February 18, 2022 — Three of America’s largest foodservice distributors reported higher earnings in most recently quarterly financial results, but expressed concern about major headwinds facing the industry.
They said the COVID-19 omicron variant, inflation, and continued labor and supply chain issues lead the list of challenges in 2022.
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August 26, 2021 — This summer has been relatively good to the U.S. restaurant industry, as most operators are at full capacity after facing service limits due to the COVID-19 pandemic last year. But the industry’s growth could be hampered by mounting inflation, labor shortages, and other operating challenges.
Consumer spending at restaurants soared 32 percent in the second quarter of 2021 compared to the same quarter of 2020, according to research firm NPD Group. Thanks to the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions in many areas, dining inside restaurants or off-premises increased by 22 percent in the quarter compared to the same quarter last year, but fell compared to the second quarter of 2019.
June 14, 2021 — A group of more than 200 businesses and industry associations sent an open letter to the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden and the U.S. Congress yesterday asking for lasting protections in Bristol Bay, Alaska, home to world’s largest sockeye salmon run.
The letter was signed by large foodservice and retail players like Sysco, Hy-Vee, Wegmans, and Publix, as well as outdoor recreation and commercial fishing companies like Grundéns, Patagonia, Costa del Mar, and Keen.
February 10, 2021 — Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, only 24 percent of Americans plan to dine out for the Valentine’s Day holiday, and they will spend USD 32 (EUR 26) less on gifts per person on average, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF).
However, 41 percent say they are planning a special dinner or celebration at home, and a majority still believe it is important to celebrate the holiday – especially due to the pandemic, NRF reports.
February 4, 2021 — Several U.S. retailers and restaurants are touting seafood specials ahead of Super Bowl LV on 7 February.
FultonFishMarket.com is featuring Kvaroy Arctic’s Homegating kit, created by Kvaroy and TV personality and chef Andrew Zimmern.
January 29, 2021 — Stronger America Through Seafood (SATS), a trade group has emerged to promote aquaculture in the United States, has sent a letter to U.S. President Joe Biden, asking that his administration prioritize domestic seafood production.
Specifically, the group has asked that aquaculture be included as part Biden’s oceans and climate policies “as a means to build back a stronger, more resilient America.”
January 14, 2021 — Foodservice distributor Sysco will significantly increase its purchases of certified responsible seafood by 2025, as part of an enhanced commitment with its partner, World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
The Houston, Texas, U.S.A.-based distributor will also expand its current responsible sourcing program for its U.S. broadline business to include sourcing for its specialty and Canadian broadline business, Sysco said in a press release. It is adding new commitments to prohibit the sale of endangered species, advance its traceability work, and help address deforestation.
May 7, 2020 — Sysco and US Foods suffered a steep decline in profits in their quarterly earnings due to fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Houston, Texas, U.S.A.-based Sysco said its overall sales declined 6.5 percent to USD 13.7 billion (EUR 12.7 billion), while gross profit dropped 6.9 percent for its fiscal third quarter.
March 23, 2020 — The reaction from U.S. consumers to the COVID-19 pandemic has scrambled how Americans are buying seafood. In response, U.S. foodservice distributors and seafood suppliers are shifting their focus away from a shriveling restaurant scene and putting more focus on supplying retailers.
As evidence of how badly restaurants have been hit by a crisis that has seen many restaurants forced to shift to take-out or close entirely, a number of major restaurant chains have announced significantly decreased earnings.