US Meat Prices Signal Strain in Beef, Stability Elsewhere
The Market Intel report shows beef retail prices surged to a record $9.64 per pound, a 13% year‑over‑year rise driven by the lowest cattle inventory in 75 years and higher live‑weight weights. Pork prices rose modestly, yet production now outpaces consumption by about 6 billion lb, creating a sizable export surplus. Chicken remains the most affordable protein, with prices slipping 0.7% as broiler output rebounds after avian‑influenza setbacks. Overall meat demand stays robust, supporting $112 billion in sales in 2025 and projected growth in 2026.
PS Seasoning Explores How Year Round Cooking Reshapes BBQ
PS Seasoning released its 2026 BBQ Trends Report, revealing that outdoor grilling is shifting from a seasonal pastime to a year‑round culinary experience. A Q1 survey of nearly 200 enthusiasts shows over 80% cook with barbecue flavors at least monthly,...
Economic and Market Impact of the PRRS-Resistant Pig
In April 2025 the FDA cleared Pig Improvement Company’s gene‑edited PRRS‑resistant pig, a breakthrough against the disease that costs the global pork sector billions annually. Dr. Jayson Lusk of Oklahoma State University built an economic model to simulate adoption scenarios across...
Tyson Foods CEO Sees Inflation Lasting Into 2027
Tyson Foods CEO Donnie King warned that inflation will remain persistent through 2027, tightening cost pressures on the meat and prepared‑foods business. The company plans to counteract higher input costs through productivity gains, strategic pricing and promotional tactics, while keeping...
Ajinomoto Foods North America Promotes Dave Gardner to CEO
Ajinomoto Foods North America (AFNA) has promoted Dave Gardner from chief supply chain officer to president and chief executive officer, succeeding Hiroshi Kaho who moves to an executive human‑resources role at the parent company. Gardner has overseen AFNA’s eight U.S....
Schweid & Sons Targets Convenience Demand with Seasoned Ground Beef
Schweid & Sons announced a new line of seasoned ground beef that will hit select retail shelves in May. The range includes Taco, Steakhouse, and Korean BBQ blends designed for quick meals like tacos, rice bowls, and skillet dishes. Company...
Texas Joins DOJ Antitrust Investigation Into Beef Processors
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced on May 15 that his office will join the U.S. Department of Justice in an antitrust investigation of the nation’s largest beef processors. The probe follows a DOJ inquiry launched earlier in May that highlighted...
Mama’s Creations Adds to Prepared Meal Offerings
Mama’s Creations, a specialty foods maker known for deli salads, announced an expansion of its prepared‑meal portfolio with 12 new ready‑to‑heat options. The line, priced around $7.99 per serving, targets busy families and health‑conscious shoppers. Distribution will reach roughly 3,500...
Bunge Opens Soy Protein Plant with Capabilities for Meat Products
Bunge Ltd. inaugurated a $550 million soy protein concentrate and textured soy protein facility in Morristown, Indiana, capable of processing 4.5 million bushels of soybeans each year. The plant adds 70 jobs and joins an existing crushing operation that handles up to...
Hidden Valley, Carl Buddig Launch Ranch Dippers Snacks
Hidden Valley Ranch and Carl Buddig and Co. have introduced Hidden Valley Ranch Dippers, a ready‑to‑eat snack featuring grilled chicken strips coated in the brand’s Original Ranch dressing. The line launches in two flavors—original ranch and buffalo‑style ranch—each delivering 15 grams...
McDonald’s Value Menu Faces Pressure From Higher Gas Prices
McDonald’s reported first‑quarter 2026 net income of $1.98 billion and revenue of $6.5 billion, with U.S. comparable sales climbing 3.9% after a prior decline. The chain rolled out a revamped Extra Value Menu and the McValue platform, featuring under‑$3 items aimed at...
National Pork Board Announces New Advisory Committee
The National Pork Board launched a Swine Health Advisory Committee and held its first meeting in Iowa this May. The committee will guide the National Swine Health Strategy, targeting diseases such as PRRSV, PEDV, and emerging foreign threats. Members span...
FSIS Probes Deli Meat Amid Illinois Listeria Outbreak
The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a public health alert on May 9 for ready‑to‑eat pork headcheese products that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The affected items, produced on Jan. 20, 2026 by Daisy Brand, were sold in retail...
USRSB Appoints Academic Leader as Chair Elect
The US Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (USRSB) announced Jeff Goodwin, PhD, as its 2026 chair‑elect, marking the first time an academic leader will head the multi‑stakeholder initiative. Goodwin, director of Texas A&M’s Center for Grazinglands and Ranch Management and an...
Grote Co. Adds Two to Sales Team
Grote Co., a Columbus‑based manufacturer of food slicing and assembly equipment, announced two new hires for its sales organization. Brendan O’Shea joins as Sales Operations Leader, overseeing sales operations across the Americas and the Southeast U.S. Rodney Craven comes on...