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ALL LEADERSHIP SERIES WEBINAR RECORDINGS NOW AVAILABLE

If you've missed ANY of these informative Leadership Series virtual events, you can now find them on YouTube to view (or share). DMA will continue to deliver these webinars throughout 2021 (after a brief spring break in March) and look forward to "seeing" you there.

  • What's of interest to you? 
  • Who would you like to hear from? 
Let us know! If you have a topic idea or would like to collaborate, email us today!

    INDUSTRY NEWS

    Global Food Prices Hit Six-Year High

    Global food prices are the highest they've been in six years, with the price of agricultural commodities traded on the global stage rising 50% since the middle of 2020, according to economists at Rabobank.

    Additionally, global food demand is projected to rise anywhere between 59% to 98% by 2050 and food prices are soaring faster than inflation and incomes.


    With food prices surging, here's a look at the factors at play:


    Import Demand is Up

    As countries seek to build up their domestic stocks of commodities such as wheat, corn, and soybeans, import demand is rising, reported Australian Broadcasting Corporation (March 10). Full Story


    The highest among that group is China, whose economy is rebounding.


    Major exporters are also holding stocks back. For example, Russia introduced export taxes on wheat and Argentina placed quotas on corn exports. Some publicly listed food companies are also increasing the amount of stock they hold in warehouses to avoid COVID-related disruptions.


    In wealthier countries, governments are focusing more on self-sufficiency than price controls, reported Bloomberg (Feb. 28). Full Story


    France is planning to boost output of high-protein crops to cut reliance on soybean imports, while Singapore became the first country to approve sales of lab-grown meat as it pushes to boost domestic food capacity.


    Pressure from Market Speculators

    According to Rabobank senior commodity analyst Charles Clack, market speculators are playing a role in the upward trend.


    "While more fundamental things like weather and demand are the trigger for prices rising, it's without doubt speculation by non-commercial players in the market that exaggerate the move," he said in the Australian Broadcasting Company report.


    Other factors playing a role in rising food prices include:

    • A weakening U.S. currency
    • Recent poor weather
    • A shortage of truck drivers and shipping containers
    • The rising price of oil

    Additionally, low interest rates are drawing money away from government bonds and into commodity markets as they look for higher returns. Food Institute Focus

     

    Plant-based Meat Trend Continues to Grow Among Major Industry Players

    Plant-based companies are finding a home in fast food, as demand for meat-free options grows among consumers.


    About one-third of consumers said their consumption of various meat alternatives has increased over the past year, according to a Datassential survey conducted in January. The figures are similar for those who say they plan to increase their consumption of plant-based meat alternatives in the coming year, reported SmartBrief (Feb. 4). Full Story


    Beyond Meat Strikes Deals with Fast Food

    Beyond Meat recently signed partnerships with fast-food giants McDonald's and Yum Brands, as noted in a report by CNBC (Feb. 25). Full Story


    Under the agreements Beyond will be the preferred patty supplier for the McPlant burger and work with McDonald's to develop new substitutes for pork, chicken, and egg.


    The company will also work with Yum to make exclusive menu items for KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut. Financial terms for both partnerships were not disclosed. However, Beyond Meat CEO Ethan Brown told analysts that the impact of the deals in 2021 is expected to be "fairly modest."


    "These deals are enormous," Brown told CNBC. "They are the biggest deals you could possibly put together in food in our sector. And we don't want people to get ahead of themselves."


    Brown also noted the company will release two updated versions of its meatless patties this spring, claiming them to be its "juiciest burgers yet." One will have 55% less saturated fat than a traditional 80/20 beef patty, while the other will contain 35% less, which is consistent with its current iteration.


    Meanwhile, the company said fiscal fourth-quarter net sales rose 3.5% to $101.9 million, missing average analyst forecasts of $103.2 million.


    Good Catch Bring Plant-based Fish to Bareburger

    Gathered Foods, makers of Good Catch plant-based seafood, announced a foodservice partnership with Bareburger, an organic and clean-comfort food restaurant. For a limited time, Bareburger will add two new fish-free burgers to the menu featuring Good Catch's Plant-Based Classic Fish Burger. Full Story


    The partnership marks Good Catch's first foodservice partnership for its produce, which is part of its existing line of frozen appetizers and entrees. The partnership comes at a time when consumers are becoming more open to plant-based seafood.


    A majority, 59%, of frequent seafood consumers say they are likely to try plant-based seafood analogs, according to the Power of Seafood 2021 report from FMI. The report also noted a high correlation of interest in plant-based fish and nutritious eating, while sustainability also has a major impact with 62% of consumers naming it the top factor in their decision to try plant-based foods. Food Institute Focus


    Examining the Viability of Virtual Restaurant Brands

    On February 18, DMA, in conjunction with the Food Institute, hosted a webinar that examined the recent explosion of ghost kitchens and virtual brands. The event, which featured executives from Denny's, Kitchen United, and Lettuce Entertain You, also reviewed the prospects for virtual brands and tips for restaurant operators interested in launching such programs.


    After all, delivery-centric concepts are popping up with minimal initial capital investment, such as Mr. Beast Burger, which launched in December with over 300 locations. According to Chowly, as of August 2020 there were approximately 100,000 virtual concepts on third-party apps.


    "I think what [operators] like about virtual brands is it's cheap to test," noted Joy Lai, the COO of Kitchen United, which aids restaurant brands in off-premises dining. "So, they can turn something on, see if the consumers like it, get the feedback, and tweak where needed."


    A Closer Look at the Trend

    Virtual restaurant brands – brands that have a full menu, but don't exist in their own space and typically share kitchens with other businesses – have been well-received by customers due to third-party delivery options and the variety of food available from ghost kitchens. Denny's CEO John Miller said younger generations are especially receptive of delivery-centric virtual brands like his company's new Burger Den.

    Virtual brands aren't without logistical hurdles, though. They require a thorough understanding of a restaurant's trade area and demand, panelists said.


    "Another very important element is: can you achieve that level of consistency frequently, as you get busier and busier," said Scott Barton, partner with Lettuce Entertain You, a company behind dozens of restaurant brands. "It takes a little time to work through, especially when you're rolling out a new concept."


    Keys to Virtual Success

    Panelists offered the following tips to help ensure the successful launch of a virtual restaurant brand:

    • Be straightforward with your brand name by including your main product in it (example: Mr. Beast Burger)
    • Be clear and descriptive with menu items
    • Use social media for marketing

    Addressing Skepticism

    The speakers also addressed skepticism about the long-term prospects for virtual restaurant brands, acknowledging that some industry peers feel the concept's popularity will dissipate as the pandemic fades. Lai acknowledged that many consumers will eagerly return to brick-and-mortar restaurants once indoor dining restrictions subside.


    "I think some of those brands may go away. You would expect that with the brand-development cycle," Lai said.


    That said, she still sees growth opportunities for many virtual brands.


    "For a lot of our existing brands, when they have a primary brand where they have a brick-and-mortar store as well, when they launch a secondary, virtual brand, we've seen it bump their revenues anywhere from 30 to 50 percent," Lai noted. "For smaller operators...maybe a good [virtual] brand is doing $5,000 a week. And, when you compound that with three or four brands, you get meaningful revenue." Food Institute Focus


    Executives on the Move:

    • The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill named Nick Della Penna brand president. Full Story
    • Subway appointed Steve Rafferty SVP of development. Full Story
    • Oneida Hospitality Group named Scott McDaniel CEO. Full Story
    • IHOP named Kieran Donahue chief marketing officer. Full Story
    • BurgerFi appointed Jim Esposito as COO. Full Story
    • Meanwhile, BurgerFi named Michael Rabinovitch as CFO. Full Story
    • Little Caesar's named Paula Vissing as COO. Full Story
    • Twin Peaks named Glenn Moon VP of franchise development and John Brisco VP of international franchise development. Full Story
    • WaBa Grill named Andrew Kim president and CEO. Full Story
    • Wendy's announced Beverly Stallings-Johnson as chief diversity, equity & inclusion officer. Full Story
    • Burger King appointed Tom Curtis as COO. Full Story

     

    Operator News:

    • McDonald's hopes lower prices will give it an edge in the chicken-sandwich wars. McDonald's new Crispy Chicken Sandwich will slightly undercut its main rivals, with a price as low as $3,49 at some locations – and that strategy could help boost same-store sales by as much as 4%, reported CNBC (Feb. 12). Full Story 
    • Meanwhile, McDonald's said it is tying 15% of executives' bonuses to meeting targets including diversity and inclusion and began disclosing data on the racial makeup of its workforce, major steps by one of the largest U.S. companies to better reflect the population, reported Bloomberg (Feb. 18). Full Story
    • Chipotle Mexican Grill said that executive compensation will now be linked to hitting targets tied to the company's environmental and diversity goals, reported CNBC (March 4). Full Story
    • Taco Bell will test a crispy chicken sandwich taco starting March 11. The test, to be conducted in the Nashville and Charlotte markets, will feature all-white-meat crispy chicken marinated in jalapeno buttermilk, seasoned with Mexican spices and rolled in a crunchy tortilla chip coating, reported Forbes (Feb. 22). Full Story
    • Texas Roadhouse plans to franchise its fast-casual concept, Jaggers. There are currently just three Jaggers locations in the U.S., but its parent company has plans to open several more in 2022, reported Restaurant Business (Feb. 19). Full Story
    • Chick-fil-A is consolidating its menu. The chicken chain will remove bagels and decaf coffee from its menu this spring and downsize portions of items like kids chicken nugget meals, milkshakes, and ice cream cones, reported Delish (Feb. 22). Full Story 
    • Seventy Midwest Jack in the Box locations are going bankrupt. While the burger chain recently posted its highest sales in nearly three decades, Missouri Jack, a franchisee in Missouri and Illinois, has filed for bankruptcy on account of its significant debt, reported Eat This, Not That (Feb. 22). Full Story
    • Virtual brand MrBeast Burger has sold one million sandwiches after barely two months in business. The delivery-only add-on for established kitchens debuted Dec. 19 by YouTuber MrBeast, who has nearly 54 million subscribers, reported tubefilter (Feb. 22). Full Story
    • California ordered Burgerim to pay nearly $4 million in fines and refund franchise fees to more than 1,500 people after finding that the company violated several state franchise regulations, reported Restaurant Business (Feb. 23). Full Story
    • Meanwhile, Burgerim is preparing to offer franchisees the ability to opt out of their franchise agreement as well as a settlement to pay operators refunds over time to comply with a recent order from the state of California, a company official told operators. But franchisees shouldn't expect much. Greg Becker, a franchisee who said he was hired to run the chain's day-to-day operations last year, told franchisees that there are no assets to pay $50 million or more in refunded franchise fees, reported Restaurant Business (March 5). Full Story
    • Recent winter storms have impacted Cracker Barrel's sales after an arctic cold snap forced the restaurant chain to close 126 of its locations across the U.S. South, reported Restaurant Business (Feb. 23). Full Story 
    • TravelCenters of America plans to sell the Quaker Steak & Lube chain for about $5 million after deciding the brand doesn't fit within its long-term strategy, reported CS News (Feb. 26). Full Story
    • Freddy's Frozen Custard has been sold to private equity firm Thompson Street Capital Partners. The fast-casual, Kansas-based burger chain has grown to nearly 400 locations in more than 30 states, reported Restaurant Business (March 3). Full Story 
    • Popeyes announced new food quality commitments for the next five years as part of the Restaurant Brands for Good sustainability plan. The commitments are part of the brand's work to serve responsibly sourced, high quality food while continuously working to reduce its environmental footprint. Full Story
    • Mountain Mike's will open 30 stores in Utah over the next decade. Full Story
    • Another Broken Egg will open 10 locations throughout Ohio. Full Story
    • Ruby Tuesday emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy after shedding liabilities, including leases from closed locations significantly impacted by the pandemic. Full Story
    • Zaxby's is joining the chicken sandwich wars with the national rollout of its signature sandwich. The chicken sandwich will be available at all 909 locations across the brand's 17-state footprint after launching in test markets in October 2020. Full Story
    • IHOP plans to launch a new restaurant brand this year. The new grab-and-go breakfast concept, called Flip'd, will roll out in urban areas after the pandemic delayed its previously planned Atlanta launch, reported Eat This, Not That (March 3). Full Story
    • Golden Corral is testing drive-thrus and other changes as it reinvents operations during the pandemic. The buffet chain is also testing a la carte menus and a virtual concept specializing in comfort foods, reported Restaurant Business (Feb. 24). Full Story
    • Fondue restaurant The Melting Pot is looking to expand into Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas, with 17 restaurants in development. The company currently has 97 locations in 31 states, reported AL.com (March 10). Full Story
    • Hoots Wings will open 60 locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and Austin, Texas markets. Full Story
    • sweetgreen committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2027. Full Story
    • Quizno's is rolling out a new brand identity that includes new store designs and menu categories. Full Story
    • Culver's has named Rick Silva its new CEO, reported Restaurant Business (Feb. 25). Full Story
    • Decadent Coffee, Cakes, Dessert Bar will open 15 locations in Florida and southern Georgia. Full Story
    • Triple O's will open 30 restaurants in Ontario, Canada over the next five years. Full Story
    • Steak n Shake will open 12 restaurants by end of the first quarter of 2021. Full Story
    • MOOYAH Burgers, Fries, & Shakes is scouting locations and plans to open its first two to three drive-thru locations this year. Full Story
    • Panda Express is testing a new off-premises-focused fulfillment location for app and online orders in San Francisco. Full Story

    SUPPLY CHAIN NEWS

    No Safe Harbor: West Coast Port Backups Impacting Food Trade

    Imports and exports may be slowing at West Coast ports, but that's not due to a lack of demand: logjams are complicating efforts by U.S. agricultural companies looking to export their products. Meanwhile, retailers are reporting shortages of key food items as container ships vie for access to the nation's ports.


    Washington State Farm Exports Stuck

    Before the pandemic, Wenatchee, Washington-based tree fruit exporter Stemilt Growers would typically ship 15 containers of fruit per week to Taiwan. In a recent week, the company shipped exactly zero, according to export sales manager Dave Martin, reported CBS News (March 10). Full Story


    Shipping companies are finding it more profitable to ship empty containers back to Asia quickly rather than filling them up with U.S. agricultural goods. This rapid movement is helping to sate import demand stemming from increased online spending in the U.S. since the start of the pandemic.


    "My biggest worry is that suddenly what seemed like a blip in exports and a temporary problem becomes, well, now China is going elsewhere for their apples and their cherries and their hay," said state Rep. Kim Schrier, who wants the government to address the increasing number of empty shipping containers leaving the country.


    Disruptions Across the Country

    While Midwest agricultural producers sounded the alarm months ago, the entire West Coast seemed to slow down more recently, according to Tom Greene, president of Bainbridge Island, Washington-based Interpack Northwest Frozen Foods.


    Greene, who also worked with shipper K-Line earlier in his career, noted these disruptions rippled throughout the food industry, with processors, importers, exporters, and growers working on uncertain timelines as ships wait to reach ports. He argued it was more profitable for the cargo companies to ship the empty containers right back to China than to pay to ship the containers out to the Midwest for lower-cost agricultural exports.


    Greene said his company first noticed the issue when imports of pineapples were delayed. However, now the issue is affecting exports of frozen fruit products, too. He said imports of frozen apple juice concentrate, dark sweet cherries, pear juice, and more were incredibly difficult to source.


    "It started as an issue with inbound containers, but now we are having an issue sending them out. We're having trouble getting export containers, even for our highest-revenue products," he said.


    Demand from China on the Rise

    Demand for U.S. agricultural products remains strong, particularly in China, which is reviving its relationship with the U.S. following a three-year trade war. The country is working to import U.S. grains to feed its rebounding hog herd, which was impacted by outbreaks of African swine fever in recent years.


    Despite the country's plans to increase domestic pork production, USDA expected China's pork production to remain below pre-ASF levels, indicating a stronger market for imports in 2021. Pork imports are expected to reach 4.5 million-lbs. during the year.


    Sourcing of Imported Products an Issue

    Costco is one retailer reporting issues stemming from the congestion at the ports, saying it is having difficulty stocking imported cheeses due to the bottlenecks, reported AZ Central (March 10). Full Story


    Additionally, the retailer said it was having difficulty sourcing imported seafood and olive oil, alongside other non-food items. CFO Richard Galanti said port delays and container shortages remained an issue, causing timing delays for specific import categories.


    "We expect these pressures to ease in the coming months, but it's impacting everyone, of course," Galanti said. Food Institute Focus

    ECONOMIC PULSE

    Severe weather in many parts of the country in February hampered the softening of customer transaction declines at major U.S. restaurant chains reported in the last few months of 2020 and this January, according to The NPD Group. Major restaurant chain customer transactions declined by 13% versus year ago, compared to a 9% decline in January. Full Story

     

    Selected Results

    • Jack in the Box reported a same-store sales increase of 13% in its quarter ended Jan. 17, compared with 1.7% in the prior year. The company said operating costs and expenses increased 5% from the prior year to $249.6 million, reported MarketWatch (Feb. 17). Full Story
    • Wingstop saw record growth in 2020, reporting systemwide sales growth of 28.8%. The chicken wing brand saw same-store sales climb 21.4% for the year, and the chain had 153 net new store openings – a unit count bump of 11%, reported Restaurant Business (Feb. 17). Full Story 
    • Papa John's reported global same-store sales jumped 15.5% in its fiscal fourth quarter, while North American same-store sales jumped 13.5%. The company cited higher food costs, a new corporate office, and employee bonuses as headwinds that weighed on profits, reported CNBC (Feb. 25). Full Story
    • Domino's Pizza said global retail sales rose 21.7% in the fourth quarter and U.S. same store sales increased 11.2%. Full Story

    PARTNER NEWS

    Datassential Takes the Guesswork Out of Menu Innovation

    If the success of Wendy’s nationwide breakfast roll out in the midst of a worldwide pandemic is any indicator, menu innovation matters more than ever. Considering the disruption to morning school and work routines, this growth is a testament to the love consumers have for restaurants and the draw of new items.


    Developing the ‘next big thing’ is an art that can be optimized by data. SCORES, Datassential’s menu concept testing platform, can simplify your innovation process. Quickly screen concepts with a sample of 1,000 consumers to understand key performance indicators like purchase intent and uniqueness. We are pleased to offer a special DMA Partner Rate for testing. 


    Contact Kelley Fechner to learn more about this limited time partner rate, and take your menu development to the next level or click here to learn more.

    Coming Soon! Tork Odor Control Soap: A Gamechanger for the Food Service Industry
    Working with food brings unique challenges such as the need to manage food-related odors. Ordinary washroom soaps don't adequately meet the specific needs of the kitchen. The new Tork Odor-Control Handwashing Liquid Soap is anything but ordinary! The new liquid soap has been specially developed for professional kitchens to help control odors on hands that have touched foods with strong scents like garlic and fish. This latest Tork innovation also helps remove food fats from hands and is suitable for frequent use. It's also available in manual or touch-free dispensing! Contact your Essity representative to learn how to broaden your skincare assortment!

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    Takeout Packaging Matters to Customers
    Did you know 84% of consumers consider packaging when making meal decisions? The right packaging:

    ·  Protects Against Cross Contamination

    ·  Controls Food Temperature

    ·  Showcases Quality

    ·  Reinforces Branding

    ·  Supports Sustainability Efforts

    Work with R3 Redistribution to find the solution that's right for you. Visit www.R3Redistribution.com or read this brochure to learn more.

    An Obsession with Flavor Since 1941 
    Ken's is a family-owned, flavor-obsessed company founded in 1941. What began as a single, family recipe has grown into an unbeatable lineup of hundreds of delicious dressings and sauces, in every pack size and shape imaginable. Including #1 Sweet Baby Ray's barbecue and wing sauces, and Kogi L.A. Street sauces.


    Ken's has full-scale production facilities strategically located in Massachusetts, Georgia, Nevada and Indiana. So, we can deliver flavor to your doorstep in no time flat.


    Please contact Ralph Latagliata, rlatagliata@kensfoods.com or visit us at https://www.kensfoodservice.com/ to learn more about our sauces and dressings!

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    Decadent Desserts Available from General Mills
    General Mills launched individually-wrapped triple-layer dessert bars and single-serve brownies under its Pillsbury brand. Check out the brochures for each product, visit generalmillscf.com, or call 1-800-243-5687 to learn more.

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    For regional chains looking to grow quickly and selectively across the US, DMA Offers the one national network that can be customized specifically to your needs to serve your long term expansion plans.

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