Gourmet News

Cal-Maine to Expand Cage-Free Production Capabilities

Published October 7, 2024

On Oct. 4, Cal-Maine Foods’ board of directors approved $40 million in new capital projects to further expand the company’s cage-free production capabilities. The company plans to fund the projects through a combination of available cash on hand, sales of investment securities and operating cash flow.

The projects will include the addition of five cage-free layer houses across the company’s locations in Florida, Georgia, Utah and Texas. The company plans to start construction by the end of calendar 2024 and expects the projects to be completed with additional production capacity for approximately 1.0 million cage-free layer hens by late summer 2025. These additions will primarily replace recently retired caged facilities and add to the Company’s cage-free capacity.

The company also provided an update on its conversion of the former Tyson Foods facilities in Dexter, Mo., acquired on March 14. Following the closing, the company began work to remodel and repurpose these assets for use in shell egg production. Cal-Maine Foods has also been working with local contract growers and has commitments that would result in approximately 1.2 million additional free-range hens by fall 2025, with plans to add more capacity in the future.

Sherman Miller, president and chief executive officer of Cal-Maine Foods, Inc., said, “We are pleased to announce these new expansion projects, which support our strategy to increase our free-range production in line with customer demand and expanding state requirements for cage-free eggs. The additional capacity will further enhance our ability to serve our growing customer base. We have made considerable progress with the conversion of the Dexter facilities and look forward to the additional production and distribution capabilities from this location. We greatly appreciate the support we have received from the existing network of local contract growers. As we continue to expand our operations, we remain committed to being the most efficient and sustainable producer of fresh shell eggs and egg products, and we will look for additional opportunities to further advance our growth strategy.”

Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. is primarily engaged in the production, grading, packaging, marketing and distribution of fresh shell eggs, including conventional, cage-free, organic, brown, free-range, pasture-raised and nutritionally enhanced eggs. The Company, which is headquartered in Ridgeland, Miss., is the largest producer and distributor of fresh shell eggs in the nation and sells most of its shell eggs throughout the majority of the United States.

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2 Publix Officers to Retire; Company Promotes 2 Other Officers

Published October 7, 2024

Publix Super Markets CEO Kevin Murphy announced the retirement of two officers and the promotion of two officers, effective Jan. 1.

After 46 years of dedicated service, Vice President of Industrial Maintenance and Industrial Operations Purchasing Randy Barber has announced his decision to retire at the end of this year.

Additionally, after more than a decade of dedicated service, Vice President of Facilities Bob McGarrity has also announced his decision to retire at the end of 2024.

“Randy’s dedication to overseeing our non-retail locations and ensuring retail and industrial operations have the equipment, supplies and packaging needed to operate at peak performance has made us a better company. He’s shared his passion for Publix and his vast knowledge of industrial operations with his teams for over four decades,” said Murphy. “Bob’s commitment to the design, construction and maintenance of our stores and equipment has continued to enhance the shopping experience for our customers. He’s perpetuated our culture of working together to accomplish a common goal. We are grateful for Randy’s and Bob’s years of dedicated service and the mentorship they have given to countless associates. We wish them well in their retirements.”

With Barber’s retirement, Publix is pleased to announce the promotion of Director of Industrial Maintenance and Industrial Operations Purchasing John Fisher to vice president of industrial maintenance and industrial operations purchasing.

With McGarrity’s retirement, Publix is pleased to announce the promotion of Architect Program Manager Dave Taulbee to vice president of facilities.

“Preparing talented leaders for the next step in their Publix careers is important to our future success,” said Murphy. “As we continue to grow, we need leaders like John and Dave who are focused on providing the best experience for our customers and associates. I am proud of their accomplishments and look forward to their future contributions.”

About Barber

Barber, 62, began his Publix career in 1978 as a front service clerk in Lakeland, Florida. He transferred to the Lakeland dairy plant in 1982, where he held various positions before being promoted to category manager of supplies purchasing in 2001. In 2009, he was named Lakeland dairy plant general manager; in 2013, he was promoted to director of industrial maintenance. He has been serving in his current role since 2018. Barber and his wife, Sharon, will remain in Lakeland. He is looking forward to spending time with family, hiking, fishing and auto racing.

About Fisher

Fisher, 53, began his Publix career in 2006 as a senior facilities engineer in Lakeland, Florida. In 2021, he was promoted to director of industrial maintenance and to his current role earlier this year. Fisher and his wife, Jennifer, will continue to reside in Lithia, Florida.

About McGarrity

McGarrity, 63, joined Publix in 2012 as director of construction in Lakeland, Florida. He was promoted to his current role in 2017. McGarrity and his wife, Lisa, will remain in Valrico, Florida. He is looking forward to spending time with family and traveling.

About Taulbee

Taulbee, 61, began his Publix career in 2001 as a store design architect in Lakeland, Florida. In 2005, he was promoted to architect manager and to his current role in 2021. Taulbee and his wife, Nicole, will continue to reside in Wesley Chapel, Florida.

Publix, the largest employee-owned company in the U.S. with more than 255,000 associates, currently operates 1,379 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and Kentucky. For 27 consecutive years, the company has been recognized by Fortune as a great place to work. In addition, Publix’s dedication to superior quality and customer service is recognized among the top in the grocery business. For more information, visit the company’s newsroom at corporate.publix.com/newsroom.

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Wild About Sprouts Raises Funds for Susan G. Komen

Published October 2, 2024

Rä Foods, a pioneer in food tech and functional foods, recently announced that its Wild About Sprouts brand is proudly announcing its partnership with Susan G. Komen, the world’s leading breast cancer organization, to raise awareness and support the breast cancer community. This collaboration aims to raise awareness and support the fight against breast cancer while highlighting the massive health benefits of broccoli sprouts.

One in 8 women in the United States will face a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, and experts estimate that one-third of breast cancer deaths in the United States could be prevented with universal access to modern treatments.

During National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, all Wild About Sprouts products will feature special Susan G. Komen-branded pink packaging. This limited-time offering includes the popular 100% Broccoli Sprouts and the Alfalfa, Broccoli, and Kale blend.

Wild About Sprouts are a nutritional powerhouse. Broccoli sprouts contain sulforaphane, a natural compound studied for its potential role in supporting overall wellness and cellular health. Research suggests sulforaphane may help promote detoxification, reduce inflammation, and support the body’s natural defenses against abnormal cell growth. This partnership was created to help educate consumers on the powerful health benefits of broccoli sprouts.

Wild About Sprouts products are cultivated through the brand’s patented COLD-GROWN process, ensuring unmatched safety and freshness. Unlike traditional methods, Wild About Sprouts® products are grown inside their packaging, remaining untouched until harvested by the consumer—guaranteeing maximum freshness and an extended shelf life.

For every 3-ounce clamshell of these products sold between October 1-31, 2024, Rä Foods will donate $0.10 to Susan G. Komen, up to a total of $10,000. Additionally, the company has pledged a guaranteed minimum donation of $5,000 to support breast cancer research, regardless of sales.

Stephanie Browder, vice president of marketing of Rä Foods, stated, “We’re honored to partner with Susan G. Komen® this October. This collaboration allows us to contribute to a crucial cause while highlighting the incredible health benefits of our sprouts. We invite our customers to join us in supporting breast cancer research with our specially marked products.”

To support breast cancer research and experience the benefits of Wild About Sprouts, you can use the store locator at www.wildaboutsprouts.com/store-locator or purchase through Instacart at www.instacart.com/store/brands/wild-about-sprouts.

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