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: 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...  

PERDUE® Unveils the Chiclucken, the Ultimate Thanksgiving Feast for Chicken Lovers

Step aside turkeys. This Thanksgiving, chicken is the poultry of choice for those looking for something more memorable. PERDUE®, the number-one fresh chicken brand in the U.S., is introducing a new Thanksgiving recipe – the Chiclucken – that tests the limits of how many types of chicken can be enjoyed within a single holiday dish.

The Chiclucken features five layers of tender, juicy PERDUE chicken and pushes the limits of culinary arts. You may not remember the last holiday dish you had... 

The Retail Rundown: Turkey Takes the Spotlight

According to Circana data, fresh whole turkeys were featured at an average discounted price of $1.48 per pound last week, up from $1.27 per pound during the same period last year.

The most popular turkey sizes, 10–15 and 16–24 pounds, averaged $1.34 per pound, compared to $1.00–$1.10 per pound last year. These prices reflect pre-promotion rates and do not account for additional discounts or free turkey offers.

Whole turkeys are often used as loss leaders to increase holiday store...

Wahlburgers Debuts Limited-Time Triple Threat Slider Flight

Wahlburgers invites fans on a flavorful journey with its new Triple Threat Flight — a trio of sliders with a bold mix of tastes that will keep guests on their toes beginning Tuesday, Nov. 19, and through the Big Game.

Priced at $12.95*, the thrilling lineup includes the following sliders prepared for takeoff:

• Classic Meatball: A hearty meatball with provolone and spicy arrabbiata sauce for an unforgettable kick.
• BBQ Bacon: White cheddar, bacon, jalapeño, BBQ sauce and avocado spread to highlight the packed smoky richness guests... 

Kroger Reveals Customer Thanksgiving Favorites and Grocery Shopping Habits in Time for The Holidays

In preparation for Thanksgiving, The Kroger Co. surveyed customers to see how they plan to shop and what they plan to eat during the holidays this year.

"Thanksgiving is such a special time of year and we take pride in knowing exactly what is important to our customers during this holiday season," said Tom Duncan, Vice President, Head of Marketing at Kroger. "No matter how they choose to celebrate, we're happy to provide our customers with value on the items they need...

As Temperatures Drop Wendy's Spices Up Holiday Meal Planning with $3.99 Spicy Chicken Sandwich

WHAT:
The Queen of Spice just dropped a HOT deal. Now through December 29, Wendy's® fans can bring the heat to their tastebuds and not the family gathering with a $3.99 Spicy Chicken Sandwich deal, available every day with the offer exclusively in the Wendy's app.* Wendy's is home to the OG Spicy Chicken Sandwich – launched in 1995 – featuring juicy chicken breast marinated and breaded in a unique, fiery blend of peppers and spices to deliver...

ANALYSIS: September Chicken Exports Defy Trend with 1.8% MoM Growth

In the month of September, total chicken exports were up 1.8% month-over-month (MoM). This is interesting as the 5-year average MoM change is a decline of -4.2% from August to September.  The increased volumes resulted in September being the first month since February, when export levels were not at the lowest point since 2019. Part of the relatively large volumes of chicken exported were likely due to the value of chicken compared to other proteins in September...

7-Eleven, Inc. Unwraps Delicious Holiday Hot Food Deals to Satisfy Seasonal Cravings

Tis the season for sweet savings! 7-Eleven, Inc. is ringing in the holidays with irresistible deals that will delight taste buds and make celebrations merry and bright. From savings on pizza that the whole family can enjoy to mini chicken quesadillas and tacos that are perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, customers can savor 7-Eleven's latest mouthwatering new items and discounts at participating 7-Eleven®, Speedway® and Stripes® stores, including...

The Retail Rundown: This Year's Thanksgiving Dinner May Cost Less 

This week’s protein promotions spotlight seafood, which makes up 33.1 percent of all ads, with pork following at 25.6 percent and beef at 24.3 percent. Chicken features come in at 13 percent, while turkey ads saw a small increase to 3.8 percent, up from 3.3 percent last week but below the 5 percent seen two weeks prior.

Frozen turkeys make up 27 percent of all turkey ads, up 25.7 percent last week, with prices ranging between $2.79 and $5.00 discounted last week.

According to the Expana Thanksgiving Dinner Index 2024...

Applebee’s Introduces NEW Really BIG Meal Deal

Enjoy the NEW Big Cluckin’ Chicken Sandwich or BIG Classic Bacon Cheeseburger, served with Classic Fries and a fountain drink for just $9.99; Available for both dine-in and To Go

Applebee’s is going BIG with the debut of its NEW Really BIG Meal Deal featuring the NEW Big Cluckin’ Chicken Sandwich and BIG Classic Bacon Cheeseburger served with Classic Fries and a fountain drink for only $9.99!* Big Taste, Big Flavor and Big Value, the Applebee’s NEW Really BIG Meal Deal is available now for...

ANALYSIS: Chicken Industry in Unseasonable Standoff Between Demand Patterns and Supplies

The chicken industry is engaged in a standoff between demand patterns and supplies. So far, the call for chicken this year has barely given up any ground, in a rather unseasonable manner.

The chicken index is a weighted average value composed of some of the lines in the chicken market including items like boneless breast meat and leg quarters. Since it is a formulation of several of the main components, it can be used as a rough indicator of market strength or weakness and seasonal trends...

Krispy Krunchy Chicken Announces Matt Testa as New COO

Krispy Krunchy Chicken®, one of the fastest-growing hot food concepts in the convenience store business, has named Matt Testa its Chief Operations Officer. The newest member of executive leadership will focus on strengthening the sales and operations teams for the brand which licenses over 3,000 locations.

“Matt brings us a proven track record of success and growth in c-stores. He has a visionary approach for leading teams to maximize impact, efficiency, and ease for operators,” said Jim Norberg, Chief...

The Retail Rundown: Holiday Countdown Rapidly Winds Down

With Thanksgiving just three weeks away, the holiday rush is fueling retail traffic as shoppers stock up on essentials. This week, turkey promotions account for 3.3 percent of all protein ads, down from 5 percent the previous week. The number of grocery chains featuring turkeys also declined, with 39 chains participating, compared to 49 chains a week earlier.

Despite fewer promotions, fresh whole turkey sales rose week-over-week, reaching $1.3 million last week, up from $909,368 the week prior, according to Circana...

A Tu Gusto, LLC Recalls Frozen Croquette Products Produced Without the Benefit of Inspection 

A Tu Gusto, LLC, a Lehigh Acres, Fla. firm, is recalling approximately 7,630 pounds of frozen meat and poultry croquette products that were produced without the benefit of federal inspection and may contain undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The product contains soy, sesame seed and wheat, known allergens, which are not declared on the product label.

The frozen meat and poultry items were produced between April and October of 2024... 

The Retail Rundown: Late-Season Push for Grilling Cuts

As October ends, beef and seafood promotions are neck and neck, each occupying about 25 percent of total advertising space. During the final week of "Pork-tober, pork features account for 20.8 percent of buying opportunities, closely followed by chicken at 20.6 percent.

Though the shift from grilling cuts to roasts has been in motion for a few weeks, a forecast of record warmth in parts of the central and eastern U.S. this week offers a last chance for backyard cooking before winter sets in.

This could spur late-season promotions...

The Retail Rundown: Tuning in to Turkey

Retail promotions for seafood continue to dominate the protein category this week, capturing nearly a third of ad circular space (32 percent). Beef and pork follow, taking up 23 percent and 21.3 percent, respectively. Chicken is up slightly from the previous week at 16 percent. Egg ads held steady at about 3 percent.

Several items were featured at lower prices compared to 2023 last week, with chicken leg quarters averaging $1.55 per pound, 5 cents cheaper than last year. Fresh pork loin prices were down by 2 percent...

The Retail Rundown: Eggs Rule the Roost During Baking Season 

As October reaches its midpoint, many homes are filled with the irresistible aromas of freshly baked goods, marking the onset of the holiday baking season.

This seasonal shift benefits the egg case as eggs find their way into breads, cookies, pastries, pies, and more. Also, more consumers are reaching for hot breakfasts as the weather turns colder, which further boosts egg demand.

Data from Circana shows that the average retail feature price for large, white Grade A eggs averaged $3.72 per dozen last week...

ANALYSIS: Chicken Export Volumes in August

Total chicken exports were up 3.5% from July to August, compared to a 5-year average month-over-month (MoM) change of 4.6%. Of the twenty countries listed in the USDA’s monthly import/export report, thirteen of them had increased MoM export volumes in August, but only seven of them were up year-over-year (YoY). This aligns with the year-long trend of lower export volumes in which the current year-to-date (YTD) value of 4.4 billion lbs. is -8.6% lower YoY and is...

ANALYSIS: Chicken Cold Storage Holdings in August

Despite a slight retreat in demand for several domestic lines during August, frozen inventory remained well below last year’s level, fueled in part by an active call from the export arena. Now, in October, these factors are starting to resurface and play a major role in current market dynamics. Total chicken in frozen inventory was down -9.0% year-over-year (YoY), which positions August’s inventory at the third lowest seasonal level over the past ten years. All individual categories, with the exceptions of drums and paws, were also down on a YoY basis...

The Retail Rundown:  Port Strike Sends Shockwaves Throughout Supply Chain 

The strike at East and Gulf Coast ports officially began once the calendar turned to October, following unsuccessful contract negotiations between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX).

The strike's impact is being felt throughout the supply chain, causing significant disruptions in the flow of goods ahead of the rapidly approaching holiday season. 

In a statement released on Tuesday, USMX stated that its current offer includes a nearly 50% wage increase. In response, ILA said it has rejected USX's offer "because it fails to address...

Hurricane Helene Intensifies U.S. Agriculture Disruptions As Port Strike Officially Starts

Hurricane Helene, a powerful Category 4 storm, made landfall in Florida's Big Bend region on September 26, 2024. The storm caused widespread destruction across the southeastern U.S., with the death toll approaching 125 as of this writing. 

Its damaging winds, storm surge, and flooding led to power outages and infrastructure damage in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and the Carolinas–with the Carolinas seemingly suffering the greatest impacts. Parts of North Carolina are submerged under water, where roads have been washed out and properties have been flattened. As of October 1...

The Retail Rundown: Onwards to October

With October nearing, the shift in retail meat features from grilling cuts to roasts is picking up pace. More households are utilizing their ovens and crockpots, making it prime time for hearty ingredients like chuck roasts and pork shoulders.

Still, warmer weather lingers in some regions. For those with favorable grilling conditions, shoppers may find deals on items like steaks, ribs, and pork chops as retailers work to move any extra inventory. 

This week’s retail buying opportunities show seafood continuing to lead, making up 26.9% of protein advertisements, followed by pork at 24.7%, beef at 21.2%...

ANALYSIS: Chicken Production Outlook for Q4

The USDA is forecasting a year-over-year (YoY) decrease in beef and turkey production for Q4 of this year and a YoY increase in production of pork and chicken. Ready-to-cook (RTC) broiler production is expected to increase by 3.57% YoY. Beginning ten weeks prior to the outset of Q4 to the most current data, egg sets have been up by 2.62% to 5.04%. Increases in broiler chick placements from the middle of August, seven weeks prior to the start of Q4, are slightly less dramatic with values ranging

Cracker Barrel Reports Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2024 Results

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. today reported its financial results for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 ended August 2, 2024. In 2024, the fourth quarter and fiscal year included an additional operating week ("53rd week") compared to fiscal 2023.

Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2024 Highlights

• The Company reported total revenue of $894.4 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, representing an increase of 6.9% compared to prior year quarter total revenue of $836.7 million 
• Total revenue for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 includes...

The Retail Rundown: Going All-Out for Autumn

Fall is just around the corner, with the official start of autumn this Sunday, September 22. As cooler weather sets in and travel plans wind down, grocers are ramping up their offerings of seasonal favorites to align with the change in consumer preferences. 

According to the Expana Retail Activity Index, seafood continues to lead for the fourth week in a row, making up 30% of total protein ads. Beef and pork are close behind, each at around 25%, while chicken accounts for 14%. Eggs represent 2.8% of retail opportunities, and turkey has 2.3%...

After Unfulfilling FSIS Public Meetings and Mounting Unanswered Questions, NCC Requests more Time 

As a result of recent unfulfilling public meetings and a growing series of unanswered questions, the National Chicken Council (NCC) today requested an additional 90-day extension to the comment period for FSIS’ proposed Salmonella Framework in order to properly analyze the proposal and provide meaningful comments.

NCC was very pleased when the Agency announced in its Constituent Update two webinars “to share information about the science behind its Salmonella Framework for Raw Poultry Products proposed rule and determination to reduce Salmonella illnesses linked to raw poultry...

ANALYSIS: A Deep Dive into Chicken Export Volume for July

July chicken export volumes were down -2.0% from June, which is a period in which the 5-year average change is an increase of 1.1%. Despite this, the amount of chicken moved to Mexico, the Philippines,and Taiwan, the first, second, and fourth top importers of U.S. chicken respectively, were up by 15.6%, 47.3%, and 28.4%. Conversely, the volumes sold to the third and fifth top importers of U.S. chicken, Cuba and Canada, were down by -7.5% and -16.0%, respectively.

The 5-year average month-over-month (MoM)...

ANALYSIS: A Deep Dive into Chicken Export Volume in July

July chicken export volumes were down -2.0% from June, which is a period in which the 5-year average change is an increase of 1.1%...

Wayne-Sanderson Farms Releases 2024 Corporate Responsibility Report

Wayne-Sanderson Farms today announced the release of its 2024 Corporate Responsibility Report, offering a comprehensive look at the Company's commitment to the well-being of its team members, environmental stewardship, responsible care of animals, and delivery of safe and delicious food to millions of families worldwide.

"Our 2024 Corporate Responsibility Report reflects our first full fiscal year as a unified force following the merger of Wayne Farms and Sanderson Farms, which has been a remarkable journey thanks to the dedication of our 26,000 employees and over 2,000 farm partners," said Clint...

The Retail Rundown: Rising Feature Volume for Roasts

This month marks an ideal blend of seasons for the retail sector, as grilling cuts continue to be featured along with autumn favorites like hearty roasts and everything pumpkin. The shift to cooler weather is already being reflected in increased promotions for pork and beef roasts, which have earned a larger share of circular ad space this week. 

In the beef category, roasts now account for 26.4 percent of total ad space, up from 17 percent the previous week. Steak promotions eased to 36.9 percent, a nearly 10-point decline from...

ANALYSIS: Chicken Cold Storage Trends in July

The total amount of chicken in cold storage in July was down -10.5% year-over-year (YoY), while month-over-month (MoM) it was up 1.5% compared to the 5-year average change of 1.0%...

KPOT Announces Opening of 80th Location, First Location in NYC

KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot, a unique, hands-on, all-you-can-eat dining experience that merges traditional Asian Hot Pot with Korean BBQ flavors, today announces the opening of its 80th location, which also happens to be its first location in New York City located at 310 W 38th St in Manhattan’s Midtown West neighborhood.

KPOT offers a diverse culinary experience with an extensive selection of premium meats, fresh seafood, and crisp vegetables for both its BBQ and Hot Pot offerings...

The Retail Rundown: September's Seasonal Shifts

Although there are about two weeks left to enjoy summer, many consider the season unofficially over following Labor Day. The retail landscape is starting to reflect this shift, where factors like cooler weather and football season are already influencing consumer demand. 

The frozen/convenience aisles and deli counters benefit from back-to-school needs and provide quick meals for busy households. Circana data indicates that prepared dishes/kits earned $18.1 million in total sales last week, up from $17.7 million the week prior. Over in lunchmeat, fresh packaged turkey retailed at $7.21 discounted, an 18-cent year-over-year decrease.  

ANALYSIS: Chicken Cold Storage Chills Out in July: Stocks Dip from Last Year

Despite July’s modest 1.5% uptick in cold storage holdings when compared with June, at 757.1 million pounds, chicken inventory levels still managed to close the month at the third-lowest seasonal level realized in at least a decade.

When compared with 2023, total warehouse stocks retreated by a significant 10.5%, or 88.5 million pounds. This ongoing slump in frozen holdings aligns closely with this year’s generally consistent level of buying engagement, especially for key lines such as boneless breasts, along with a cumulative downturn in overall...

USDA Releases Updated Guideline to Strengthen Substantiation 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today the availability of an updated guideline that makes recommendations to strengthen the documentation that supports animal-raising or environment-related claims on meat or poultry product labeling. Today’s action builds on the significant work USDA has already undertaken to protect consumers from false and misleading labels and to implement President Biden’s Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American economy.

“USDA continues to deliver on its commitment to fairness and choice for both farmers and consumers, and that means supporting transparency and high-quality standards...

Chipotle Teamsters Hold Day of Action Throughout Michigan to Demand Fair Contract

Members of Teamsters Locals 243, 247, 332, 337, 406, and 1038 picketed and leafleted outside of Chipotle restaurants in Lansing and Detroit on Monday to demand a fair contract from the fast casual behemoth. Chipotle workers at one of the chain's Lansing restaurants are represented by Local 243.

"These hardworking Teamsters aren't going to back down from a fight for fair wages, increased safety standards, a fair process for scheduling, and protection from retaliation," said Scott Quenneville, President of Local 243. "Chipotle is a multibillion-dollar enterprise...

Diverse Crop Rotations Reduce Risk of Crop Loss Under Poor Growing Conditions

Researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) are responding to the increasingly uncertain climate. The warmer and more unpredictable weather has been a source of instability on U.S. farms. ARS agroecologists turned to history for a solution to this challenge, which inspired them to better understand the benefits of crop rotations.

Growing a sequence of different crops in rotation has been practiced for millennia. Crop rotations can rebuild soil health, fight pests and diseases, and spread-out risk of various pests and crop disease... 

Circana Research Reveals 86% of Eating Occasions Sourced from Home Over Past Year

Despite easing inflation, ongoing economic challenges drive shifts in consumers’ eating patterns both in and away from home

Circana™, a leading advisor on the complexity of consumer behavior, recently released a new report providing a complete view of food and beverage consumption trends, both at home and away from home. The 39th annual report, “Eating Patterns in America,” highlights a growing trend toward at-home dining over the past year, with 86% of eating occasions sourced from home. While retail volumes show modest growth...

FCPT Announces Acquisition of 19 Bloomin’ Brands Restaurant Properties for $66.4 Million

Four Corners Property Trust, a real estate investment trust primarily engaged in the ownership and acquisition of high-quality, net-leased restaurant and retail properties, is pleased to announce the acquisition of 19 Bloomin’ Brands restaurant properties comprising of 20 total restaurants (10 Outback Steakhouse restaurants and 10 Carrabba’s Italian Grill restaurants, including one dual-tenant property with both concepts) for a purchase price of $66.4 million. The 19 properties are located across 10 states (AZ, FL, GA, KY, LA, NC, NV, PA, SC, and TN)...

Checkers & Rally's Launches Best-Ever Value Meal Deal - New 5 for $5

Checkers & Rally's, the drive-thru restaurant brand known for craveable food at irresistible value, is offering its best-ever meal deal. Now value seeking customers can get everything they love in a complete meal deal including returning classic Cheese Double Burger or the fan-favorite Spicy Chicken Sandwich, 8-piece Chicken Bites, fries, soft drink plus an Apple Pie, all for only $5!

"We're excited to introduce our best-ever meal deal, the new Checkers & Rally's 5 for $5...

ANALYSIS: Counting Chicken Eggs

Broiler hatcheries are setting an impressive number of eggs this year. In fact, cumulative sets not only stand 1.49% above a similar period in 2023, but they currently reside at a record high. Egg sets are also 3.33% higher than the 5-year average. While some of this increase is being felt on the chicks placement side of the equation, the rate of placements is not nearly as efficiently as it has been in the past.

This year's cumulative average hatchability rate is 79.2%, which is down from both...

Canadian Agricultural Supply Chain Fears Amid Rail Labor Dispute

Crucial agricultural supply chains are under threat across North America after a rail labor dispute in Canada led to a shutdown of freight traffic on the country's two largest railways. Agriculture industry executives are fearing a succession of devastating economic blows and are already estimating their losses.

Canadian National Railway (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) locked out nearly 9,300 workers after midnight local time on Thursday 22 August, after multiple rounds of talks ultimately failed to clinch a late deal with the Teamsters union...

FMI Research: Shoppers Feel in Control of Their Grocery Spending

Consumers are adapting their shopping strategies to include more flexibility as they attempt to control their grocery spending heading into the fall, according to the latest survey conducted by FMI – The Food Industry Association and The Hartman Group. The report, U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends 2024: Return to Routine, provides a crucial snapshot of how shoppers are finding value and evolving their grocery shopping habits in the current economic environment.

While shoppers report continued concerns regarding inflationary pressures on food and other consumer categories...

Kroger Files Motion to Enjoin the FTC's Administrative Merger Challenge

The Kroger Co. today filed a motion for preliminary injunction in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio, against the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) administrative proceeding challenging the company's merger with Albertson's Companies, Inc. The company argues that by proceeding in its administrative tribunal, in addition to the separate action in federal court, the FTC is violating Constitutional protections.

The motion details how the FTC's administrative proceeding against the merger clearly violates the Constitution in two areas:

• First, the FTC violates Article II of the Constitution because...

Circana Reports on the Future of Dinner: Quick Meals and Invested Occasions Define Consumer Habits

Circana™, a leading advisor on the complexity of consumer behavior, today released insights from its Future of Dinner report, revealing that U.S. consumers source 81% of their dinners at home and most often enjoy dinner with others. While Gen X prefers dinners that require minimal preparation and few ingredients, Gen Z consumers increasingly invest in special occasion dinners as they hone their kitchen skills, while also seeking no-prep dinner solutions. In fact, half of all dinners are ready in 15 minutes or less...