The Retail Rundown: Focus Shifts to Next Big Cookout Event
Shoppers welcomed the unofficial start of summer over the Memorial Day weekend with grilling go-tos including hamburgers, ribs, and chicken parts. Circana data indicates ground beef sales totaled nearly $82.9 million last week, up from $68.4 million the week prior and outpacing $77.1 million during the same week in 2023. Beef ribeye also saw increased sales week-over-week, earning $32.3 million with distribution (the number of UPCs selling within the given aggregate) totaling 90,781—up from 87,175 the week prior...
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United Natural Foods, Inc. Reports Third Quarter Fiscal 2024 Results
United Natural Foods, Inc. (NYSE: UNFI) (the “Company” or “UNFI”) today reported financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 (13 weeks) ended April 27, 2024.“We delivered another quarter in-line with our fiscal 2024 plan and our third consecutive quarter of improving profitability driven by continued progress on near-term operational and efficiency initiatives. This progress includes significant cost reduction actions and supply chain efficiencies, and we see opportunity to drive further improvement across these areas,” said Sandy Douglas, UNFI’s Chief Executive Officer...
White Castle Spices Up summer with Two Limited Time Only, All White Meat Chicken Ring Flavors
White Castle, America's first fast-food hamburger restaurant, is giving chicken and value the royal treatment with the return of Hidden Valley® Ranch Chicken Rings and the introduction of Smoky BBQ Chicken Rings. These versions of the uniquely shaped, lightly breaded and deliciously all white meat Chicken Rings are just 12 for $3.99 at participating Castles.
The new Smoky BBQ Chicken Rings feature the perfect blend of spices, not too sweet and not too spicy, that deliver bold flavor in every bite...
Dave’s Hot Chicken Launches Dave’s Bites
Dave’s Hot Chicken has gone from scrappy, late-night pop-up to becoming one of the fastest-growing restaurant chains in the nation. It’s gotten there by offering the best-tasting hot chicken on the planet, with an uncompromising focus on quality. Continuing its legacy of offering that combination of quality and craveability, starting June 4, the company is launching Dave’s Bites, the first new Chicken menu item since Dave’s parking lot pop-up days.
Perfect for snacking, Dave’s Bites offer the same taste and quality as the rest of the Dave’s Hot Chicken...
Chipotle will Reward Fans with Free Burritos During the 2024 Men's Professional Basketball Championship Series
Chipotle Mexican Grill today announced a new promotion called "Free Throws, Free Codes" ahead of the 2024 men's professional basketball championship series.
How It Works
1. When a player makes all their free throws at the line during games of the 2024 men's professional basketball championship series, Chipotle will drop a text-to-claim code* via a tweet from @ChipotleTweets on X.
Examples:
South American Meat Inc. Recalls Frozen Raw Beef Products Imported Without Import Reinspection.
South American Meat Inc., also known as 5Gogi LLC, an importer located in Commerce, Calif., is recalling approximately 20,111 pounds of various eligible frozen raw beef products that were not presented to FSIS for import reinspection upon entry into the United States, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
The various frozen raw beef items were imported from Uruguay on or around March 17, 2024. The following products are subject to recall...
Consumers Remain ‘Willing to Spend’ Even as Growth Slows
Shoppers are still willing to buy even as smaller job and wage gains and high interest rates are slowing the growth of consumer spending, National Retail Federation Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said today.
“U.S. economic growth for the remainder of this year will depend on several factors but particularly the pace of job growth, inflation and what actions will be taken by the Federal Reserve,” Kleinhenz said. “The good news is that the economy is growing, inflation is moderating, and overall fundamentals look fine as increased consumer spending supports underlying momentum.”...
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...
CME Group Appoints John Ricci as Managing Director and Global Head of Agricultural Products
CME Group, the world's leading derivatives marketplace, today announced the appointment of John Ricci as Managing Director and Global Head of Agricultural Products.
Reporting to Derek Sammann, Senior Managing Director and Global Head of Commodities Markets, Ricci will be responsible for leading the development, execution and management of the exchange's agricultural business globally. He will be based in Chicago.
"We are pleased to welcome John to CME Group," said Derek Sammann, Senior Managing Director and Global Head of...
Got Sauce? Wendy's Launches Next-Level Saucy Nuggs Dripping in Flavor
With seven unique ways to Nugg, Wendy's fans can access an exclusive first-taste through the Wendy's app beginning June 3
Calling all chicken nugget lovers – it's time to get saucy with Wendy's®! For years, Wendy's Nuggs have been a cult favorite. Now, get ready to experience them like never before with the arrival of Wendy's Saucy Nuggs. These flavor-packed Wendy's chicken nuggets are freshly tossed and sauced to create seven unique flavors and are served with a side of Ranch or Blue Cheese dipping sauce for...
Delicious Deal Alert: Domino's® Pizza is 50% Off This Week!
Craving delicious, mouth-watering pizza at an even tastier price? Domino's Pizza Inc. (NYSE: DPZ) has you covered. The largest pizza company in the world is running a special deal: 50% off all menu-priced pizzas ordered online June 3-9.
"The first day of summer is June 20, but you don't have to wait to celebrate," said Kate Trumbull, Domino's senior vice president – chief brand officer. "Start the festivities early by trying our newest crust – New York Style...
Transaction Represents 88th Acquisition for Leading Distributor of Foodservice Packaging
Transaction Represents 88th Acquisition for Leading Distributor of Foodservice Packaging and Janitorial Sanitation Products
Imperial Dade, a leading North American distributor of foodservice packaging supplies, industrial products, and janitorial supplies, today announced the acquisition of Regional Distributors, Inc. (the “Company”). The transaction represents the 88th acquisition for Imperial Dade under the leadership of Robert and Jason Tillis, Chairman and CEO of Imperial Dade, respectively. Financial terms of the private transaction were not disclosed.
David and Tracy Scalen founded Regional Distributors in 1994 and operate with ‘Service Beyond Expectations’ and are...
Post Holdings Announces Executive Leadership Changes at Weetabix and Refrigerated Retail Business
Post Holdings, Inc., a consumer packaged goods holding company, today announced planned executive leadership changes at its Weetabix and Refrigerated Retail businesses. These transitions and internal promotions are part of the company’s ongoing business succession planning.
WeetabixSally Abbott, Managing Director, will transition to a strategic advisor role effective Oct. 1, 2024, through her planned retirement on March 31, 2025. Colm O’Dwyer, currently Commercial Director for Weetabix, will succeed Abbott as Managing Director, effective Oct. 1, 2024.
Abbott joined Weetabix in 2008 as Marketing Director...
Smashburger® Welcomes Thomas Prather as Chief Marketing Officer
Smashburger®, a leading fast-casual better burger brand is pleased to announce the appointment of Thomas Prather as Chief Marketing Officer. With over 20 years of experience in the food and beverage industry, Prather is primed to fuel the company's global brand strategies.
"We are delighted to welcome Thomas Prather as Smashburger's CMO and are confident that he will be an invaluable addition to our team," said Denise Nelsen, CEO of Smashburger. "Having previously worked alongside Thomas, I know his consistency, attention to detail, and ability to stay current on...
Analysis: April Boost in Pork Cold Storage Can't Offset Annual Shortfall
The recent USDA Cold Storage Report revealed a notable 38-million-pound increase in April, marking an 8.25% month-over-month rise. However, cold storage levels remain 66 million pounds below this same time last year, reflecting an 11.6% decline.
Several items showed month-over-month increases, including bellies (3%), butts (8.3%), bone-in hams (49.5%), boneless hams (28.5%), boneless loins (3.3%), bone-in picnics (17.6%), ribs (3.7%), and total pork (8.25%). In contrast, bone-in loins (-3.2%) and trimmings (-0.2%) experienced decreases due to improved interest...
ANALYSIS: US Egg Prices Soar as Production Hits Eight-Year Low Due to HPAI Outbreaks
Over the past two weeks, U.S. shell egg prices have soared by 45%, largely due to the ongoing spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), more commonly known as bird flu. The bird flu has been spreading across the US since February 2022—though not consistently. The first outbreak of last year didn’t occur until the last day of October, ending a ten-month stretch with no new cases. Since then, 28.7 commercial layer and pullet operations have been affected...
ANALYSIS: Chicken Cold Storage Contracts in April
The most recent Cold Storage Report shines light on the near-universal year-over-year (YoY) retreat of frozen inventory levels across much of the chicken complex. Although monthly comparisons also trekked lower in April, several items bucked the established 5-year trend.
Total public warehouse stocks through the end of the month touched on 743.8 million pounds. This represents a 10.3% reduction from a similar period back in 2023, while also marking the third-lowest seasonal reading in a decade. This downturn closely aligns with April's relatively...
ANALYSIS: Inside Skirts Cool Off After Hot Spring
Back in March, we highlighted the Certified Angus Beef® inside skirts and the contra seasonal moves witnessed leading into the spring. It appeared that buyers did their work earlier in 2024 amid reduced slaughter levels seen at that point. As we check back in on that item, it does confirm that buyers were in fact early to the draw this year, and prices have come down to just about the levels seen at this point last year. The item has lost roughly 9.85% of its value...
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. Reports Results for the Fiscal First Quarter Ended April 21, 2024
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. , a full-service restaurant chain serving an innovative selection of high-quality gourmet burgers in a family-friendly atmosphere, today reported financial results for the fiscal first quarter ended April 21, 2024.
Highlights for the First Quarter of Fiscal 2024, Compared to the First Quarter of Fiscal 2023:
Restaurant Brands International Appoints Patrick Siewert as Senior Advisor in Asia-Pacific Region
Restaurant Brands International Inc. has appointed Patrick Siewert as its Senior Advisor in the Asia-Pacific region. Mr. Siewert has extensive knowledge in food, beverage and consumer products in Asia, having served as Chief Operating Officer and Group President for Coca-Cola in Asia from 2001-2007 and then as Managing Director for the Carlyle Group in Asia from 2007-2023.
In 2017, Mr. Siewert led the Carlyle Group's acquisition of 28% of McDonald's China and Hong Kong business and continued as a senior...
Jack in the Box Gives Big Value Energy with New Jack’s Munchies Under $4 Menu
Jack in the Box Inc. is fighting the inflation squeeze with a new value menu that gives fans more ways to choose. With a history of providing a variety of affordable munchie options to its fans, Jack in the Box continues to create new ways to stretch your dollar.
Jack in the Box unveiled a brand new Jack’s Munchies Under $4 Menu, featuring some of the brand’s most beloved, iconic menu items plus a new edition...
ANALYSIS: A Turkey Supply Conundrum
Given the relatively stagnant, if not seasonally, subdued state of the turkey market lately, buyers and sellers are searching high and low for direction. While supply-side indications certainly tell an interesting story, they seem to bring more questions than they do answers. As has been the case for the past seventeen months, total cold storage holdings have trekked higher on a year-over-year (YoY) basis.
The latest reading through the end of April was no exception; notching higher by 6.15%. Coming in at 390.6 million pounds, total warehouse...
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ANALYSIS: April Boost in Pork Cold Storage Can't Offset Annual Shortfall