Podcast: Agri-Food for Thought Ep 9 - Rising Input Costs, feat. Special Weather Analyst

Packaged Facts Illuminates the State of the U.S. Food Market

Propriety survey shows that 53% of consumers are still very concerned about rising food prices.

In a dynamic landscape where food and beverage trends evolve faster than ever, Packaged Facts’ latest report, U.S. Food Market Outlook 2024: Opportunities & Challenges With Pricing, Convenience, Sustainability & More, provides a compass for industry players navigating uncharted waters.

The food industry faces unprecedented tests—from supply challenges and rising labor costs to changing consumer preferences and increasing need to address sustainability issues. Packaged Facts’ new report equips retailers, service providers, wholesalers, food processor...

Brazil's BRF Shares Rise Almost 14% After Strong Q1 Results

Shares in Brazilian pork and chicken processor BRF SA rose almost 14% in early afternoon trade on Wednesday after the company reported strong quarterly results on better pricing in export markets and lower grain costs.

The company said it earned a net 594 million real ($116.88 million) in the first quarter, which is seasonally weaker than the preceding one, beating the average of analysts' expectations of a 449.79 million real gain.

Analysts at BTG Pactual said in a note to clients that BRF's performance was "impressive."...

B&G Foods Reports Financial Results for First Quarter 2024

B&G Foods, Inc. today announced financial results for the first quarter of 2024. Financial results for the first quarter of 2024 reflect the impact of the Green Giant U.S. shelf‑stable divestiture during the fourth quarter of 2023.

Summary

Guidance for Full Year Fiscal 2024

• Net sales revised to a range of $1.955 billion to $1.985 billion.
• Adjusted EBITDA revised to a range of $300 million to $320 million.
• Adjusted diluted earnings per share revised to a range of $0.75 to $0.95...

US Foods Reports First Quarter Fiscal Year 2024 Earnings

rew Net Sales 4.8% to $8.9 Billion and Gross Profit 4.9% to $1.5 Billion

Net Income of $82 Million

Grew Adjusted EBITDA 6% to $356 Million and Reaffirms Fiscal Year 2024 Guidance

Closed on IWC Food Service Acquisition in April

US Foods Holding Corp., one of the largest foodservice distributors in the United States, today announced results for the first quarter fiscal year 2024.

First Quarter Fiscal 2024 Highlights

• Net sales increased 4.8% to $8.9 billion
• Total case volume increased 4.2%...

Pete & Gerry’s Broadens Distribution Partnership with Publix to Include Pasture-Raised Eggs

Pete & Gerry's, LLC, a pioneer in humane egg farming, today announced that Pete & Gerry's Pasture-Raised™ Eggs will now be available in all 1,400+ Publix Super Markets throughout the Southeast. Joining Pete & Gerry's Organic® and Nellie’s Free Range eggs in the egg aisle, the Pete & Gerry's Pasture-Raised is now on shelves in all Publix stores throughout Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

Introduced last year to the Pete & Gerry’s portfolio, Pete & Gerry’s Pasture-Raised Eggs are laid by...

Hormel Foods Announces Appointment of Colleen Batcheler as Senior Vice President

Hormel Foods Corporation, a Fortune 500 global branded food company, today announced that Colleen Batcheler has been appointed to the role of senior vice president, external affairs & general counsel.

In this critical role, Batcheler will oversee the organization's global Legal and External Affairs function, including corporate governance and securities, M&A, intellectual property, litigation, labor and employment, and legislative and regulatory affairs. She will report directly to Jim Snee, chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer at Hormel Foods.

"I'm thrilled to welcome Colleen to...

Clemens Food Group Acquires Kunzler & Company

Clemens Food Group of Hatfeild, Pennsylvania reported an acquisition of Lancaster based, Kunzler & Company, Inc.

Both Clemens and Kunzler have built success in the pork industry spanning over 120 years respectively, are family owned, and share core values which empasizes in family, team development and ethical business practices.

Clemens, the 5th largest pork processor in the US, will add to its portfolio three more processing plants, one in Lancaster and two in Tyrone. These locations help benefit the company's strategy to expand its support for Pennsylvania's agriculture and food processing industry...

ANALYSIS: Turkey Export Volume Closes Q1 on a Relatively Positive Note

The latest turkey export data marks a continuation of the year-over-year (YoY) advances in outward tonnage which have been evident over the past nine months. Coming in at 37.7 million pounds, March’s closing tally stood 15%, or 3.5 million pounds, above this time in 2023. Given the ongoing complications with HPAI-related production and export constraints, it bears noting that total export figures still remain situated at the third-lowest seasonal level realized in two decades. Export value during this timeframe notched lower by 0.5%; positioning...

Monthly Import Cargo To Reach 2 Million TEU Through Early Fall

Monthly inbound cargo volume at the nation’s major container ports should consistently be above 2 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units through this summer and into early fall, according to the Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

“We haven’t seen numbers this high for this many months in almost two years,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said. “Regardless of what headlines about the economy might say, consumers are shopping and retailers are making sure they... 

Burger King® Celebrates 70 Years With a New Birthday Pie Dessert and a Week Full of Delicious Deals

HAPPY 70th BIRTHDAY, BK! Burger King® is inviting Guests to celebrate its milestone birthday with an all new and festive dessert – the Birthday Pie Slice. Available for a limited-time at participating restaurants nationwide starting May 13, the new Birthday Pie Slice features a creamy birthday cake flavored pie-filling in a cookie crumb crust topped with rainbow-colored sprinkles, cake bites, and whipped topping.

The party doesn’t stop there! Burger King is best known for the...

Brazilian Feed and Animal Protein Industries Face Disruptions Amid RS Worst Flood in History

Recent catastrophic rainfall across Rio Grande do Sul (RS), has caused what some are referring to as the worst floods in the history of Brazils most southern state. The city of Porto Alegre recorded alarming numbers where in just three days, 260 mm accumulated, equivalent to more than two months of precipitation.

Approximately 534,000 homes and businesses are without electricity, according to the Ministry of Mines and Energy. The National Municipalities Confederation noted financial damages surpassing R$ 559.8 million (Approximately $110 million)​​... 

Ernst Leads Bipartisan, Bicameral Effort to Protect Poultry Exports

U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) led over 50 of her colleagues in calling on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to protect America’s agricultural competitiveness by adopting a better definition of "poultry" so Iowa farmers will not miss out on trade opportunities.

In the letter to USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Administrator Dr. Michael Watson, they advocated for the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) to adopt the definition of "poultry" unanimously approved by the United States Animal Health Association (USAHA).

The lawmakers explained the...

Private sector Leaders Announce Support for Antimicrobial Use Stewardship Principles in Poultry

Now includes over 40% of global poultry meat production

USAID-funded TRANSFORM project has united 26 organizations in antimicrobial use stewardship in an effort to combat antimicrobial resistance

Antimicrobial use in animals or humans could lead to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which weakens our ability to prevent and treat future infections. Recognizing the responsibility to safeguard the efficacy of these essential medicines, the following organizations announce their endorsement for science-based antimicrobial use stewardship principles that promote the health of poultry to avoid the need to use antimicrobials...

ANALYSIS: Tenderloin Prices Defy Springtime Expectations

Tenderloins have witnessed contra seasonal price movement ahead of, and throughout the traditional spring buying period. Urner Barry’s Choice Tenderloin quote entered 2024 at very similar levels seen at the onset of 2023, roughly $15.85/lb. Fast forward to the present and the item sits at $12.63/lb., a 20% drop in value through the first five months. At this point last year, tenderloins sat at $16.23/lb., about 22% above the current range and above the February trough. The item presently is also just shy of sitting 4% below the...

The Retail Rundown: Showdown for Consumer Dollars this Mother's Day

Grocers and foodservice are preparing for a showdown with Mother's Day just a few days away. 

The upcoming holiday typically favors foodservice sales over retail as consumers celebrate their loved ones by visiting a dining establishment. According to the National Restaurant Association, 34% of consumers will dine out this Sunday, particularly during lunch and dinner. An additional 12% will order takeout or delivery.

However, retailers have a few tricks up their sleeves to get shoppers through the door by promoting deals on flowers, cards, gifts, and more. Grocers...

HPAI H5N1 Virus in Dairy Cattle – What We Know

In March 2024, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) A (H5N1), commonly referred to as bird flu, was confirmed in domestic U.S. livestock for the first time in a dairy operation in Texas. Since then, the virus has spread to 36 dairy operations across nine states, raising widespread uncertainty throughout the dairy and livestock markets. Industry participants have raised concerns about the outbreak's potential impact on consumer perception and demand for dairy and meat products, though government agencies reiterate that the national food supply remains safe. Urner Barry is closely monitoring the situation...

First Quarter Results Show Economy is Slowing but ‘Remains Resilient’

Economic growth slowed during the first three months of the year, but consumers are still spending more than last year, National Retail Federation Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said today.

“The U.S. economy lost some spring in its step during the first quarter as the pace of growth declined, and the downshift came with an unexpected bout of inflation,” Kleinhenz said, noting that prices for services are still increasing even as prices for goods level off. “But even with signs that the economic expansion is decelerating, the economy remains resilient...

Freddy's Launches Pretzel Bacon BBQ Steakburger & Chicken Sandwich 

Fast-casual restaurant concept Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers® announced today the return of its Pretzel Bacon BBQ Steakburger with the addition of a Pretzel Bacon BBQ Chicken Sandwich, as well as its new Freddy's Frost lineup, including Lemon Cream and Orange Cream. The limited-time offers are available May 8 through July 2 at all Freddy's locations nationwide via drive-thru, in-restaurant dining, and pickup or delivery through the Freddy's mobile app and at https://freddys.com.

Freddy's returning Pretzel Bacon BBQ Steakburger is made with two premium quality steakburger...

Popeyes Launches NEW Golden BBQ Chicken Sandwich to Bring Back Lunch Fun

Today, Popeyes® unveils their NEW Golden BBQ Chicken Sandwich, as the latest innovation on its famous Chicken Sandwich lineup. This new offering is more than just a sandwich; it's a declaration that lunch should no longer be boring.

Featuring a new sweet and tangy Golden BBQ sauce, this sandwich is sure to amp up your lunch hour. The Golden BBQ Chicken Sandwich features a buttermilk-battered chicken breast made with all white meat in a sweet and tangy Golden BBQ sauce, served on a buttery-toasted...

The Wendy's Company Reports 2023 Corporate Responsibility Progress

The Wendy's Company released its 2023 Corporate Responsibility report today, highlighting continued progress against Good Done Right, the Company's corporate responsibility strategy. In the report, Wendy's® details progress the Company has made across initiatives focused on responsible sourcing, fostering equitable workplaces and communities, and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from restaurant operations and the supply chain. In 2023, Wendy's also strengthened stakeholder collaboration – a key ingredient to advancements across its Food, People and Footprint pillars – particularly with franchisees and direct and indirect suppliers...

Pizza Hut Announces Carl Loredo President of Pizza Hut U.S.

New Appointment Supports Pizza Hut’s Ambitious Growth Agenda

Today, Pizza Hut announced that Juan Carlos “Carl” Loredo will join the company as the President of Pizza Hut U.S., reporting to Pizza Hut Division Chief Executive Officer Aaron Powell, effective June 3. In this role, Loredo will assume responsibility for driving overall performance of the brand’s U.S. business.

“Carl comes to Pizza Hut with a strong track record of positioning brands for success and delivering results in highly competitive markets. He is adept at helping brands show up in novel and...

Knock Dinner out of the Park with Beef

Spring means baseball and softball, and it also means the kickoff to summer grilling season. This year, the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. brand, funded by the Beef Checkoff, is excited to announce the perfect partnership between beef and baseball/softball as a proud partner of the Little League® World Series.

A favorite at the ballpark and at home, beef makes dinner easy. As the official sponsor of the Perfect Home Plate with Little League, the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. brand will make mealtime even easier with delicious, balanced recipe...

ANALYSIS: Australia's April Beef/Veal Exports Surge, Narrow Miss from 2015’s Record Highs

Australia’s beef/veal exports for April rose a whopping 46.2% year-on-year to 105,367 mt (33,304 mt increase), narrowly missing record highs last seen in 2015, data from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (D.A.F.F) indicated.  

Industry players initially anticipated that Australia would break its April export beef/veal record this year. However, the latest Monthly Australian Meat Export figures fell short by 7,916 mt to surpass the previous record set at 113,283 metric tons, primarily due to lower volumes to key customer China...

FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Raw Pork Chorizo Products 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert due to concerns of raw pork chorizo products that may be contaminated with a foreign material, specifically hard plastic and metal. FSIS is issuing a public health alert to ensure that consumers are aware that this product should not be consumed. A recall was not requested because the product is no longer available for purchase.

The raw pork chorizo items were produced on February 12, 2024. The following product is subject...

INSIGHT: Experts Challenge Allegations of Poultry Litter in Feed Spreading HPAI in Cattle

In the weeks since the unprecedented discovery of US cattle testing positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), some mainstream media outlets have attempted to connect this to the use of poultry litter in cattle feed.

However, those familiar with the science and with the workings of the US livestock and poultry industry find the idea rests on shaky grounds.

Experts believe cattle infected by wild birds

In a document published on 26 April, the US Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) stated “The genetic and epidemiological data indicate spillover of the virus from...

Bird flu Outbreak in Dairy Cows Fails to Deter US Raw Milk Sellers

U.S. sellers of raw milk appear undeterred by federal health warnings for consumers to avoid drinking unpasteurized milk in light of a bird flu outbreak that has affected dairy herds in nine states and sickened at least one dairy farm worker.

Thirty of the 50 U.S. states permit the sale of raw milk, which accounts for less than 1% percent of U.S. milk sales. A nationwide survey of pasteurized milk - heated to kill pathogens - found avian flu virus particles in about 20% of samples tested...

ANALYSIS: Weighing In on YTD Chicken Headcount

Given the wide array of production challenges related to disease and low hatchability, chicken market participants are keeping their eyes glued to the slaughter data as they attempt to hone their expectations for the road ahead. When it comes to 2024’s cumulative production, total headcount continues to retreat by about 2.7% year-over-year (YoY). This amounts to a 70 million head reduction from a similar period in ’23. Still, at about 2.6 billion birds, year-to-date (YTD) headcount continues to reside at the fifth-highest level in at least two...

Cargill Meat Solutions Recalls Ground Beef Products Due to Possible E. coli O157:H7 Contamination

Cargill Meat Solutions, a Hazleton, Pa., establishment, is recalling approximately 16,243 pounds of raw ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The raw ground beef items were produced on April 26-27, 2024. The following products are subject to recall [view labels]:

• 2.25-lbs. plastic-wrapped trays containing "93% LEAN 7% FAT ALL NATURAL LEAN GROUND BEEF" with lot code 117 and establishment number "EST. 86P"...

Publix Reports First Quarter 2024 Results and Stock Price

Publix’s sales for the three months ended March 30, 2024 were $15.1 billion, a 5% increase from $14.3 billion in 2023. Comparable store sales for the three months ended March 30, 2024 increased 2.8%. The company estimates sales increased 1% due to the effect of the Easter holiday being in the first quarter of 2024. In 2023, the effect of the Easter holiday was in the second quarter.

Net earnings for the three months ended March 30, 2024 were $1.4... 

Standard Meat Company Announces Appointment of Keith Blanks as Chief Commercial Officer

Standard Meat Company (SMC) Co-President Ashli Rosenthal Blumenfeld announced the appointment of Keith Blanks to the position of Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at the family-owned firm.
Founded in 1935 and headquartered at the iconic Stockyards in Fort Worth, Standard Meat Company (SMC) is a meat processing and packaging firm with plants in Dallas, Fort Worth, Saginaw, and Ponder, Texas. An industry leader in quality and innovation, the company is a global supplier of custom meat portioning and packaging solutions for...

Papa Johns Announces Kurt Milburn as Chief Supply Chain Officer

Papa John's International, Inc. today announced the promotion of Kurt Milburn to Chief Supply Chain Officer, succeeding Shane Hutchins, who will retire after 26 years at Papa Johns, where he served as Chief Supply Chain Officer since October 2018. Mr. Hutchins will continue to work with Papa Johns as a consultant on special projects and to ensure a smooth transition.

Mr. Milburn joined Papa Johns in 2022 as Vice President of Supply Chain Operations and since that time has taken on additional responsibility to include engineering and...

ANALYSIS: Turkey Headcount Slips to Record Low

Although transactional activity within the turkey complex remains seasonally thin here in mid-Q2, there is no shortage of variables which are catching the attention of market participants.

The latest Monthly Slaughter Report is perhaps top of mind for many players on the turkey side of the business, and with good reason. Total headcount retreated by 5% from February, and by a notable 18% when compared with this time last year. Coming in at 15.5 million head, March’s data also represents the lowest reading observed in over two decades...

Ventura Foods to Acquire DYMA Brands

Ventura Foods, a food manufacturing and innovation company specializing in custom and branded products for restaurants and retailers, has reached an agreement to acquire DYMA Brands.

Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, DYMA Brands is a leader in liquid portion control and bulk condiments, seasonings, and dry blend mixes for the foodservice industry. It has more than 500 employees and operates manufacturing facilities in Bremen, Georgia; Duluth, Georgia; Bondurant, Iowa; and Visalia, California.

All DYMA Brands employees and manufacturing locations will be acquired as part of the transaction. The DYMA Brands company will...

Wingstop Inc. Reports Fiscal First Quarter 2024 Financial Results

Wingstop Inc.today announced financial results for the fiscal first quarter ended March 30, 2024.

Highlights for the fiscal first quarter 2024 compared to the fiscal first quarter 2023:

• System-wide sales increased 36.8% to $1.1 billion
• 65 net new openings in the fiscal first quarter 2024
• Domestic same store sales increased 21.6%
• Domestic restaurant AUV increased to $1.9 million
• Digital sales increased to 68.3% of system-wide sales
• Total revenue increased 34.1% to $145.8 million
• Net income increased 83.5% to $28.7 million, or $0.98 per diluted...