This Week in Retail: Buying Opportunities Increase for Pork

Meat and poultry features are bountiful this week as consumers hunker down for hearty home-cooked meals during chilly autumn evenings. While Halloween is just around the corner, some retailers are already showcasing Thanksgiving promotions.

This week in retail, buying opportunities were lower week-over-week for turkey and seafood features. Towards the tail-end of October National Pork Month, marketing campaigns pushed pork features higher than the previous week. Meanwhile, retail activity for chicken and beef was nearly flat with the week prior. 

Buying opportunities for seafood this week are centered around fresh/frozen fillets—namely tilapia—and raw shrimp. The fresh/frozen fillets complex makes up 33% of ad space and averages $6.89 per pound, 20.1% above a year ago. Tilapia is up 7.8% from this week last year at $5.93 per pound on average. Atlantic salmon boneless filet is also widely featured and averages $8.68 per pound, compared to $7.70 per pound last year. The raw shrimp complex claims 23% of ad space. The regional price spread for 16-20 raw ranges from $6.99 per pound to $8.99 per pound, generally on par with year-ago levels...

ANALYSIS: A Brief Look at October Pork Month Features

Historically, during the month of October, hog and pork products are marketed around the US...

Evans Food Group Recalls Pork Products Imported Without Benefit of Inspection

Evans Food Group Ltd., a Chicago, Ill. establishment, is recalling approximately 10,359 pounds of pork pellet products that were not presented for import re-inspection into the United States, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The pork pellet products were imported on September 15, 2021 and further processed into pork rind and chicharrones items. The products subject to recall are listed here.

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 6030” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped...

This Week in Retail: Spread Between Food at Home vs Away from Home Narrows

The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) for September, released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), showed the food index up 0.9 percent last month after gaining 0.4 percent in August. The Food at Home (FAH) index showed a 1.2 percent over the month increase with gains across all six major food group indices. The index for meats, poultry, fish, and eggs demonstrated a 2.2 percent over the month increase. The index for dairy and related products posted the smallest increase at 0.7 percent. 

The BLS defines the CPI as the change in prices paid by consumers for goods and services. Overall, the CPI rose by 0.4 percent in September. Notably, gains in the indices for food and shelter contributed to more than half of the monthly all items increase. Over the last 12 months, the all items index rose 5.4 percent before seasonal adjustment. 

The BLS reports that the index for Food Away From Home (FAFH), which was up 0.4 percent in August, gained 0.5 percent in September. Over the last year, the FAFH index rose 4.7 percent. Increases for limited and full-service meals offset a decline in the index for food at employee sites and schools...

Nick’s Famous Bar-B-Q Recalls Ready-To-Eat Pork Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination

Nick’s Famous Bar-B-Q, a Nashville, Tenn., establishment, is recalling approximately 3,140 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) smoked pork barbecue products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The frozen RTE hickory smoked pork barbecue products were produced on September 7, 2021 and September 8, 2021 and packaged on September 8, 2021. The following products are subject to recall:

- 20-lb. boxes of...

This Week in Retail: Seafood Reigns Number One in Retail Ads This Week

Grocers' protein promotions this week included more seafood, which claimed the top spot in retail buying opportunities at about 30%. This is up from 27.3% the week prior and 25% this time last year.

The uptick in seafood featuring might be attributed to increased marketing campaigns for National Seafood Month. Organizations such as NOAA Fisheries utilize this month as a time to educate consumers about the U.S. seafood industry while sharing creative recipes to integrate fish, shrimp, and more into mealtimes and even tailgating parties. 

Retailers widely featured 16-20 raw shrimp this week at an average of $7.78 per pound. Down 7.5% from the week prior, this attractive price point could draw more consumers to the seafood case. 

The regional price spread for Atlantic Salmon boneless fillet ranged from $7.66 per pound to $8.86 per pound, generally down from week-ago levels but up on average from 2020. In the fresh/frozen fillets complex, tilapia averaged $4.99 per pound, down 8.6% from the week prior and 6.2% below 2020... 

REPORTER: A Summer of Extreme Volatility for Pork

This article was originally featured in the Fall 2021 Edition of Urner Barry's Reporter magazine.

The pork market continues to contend with a confluence of significant variables that have made for price extremes and unparalleled volatility.

The labor shortages that began early on during the COVID-19 outbreak have persisted, and in some areas grown worse as time has gone on. In addition, tight hog supplies, which are partially a result of culling actions taken last year, as well as potentially from more recent PRRS outbreaks, have lifted hog prices to lofty...

August Beef Exports Top $1 Billion; Pork Exports Remain on Record Pace

U.S. beef exports soared to another new value record in August, topping the $1 billion mark for the first time, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Pork exports posted another strong month in August, remaining ahead of the record pace established in 2020.

August beef exports totaled 132,577 metric tons (mt), up 21% from a year ago and the second largest volume this year, while export value climbed 55% to $1.04 billion. For January through August...

This Week in Retail: Looking Ahead to October

Don’t blink—it’s nearly October. Corn and soybean harvests are underway, sweater weather is approaching, and grocers are seeing additional opportunities to promote protein sales. Pork and seafood are receiving special accolades next month, as October is recognized as National Pork and Seafood Month.

Both campaigns are aimed at supporting farmers and encouraging household consumption by showcasing creative ways to incorporate pork and seafood into mealtimes. Whether it's for back-to-school lunches or family-time dinners, there are no shortages of pork and seafood-centric recipes to celebrate October and fall time festivities. 

Traditionally, hogs were marketed in October. These days, specialized facilities allow for year-round production. While every...

USDA Commits $500 Million For ASF Prevention

The National Pork Producers Council today commended Agriculture Secretary Vilsack for dedicating $500 million in USDA Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) funds for prevention of and preparation for African swine fever (ASF), a pig-only disease that would be devastating for the U.S. pork industry.

The CCC, a wholly owned government corporation created in 1933, implements specific agricultural programs established by Congress and carries out activities under the CCC Charter Act.

“NPPC thanks Sec. Vilsack for providing additional funding for federal efforts to protect America’s 60,000-plus pork producers from this..."

Espi’s Sausage and Tocino Co. Recalls Ready-to-Eat Chicken and Pork Hot Dog Products 

Espi’s Sausage and Tocino Co., a Seattle, Wash. establishment, is recalling approximately 2,048 pounds of frozen ready-to-eat chicken and pork hot dog products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The frozen ready-to-eat chicken and pork hot dog product was produced on May 19, 2021. The following products are subject to recall:

- 12-oz vacuum packed plastic packages containing “Argentina MIGHTY MEATY CHICKEN AND PORK HOTDOG JUMBO” and...

This Week in Retail: Tight Cold Storage Stocks Keep Prices Elevated for Many Meat Items

Pumpkin spice lovers, rejoice! Yesterday marked the first day of autumn and consumers are gearing up for cooler temperatures and hearty home-cooked meals. As we approach the fourth quarter, retailers are optimistic that fall-oriented demand will help maintain a strong consumer pull for meat and poultry products.  

For hog producers, autumn typically signals a period of seasonal expansion in supplies. Buying interest among packers who purchase hogs in the open market has slowed considerably in recent weeks, according to livestock dealers. This suggests that hog supplies overall are adequate for packers’ needs and current processing capacity, which continues to be strained by labor challenges...

Olymel to Permanently Close Henryville Pork Processing Plant 

Olymel management has announced the permanent closure of its Henryville, pork further processing plant in the Montérégie region. This decision will take effect on November 12 under the provisions of Quebec’s Labor Standards Act and will result in the abolition of 29 jobs. The employees affected by this decision, most of whom are represented by the United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) Local 501, were all informed this morning through a meeting and a personalized letter. All employees will be offered relocation in nearby Olymel facilities in the Montérégie region.

“Closing a facility is always a difficult decision. However, after careful evaluation of our capacities and needs in this production sector, we have concluded that...

NPPC Commends House Lawmakers For African Swine Fever Funding Request

The National Pork Producers Council commended seven House members for requesting funding to protect the U.S. swine herd from African swine fever (ASF).

In a letter, the lawmakers urged House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) to prioritize funding for USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to address a potential outbreak in the United States of ASF, which recently was detected in the Dominican Republic, the first time in 40 years the disease has been in the Western Hemisphere. Funds are necessary “to ensure that pork producers in our districts and across the country do not suffer the severe consequences of a potential ASF outbreak in the United States...

This Week in Retail: Heat Lingers, but Grocers Look Towards Fall Demand

Heat continues to blanket much of the country in mid-September. Meanwhile, hurricane season is wreaking havoc along the eastern U.S. and Gulf Coast, with tropical storm Daniel being the latest system to rear its ugly head.

With some communities still reeling from the devasting damage of Hurricane Ida and others flooded by torrential rainfall from Nicholas, late-summer grilling plans are far removed from the priority list for many households. 

Meanwhile, the first day of fall is just under one week away. For retailers, the transition to autumn will mean increased consumer preference for fall favorites like roasts. Weather-permitting, tail gaiting at sports events as fans celebrate NFL season could prolong demand for grilling cuts while supporting popular game-time foods like wings.

Speaking of wing fanatics, the National Chicken Council recognizes September as National Chicken Month. Some grocers are advertising additional chicken cuts to encourage consumer spending on poultry. However, the number of chicken advertisements this week in Urner Barry’s survey was down from a week ago and was also below the last half of August...

The Executive Conference is Back and Better Than Ever This Year—and There's Still Time to Register!

We're bringing you in-person networking, impactful content, and a hard-hitting lineup of speakers, including the one and only Bo Jackson!

Urner Barry’s Executive Conference is just a few weeks away and there’s still time to register and make your way to Las Vegas for this exclusive event!

This year’s show is at The Venetian in Las Vegas, September 26-28^th. Yes, we are LIVE and in-person this year and we know you are anxious to get back down to business and meet with fellow colleagues to network and learn at the industry’s most prestigious event!

The past 18 months have brought countless challenges and disrupted market dynamics more than ever before. Our industry has...

Tyson Foods Categorically Rejects Conclusions Drawn by White House

Tyson Foods categorically rejects the conclusions drawn by the Secretary of Agriculture and the Director of the National Economic Council in a White House press briefing.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently published a report detailing the drivers of consumer inflation in the food sector, none of which are related to industry consolidation or scale. The report can be found here.

Increase in Beef Prices due to Unprecedented Market Conditions

As we have explained in great detail to the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary, in testimony provided in August 2021, which can...

Record Value for July Beef Exports; Pork Value also Strong

U.S. beef exports set another new value record in July, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). July export value climbed 45% from a year ago to $939.1 million, while volume was the third largest of the post-BSE era at 122,743 metric tons (mt), up 14% year-over-year.

For January through July, beef exports increased 18% from a year ago to 822,830 mt, with value up 30% to $5.58 billion. Compared to the pace established in 2018, the record year for...

This Week in Retail: How the Ads Stack Up for Labor Day

Labor Day weekend is a stone’s throw away and retailers are spotlighting popular grilling items as we approach the final weeks of summer. 

Beef reigns number one in circular ad space this week with 28.6 percent of total feature volume, followed by seafood with 25.5 percent. Pork surpasses chicken for third with 24.3 percent. Chicken claimed 17.1 percent.

In the beef complex, 80% lean ground beef is on feature for an average of $3.19 per pound, down from $3.25 per pound last year. 80% lean ground beef is the only item in the beef complex displaying lower YOY feature prices this week. Top round London Broil, a favorable choice for grillling, is featured at $4.16 per pound, 27.2% above a year ago. The steak complex currently averages $8.70 per pound, nearly one dollar more per pound versus last year. T-bone and top sirloin are heavily advertised this week and their feature prices average about 23% and 8%, respectively, above 2020...

CBP Seizes Over 300 Pounds of Pork Bologna and Turkey Ham at the Paso Del Norte Border Crossing

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agriculture Specialists assigned to the Paso Del Norte Border Crossing seized 320 pounds of pork bologna and 30 pounds of turkey ham Thursday.

The discovery was made shortly after 6:00 a.m., when a 20-year-old United States citizen, resident of El Paso, Texas, presented himself for inspection. A CBP officer observed what appeared to be meat products hidden in the back seat of a 2012 Honda Odyssey driven by the individual.

A negative declaration for...

North American Meat Institute Calls for Moratorium on Prop 12 Enforcement

With California’s Proposition 12’s (Prop 12) January 1, 2022, effective date for pork looming and the rules implementing the law nearly two years late and far from final, the North American Meat Institute (Meat Institute) today called for a moratorium on enforcement to allow those subject to the law time to comply.

“Until final rules issue, affected companies are ‘on hold’ with respect to what they must do to comply with Prop 12 to avoid the risk of criminal prosecution,” said The Meat Institute’s Chief Operating Officer...

This Week in Retail: The Value of Labor

Labor Day – a holiday to honor the American labor movement – is a little over one week away. The invaluable contributions made by our nation’s workers warrants special recognition this year as nearly all sectors face widespread labor shortages during these unprecedented times.

These days ‘Help Wanted’ signs are commonplace and many restaurants have pared down their menu offerings in response to tight supplies. The retail landscape across nearly all proteins has been shaped by labor and processing constraints as some grocers struggle to secure enough product. Retail prices for several red meat, poultry, and seafood items this week continue to trend above 2020 levels.

Labor Day ads will be in full view next week and retailers will promote popular grilling items like pork chops, ribs, and steak. Grocers are also prepping for an influx of...

ANALYSIS: The Impact of Labor Issues on Hams

Ever since the first COVID-19 shutdowns, labor-related conversion issues have plagued the US ham market. As more and more bone-in hams couldn’t be...

ANALYSIS: July Pork in Cold Storage Breakdown

July’s USDA Cold Storage report, released on August 23^rd, showed that while progress was made in restocking the freezers for a couple of categories of cuts, there are still...

This Week in Retail: Prepping for Labor Day; Pork and Beef Indices Forge Record Highs  

Labor Day weekend – a symbolic end of summer – is sadly within reach for families scrambling to fit in one last vacation before school resumes. For some college students, the fall semester has already begun. Among retailers, the Labor Day holiday is widely viewed as the last major grilling weekend of the year.

Grocery stores could see an uptick in foot traffic as parents restock on school staples like breakfast and lunch foods. Typically, aside from back-to-school demand and Labor Day grilling opportunities, the meat case takes a back seat in mid to late August. This year, however, beef and pork appear well-positioned to remain in the spotlight despite a traditional period of seasonal... 

The Makers of Happy Little Plants Brand Launch Plant-Based Pepperoni Style Topping

For any pizzeria or restaurateur looking to add plant-based pizazz to their pizzas, Hormel Foods is introducing Happy Little Plants pepperoni style topping. Everyone should be able to enjoy the experience of pepperoni pizza. Our plant-based pepperoni-style topping will impress both plant-lovers and pork enthusiasts.

"Our team worked closely with pizzerias, chefs, foodservice operators and pizza experts to develop a plant-based pepperoni style topping that...

What ASF in the Dominican Republic Means for U.S. Producers

During the August Pork Checkoff producer webinar, guest speakers shared how their agencies collaborate domestically and internationally. Speakers included:

- Dr. Rosemary Sifford from USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
- John Sagle from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

Al Wulfekuhle, Iowa pork producer, board member of National Pork Board (NPB) and chair of the National Swine Disease Council, also provided...

This Week in Retail: Tight Supplies, Stellar Protein Demand; A Case of Déjà Vu?

August is flying by and retail ads are beginning to shift from grilling staples to tailgating must-haves as retailers highlight NFL preseason. Consumer demand for beef, pork, and chicken has remained stellar leading up to the fall, and tight supplies across most protein items may continue to keep retail prices elevated.

This week in retail we look at the situation surrounding the poultry and red meat complex, which continues to be influenced by the pandemic and ongoing logistical challenges. 

This time last year, retail prices were higher for many protein items amid efforts to reopen food service and dining capacity across the nation. The situation in August 2021 appears to be a case of déjà vu as retail prices, for beef and pork, in particular, trend higher than year-ago levels. The Delta variant is fueling volatility in the marketplace and re-emerging patterns of panic-buying are becoming increasingly likely. 

A year ago, seafood and beef features...

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Launches New Bacon Menu Items

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store announced that its menu innovation will continue this fall with new additions and limited-time seasonal beverages. Bacon is a breakfast, lunch and dinner staple and will serve as the centerpiece of two new dishes – Bacon Mac n' Cheese and Bacon n' Egg Hashbrown Casserole.

"Care is at the heart of all we do to make the guest experience unique at Cracker Barrel, and part of that is continuing to innovate and offer new menu additions like the flavorful...

U.S. Beef and Pork Exports on Record Pace through June

U.S. red meat exports closed the first half of the year on a strong note, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Although volume and value eased from the enormous totals posted in April and May, export value was still the highest on record for the month of June and first-half shipments established a record pace for both beef and pork exports.

“USMEF had expected a continued strong performance in June for both beef and pork exports, despite significant headwinds,” said...

NPPC Thanks USDA For Imported Dog Rules

The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service announced a federal order establishing additional requirements for dogs imported into the United States for resale from African swine fever (ASF)-positive countries. Ensuring ASF and other foreign animal diseases don’t enter the country is one of the National Pork Producers Council’s (NPPC) top priorities. Earlier this year, NPPC sounded the alarm on the potential for imported rescue dogs to serve as disease carriers from their bedding, crates or coats, becoming a lead issue during our spring Legislative Action Conference (LAC).

The United States remains free of ASF – an animal disease affecting only pigs with no human health implications.

As USDA explained, effective immediately, importers of dogs into the United States for resale from a region in which ASF exists or is reasonably believed to exist, must submit written documentation verifying completion of the following requirements...

Tyson Foods Reports Third Quarter 2021 Results

Tyson Foods, Inc., one of the world’s largest food companies and a recognized leader in protein with leading brands including Tyson, Jimmy Dean, Hillshire Farm, Ball Park, Wright, Aidells, ibp and State Fair, reported the following results:

First Nine Months Highlights

- GAAP EPS of $4.63, up 20% from prior year; Adjusted EPS of $5.98, up 61% from prior year
- GAAP operating income of $2,487 million, up...

Study Shows How Corn and Soybean Producers Benefit from U.S. Red Meat Exports

U.S. beef and pork exports brought critical returns to the corn and soybean industries in 2020, according to an independent study conducted by World Perspectives, Inc. and released by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). According to the study, U.S. beef and pork exports added 41 cents per bushel to the value of corn and $1.06 per bushel to soybeans in 2020.

“As the study indicates, my farm gains from red meat exports in the price of every acre of crops that we grow,” says...

This Week in Retail: The Outlook for August

The dog days of summer will soon be behind us and below normal temperatures are already starting to materialize in the areas spanning the central Plains to the East Coast. This week is retail, we delve into the supply and demand landscape that will impact retail meat prices in August.

As more moderate temperatures begin to arrive, grocers will begin to shift their attention to back-to-school needs by featuring items used in lunches and snacks. These items typically include easy-to-prepare frozen meals like pizza along with deli meats.

Retailers will also begin to promote breakfast foods like eggs. In addition, retailers will be focusing on dinnertime staples since families tend to sit down together for...

Study: U.S. Pork Needs More Access To Foreign-Born Workforce

Despite competitive wages and an expanding workforce, the U.S. pork industry continues to struggle with a labor shortage that will require access to more foreign-born workers to remain sustainable, according to a study by Iowa State University economists that was recently updated to reflect the current state of the labor market. The study underscores the urgent need for agriculture labor reform, a top priority for the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC).

The economists describe the current state of the agriculture labor market as follows:

“Conditions in the agricultural labor market have been challenging for decades. The agricultural industry in the U.S. has progressed from a fairly large labor-intensive sector where family members supplied...

ANALYSIS: Cash Hog Prices Decline from Summer Peak But Remain Well Above Year Ago Levels

The summer peak for negotiated cash hog prices on a national basis was achieved on June 22 at $128.04/cwt. Since peaking, spot prices have since declined by around...

Tyson Fresh Meats Leader Testifies About Beef Industry at Senate Hearing

Shane Miller, group president of Tyson Fresh Meats, the beef and pork unit of Tyson Foods, testified about the beef industry during a hearing held today by the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary. Below is Miller’s written testimony:

Chairman Durbin, Ranking Member Grassley, members of the Judiciary Committee, thank you for inviting me here today.

I proudly represent Tyson Foods, a company based in Springdale, Arkansas, and founded nearly a century ago by John W. Tyson, who started this business trucking chickens to markets across the Midwest...

USDA Statement on Confirmation of African Swine Fever in the Dominican Republic

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory has confirmed African swine fever (ASF) in samples collected from pigs in the Dominican Republic through an existing cooperative surveillance program.

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has numerous interlocking safeguards in place to prevent ASF from entering the United States. Pork and pork products from the Dominican Republic are currently prohibited entry as a result of existing classical swine fever restrictions. Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is increasing inspections...

Pork Quarterly Q3 2021: Looking for Growth Amid Uncertainties

Great volatility in Chinese hog and pork prices is rippling through the global market. China’s slaughter rates were unexpectedly high in Q2, pushing pork production up 35.9% YOY in 1H, according to official data. The sudden supply increase resulted in a sharp price decline and negative results in both farming and trading in 1H, pointing to low pork imports into China in Q3. While we expect hog and pork prices to rebound in Q3, the estimated high frozen pork inventory will impose a lot of downward pressure on prices. We expect the slowdown of imports in the coming months will reduce full year imports from 2020’s record levels by 10% to 20%. This will lead to a redistribution of pork trade in the global market and could place downward pressure on pork prices in exporting regions.

Sweet Earth Foods Debuts New Plant-Based Breakfast Bowls and Reformulated Deli Slices Nationwide

Plant-based foods innovator Sweet Earth Foods is announcing the nationwide launch of their new heat-and-eat Breakfast Bowls and reformulated, ready-to-eat Deli Slices. As consumers return to on-the-go busy lifestyles, these prepared meal and plant-based protein offerings provide quick plant-based solutions.

The three new Sweet Earth Breakfast Bowls meet this demand and are inspired by classic regional scrambles, all while offering between 17 - 20 grams of plant protein and three to five grams of fiber in every bowl. New flavors found in the frozen meals section include...

NPPC Urges Congress To Address Comprehensive Labor Reform

The U.S. pork industry is suffering from a labor shortage that could increase production costs and consumer food prices if not addressed through visa reform to provide better access to the foreign-born workers on which it depends, according to National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) President Jen Sorenson, who testified today before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

U.S. pork production is a year-round effort, requiring a hardworking and dedicated workforce on farms and in processing plants. Pork producers offer jobs with good pay and benefits...

7-Eleven Celebrates National Hot Dog Day All Month Long With $1 Hot Dogs

National Hot Dog Day is approaching on July 21, and 7-Eleven wants Americans to "Seize the Dog" (Latin: Carpe Canis). The world's largest retailer will celebrate the humble frankfurter by offering its beloved Quarter-Pound Big Bite 100% beef hot dog for just $1 at participating stores. And because July is National Hot Dog Month and when 7-Eleven® stores sell the most hot dogs, the promotion will go on the entire month of July—that's just how we roll...

Green Dining Table, Inc. Recalls Frozen Pork Dumplings Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens

Green Dining Table, Inc., an Alhambra, CA establishment, is recalling approximately 183,330 pounds of frozen pork dumplings due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product contains milk and coconut, known allergens, which are not declared on the product label. 

The frozen pork dumplings were produced between March 22, 2021 and July 14, 2021. The following products are subject to recall [view labels here]...

USDA Announces Livestock, Poultry Producer Assistance for COVID-19 Related Losses

Livestock and poultry producers who suffered losses during the COVID-19 pandemic due to lack of access to processing can apply for assistance, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

U.S. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the Pandemic Livestock Indemnity Program (PLIP) in remarks at the National Pork Industry Conference in Wisconsin Dells, WI.

PLIP is part of the USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative. Producers can apply for assistance on losses and the cost of depopulation and disposal through the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) starting on July 20...

In-Store Research Focuses on Ground Pork Placement

National Pork Board and partners launched a Checkoff-funded research project to understand how ground pork’s placement in the meat case influences purchases.

Making a Difference in the Meat Case

Ground pork continues to grow in popularity with consumers. National Pork Board (NPB) launched a Checkoff-funded test and learn research project with Hy-Vee and Iowa Pork Producers Association. The goal is to understand how ground pork’s placement in the meat case can impact and encourage additional purchases.

Retailers Benefit from Higher and More Frequent Spending in their Stores...

Johnsonville Rolls Out Sausage Strips Nationwide 

Rolling out to grocery stores nationwide this summer are Johnsonville Sausage Strips - a new product line of fully cooked smoked sausage that looks and cooks like bacon, but is sausage.

After a successful launch in 2020 among Midwest consumers, Johnsonville Sausage Strips are now available to consumers nationwide at additional U.S. retailers including...

Ruby Tuesday Introduces Libby’s BBQ for Summer

Ruby Tuesday has announced the addition of Libby’s BBQ with a new feature menu this summer. Originally crafted in the Ruby Tuesday kitchen as a delivery-only concept, Libby’s BBQ offers smoky, tender, saucy BBQ entrees and is now available to order at all Ruby Tuesday locations for dine-in, Ruby TueGO and delivery for a limited time only.

Now through September, Ruby Tuesday guests can try Libby’s BBQ entrees starting at $9.99. The all-new Libby’s BBQ menu includes tender, smoked beef brisket and...

Prestage Farms to Construct $150 Million Processing Facility in South Carolina

The South Carolina division of poultry and pork firm Prestage Farms is set to make a $150 million investment to construct a new processing facility in Kershaw County.

The new plant, located at the Governor’s Hill Industrial Park in Camden, will create 292 new jobs and will be the second facility in the county for Prestage.

The South Carolina Department of Commerce said the new operation will process poultry products using state-of-the-art technology and high levels of automation. The facility will utilize...

Broad-Based Growth Drives U.S. Beef and Pork Exports to New Heights

Fueled by impressive growth in a wide range of destinations, U.S. beef and pork export value shattered previous records in May, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Beef exports also reached a new volume high in May, while pork export volume was the third largest on record.

“The outstanding May performance is especially gratifying when you consider where red meat exports stood a year ago,” noted USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “The industry faced unprecedented, COVID-related obstacles at all levels of the supply chain, and...

Awareness and Retention Rate for Plant-Based Protein on the Rise in China

According to China Plant-based Protein Topical Report from The NPD Group, plant-based proteins are gaining acceptance in China as Chinese consumers seek more protein in their diets, and plant-based foods become more available and appealing. Although plant-based protein currently has a small serving share compared to meat proteins in China, awareness has reached 90%; and the retention rate for plant-based proteins is on the rise, increasing from 53% in October 2020, to 68% in January 2021.

“There is no doubt that consumers in China view plant-based proteins as healthier alternatives to traditional meat protein,” said Gimantha Jayasinghe, Senior Vice President of APAC Foodservice at The NPD Group. “Though these products have a long way to go in terms of...

Subway Debuts Largest Menu Update in Brand's History

Subway restaurants announced the biggest changes in the brand's history, making improvements to almost every core menu item and introducing important digital upgrades that elevate the guest experience. The Eat Fresh Refresh™ arrives in U.S. restaurants nationwide on July 13, and is marked with unprecedented moments, including participating Subway restaurants across the country closing for a Refresh Break and a one million sub sandwich giveaway to encourage people to come see and taste the changes.

Starting on July 13, the Eat Fresh Refresh comes to life in all U.S. Subway restaurants. The more than 20 menu updates include...

NPPC Launches Campaign for Labor Reform 

The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) introduced a campaign, “Year-Round Pork Needs Year-Round Workers,” highlighting the vital role of foreign-born workers across the U.S. pork industry and the critical need for comprehensive labor reform to address a labor shortage.

“The U.S. pork industry is highly dependent on foreign-born workers who make tremendous contributions in their jobs and communities,” said NPPC President Jen Sorenson, communications director for Iowa Select Farms in West Des Moines, Iowa. “Unfortunately, current visa programs don’t provide access to...

Grubhub Releases Third Annual State of the Plate Report

As we approach a new normal and restaurants reopen, there's a lot to look forward to for the rest of the year. Before looking ahead, let's rewind to see how diners ate their way through the last six months. Grubhub, part of leading global online food delivery marketplace Just Eat Takeaway.com, launched the third annual "State of the Plate" report. Looking at trends from hundreds of thousands average daily orders, Grubhub's mid-year report checks in on what has shaped 2021 thus far, including the top trending foods, popular restaurants across the country, and what we can expect to see more of in the second half of the year.

Unlike 2020, diners opted for the plant-based versions of delivery classics so far in 2021. And while last year's top food, the wildly popular...

Market Trends to Watch Ahead of Independence Day

Urner Barry is the leading provider of protein market news and information in the food industry. Through daily canvasses of the trade and an unrivaled historical database, our analysts are uniquely positioned to report on the underlying conditions and significant disruptors to the market. In this Market Briefing, Urner Barry reporters outline the latest action in the commodity protein markets, highlighting seasonal factors, disruptors, and current supply and demand fundamentals.

Access the latest UB Market Briefing HERE.  

PLANT PROTEIN: Get to Know Players in the Plant Protein Market: Atlast Food

Stephen Lomnes, a very “fun-gi” and President of Atlast Food, said, “We are scaling up very fast to “meat” the tremendous demand we’re seeing from our products.” Atlast Food was founded in 2020 and is a spin-off of Ecovative, a leader in the mycelium-based biomaterials sector. After successfully procuring $40 million in their latest round of investment seeking, Atlast is certainly making the most out of mushrooms. That is where MyBacon comes in.

“We believe that nature has already created the best plant-based meats with gourmet, exotic mushrooms that have been growing in the wild for thousands of years. However, these particular exotic mushrooms that mimic the taste and texture of meat are often hard to find, only grow during...

US Obtains Consent Decree Against Chinatown Retail Seller for Violating Federal Meat Inspection Act

Audrey Strauss, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Paul Kiecker, Administrator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (“USDA”) Food Safety and Inspection Service (“FSIS”), announced the entry of a consent decree against defendants YIN GONG CORP. and YONG XING WANG (“Defendants”) for violations of the Federal Meat Inspection Act at Defendants’ places of business in New York, New York’s Chinatown.

U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “Consumers should be able to have confidence in the safety of the food they buy. Here, Defendants repeatedly sold uninspected pork products to retailers in violation of the Federal Meat Inspection Act, designed to ensure that...