Many gardeners love helping pollinators. But growing a pollinator garden isn’t practical in every location. For small space gardeners, the solution is to work pollinator plants into existing gardens and select varieties that stay compact and are easy to manage. Before I talk about compact pollinator plants, though, let’s consider other factors that help you create a bee, butterfly, and insect-friendly habitat in your yard.
Pollinators need shelter, nesting spots and water along with pollen and nectar from flowers. Have a water source, such as a bird bath, in your yard. Create a small, seldom mowed, mini meadow area on the edge of your property where wild plants and grasses can grow and pollinators can hide. Leave a snag tree and fallen logs as nesting sites for some pollinators. Many native pollinators are solitary and live in the ground, including your lawn. Mow high and avoid using pesticides to protect these important native bees.
For plants, have pollinator friendly plants blooming from spring through fall. You don’t have to remove existing plants, just supplement with compact, pollinator friendly ones.
To read the rest of the story, please go to: Proven Winners
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Pilgrim’s Pride will pay $100 million to settle a lawsuit alleging it conspired to underpay agriculture workers. It represents the largest settlement amount in the history of the protein industry, according to a court document filed last week with the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
The poultry processor, a subsidiary of JBS, was accused by a group of farm worker plaintiffs of an “overarching conspiracy to suppress compensation paid to broiler farmers nationwide,” in collaboration with rival companies, according to the settlement.
The company did not acknowledge any wrongdoing.
“Growers were deprived of vigorous competition for their Broiler-Grow Out Services, causing the pay of all Growers for each pound of Broiler chicken produced to be artificially suppressed,” the court said in the settlement.
In the document, the court acknowledged the settlement agreement came after more than seven years of “hard-fought litigation,” which included over 1.7 million court documents being reviewed.
Several other chicken companies previously reached settlements in the same case: Tyson Foods, for $21 million; Sanderson Farms, for $17.75 million; Koch Foods, for $15.5 million; and Perdue Farms, for $14.75 million. The settlement amount from all of the alleged companies totaled $169 million.
Pilgrim’s Pride did not respond to a request for comment at press time.
Price-fixing and related antitrust cases have roiled the meat industry in recent years, leading to expensive payouts from the largest producers. In April 2023, Pilgrim’s Pride and rival Perdue, among other companies, paid $35 million to settle a class action lawsuit alleging a price-fixing conspiracy in Washington state.
But producers have prevailed in some instances. Last fall, an Illinois jury ruled that Sanderson Farms did not participate in an industry-wide scheme to inflate chicken prices.
Bakers have many tools at their fingertips to improve their food safety and sanitation. Dry steamers and dry ice can help sanitarians clean areas that need to be dry cleaned. Swabbing and testing ensures that the cleaning has been effective. Data, however, is the next frontier in making sanitation more efficient and effective than ever.
“Data holds immense value in the current landscape,” said Wan Mei Leong, food safety specialist, Commercial Food Sanitation, an Intralox company. “By leveraging equipment and verification tools that offer insights into staff usage, compliance with sanitation and adherence to food safety protocols, you can utilize this data to consistently identify and mitigate food safety risks alongside your team.”
Time studies can reveal how efficient cleaning is currently and where the pain points are. Korrin Doyle, food safety and sanitation director, Southeast region, ABM Industries, pointed out that this kind of data tracked over time can reveal which pieces of equipment are the most time-consuming to clean. Other data bakers can collect include customer complaints, food safety complaints, different types of swabs of equipment and the environment.
“They have to look at the big picture and let it tell the story for you,” she said. “You can see reoccurring failures and then do root cause analysis.”
Will Eaton, vice president of sales and marketing, Meritech, noted that other KPIs for sanitation can include allergen tests, aerobic plate count (APC) /mold counts and visual inspection.
“Regular data collection verifies the effectiveness of sanitation and food safety plans, such as hygienic zoning separation, hurdle placement and good manufacturing practices,” he said.
With the implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), sanitation practices and data are collected and stored. That data has to be accessible and interpreted, however, in order for bakeries to make use of it. Only then can bakeries use the data to make operational decisions, said Randy Kohal, vice president of food safety and reliability at Nexcor Food Safety Technologies.
“FSMA and other regulations require a proactive approach to food safety that ensures everything affecting food safety is documented and auditable,” he noted. “That said, documented data needs to be maintained in one place with the ability to be aggregated and measured. These pieces need to all work in tandem to achieve true oversight, transparency and risk mitigation.”
He pointed out that KLEANZ is Nexcor’s SaaS (Software as a Service) system that manages scheduling, executing and documenting all sanitation and food safety processes. It tracks scheduled tasks and developed completion metrics so that bakeries can see how their sanitation is improving and make decisions to facilitate that.
This article is an excerpt from the July 2024 issue of Baking & Snack. To read the entire feature on Food Safety & Sanitation, click here.
Many of the Class of 2023 inductees grew up in the meat industry, and posthumous inductee Oscar G. Mayer is no different. He joined his father’s retail meat market after graduating from Harvard University in 1909, growing the family business from a Chicago-focused enterprise to a large, nationally recognized meat producer. Oscar G. Mayer had immense impact on the business, spurring the company’s first acquisition in 1919 and becoming president in 1928.
Under Oscar G. Mayer’s leadership, the company began branding their products to enhance consumer visibility, as well as using the iconic Wienermobile. Also under his leadership, the company invented the first meat industry vacuum-sealed packaging.
Oscar G. Mayer took on the role of chairman of the board in 1955 and held that role for 10 years until he passed away in 1965. His profound, longstanding impact on the meat production industry has rightfully earned him a spot in the Meat Industry Hall of Fame.
The National Provisioner invites all meat and poultry industry professionals to join us in honoring Oscar G. Mayer.
The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners, are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Africana and Salmonella Braenderup infections with 449 illnesses in 31 states and the District of Columbia. While originally reported as two separate outbreaks, CDC and FDA combined these two outbreak investigations as they shared several similarities, including when and where illnesses occurred, the demographics of ill people and the foods they reported eating before they became sick. Laboratory, epidemiological and traceback data have determined that cucumbers from Bedner Growers, Inc., of Boynton Beach, Fla., and Thomas Produce Company, of Boca Raton, Fla., are likely sources of illnesses in this outbreak; however, these growers do not account for all the illnesses in this outbreak.
Based on traceback information collected, Thomas Produce Company supplied cucumbers to multiple points of service where ill people reported eating cucumbers. As part of the investigation, FDA conducted an onsite inspection at Thomas Produce Company and collected samples. Salmonella Braenderup was detected in samples of canal water used by Thomas Produce Company. Whole Genome Sequencing analysis determined that the water used by Thomas Produce Company contained the salmonella that is a match to a strain of Salmonella Braenderup that is causing some of the illnesses in this outbreak.
Additional types of salmonella were detected in both soil and water samples collected at both Bedner Growers, Inc. and Thomas Produce Company. Multiple other strains of salmonella,unrelated to this outbreak investigation, found at Bedner Growers, Inc. matched clinical isolates from illnesses in the National Center for Biotechnology Information’s (NCBI) database that occurred in previous years. CDC and FDA are working to determine whether other positive samples from Thomas Produce Company match historical clinical isolates.
Bedner Growers, Inc.’s and Thomas Produce Company’s cucumber growing and harvesting season is over. There is no product from these farms on the market and likely no ongoing risk to the public.
Mars, Incorporated is set to expand its snacking portfolio by acquiring Kellanova for $35.9 billion.
Kellanova, which was formed last year after Kellogg’s spun off its global snacking and plant-based food business, offers brands including Pringles, Cheez-It, Pop-Tarts, Rice Krispies Treats, NutriGrain and RXBAR, as well as including Kellogg’s (international), Eggo and MorningStar Farms. In 2023, Kellanova logged net sales of more than $13 billion, with a presence in 180 markets and approximately 23,000 employees.
Kellanova’s portfolio complements the existing Mars portfolio, which includes billion-dollar snacking and confectionery brands such as Snickers, M&M’S, Twix, Dove and Extra, as well as KIND and Nature’s Bakery. Mars also has 10 pet care brands with over $1 billion in sales. With more than 150,000 associates across its petcare, snacking and food businesses, Mars had 2023 net sales of more than $50 billion.
“In welcoming Kellanova’s portfolio of growing global brands, we have a substantial opportunity for Mars to further develop a sustainable snacking business that is fit for the future,” says Poul Weihrauch, CEO and office of the president, Mars, Incorporated. “We will honor the heritage and innovation behind Kellanova’s incredible snacking and food brands while combining our respective strengths to deliver more choice and innovation to consumers and customers. We have tremendous respect for the storied legacy that Kellanova has built and look forward to welcoming the Kellanova team.”
Upon completion of the transaction, Kellanova will become part of Mars Snacking, led by Global President Andrew Clarke and headquartered in Chicago. Mars intends to apply its brand-building approach to further nurture and grow Kellanova’s brands, including accelerating innovation to meet evolving consumer tastes and preferences, investing locally to expand reach and introducing more better-for-you nutrition options to meet evolving consumer needs.
Under the terms of the agreement, Mars will acquire all outstanding equity of Kellanova for $83.50 per share in cash. All of Kellanova’s brands, assets and operations, including its snacking brands, portfolio of international cereal and noodles, North American plant-based foods and frozen breakfast are included in the transaction.
Mars intends to fully finance the acquisition through a combination of cash-on-hand and new debt, for which commitments have been secured.
The agreement has been unanimously approved by Kellanova’s Board of Directors. The transaction is subject to Kellanova shareholder approval and other customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, and is expected to close within the first half of 2025. The transaction agreement permits Kellanova to declare and pay quarterly dividends consistent with historical practice prior to the closing of the transaction.
The W.K. Kellogg Foundation Trust and the Gund Family have entered into agreements in which they have committed to vote shares representing 20.7% of Kellanova’s common stock, as of Aug. 9, in favor of the transaction.
After closing, Battle Creek, Mich. will remain a core location for the combined organization.
“This is a truly historic combination with a compelling cultural and strategic fit,” says Kellanova CEO Steve Cahillane. “Kellanova has been on a transformation journey to become the world’s best snacking company, and this opportunity to join Mars enables us to accelerate the realization of our full potential and our vision. The transaction maximizes shareholder value through an all-cash transaction at an attractive purchase price and creates new and exciting opportunities for our employees, customers and suppliers. We are excited for Kellanova’s next chapter as part of Mars, which will bring together both companies’ world-class talent and capabilities and our shared commitment to helping our communities thrive. With a proven track record of successfully and sustainably nurturing and growing acquired businesses, we are confident Mars is a natural home for the Kellanova brands and employees.”
US pollock suppliers are pushing for higher prices for pin-bone out (PBO) fillets for B season, with European buyers resistant, sources told Undercurrent News […]
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Canola firmed 2 percent, rapeseed 1pc and the offshore wheat markets eased by similar amounts.
International
Black Sea market analyst SovEcon estimates Russian wheat exports for the 2024-25 season at 48.8Mt, down from 52.4Mt the previous year. In the first two months of the new season, Russia is expected to export 8.2Mt of wheat, down from 9.8Mt a year earlier, reflecting decreased exporter margins and relatively low demand.
Ukraine’s grain exports in first two months of the 2024-25 marketing year are estimated at 6Mt, compared to 3.6Mt in the same period last year. The volume includes 2.8Mt of wheat, 2.2Mt of corn and 1Mt of barley.
The Buenos Aires Grains Exchange has pegged Argentina’s 2024-25 corn crop area at 6.3mha, down 17pc compared to the previous year as pest and weather concerns impact planting decisions. Many growers are wary after the impact of the costly leafhopper plague last season.
China, reportedly, has initiated an anti-subsidy investigation into dairy imports from the EU. The investigation will include several dairy products, including fresh and processed cheese, and will review 20 EU subsidy programs, particularly those under the Common Agricultural Policy and specific to Italy and Finland’s dairy sectors. This move is seen as a response to the EU’s recent decision to expand tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles.
Algeria has issued international tenders to purchase up to 120kt of feed corn, 40kt of soymeal and 35kt of feed barley.
Tunisia’s state grains agency reportedly purchased 75kt of soft wheat in a tender that closed yesterday, at US$243-246/t.
US private exporters reported sales 132kt of soybeans to China and 121kt to unknown destinations during the 2024-25 marketing year.
Australia
Yesterday’s bids in the west were largely unchanged for new crop canola steady at A$755/t. New crop cereals were marginally softer with wheat at $357/t and barley $315/t.
The east coast markets felt the weight of sellers and a lack of fresh demand yesterday. Values dipped a further $5/t and are now at 5-year decile 4 values. Grower tonnes continue to trickle out but the trade has been feeding the offer side in bigger volumes. With a warmer week ahead of us, it will put some pressure back onto the Riverina and Victorian crops lacking adequate moisture.
This week’s line ups data shows 1.93Mt of total grain on the stem, marginally higher than last week, including 1.04Mt of wheat, 261kt of barley, 392kt of canola (+100kt), and 234kt of sorghum. Average wait times are low, reflecting low vessel numbers, with 5 vessels loading and 2 anchored.
In an exciting continuation of their partnership with the Minnesota Pork Board, Olympic silver-medal winning synchronized diving duo Kassidy Cook and Sarah Bacon will be making a special appearance at the Minnesota State Fair. This one-day-only event is set to take place on Sunday, August 25th, where fairgoers will have the unique opportunity to meet these accomplished athletes, see their Paris 2024 silver medals up close, and learn about the nutritional benefits of pork.
Event Highlights
The Minnesota Pork Board’s “Olympic Zone” tent, located at the corner of Wright Avenue and Underwood Street at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, will be the hub of activity from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The athletes themselves will be in attendance from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., offering a rare chance for fans to engage with them directly.
Attendees can look forward to a variety of interactive activities, including a children’s fitness station, a pork nutrition table, and a photo booth where visitors can snap pictures with the Olympic medalists. In addition, exclusive ‘Cook ‘n Bacon’ themed t-shirts will be available for purchase. All proceeds from these shirts will be donated to Second Harvest Heartland, a local food bank, furthering Minnesota pig farmers’ commitment to supporting people and communities.
Promoting Pork and Community Engagement
This event not only serves as a celebration of Cook and Bacon’s Olympic achievements but also as a platform to raise awareness about the benefits of pork as a lean and nutritious protein. The Minnesota Pork Board’s collaboration with these athletes aligns with their mission to showcase the care that Minnesota pig farmers have for pigs, people, and the planet.
Cook and Bacon’s silver-medal winning performance in synchronized diving at the Paris Olympics on July 27th has made waves across the country. Now back in the United States, the duo is continuing their support for pork by appearing at the Great Minnesota Get Together. Bacon, a University of Minnesota alumna, and Cook, who has called Minnesota home while training with Bacon, have a unique connection to the state, making this partnership with the Minnesota Pork Board especially meaningful.
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to meet Kassidy Cook and Sarah Bacon, learn about pork nutrition, and support a great cause, all while enjoying the fun and festivities of the Minnesota State Fair.
Event Details:
Date: Sunday, August 25
Time: Tent open from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Athletes in attendance from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Minnesota Pork Board’s “Olympic Zone” tent, Minnesota State Fairgrounds (corner of Wright Avenue and Underwood Street)
Join us at the Minnesota State Fair for a day of celebration, nutrition, and community engagement with two of the nation’s top athletes!
Today marks World Plant Milk Day, when plant-based alternatives to dairy milk are celebrated, and consumers are encouraged to explore and embrace plant-based options. Recent data highlights the significant regional differences in the consumption and revenue of plant-based milk alternatives. Asia has emerged as the clear global leader in this market, with substantial contributions from countries like China, Japan, and South Korea.
As the plant-based milk industry continues to expand, the global market is expected to reach $51.87 billion by 2032, according to The Brainy Insights. The market’s growth is likely to be driven by increasing awareness of the environmental impact of dairy production, rising rates of lactose intolerance, and the continuing popularity of vegan diets.
Regional leaders
According to Statista’s Market Insights, Asia led the global plant-based milk market in 2023, generating an estimated $13.4 billion in revenue. China dominated the region with $9.5 billion, followed by Japan at $1.8 billion, and South Korea and India each contributing around $0.4 billion.
North America, driven by the United States, generated $3.6 billion, significantly trailing Asia. Europe ranked third with $3.9 billion, with Germany, the UK, and Spain as key contributors.
South America and Africa reported lower revenues of $0.7 billion and $0.2 billion, respectively. Despite these figures, the global plant-based milk market is projected to exceed $35 billion in the next four years. Due to its population size, Asia is expected to maintain its lead, but Europe and North America are likely to experience more substantial growth in per capita revenue.
The popularity of specific plant-based milk varieties varies by region. In China, soy milk is the most consumed alternative, driven by a long tradition of soy use and availability. In contrast, almond milk dominates the US market, while oat milk is particularly favored in Sweden, where it is a staple product of the local brand Oatly.
A Statista Consumer Insights survey conducted in 52 countries found that India had the highest percentage of regular dairy-substitute consumers at 32%, followed by Thailand and the United Arab Emirates, each with 29%. The global average was 20%, with Japan and Serbia at the lower end with 11% each.
Despite the growing presence of plant-based milk alternatives, they still represent a smaller market share compared to traditional dairy products. In the US, for instance, sales of refrigerated dairy milk generated approximately $14.1 billion in 2023, while plant-based milk alternatives contributed only $2.5 billion, according to Circana’s 2024 Dairy and Plant-Based Trends & Expectations report.
According to data from another Statista’s Consumer Insights survey, while plant-based milk consumers remain a minority among US adults, those who have recently tried these alternatives show a strong likelihood of becoming repeat consumers. The survey data indicate that brand loyalty within this segment is significant.
Silk, a leading plant milk brand in North America, emerged as the most popular choice among respondents, with over one-third reporting they had consumed it within the past year. Of those, 86 percent expressed an intention to continue drinking the brand’s products. However, this data was gathered before the recent listeria outbreak linked to Silk’s Canadian lines, which has, unfortunately, likely affected public perception of its plant-based milks.
Similarly, 30 percent of respondents tried Blue Diamond’s Almond Breeze, another prominent player in the US market, with 84 percent indicating a likelihood of future consumption. Interestingly, while Oatly enjoys widespread popularity in Europe, only 10 percent of US respondents tried the oat milk brand.
What drives consumer preferences?
The survey also explored the factors US consumers prioritize when selecting a plant milk brand. The most commonly cited aspects were high value, honesty, trustworthiness, authenticity, and reliability.
Further research on US consumer preferences for plant-based milk noted that “Animal welfare, dairy preference, environmental concerns, and plant-based milk enthusiasm are significant predictors for willingness to try plant-based milk alternatives. Dairy preferences, environmental concerns, and plant-based milk enthusiasm predict the word-of-mouth factors. Overall, plant-based milk enthusiasm is the strongest driver for both consumer behaviors.”
