ASEAN Customers Study U.S. Pork and Beef in Trend-Setting Korea

To expand the range of U.S. pork and beef cuts in the ASEAN, USMEF led retail and foodservice teams to Korea to study how U.S. red meat is utilized.

Characterized by the growth of single-person households and growing demand for quality and convenience, the Korean food industry has invested heavily in new product development and has become an innovator in its uses of U.S. pork and beef. USMEF recently brought teams of retail and foodservice customers from the ASEAN region to Korea to study new products...

The Retail Rundown: Holiday Features in Full Display

In the final stretch to Thanksgiving, turkey ads dominate protein advertisements this week with 29 percent, up from 11.8 percent the week prior and surpassing pork's 26.4 percent. Seafood ads come in at 20.2 percent, followed by beef at 16.4 percent. Chicken takes 6 percent, while eggs still have less than one percent of retail buying opportunities.

Fresh whole turkeys account for half of all turkey promotions, with frozen turkeys making up 40.5 percent. While turkeys take center stage, the holiday season also lifts demand for cold-weather comfort foods and convenient...

ANALYSIS: Shifting Retail Turkey Trends, Disease-Related Adjustments

So far this year we’re seeing a major decline in the number of fresh whole turkeys bought from retailers in Q4. Interestingly, this decreased call doesn’t look like it has much to do with the current price of turkey at retail. Additionally, price and distribution changes vary between the different size categories of turkeys, proving that not all turkey is created equal.

The changes to retail price and distribution of the larger turkeys (16-24 lbs. and >24 lbs.) are fairly straightforward. From the start of Q4...

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 675 dairy operations across 15 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. Expana is closely monitoring the situation...

Meat Institute Appoints Nicole Johnson-Hoffman as COO, Bryan Burns Promoted to General Counsel

The Meat Institute has appointed Nicole Johnson-Hoffman as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), starting in January 2025. She will transition into the role as the current COO, Mark Dopp, prepares to retire in March 2025. Johnson-Hoffman brings extensive experience in the regulatory, legal, and sustainability aspects of the animal protein industry, with previous roles at Cargill, OSI Group, and as CEO of the cultivated meat startup Future Meat Technologies.

In addition, Bryan Burns, Vice President and...

Each Thanksgiving Dinner Requires a National Effort

As friends and family sit down for a Thanksgiving dinner, very few are aware that the feast on their table is a culmination of efforts of farmers from every corner of the United States. American Farm Bureau Federation economists analyzed the production of the ingredients that go into a classic Thanksgiving dinner, detailing which states produce the most commodities and the production value of those items. The Market Intel provides context to AFBF’s annual Thanksgiving dinner cost survey, which found the average cost of this year’s classic...

Subway Announces CEO Transition

Subway, one of the world's largest restaurant brands, today announced that John Chidsey, Global Chief Executive Officer (CEO), will retire from the company at the end of 2024, after five years of exceptional leadership in the role. Carrie Walsh, Subway's current President of Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and former Global Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), will assume the role of Interim CEO, while a search is conducted to identify John's permanent successor.

"I am honored to step into the role of Interim CEO, continuing to drive key initiatives to help...

ANALYSIS: U.S. Imported Beef Least Cost Formulation Effects on Mixed Trimmings 85% in Fall 2024

Throughout the course of October, Aus/NZ MXT 85 on the spot market dropped in value by $18/cwt after trading at $289/cwt levels at the end of September. Entering November, the number was at $271/cwt and has remained generally steady at that mark.

End users of boneless beef trim typically use different lean percentage items to formulate their finished products. Given this flexibility, buyers can select from different trim options based on price and specific...

Brazil Opens New Markets in China and Increases Number of Authorised Meatpacking Plants

During Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Brazil on 20 November agreements were signed on the opening of five new markets and certifying of 38 new meatpacking plants.

The Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa) finalized four phytosanitary protocols in collaboration with China's General Administration of Customs (GACC). These agreements enable exports of fresh grapes, sesame, sorghum, and fish-derived products such as fish meal and oil for animal feed to China. Earlier in June, China approved Brazilian pecans for import...

FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Ineligible Beef Tallow Products Imported From Mexico

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for beef tallow products that were illegally imported from Mexico and are ineligible for entry into the United States. The products were not certified for export to the U.S. by the government of Mexico as being produced under equivalent inspection, they do not identify a certified establishment number on their packaging, and they were not presented to FSIS for import reinspection as required. These factors make the products...

Mexican Cattle Imports to U.S. Suspended Following New World Screwworm Detection 

On November 22, 2024, Mexico's Chief Veterinary Officer notified the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of a confirmed case of New World screwworm (NWS) in a cow in Chiapas, located near the Guatemalan border.

NWS, the larvae of a fly species, infest and feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals, posing a significant threat to livestock and other animals.

"With the northward spread of NWS, APHIS has ramped up its collaboration with Central American countries to combat this pest in affected regions," said Dr. Rosemary Sifford, Chief Veterinary Officer of the United States. "This recent detection in Mexico underscores the need to intensify these efforts to protect U.S. agriculture and restore the Central American barrier."...

Mar-Jac Poultry to Establish $25 Million Transload Facility in Perry County, Mississippi

Mar-Jac Poultry, a leading poultry producer in the Southeast, is announcing the construction of a new transload facility in Perry County, Mississippi. This $25 million investment will create 21 new jobs with competitive salaries, further solidifying the company's commitment to supporting local communities.

Strategically located at the Perry County Industrial Park in New Augusta, the facility will leverage the county's existing rail infrastructure to transport essential feed ingredients such as grain, corn, and soybean meal. This efficient transportation...

NPPC Celebrates Senate Passage of Beagle Brigade Act, Urges House Passage

The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) celebrated the U.S. Senate’s unanimous passage of S.759, the Beagle Brigade Act, which provides statutory authority and reliable funding to the National Detector Dog Training Center.

“American agriculture relies on the National Detector Dog Training Center to prevent the introduction of foreign animal and plant diseases that would cripple our food supply,” said Lori Stevermer, NPPC president and pork producer from Easton, Minnesota. “For the pork industry, the ‘Beagle Brigade’ is the...

Miss Madeline,” a New Liquid Barge from Perdue Farms, Sets Sail on a More Sustainable Supply Chain

The “Miss Madeline”, an innovative new vessel within the Perdue AgriBusiness (PAB) supply chain, was welcomed to the company’s hometown today after completing its maiden voyage. In addition to being a milestone in Perdue Farms’ 104-year-old commitment to sustainability, the barge is named in honor of Madeline Perdue and her legacy as the beloved matriarch of the Perdue family.

The “Miss Madeline” reflects PAB’s ongoing efforts to improve supply chain efficiencies and revolutionize freight transportation by reducing greenhouse...

Delays Expected at Brazilian Ports Due to Indefinite Strike Starting November 26

Federal Revenue auditors in Brazil voted to maintain slowdowns at customs and begin an indefinite strike starting November 26. This decision was made during the National Assembly of the Brazilian National Union of Federal Revenue Auditors on 21 November, following the Ministry of Management and Innovation's (MGI) refusal to negotiate adjustments to salaries.

The strike intensifies movements that began in July, with auditors demanding salary adjustments and urging the government to open negotiations.

Recent talks with the MGI's Labour Relations Secretariat...

USDA's FSIS Shuffles Leadership

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has announced leadership changes aimed at advancing its public health mission. Dr. Denise Eblen, previously FSIS’ Assistant Administrator for the Office of Public Health Science, has been named FSIS Administrator. With 25 years of experience at USDA, Dr. Eblen will continue to lead the agency in using science-based decision-making to modernize inspection strategies and improve public health.

Paul Kiecker, with over 30 years of experience at FSIS, will become Assistant Administrator of...

Yu Shang Food, Inc. Recalls RTE Meat and Poultry Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination

Yu Shang Food, Inc., a Spartanburg, SC, establishment, is recalling approximately 72,240 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) meat and poultry products within their shelf life that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). This release is being reissued to expand the scope of the November 9, 2024, recall.

All ready-to-eat products produced prior to October 28, 2024, are subject to recall. View full product list. View labels...

ANALYSIS: Thanksgiving Bird Choices - Trends, Prices, and Consumer Preferences for Whole Chicken

Chicken isn’t what most people think of when they consider a Thanksgiving dinner. Nevertheless, there are consumers who will swap out a whole chicken for a whole turkey. A bird is a bird, after all. Some potential reasons include taste (some people prefer chicken), ease of handling, and serving size. Since chickens are smaller birds, they take less time to cook. It’s also much easier to find a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken than it is to find a pre-cooked whole turkey...  

Publix Names Vice President of Finance

Today, Publix Super Markets CEO Kevin Murphy announced the promotion of Doug Stalbaum to vice president of finance, effective Jan. 1, 2025.

Stalbaum, 45, joined the company in 2019 as director of business analysis and reporting, and was promoted to his current role, vice president and controller, in 2022. Prior to joining Publix, he was a senior audit manager at an accounting firm for eight years, senior director and controller at a restaurant chain for six years and director of finance at a furniture retailer for three years. He currently...

Wolverine Packing Co. Recalls Ground Beef Products Due to Possible E. Coli O157:H7 Contamination

Wolverine Packing Co., a Detroit, Mich. establishment, is recalling approximately 167,277 pounds of 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 fresh products have a “use by” date of 11/14/2024 and the frozen products are labeled with production date 10 22 24. View full product list. View labels.

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 2574B” inside the USDA mark of inspection....

McDonald’s Gets Saucy This Holiday Season to Celebrate the Return of the McRib® Sandwich

The wait is finally over. Starting Dec. 3, for a limited time, your favorite saucy sandwich – the McRib – returns to participating restaurants just in time to satisfy your holiday cravings. After all, ‘tis the season…McRib SZN, that is.

The Sauciest Time of the Year

For the first time ever, we’re giving fans a chance to savor the McRib’s signature flavor. Introducing: A Whole Lotta McRib Sauce, a half-gallon jug of the iconic McRib sauce – perfect for...

ANALYSIS: Demand Outpaces Supply for Brazilian Beef

The Brazilian ”Boi Gordo” cattle price index reached BRL 344.20/15 Kg as of November 18 close, marking a year on year increase of 46%. According to Expanas Brazilian Beef Analyst, Augusto Eto, the increase is due to high demand from both domestic and export markets, a reduction in the supply of animals ready for slaughter and a favorable exchange rate with the Brazilian Real weakening approximately 18% against the U.S. Dollar since the beginning of the year.

Data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE)...

ANALYSIS: Mexican Beef Cutout Dynamics

In 2024, the Mexican beef market experienced significant shifts, driven by fluctuating domestic and export opportunities. By mid-November, the total carcass value reached MXN 107.91/kg, marking steady price increases across most primal categories. These increases have been the result of consistent interest across all segments of the market, fueled by higher domestic consumption and increased exports. This dynamic has led to a generalized rise in primal values, ultimately pushing the overall cutout to... 

Ribs have emerged as the top-performing category, closing at MXN 134.49/kg, driven by... 

ANALYSIS: China’s Oct 2024 Beef Imports Rebound to 7-Month High at 237,264 mt

China's October 2024 beef imports rose to a 7-month high to 237,264 metric tonnes (mt), according to the latest data from the General Administration of Customs People's Republic of China.

Increasing by 8.7% month-on-month (m-o-m), October 2024’s imports rose by 19,066 mt from September 2024’s 5-month low. This rebound was primarily fuelled by stronger shipments from Brazil, its largest supplier, along with notable contributions from Uruguay and New Zealand.

Year-on-year (y-o-y), imports...

PODCAST: Agri-Food for Thought Ep 17 - Thanksgiving Turkey Prices Cheaper in 2024

Jamie chats with Turkey market analyst, Matt Busardo, on the 2024 Thanksgiving cost profile.