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EVANSVILLE, Ind., Oct. 3 (UPI) — Egg prices fell across the United States this year as the national egg supply spiked and demand waned. But what was good news for consumers was detrimental to producers. “The egg price is very low right now,” said Maro Ibarburu, an associate science-business analyst at the Egg Industry Center, which serves the U.S. egg industry from Iowa State University. “It doesn t even cover the cost of production.” The... Read More

The pork industry continues to grapple with the impact of African Swine Fever. From supply to demand, it's an outbreak that could have a lasting effect. “I don t think people really understand the magnitude of the hog supply in China,” said J ayson Lusk, department head and distinguished professor at Purdue University . “The amount of hogs they lost is double the size of the U.S. hog sector, so it s a big deal... Read More

Why the ‘boom in consumer trial of alt-meat shamburgers and chicken? A new market analysis IDs the real reason: It s all about the urge to try something new and different, if not better. Of all the poorly worded attempts to capture the “buzz” associated with the ongoing media salivation over the alt-meat meat category s latest introductions, few surpass this one from the website Takeout.com: “Most coverage of the rollout of meatless fast-food burgers... Read More

Despite growing pressure on American restaurants from animal activists, linking animal welfare to marketing programs has thus far been ineffective for restaurants. A new study by the University of Missouri suggests that while the restaurant industry is often criticized for not doing more to push animal welfare reforms, but even when they do their marketing efforts miss the mark. “Restaurants have faced a lot of criticism for how they source their food, and it is... Read More

Big E Produce in Lompoc, which grows red and green leaf lettuce , romaine lettuce, cauliflower and broccolini , among other crops, is feeling a ripple effect from last year s multistate E. coli outbreaks and subsequent recalls. The company began receiving requests from customers for guarantees that its lettuces and products were safe, said Jose Gonzalez, who handles sales for the company. Customers also demanded that the produce be tested by laboratories against contamination.... Read More

Mexico s fruit and vegetable production starts to peak in the winter months, with a long list of items headed to U.S. and Canadian markets. “We re coming up on our busiest time of the year,” said Dante Galeazzi, president of the Mission-based Texas International Produce Association. “Starting late January and going, really, through September, are the heaviest crossing volumes for fresh produce coming into Texas. Avocados, limes, tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, broccoli, cabbage, watermelons,... Read More

This years reason to hike the prices...... Although some media are reporting of a possible shortage of avocados — and therefore guacamole — for Super Bowl festivities because of a fuel shortage in Mexico, importers say there s no indication supplies are being affected. But they are monitoring the situation leading up to the Feb. 3 game, for good reason. The Super Bowl is the, well, the Super Bowl of avocado holidays/events, rivaling Cinco de... Read More