Ozlem Worpel

USDA recently released June fluid milk sales data. Organic milk purchases rose 4.5% year-over-year in June. That brought first half sales up 6.1% compared to 2023. Meanwhile, whole milk sales for the month eased 2.4% year-over-year. But thanks to stronger performances in prior months, first half purchases increased 2.2% versus 2023. Overall, how are fluid milk sales performing across different categories? Find out in the latest edition of “The Dairy Bar: Powered by Ever.Ag”: https://lnkd.in/ewvPdXu3 #DairyBar #marketinsights #dairy #sales

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The Rise of Frozen Healthy Food in the United States: Balancing Convenience and Nutrition (with Data) “2nd part” Reports: • 2023 Statista Report on the U.S. frozen food market size and future projections. • 2021 Grand View Research report on the U.S. frozen food market size, CAGR, and growth factors. Articles: • The Latest Trends in the Frozen Food Industry: Embracing Better-for-You, Internationally Inspired, and Premium Offerings [affi.org] This article explores the growing consumer demand for healthy frozen food options. • U.S. Frozen Food Market Size & Share Report, 2030 [grandviewresearch.com] This report provides insights into market size, growth rate, and consumer trends related to frozen food in the United States. • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chronic Diseases Accessed June 3, 2024. • United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). 2023 Farm Bill [invalid URL removed] Accessed June 3, 2024. • Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Food Labeling & Nutrition Accessed June 3, 2024. • United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). [Food Deserts](https://lnkd.in/eFxCR9mV

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🚨 National Beer Wholesalers Association 87th Annual Meeting is just around the corner, and Bud Dunn will be hosting a seminar you won’t want to miss: Incentives vs Entitlements: How to Get More Effort from Your Team 📅 Monday, September 30, 2024 🕗 8:00 – 9:15 a.m. If you’ve ever struggled to keep your team consistently motivated, this session is for you. We’ll be diving into the psychology behind motivation and discussing how to use strategic incentives to build a high-performance culture. Here’s what you’ll take away: ✔️ Proven strategies to inspire dedication and hard work ✔️ How to balance incentives with expectations ✔️ Practical tools to align your team’s effort with your company’s goals Whether you’re leading a small team or managing a large operation, this talk is designed to help you get the best out of your people—no more guesswork, just actionable steps that drive real results. 🗓️ Add this to your NBWA agenda and be sure to stop by Booth 713 to learn how VXP Tech can help you leverage AI to improve your sales and profitability. 💪 #NBWA2024 #Leadership #TeamPerformance #Incentives #BeerIndustry #HighPerformanceCulture #VXPTech

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Here's your weekly reminder to register for Food and Ag Ideas Week. See you there!

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🍦 Consumers are saying “yes, and” to dairy in all its forms. From the traditional options to plant-based, next-generation innovations, and beyond, today’s broader dairy category has something for everyone. ➡️ Download our latest dairy insights and get the scoop on what’s driving dairy and dairy alternative purchases: https://bit.ly/4dbeoPE

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Chipotle Mexican Grill brought back smoked brisket for a limited time this fall, a multi-year effort that included sourcing 22 million pounds of beef and locking in supplier agreements multiple years in advance. Learn more 👇 #supplychain #supplier #procurement #sourcing #brisket

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Maintaining the right price to sell your products is an ongoing function in your business. Six tips to help you get your product at the right price. #CdnFoodBiz

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This week's market report shows overall improvements, with favorable weather boosting quality. Prices for iceberg lettuce, romaine, zucchini, and yellow squash are dropping, while green and red bell peppers are seeing price increases. Border issues are causing higher prices for avocados and potentially other commodities. Stay tuned for updates and check out the full produce market report here. #producemarket #producemarketreport #cheflife #avocados

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Taste the Evolution: Cajun Steamer’s Fresh Take on Deep South Flavors Cajun Steamer’s new menu update is a perfect example of how even iconic cuisines like Cajun/Creole need to evolve to stay relevant. 🍤 While deeply rooted in tradition, this subtle revamp shows how paying attention to trends can keep a brand fresh and engaging for today’s consumers. It's not about abandoning heritage, but about finding the right balance between authenticity and innovation. And in case you were not aware, the 2025 World Soccer Championships are being held in the USA. There are 12 host cities and 6 of them are in the South.🎣🔥 #CulinaryTides #SuzyBadaracco #FlavorInnovation #CajunCuisine #TrendSpotting #DeepSouthDelights Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/ecFncMTD

Wineries in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Ohio, and Indiana are thriving due to diverse grape varieties, approachable pricing, and welcoming tasting rooms. Over 70% of wine sales in these states are direct-to-consumer (DTC), leading to increased employment and economic impact. Ohio has grown from 13 to 331 wineries since 1978, while Indiana and North Carolina have seen significant growth in their wine industries. Pennsylvania's wineries are also maturing with innovative approaches. The focus on hybrids offers resilience against climate challenges, and an emphasis on hospitality attracts both locals and tourists, showcasing the adaptability of these regions in the wine market. Read the full article by Katherine Martine: https://zurl.co/fTfU

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May is National Beef Month, a time to honor and celebrate the hard work and dedication of the ranchers who work day in and day out to sustainably produce high-quality beef while stewarding the land and caring for their animals. With them, our work at Open Range Beef is possible. We are proud of our brand, Raise American, which offers delicious and nutritious beef sourced directly from American family farmers who prioritize pasture-raising. By choosing Raise American Beef, you embark on a farm-to-table journey that promises a unique blend of freshness and flavor. Our purchase of Spring Lake Ranch, located in the center of the Nebraska Sandhills region, was aimed at demonstrating that it is possible to produce incredibly delicious and tender beef that can compete with any other type of beef while maintaining an organic, pasture-based, and 100% grass-fed approach. Known as the "Napa of Grass," the Sandhills is the largest intact grassland in the world and is ideal for raising cattle out on pasture. Let's continue to support sustainable agriculture this May. Cheers to a month filled with appreciation and mouthwatering beef experiences! ...and to wrap up, a little factoid about The Sandhills. 😎 #beef #agriculture #regenerativeag #cattle Source: Nebraska Department of Agriculture

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Looking for a place to satisfy everyone's dietary needs, and craving Tex-Mex? Check out Johnny Tamale's in Missouri City. Their menu has something for everyone and every taste. Read more about the menu options in the October issue of UpClose Magazine. #upclosemagazine #fortbendcounty #supportlocal #shoplocal

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https://lnkd.in/gkU_Gnsw RTD coffee. This subcategory enjoyed an excellent 52 weeks ending July 14, with dollar sales ripping higher by 7% year over year (YoY) to $1.2 billion, while unit sales rose a healthy 3% YoY to 218.5 million, according to Chicago-based market research firm Circana. Big category with a lot of opportunity. Icon Foods is here to help you tap into the beverage category with sweeteners, sweetening systems, fibers, and sweetness modulators, all designed to make deep clean cuts to #addedsugar

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Using Bruichladdich peated whisky barrels to mature non-peated spirits can impart unique characteristics that enhance the flavor profile. Here's how they might impact maturation: 1. Subtle Smokiness The residual peat from the previous whisky will gradually infuse into the non-peated spirit, adding a subtle smoky note. This effect can range from delicate to pronounced, depending on how heavily peated the original whisky was and how long the spirit is matured. 2. Complexity from Previous Fillings Bruichladdich barrels, especially those used for their heavily peated Port Charlotte or Octomore lines, often have layers of complexity from the maturation of robust, peaty whiskies. Non-peated spirits can absorb these nuanced flavors, including hints of earth, ash, or campfire. 3. Enhanced Wood Influence The casks will already have undergone seasoning from the peated whisky, which means the tannins and vanillin of the oak are balanced with the phenolic compounds from the peat. This can create a smoother integration of flavors in the non-peated spirit. 4. Aromatic Depth The barrels may contribute additional aromas such as sea spray, medicinal notes, or even a mineral quality, depending on their history and Bruichladdich's terroir influence from Islay. 5. Interaction with Spirit Character Light Spirits (e.g., grain whiskies, rum): These spirits can act as a blank canvas, allowing the peat and wood influence to shine. Robust Spirits (e.g., cognac, bourbon): The cask may add a subtle smoky layer, enhancing the depth without overpowering the base character. Overall, maturing non-peated spirits in Bruichladdich peated whisky barrels is an excellent way to create unique, layered expressions that highlight the interplay of smoky, peaty notes with the spirit's original profile.

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Great to see Tamalitoz and Chilipops not only front and center during the Whole Foods Market Forecasts the Top 10 Food and Beverage Trends for 2025 but mentioned in the following release! https://lnkd.in/gNFgHKen #wholefoods #wholefoodsmarket #candy #markettrends

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