The Latest Market Briefing is Here! 

Breakdown the poultry, egg, red meat and seafood markets with exclusive analysis from UB Market Reporters

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...

ANALYSIS: Whole Body Turkeys: Searching for a Seasonal Perch

With another year under the turkey industry’s belt, buyers and sellers of bagged birds are once again rolling up their sleeves as they...

USDA Offers Additional Assistance for Certain Producers Through Coronavirus Food Assistance Program

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will provide additional assistance through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), expanding eligibility for some agricultural producers and commodities as well as updating payments to accurately compensate some producers who already applied for the program. Producers who are now eligible and those who need to modify existing applications due to these updates can contact USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) between Jan. 19 and Feb. 26. Some of these changes are being made to align with the recently enacted Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 while others are discretionary changes being made in response to ongoing evaluation of CFAP.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has left a deep impact on the farm economy, and we are utilizing the tools and monies available to ease some of the financial burdens on American producers to ensure...

NTF Applauds Expanded Eligibility for CFAP 2

The National Turkey Federation (NTF) welcomed the announcement that USDA will provide additional assistance to contract turkey farmers through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP 2).

“No industry has escaped the economic challenges of COVID-19, including turkey farming families across the country,” said Joel Brandenberger, NTF president. “The announcement by Secretary Perdue...

Contract Broiler Growers Can Begin to Apply for Federal COVID-19 Relief on January 19

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will provide additional assistance through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), expanding eligibility for some agricultural producers and commodities as well as updating payments to accurately compensate some producers who already applied for the program. Producers who are now eligible and those who need to modify existing applications due to these updates can contact USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) between January 19 and February 26.

Contract producers of broilers, pullets, laying hens, chicken eggs (breeders), turkeys and...

ANALYSIS: November’s Turkey Export Figures Paint a Mixed Picture

Last month’s uptick in in total year-over-year turkey export tonnage was short-lived, as November’s figures fell back in line with...

Butterball to Invest a Total of $8.7 Million in Two Arkansas Processing Facilities

Butterball, one of the largest producers of turkey products in the United States, announced that it is investing a combined $8.7 million and creating a total of 360 new jobs within three years in two processing facilities in Northwest Arkansas. The expansion includes a $4.7 million investment in Ozark where the company will create 160 jobs and a $4 million investment in Huntsville where it will create 200 new jobs.

“Having been a longstanding employer in Arkansas through our feed mills, turkey growing operations and production facilities, Butterball appreciates the continued support from the state of Arkansas as we look to...

ANALYSIS: Frozen Turkey Drums Continue to March Forward

Turkey marketers are welcoming 2021 with open arms thanks to the relatively admirable set of early-year trade conditions...

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...

New Hire Joins Butterball’s Risk Management Team

Butterball, LLC is pleased to announce the recent hiring of Darrell Bradfield as director, corporate safety, health and security. Bradfield provides strategic planning and oversight of policies, programs, and processes to ensure on-the-job safety, health, and well-being of all Butterball team members. He is responsible for supporting Butterball’s Safety-First culture and promoting continuous improvement of safety performance.

Bradfield brings more than 20 years of experience in environmental health and safety leadership across manufacturing and service industries. He holds a degree in chemical engineering from Purdue University.

“Darrell’s depth of experience in developing and implementing...

ANALYSIS: The Impact of External Variables on the Turkey Hatch

In retrospect, the turkey market landscape has shifted dramatically in only a couple short years...

ANALYSIS: Turkey Exports Find Some Q4 Lift

After nine months of consecutive year-over-year reductions in total turkey export volume, October marks...

Continental Glatt Kosher Meats Corp. Recalls Ready-To-Eat Meat and Poultry Products 

Continental Glatt Kosher Meats Corp., doing business as First Choice Kosher Meat & Deli Inc., a Spring Valley, N.Y. firm, is recalling approximately 61,504 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) meat and poultry products that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced.

The RTE meat and poultry items were produced on various dates from June 26, 2020, through Nov. 20, 2020, with various sell-by dates ranging from October 2, 2020, through April 18, 2021. The products subject to the recall can be found on the following...

U.S. Poultry Industry Provides 2.1 Million Jobs; Economic Impact Up 15 Percent in Two Years

The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY), National Chicken Council, National Turkey Federation and United Egg Producers have released an updated economic impact study that highlights the positive impact the poultry industry has on jobs, wages, and federal and state revenue in the United States.

A dynamic and integral part of the national economy, the U.S. poultry industry provides 2,139,617 jobs, $121.1 billion in wages, $576.6 billion in economic activity and...

Boston Market Announces December Holiday Meal Offerings

Boston Market is offering countless festive meal options this December. Whether looking to bring home a pre-cooked feast, have one shipped directly to any doorstep or add a few a la carte staples to round out your holiday menu, Boston Market offers a variety of meal solutions.

"This year more than ever, the holidays should be a time to enjoy precious moments with loved ones, whether that be around a table or on a computer screen," said Boston Market President Randy Miller. "We pride ourselves on serving up hassle-free meal solutions that allow our guests more time to...

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...

COVID-19 Impacts the Turkey Market this Thanksgiving 

As coronavirus restrictions continue to impact our daily lives, it seems the holidays will be no exception. Retail and foodservice attempted to adapt to these unprecedented changes this Thanksgiving, by promoting deals with smaller birds or meals that feature turkey items instead of a whole bird.

Restaurants like Denny’s brought back its family-style Turkey and Dressing Dinner Pack, which included a carved turkey breast and sides portioned for four people. Cracker Barrel added multiple holiday meal options to the menu, with Thanksgiving meal offerings that serve...

ANALYSIS: Turkey Cold Storage Traveling Down a Well Worn Path

Not only did Monday’s release of the Cold Storage Report closely coincide with the present state of the turkey market, but it also...

President Trump Welcomes NTF and National Thanksgiving Turkey to the White House

National Turkey Federation (NTF) Chairman Ron Kardel presented the National Thanksgiving Turkey named “Corn” to President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump during the annual National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation.

“Corn” and his alternate, “Cob,” received a formal pardon from the president and will now reside on the campus of Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. The National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation is a time-honored American tradition, dating back to...

Top Meat, Poultry, Egg and Seafood Price Action Broken Down in the Latest Market Briefing 

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...

West Liberty Foods Announces Retirement of Gerald Lessard, President of Operations 

West Liberty, Iowa-based West Liberty Foods announced the retirement of longtime leader, Gerald Lessard, President of Operations. Gerald celebrated 16 years at West Liberty Foods this year.

Gerald will leave the company on November 30th, 2020, with over 40 years of food industry knowledge as well as expertise in livestock production and manufacturing. Throughout his career, he experienced progressive responsibilities starting with live turkey production through...

Nielsen: Thanksgiving Highlights COVID-19 Divide 

In a year unlike any other, even Thanksgiving is not immune to polarization in the U.S.

As we confront ever-rising COVID-19 cases and physical and financial restraints, this year’s Thanksgiving festivities will look and feel drastically different, depending on location, generation and the financial impact of the pandemic. Yet from online shopping to price hikes, consumers share commonalities in confronting a Thanksgiving unlike any other.

Americans are almost perfectly split on whether they’re planning to...

Denny's Brings Back Thanksgiving Dinner Pack 

Denny's is bringing back its family-style Turkey & Dressing Dinner Pack, offering guests a stress-free spread of traditional holiday favorites, perfect for celebrating at home. Turkey & Dressing Dinner Packs are available for pickup until Wednesday, November 25 at 6 p.m. EST by ordering on Dennys.com or the Denny's app.

Portioned for four people, the Turkey & Dressing Dinner Pack is prepared ready to heat and serve, and features...

ANALYSIS: Weighing in on Turkey Drums

With much of the turkey industry now focused on satiating whole-body bird demand, supply side tightness, particularly within...

National Thanksgiving Turkey Pardoning Ceremony 

On Monday, November 23, the National Turkey Federation will host a media availability, including a livestream, at the Willard InterContinental to welcome two very special turkeys to the Nation's capital. The event is held the day prior to the annual National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation at the White House, where President Trump will pardon the National Thanksgiving Turkey. This year, the 73rd anniversary of the National Thanksgiving Turkey presentation will be celebrated as the President reviews our Nation's traditions and wishes all Americans a happy holiday.

Ron Kardel, Chairman of the National Turkey Federation, will announce the names of the turkeys and launch the White House's social media poll to pick which turkey will serve as...

Meijer Announces Special Pricing on Turkeys as Customers Prepare For a Different Looking Holiday

While Thanksgiving celebrations may look different this year due to the pandemic, Meijer remains focused on providing customers with low prices for their holiday meal, including offering special pricing throughout the Midwest for the meal's focal point: the turkey.

All frozen Meijer brand turkeys – regardless of size – are 31 cents per pound with an mPerks coupon now through Nov. 26 across the Midwest. For example, a 10-pound turkey will cost $3.29 after tax. There is a limit of one turkey per customer. The turkeys cost...

ANALYSIS: Thanksgiving WOGs?

With much of the seasonal attention now focused on Thanksgiving-oriented turkey demand, it might come as a surprise that WOGs are also beginning to...

Perdue Launches Thanksgiving Turkey Nuggets Ahead of Smaller Holiday Gatherings 

Thanksgiving celebrations this year are likely to look a little different, with smaller gatherings and less travel. To help consumers celebrate the holiday during this unusual year, Perdue announced the launch of Perdue ThanksNuggets, a limited-time offering that packs all the best flavors of Thanksgiving into two nuggets: Breaded Breast Meat Turkey Nuggets and Breaded Dark Meat Turkey and Cranberry Nuggets. The drumstick-shaped dark meat nugget is inspired by traditional sides like cranberry sauce and stuffing, while the turkey-shaped white meat nugget is inspired by everyone’s favorite Thanksgiving vegetable: sweet potato.

Beginning at noon EST on Friday, Nov. 13, in honor of Perdue Farms’ 100th anniversary...

Retailers Prepare for Thanksgiving and Unprecedented Holiday Shopping Season 

As consumers prepare for smaller gatherings at Thanksgiving and an unusual holiday season, retailers are providing increased safety and convenience measures to offer an ideal shopping experience. 

For example, Meijer is encouraging customers to shop in whatever way fits their lives, offering delivery services and free pickup on orders over $50 online. The retailer is also adding more available time slots for pickup. Stores will be rolling out new hand sanitizer stations over the course of the holiday season and will install eight stations near high-traffic travel paths including entrances, pharmacies, produce areas, and check lanes. Meijer announced it will be extending...

Denny's Adds Melts and Bowls To the Menu

Nothing says fall quite like comfort food and Denny's is delivering with an all new Melts lineup and a new Bowls menu. Available nationwide, Denny's will now feature a selection of warm and cheesy grilled sandwiches served with wavy-cut fries, and two hearty dishes combining flavors and textures for a complete meal in a bowl.

New menu items include...

ANALYSIS: Turkey Drums Find Their Rhythm

With November now upon us, whole body turkeys are commanding much of the seasonal spotlight, however...

Cracker Barrel Offers New Options for Thanksgiving

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store is offering convenient options for guests to enjoy a homestyle holiday meal in-store or at home.

"Thanksgiving has always been a time for us to welcome guests home for the holidays by offering a place with warm hospitality and homestyle cooking," Cracker Barrel Senior Vice President of Restaurant and Retail Operations Michael Hackney said. "And while we know this special holiday will look different for many this year, we are more committed than ever before to our mission of 'Pleasing People' and delivering a safe experience so families can share in the tradition of connecting over a holiday meal with...

Boston Market Introduces Holiday Meal Options 

Boston Market is aiming to bring families together both near and far with countless affordable holiday meal options for every type of celebration, no matter how different it may look this year. Whether gathering with family in-person around the table or across the country over the internet, Boston Market has you and your loved ones covered this holiday season with complete meal solutions starting at just $10.99 per person.

"With all that has happened this past year, connecting with friends and loved ones over a delicious meal to celebrate the things that matter most has never been more important," said Boston Market President, Randy Miller. "That's why we're serving up decadent, hassle-free meals in a variety of ways that allow families to...

ANALYSIS: Whole Body Hens: Looking Beyond the Holiday

With turkey processors aggressively attempting to fulfill existing orders and wondering how they might be able to satisfy anticipated fill-in demand...

Urner Barry's Market Briefing Brings You the Latest in Protein Pricing Insight

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....

Jennie-O Turkey Store Joins the 2020 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Jennie-O Turkey Store, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hormel Foods, a global branded food company, will debut a delectable float in the 94^th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade^®. During the annual spectacle, the inaugural Jennie-O float will be unveiled to more than 50 million viewers nationwide on Thursday, November 26, live from 34^th Street. The addition of the Jennie-O float marks the first time the event and holiday synonymous with turkey will feature a turkey brand.

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: Nothing Average About Turkey Weights

This year being what it is, or has become as the case might be, there is not a protein offering on the street that has not had its traditional market world uprooted. Demand patterns have...

ANALYSIS: Whole Body Turkeys: A Return to the Norm?

Turkey processors are once again shifting into high gear as they prepare for the anticipated return of fill-in demand leading up to the big holiday...

USDA Updates the National Poultry Improvement Plan

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is updating the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) to align with changes in the poultry industry and to incorporate new scientific information and technologies into the NPIP. These updates are consistent with the recommendations approved by representatives from across the poultry industry at the 2018 NPIP Biennial Conference.

In this update, APHIS is...

ANALYSIS: Turkey Holdings--In Tune With the Times

The most recent release of the USDA’s cold storage report helps to support the current standing of most major lines within the turkey complex while, at the same time, reflects...

Blue Apron to Introduce First-Ever Thanksgiving Feast

Blue Apron is introducing its first-ever Thanksgiving feast, featuring chef-designed recipes created for an unforgettable, stress-free, and delicious Thanksgiving Day meal.

Known for its unique take on everyday recipes, Blue Apron's Thanksgiving-inspired, southern-style menu will give options to suit every holiday table for parties up to eight people. Complete with a step-by-step guide on how to organize, prepare, and cook a Thanksgiving meal, Blue Apron will also support its home cooks by sharing tips on its social channels to help make the holiday as fun as possible.

"Thanksgiving is going to be different for many families this year, and we're happy to join them in the kitchen by creating...

ANALYSIS: Tidying Up Toms

It was only a few years back that the turkey industry was lamenting the state of the affairs in the whole bird market...

ANALYSIS: As Temperatures Rose, So Did Turkey Export Tonnage

Following three consecutive month-over-month reductions in total turkey export tonnage, July bucked the trend with outward volume increasing by 9.5 million pounds or 25.2% above...

ANALYSIS: Tension In the Turkey White Meat Complex

In keeping with this year’s unusual and often precarious set of market conditions, a large differential has begun to...

Urner Barry's Coronavirus Special Report - Volume IV

The global COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted consumer behavior, distribution, production, and market prices in a way we have never seen before. 

Now, as reopening efforts are underway, the latest business environment is a completely new venture for the food industry with its own learning curve. Both retail and foodservice have been forced to make sweeping changes in their respective sectors and adaptability remains key. Production setbacks were arguably one of the biggest challenges the meat industry faced in the last few months of the pandemic, but capacity has since largely returned to normal.

As we near the end of summer, seasonal shifts are also in play...

Dr. Praeger’s Introduces New Plant-Based Turkey Burger

Dr. Praeger’s Sensible Foods has introduced their newest meat-alternative patty — the Perfect Turk’y Burger.

The Perfect Turk’y Burger was created to have the look, taste, and texture of a turkey burger without the meat. Packed with 20g Pure Plant Protein and infused with carrots, sweet potatoes, and butternut squash, the Perfect Turk’y Burger is plant-based, gluten-free, soy-free and non-GMO project verified.

“At Dr. Praeger’s we’re always innovating and looking to create new products that fill the needs of our ever-evolving community,” said Dr. Praeger’s CEO Larry Praeger. “As the average consumer seeks out more options for...

ANALYSIS: Turkey Cold Storage: Traversing Along a Bumpy Seasonal Path

The latest release of the USDA’s Cold Storage Report not only helps to speak to the solid supply positioning of major turkey lines, but it also highlights...

Jimmy Dean to Launch New Breakfast Products this Fall 

Jimmy Dean, is bringing two new products to tables, counter tops and desks to enjoy this fall. Jimmy Dean Casserole Bites and Jimmy Dean Delights Breakfast Wraps will join the brand’s product portfolio, delivering new warm and satisfying breakfast options, no matter the morning routine.

“Breakfast plays a comforting role in people’s lives and daily routines, especially as many of us continue to navigate...

ANALYSIS: Tallying up Turkey Tonnage

Today we thought it would be a good opportunity to take a step away from the day-to-day in favor of a broader look at the production side of the turkey equation...

Eckrich Debuts New Packaging for Deli Products in Stores Nationwide

Eckrich is introducing bold new packaging for the Deli collection which will begin rolling out in stores nationwide this month.

Through both qualitative and quantitative market research, Eckrich successfully created a design that breathes new energy into the heritage brand with a modern, approachable look, all with its key consumer top of mind. The designs feature a white background and crisp imagery, displaying the product and information in an organized, eye-catching way. The imagery also...

ANALYSIS: Price Sensitivity Dictating Mexican Ham Demand

Over the years turkey thigh meat, the primary component of turkey hams, and boneless pork hams, have shared a distinct and somewhat polarized relationship with one another...

215 Poultry Facilities Recognized for Exceptional Safety Performance

The Joint Industry Safety and Health Council recently recognized 215 chicken and turkey facilities with safety awards. The companies were honored in recognition of their outstanding performance through the implementation of innovative and effective employee safety and health programs.

Award consideration was based on injury statistics over three years (2017 – 2019) and an evaluation of written applications by academia and other safety experts. Sixty-one facilities received...

NTF Supports Efforts to Provide Relief for Turkey Farmers

The National Turkey Federation (NTF) applauds the introduction of S. 4353 by Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.), which would ensure independent turkey farmers are eligible to apply for future Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) payments. Joel Brandenberger, NTF president, released the following statement on the bill as well as other pending congressional efforts to provide relief to turkey farmers who have experienced losses related to COVID-19:

“NTF applauds Senator Smith’s introduction of S. 4353 and her ongoing efforts to support turkey farmers in Minnesota and across the country. The effects of COVID-19 have been felt throughout...

Seaboard Foods: 2019 Marked by "Uncertainty and Volatility" in Pork Division 

In a letter to stockholders in Seaboard Corporation's annual report (see below), President and CEO Steven Bresky highlighted that 2019 was a year marked by uncertainty and volatility for the pork division, oversupply coupled with flat domestic consumption and modest export growth generally kept commodity prices at bay in the turkey segment, and the grain milling segment achieved its highest revenue year ever. See the full annual report here.

Dear Fellow Stockholders,

Despite a solid year of net earnings, 2019 was a mixed bag with disappointing operating income but excellent investment income. We began the year with a $34 million first-quarter operating loss, our worst quarterly operating loss ever. In fact, over the last twenty-five years, there have only been...

ANALYSIS: Turkey Slaughter Tells a Seasonal Tale, with a COVID-19 Twist

As we approach the end of July, and without any significant changes to what has been a relatively quiet trade environment lately, turkey participants and observers are taking some extra time to...

PODCAST: Urner Barry's Executive Conference and Global Protein Summit

Urner Barry's Executive Conference and Global Protein Summit is a can't miss, online event, combining two of the most important shows in the protein industry. In the lastest UB Market Digest Podcast, Laura Zinger and Brian Moscogiuri discuss why this event is going to be so valuable and what to expect....

ANALYSIS: Turkey Exports in May: A Sign of the Times

Closely aligned with the real-world trade experiences of turkey market participants, May not only marks the second consecutive month of...

ANALYSIS: The Sustained Flight of Whole-Body Turkeys

In terms of turkey trade activity, there isn’t a whole lot going on here in Mid-July. Market participants continue to contend with the widespread supply and demand challenges associated with...

ANALYSIS: A Tenuous Year for Turkey Trade

Closely coinciding with the real-world trade experiences of market participants, the latest export figures bring with them no surprises as they continue to...

ANALYSIS: Chiming in on the Mid-Year Turkey Market

As we usher in Q3, and in the absence of any major deviations in this week’s overall market environment, we thought it would be a great opportunity to break away from...

Urner Barry's Coronavirus Special Report - Volume III

The global COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted consumer behavior, distribution, production, and market prices in a way we have never seen before. From stay-at-home directives that spurred a run on retail while foodservice operations were limited or halted all-together, to production cutbacks caused by labor shortages at the plant level, the industry has had much to contend with over the past several months.

Now, as many states have begun reopening phases, the industry is making strides in returning to a more “normal” business environment—however the face of this new normal will likely look a bit different...

ANALYSIS: Turkey Cold Storage: Standing Resolute

Monday’s release of the USDA’s Cold Storage Report helps support the current standing of most major lines, and also reflects...

ANALYSIS: Tom and Hen Poults Follow a Distinct YoY Path

As stay-at-home guidelines are lifted and the foodservice sector gradually returns, turkey market participants look to the hatch data in an attempt to refine their buying and...

ANALYSIS: A Mixed Month for Turkey Exports

For the past three months, total turkey export volume has consistently trended below year-ago levels and April was no exception...

ANALYSIS: Turkey - Potential Production Progress Report

About a month ago we took a look at turkey egg sets which had plummeted to some of the lowest seasonal figures on record...

Conagra Brands Recalls Frozen Not-Ready-To-Eat Chicken and Turkey Bowl Products

Conagra Brands, Inc., Russellville, Ark. and Marshall, Mo. establishments, are recalling approximately 276,872 pounds of not ready-to-eat chicken and turkey bowl products because the products may contain extraneous material, specifically small rocks, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The scope of this recall has been expanded to include Healthy Choice Power Bowls Chicken Feta & Farro Bowls, Healthy Choice Power Bowls Unwrapped Burrito Scramble Power Bowls, and Healthy Choice Power Bowls Turkey Sausage & Egg Scramble Power Bowls produced on various dates. The products were produced at two different establishments.

The following additional products are subject to recall...

ANALYSIS: Fresh Tom Breast Meat: A Seasonal Assessment

Following a sluggish start to this year’s meat trade environment, marketers are finally embracing the return of...

Nestlé Introduces New Life Cuisine 

Nestlé is introducing Life Cuisine, an exciting new brand delivering delicious and satisfying meal solutions to match the approach to eating well. From gluten-free to high-protein, Life Cuisine is made with flavorful ingredients that help power your day.

Over the years, the definition of wellness has evolved from calorie-conscious eating to a more holistic approach that extends well beyond just what's on your plate. Once-niche dietary trends like gluten free and meatless meals have also...

Hormel Natural Choice Lunch Meat Announces New Hardwood Smoked Product Line 

The makers of Hormel Natural Choice premium lunch meat have launched a new line of slow-smoked products called Natural Choice hardwood smoked lunch meats. These expertly crafted products – smoked in netting over real wood chips for over four hours – include exciting flavors like applewood ham, applewood turkey with garlic and herbs, pecanwood ham with sweet black pepper and pecanwood ham with brown sugar.

"We leaned into the real smoke and premium ingredients with this line and are offering consumers that great hardwood smoked flavor, without having to fire up the smoker," said Samantha Hovland, Natural Choice brand manager. "Lunchtime is a busy time for people, so we're helping...

ANALYSIS: Seasonal Draw, or Supply Side Flaw?

As the immediate shock of COVID-19 begins to subside, market participants look to the stats in an attempt to...

Consumers Continue to Purchase Meat from Restaurants and Retail Despite Coronavirus Concerns

Fear of the unknown proved to be true when observing consumers’ reaction to the emergence of COVID-19. When the virus first made its way to the United States, panic ensued. Grocery store shelves were depleted, and necessities like toilet paper were nowhere to be found. Consumers have come accustomed to finding resourceful solutions and are willing to be more flexible than ever before.

However, the coronavirus has thrown yet another curveball, with many meatpacking plants either temporarily closing or reducing operations. While consumers have stocked up on meat, there seems to be less panic this time around.

When Datassential asked consumers what best describes the way they eat today, nearly 69% described themselves as...

Applegate Farms Unveils Well Carved Product Line

Applegate introduced a new line of organic blended burgers and meatballs designed to satisfy consumers who are mindful of their meat intake. The new, chef-crafted Well Carved product line combines meat with whole vegetables, legumes and grains, and continues the brand’s mission – Changing The Meat We Eat.

“The Well Carved product line is a bold, direct challenge to the newly established wisdom that the only way to eat meat responsibly is to settle for a highly processed soy or pea-based burger—or to not eat meat at all,” said John Ghingo, president of Applegate. “Well Carved products offer a way for consumers to enjoy the real, clean meat they crave along with the vegetables that promote health and a healthier planet.”

To that end, all Well Carved products are made exclusively with organic meat and vegetables, and none of the...

Jennie-O Turkey Store to Reopen Willmar Facility

Jennie-O Turkey Store, Inc., announced that it has reopened its Benson Avenue facility, in Willmar, Minn., following a voluntary pause due to impact of COVID-19 in the area. The company restarted operations yesterday with a core group of team members and plans to ramp up production over the next few days.

Steve Lykken, president of Jennie-O Turkey Store said, “We remain committed to our industry-leading efforts to maintain and enhance safety protections for our team members and this community. We are glad to be reopening this facility and are working on our plans for reopening our other facilities including another location in Willmar and in Melrose, both in Minnesota. We have put the safety of our staff first throughout this pandemic and...

ANALYSIS: Turkey Production: As Goes One

Between sluggish foodservice and QSR demand patterns and the increased prevalence of plant worker absenteeism, it is safe to say...

ANALYSIS: Turkey Cold Storage: It’s a Matter of Perspective

COVID-19’s widespread impact on the protein market landscape has certainly tested the wits of turkey buyers and sellers...

Industry Reacts to President Trump’s Executive Order to Keep Meat Plants Operating 

President Trump intends to sign an executive order to ensure meat processing plants remain open during the coronavirus pandemic. The executive order will call on the Defense Production Act recognizing the facilities as a part of the United States’ critical infrastructure. This comes as concerns rise that the food supply chain will be disrupted as the virus spreads.

Julie Anna Potts, President and CEO of the North American Meat Institute, said, “By keeping meat and poultry producers operating, the President's Executive Order will help avert hardship for agricultural producers and...

Urner Barry's Coronavirus Special Report - Volume II

View the full report HERE.

ANALYSIS: Heavy Birds Ground Breast Meat Values

Although the impact that COVID-19 has had on the turkey industry is continuing to develop, one of the most severe implications of the virus, so far, has been...

ANALYSIS: Turkey Production: Getting Back to Basics

Amidst the unpredictable set of circumstances that the turkey industry has been forced to contend with lately, this week, we thought it would be a good opportunity to get back to basics and instead, focus on some known variables...

USDA Confirms Highly Pathogenic H7N3 Avian Influenza in a Commercial Flock in South Carolina 

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic H7N3 avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial turkey flock in Chesterfield County, South Carolina. This is the first confirmed case of HPAI in commercial poultry in the United States since 2017. It appears this HPAI strain mutated from a low pathogenic strain that has been found in poultry in that area recently.

No human cases of this H7N3 avian influenza virus have been detected and there is no immediate public health concern. As a reminder, the proper handling and cooking of poultry and eggs to...

Two New COVID-19 Cases Reported at West Liberty Foods Facility 

West Liberty, Iowa-based West Liberty Foods reported today that two additional team members at its West Liberty, Iowa facility have tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total number of positive cases at the facility to three. To the company’s knowledge, no team members working at any other West Liberty Foods location have tested positive for COVID-19.

“Our first priority is the health and well-being of our team, and we will continue to take precautionary measures to mitigate the spread of illness,” said Ed Garrett, CEO.

“Upon learning of the positive cases, we immediately activated our COVID-19 response protocols to identify other team members who may have been...

ANALYSIS: February Turkey Exports: Bittersweet

With February marking the second month of YoY reductions in total turkey export volume, it's safe to say that early year selling sentiment has been...

ANALYSIS: Turkey Thigh Meat and Pork Hams: Feeling the Export Pressure

Marketers of turkey thigh meat and boneless pork hams are certainly no stranger to some cross-protein competition...

Perdue Farms Confirms Positive Case of COVID-19 at Georgia Production Facility 

Perdue Farms learned that an Associate at the Perry, Georgia Cook Plant, who has not been to work for more than a week, has tested positive for COVID-19. Perdue is unable to disclose additional details around this individual in accordance with privacy laws. Upon receiving this notification, the company immediately enacted its pandemic response protocols, which follow strict guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including:

• Notifying and coordinating response procedures with all pertinent parties (local health officials, onsite USDA inspector, Perdue HR and Wellness Staff, Coronavirus Response Leader, and facility Director of Operations...

ANALYSIS: Heightened Buyer Urgency Contributing to Reduced Turkey Stocks

Despite the pre-occupation with COVID-19 and its impact on the global protein markets as a whole, turkey freezer stocks are providing...

Meat Sales Surged 77% the Week of March 15 Amid Growing COVID-19 Cases

The week ending March 8 saw a fast acceleration of meat sales in dollars, units and volume. As the number of school closures, social distancing guidelines and other COVID-19 related measures significantly sharpened the subsequent week, sales surged along with it. Thanks to the heroic efforts of everyone in the meat and poultry industry, the supply kept flowing. Retailers restocked their meat cases again and again as shoppers across the country stocked up on meat and poultry to feed their families nutritious meals.

Meat department sales without deli meat were up an incredible 76.9% over the week ending March 15, 2020 versus the comparable week in 2019, according to data insights firm IRI, and deli meat sales advanced...