This Week in Retail: Grocery Outlook for May—Beef, Chicken Steal the Show

It’s finally here—the month that unofficially kicks off the summer grilling season and features several retail buying occasions to boost spending.

May brings about warmer weather conducive to grilling activities, along with graduation parties, Mother’s Day and, of course, the big kahuna—Memorial Day. Healthy demand on the wholesale side has already been evident for some time as packers and processors prepare for retail and foodservice needs.

Mother’s Day is well known to be a foodservice holiday, but increasingly, the grocery segment has managed to compete with foodservice through convenience offerings like prepared foods, meal kits, catering, and deli. And, with the cost of food away from home growing at a faster rate than that of... 

Urner Barry Announces Keynote Speaker for the 2019 Executive Conference in Las Vegas

Urner Barry’s 2019 Executive Conference is just around the corner, and we are so excited to announce this year’s keynote speaker will be (drumroll please…) Arby’s President Rob Lynch!

That’s right. Rob Lynch, along with a host of top speakers and strategists, will be headlining this must-attend event at the Bellagio in Las Vegas, April 28-30^th.  

Rob Lynch serves as President of Arby’s, part of Inspire Brands. Inspire is a multi-brand restaurant company whose portfolio includes more than 8,300 Arby’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, SONIC Drive-In, and Rusty Taco locations worldwide.

Inspire Brands closed out 2018 with the $2.3 billion acquisition of Sonic Corp, making it the fifth largest restaurant company in the U.S...

When it Seemed People were Growing more Detached from Farming, “Generation Yum” Delivered a Surprise

Young people are living up to the “Generation Yum” label coined by author Eve Turow with their connection to the people, places and practices that raise our food—according to new research from Cargill.

“I’m thrilled that people are deepening their understanding of agriculture,” said Hilary Maricle, co-owner of Maricle Family Farms in Nebraska, U.S., and mom of five. “By creating harmony between farmers and consumers, we can help people appreciate where their food comes from—and how innovative practices are creating healthier, more sustainable farms ...

This Week in Retail: Consumers Have Three Big Reasons to Buy More Protein

It’s October—or should we say, Crocktober.

Cooler weather cooking season is officially here, and the month of October brings us several key promotional occasions to boost protein sales at retail.

First, October initiates a shift in the protein offerings we see at the meat case. With the month colloquially dubbed “Crocktober” among social media and Pinterest-savvy consumers, we see more slow-cooking applications highlighted from now through the winter. Roasts gain favor in circulars and shopping carts, while the purchase intent...

Omaha Steaks Launches New Line of Dog Treats

OMAHA, NEBRASKA — Omaha Steaks, retailer of steaks, seafood and food gifts for humans, now offers a new line of premium dog treats. The fifth generation, family-owned company cites the nearly 78 million US dog-owning households and the increasing demand for dog treats. Market research firm, Packaged Facts, reports the sale of pet treats and chews topped $6 billion in sales in 2017.

“We understand that Americans love their dogs and consider them family. That is why we wanted to offer a line of premium ingredient dog treats that our customers could trust,” said Todd Simon, senior vice president and family owner. “For generations, Omaha Steaks has been bringing families together around the dinner table and we are sure that many dogs have enjoyed bites of filet mignon slipped to them under the table. Now we are offering something made exclusively for the family dogs we know and love.”

Omaha Steaks’ new line of dog treats are made ...