communications Maria Brous. “Our inclusion on the 2020 list reflects Publix’s commitment to create a diverse culture that makes us stronger as a company.”

In a survey conducted by Great Place to Work, women were asked about experiences in their workplace based on their ability to reach their full potential and how their gender shapes those experiences. Great Place to Work then analyzed trends based on an organization’s size, industry and region...

Weekly Unemployment Claims Remain Elevated

The U.S. Labor Department reported 884,000 first-time filings for unemployment claims, unchanged from the previous week's revised level. For the week ending August 29, the advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 9.2%, an increase of 0.1 percentage point from the unrevised rate the week before. Continuing claims from those filing for at least two weeks rose from the week prior, reaching 13.385 million. That is an increase of 93,000 from last week's report and an indicator that job improvement through the summer may be tailing off as fall begins.

For the week ending September 5, the 4-week moving average was 970,750, a decrease of 21,750 from the previous week's revised average. Claims under the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program continued to rise, increasing more than...

ANALYSIS: Pork Offals in Cold Storage Decline as Fresh Supplies Remain Thin

The labor force continues to be stretched thin at many production plants following the wave of closures that occurred earlier in the year due to...

Unemployment Claims Top One Million for the Second Consecutive Week 

The latest unemployment data shows no reprieve from the coronavirus pandemic as more than one million people filed initial unemployment claims for the second week in a row. In early August, the number of initial filings dipped below one million for the first time since March. However, the decrease appears to be short-lived.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the figure for initial unemployment claims was 1,006,000, a decrease of 98,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised down by 2,000 for a total of 1,104,000. The 4-week moving average was 1,068,000, a decline of...

Weekly Unemployment Claims Back Above One Million

A week after initial unemployment claims fell below one million per week for the first time in five months, claims once again jumped over a million for the week ending August 15. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the figure for initial unemployment claims was 1,106,000, an increase of 135,000 from last week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up by 8,000 for a total of 971,000. The 4-week moving average was 1,175,750, a decline of 79,000 from the week prior.

For the week ending August 8, the adjusted insured unemployment rate was 10.2%, a decrease of 0.4 percentage point from the previous week's unrevised rate. The 4-week moving average was 15,842,250, a decrease of...

Initial Unemployment Claims Decrease in the Week Ending August 1 

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the figure for initial unemployment claims was 1,186,000 for the week ending August 1. This figure represents a decrease of 249,000 from last week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up slightly from 1,434,000 to 1,435,000. The 4-week moving average was 1,337,750, a decline of 31,000 from the week prior.

For the week ending July 25, the adjusted insured unemployment rate was 11%, a decrease of 0.6 percentage point from the previous week's unrevised rate. The 4-week moving average was...

Unemployment Continues to Increase as COVID-19 Impacts Number of Initial Claims 

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the figure for initial unemployment claims was 1,416,000 for the week ending July 18. This is an increase of 109,000 from the previous week's revised level. Last week's level was revised up by 7,000 to a total of 1,307,000. The 4-week moving average was 1,360,250, a decrease of 16,500 from the previous week's revised average.

For the week ending July 11, the adjusted insured unemployment rate reached 11.1%, a decline of 0.7 percentage points from the week prior. Also, the rate for the previous week was revised down to 11.8%. The 4-week moving average was...

ANALYSIS: Hatchery figures: Filling a Need but Which One?

By almost every measure, 2020 has been an historic year and one which has rocked the chicken industry to its core...

New Legislation Introduced to Help Independent Restaurants Recover from COVID-19 Challenges

The Real Economic Support That Acknowledges Unique Restaurant Assistance Needed to Survive (RESTAURANTS) Act of 2020 was introduced on June 18 calling for $120 billion to help independent restaurants recover from the challenges posed by COVID-19.

Introduced by a bipartisan coalition of politicians including U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., and Representatives Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore., and Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa, the legislation will create a fund to deal with the impacts of the coronavirus and help reemploy...

ANALYSIS: Labor Issues Create Record Spread Between Bone-in and Boneless Hams

Despite the nation’s gradual recovery and reopening, labor issues continue to plague some areas of the pork industry. We have seen this most often...

Tyson Foods, Inc. Releases Results From Covid-19 Testing At Berry Street Facility In Springdale, AR

Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN) announced today the results of facility-wide testing for COVID-19 at its Berry Street poultry facility in Springdale, Arkansas. 

Of the 1,102 team members who work at the facility and were tested onsite from June 4 to June 6, 199 tested positive, only one of whom showed symptoms. The other 198 individuals who tested positive did not show any symptoms and otherwise would not have been identified. 

This is in addition to 48 positive cases identified at Berry Street by the Department of Health or when seeking care through their own health care providers...

Smithfield Foods Details Ongoing COVID-19 Testing at Its Facilities

Smithfield Foods, Inc. today said that it is continuing to prioritize employee health and safety by providing free, on-demand COVID-19 testing to all its employees at its more than 40 U.S. facilities. The company offered the following details about the ongoing COVID-19 testing:

- Last month, Smithfield completed a testing phase in which private healthcare providers administered mass testing on a voluntary basis to all its employees.  

- At the conclusion of that phase, beginning last month, the company hired four private healthcare providers, Matrix Medical Network, Eurofins Scientific, Mako 

Coronavirus Continues to Impact the Unemployment Rate but Initial Claims Decrease 

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the figure for initial unemployment claims was 2,123,000 for the week ending May 23. This week's number is a decrease of 323,000 from the previous week's revised level. The updated 4-week moving average was 2,608,000, a decline of 436,000 from the prior week's revised average.

For the week ending May 16, the adjusted insured unemployment rate reached 14.5%, a decrease of 2.6 percentage points from the previous week's rate. Also, the rate for the week prior was revised down by 0.1 to 17.1%. The 4-week moving average was 22,722,250, an increase of 760,250 from the previous week's revised level.

The number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled...

Initial Unemployment Claims Decrease from Previous Week's Level

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, in the week ending May 16th, initial unemployment claims totaled 2,348,000. This is a decrease of 249,000 from the previous week's revised level. Claims totaled 2,687,000 in the last week, and the 4-week moving average was 3,042,000, a decrease of 501,000 from week prior. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 17.2% for the week ending May 9th, an increase of 1.7 percentage points from the previous week's revised rate.

The advance number of initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, reached 2,174,329 in the week ending May 16th. This represented a decrease of 182,265 or 7.7%. To compare, there were...

Restaurant Employment Falls to Lowest Level Since 1989

The restaurant industry lost more than three decades of jobs in the last two months, according to National Restaurant Association analysis of preliminary data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Eating and drinking places – which are the primary component of the total restaurant and foodservice industry – lost 5.5 million jobs in April, on a seasonally-adjusted basis, which follows a net decline of nearly a half-million jobs in March. This is nearly three times more jobs than any other industry.

"In February, there were more than 12 million people on the payrolls of eating and drinking places across this country, but today more than six million restaurant workers are...

Kroger Providing COVID-19 Testing to Frontline Employees

Retail giant Kroger announced it will provide free COVID-19 testing to its frontline associates based on symptoms and medical needs.

The company also highlighted the additional safety measures it put in place to help protect its workforce.

"At Kroger, the safety and health of our associates and customers remain our top priority during this unprecedented time," said Tim Massa, Kroger's senior vice president and chief people officer. "Our associates have worked tirelessly to provide communities continued access to fresh, affordable food. We are dedicated to providing support and gratitude to our..."

ANALYSIS: Chicken Processors Coping with COVID-19 Related Set Backs

In light of the recent challenges that COVID-19 has brought upon the chicken industry, this week we thought it would be a good opportunity to check in on the supply side of the equation to...

Coronavirus Continues to Impact Number of Initial Unemployment Claims

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the figure for initial unemployment claims was 4,427,000 for the week ending April 18th. This is a decrease of 810,000 from the previous week's revised level. Last week's level was revised down by 8,000 claims from 5,245,000 for a total of 5,237,000. The 4-week moving average increased by 280,000 to reach 5,786,500.

For the week ending April 11th, the insured unemployment rate was 11%, an increase of 2.8 percentage points from the previous week. This marks the highest level of the insured unemployment rate in the history of the series. The total reached...

National Restaurant Association: Restaurant Industry has Lost Two-Thirds of Workforce

From beloved corner diners, to favorite independent restaurants to well-known chains, the entire restaurant industry has lost two-thirds of its workforce, more than eight million employees, as a result of COVID-19 closures, according to a new national survey conducted by the National Restaurant Association and included in a new industry recovery plan sent to Congress today.

The Association called on Congress to enact a new "Blueprint for Recovery" to provide targeted relief for the second largest private sector employer, an industry that is larger than airlines, railroads, ground transportation and spectator sports combined, and that has in the past been one of the...

Unemployment Claims Top 6 Million as Coronavirus Keeps Businesses Closed

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, during the week ending March 28th, the increase in initial unemployment claims due to the impact of the coronavirus reached 6,648,000. This is an increase of 3,341,000 from the previous week's revised level. States continued to identify increases related to the services industry broadly, again led by accommodation and foodservice.

However, state comments indicated a wider impact across industries. Some states cited social assistance and manufacturing. Meanwhile, an increasing number of states identified...

Retail Fresh Produce Demand Soars, but Landmines Remain During Coronavirus Pandemic 

The COVID-19 situation has created a surge in fresh produce demand in retail grocery, but challenges around foodservice, logistics, macroeconomics, and labor availability pose ongoing threats. While fresh produce sales through foodservice channels have largely dried up, consumers continue to stock up on grocery items, including fresh produce.

Logistics have been strained, both globally and domestically, but the industry is adapting rapidly. The imminent global recession and rapid climb in the value of the US dollar will continue to threaten global demand, even after the virus is contained. Labor availability constraints and increases in...

Coronavirus Impact Leads to Highest Unemployment Claims in U.S. History 

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, during the week ending March 21st, the increase in initial unemployment claims due to the impact of the coronavirus reached a record high. States are continuing to cite service industries broadly, particularly foodservice. Additional industries also cited include social services, transportation, warehouses, and manufacturing industries.

A record 3,283,000 people filed claims for unemployment in the United States last week as the coronavirus pandemic shut down large parts of the economy. The labor department reported that the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims showed an increase of 3,001,000 from the previous week's revised level.

This marks the highest level of claims in the history of the seasonally adjusted series. The previous high was 695,000 in October of 1982. The previous week's level was revised up by...

Papa John’s to Hire 20,000 New Team Members Immediately

Papa John’s announced the company is hiring up to 20,000 new restaurant team members.

“For anyone looking for immediate ways to earn an income, we’re making it quick and simple to apply, interview and be hired at Papa John’s,” said Marvin Boakye, Papa John’s chief people and diversity officer. “We want to add talented team members to our Papa John’s family across the country to deliver food safely to our customers’ doorsteps. We are in the unique position – as a restaurant that specializes in...

Coronavirus: 3,000 U.S. Jobs Already Publicly Cut, 9 Million More Threatened as Restaurants Close

Outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc. reported that coronavirus-related job cuts reached 3,634, with an additional 9 million jobs threatened in the leisure and hospitality sector.

In Challenger’s Job Cuts Report, which tracks publicly announced job cuts through company announcements, media reports, and SEC filings, did not include layoffs from bars and restaurants that were shut down across 13 states.

"We are certainly beginning to see the cracks in the foundation. Slowing demand, brought on by the need for Americans to practice social distancing..."

NPPC Renews Call for Labor Solutions for Pork Production Continuity 

Job Report Numbers Show 2020 is Off to a Good Start

Starting the year on a strong note, the US economy added 225,000 jobs in January and the unemployment rate ticked up slightly to 3.6 percent. Today's job report provides more evidence of accelerating employment growth, with the last three months averaging 211,000 new jobs. Stronger employment growth may reflect growing confidence of employers, as some of the geopolitical risks -- such as the US-China trade spat -- subsided in recent months.

Amid stagnant growth in the working-age population, strong employment growth will likely further tighten the labor market in 2020. As a result, we can expect increasing challenges around...

Rabobank: Foodservice 2020 Global Outlook

The global market outlook is for foodservice sales to continue to grow, although some tempering is expected due to macroeconomic uncertainties across most geographies. This report explores the foodservice market in various regions and looks at the four main issues for foodservice executives: the macroeconomic and geopolitical environment, delivery, input costs, and sustainability.

The Foodservice 2020 Global Outlook explores the issues that are top of mind for foodservice executives. The first of these is the uncertain macroeconomic and geopolitical environment. Consumer confidence, a key driver for foodservice, may be under increased pressure in 2020 as economic growth slows down and geopolitical events add uncertainty and an overall...