Food Week July 19, 2024

Welcome to Food Week July 19, 2024. Jammed packed this week with an emphasis on things that are not quite what they seem: clearance racks, Der Wienerschnitzel, the Costco liquor department, value meals, ball park food, berries, butter and the bartender’s handshake. And more. Enjoy!

MACRO

• The labor market remains very stable and positive.

• 5 more case of transmission of Avian Influenza to humans.

• Floridians get to taste lab grown meat before state wide ban goes into effect. And cruelty seems to be the point as Florida is choosing not to feed poor kids in summer.

RETAIL AND CONSUMER

• Membership fees giveth and rotisserie chicken taketh away: Costco about to take a bath because of changes in its signature chicken carry-out program. But while you are at Costco, keep an eye out for rare liquors, some of which can be re-sold for far more on the open market.

• Sam’s Club no longer offering free shipping.

• Straight out of Seinfeld: Trader Joe’s, can no longer sell their Everything But the Bagel seasoning blend in South Korea due to the poppy seeds.

• Convenience stores turning Japanese.

• Walmart trying to upgrade in-store experience, including some fast food restaurants.

• While we are there, what does clearance product mean? Apparently this is not as obvious an answer as I thought: Walmart shoppers are mad because clearance rack products are not discounted enough. They want super deep discounts on items that will no longer be sold but the retailer is n’t obligated to do that.

• There are a lot of general reason not to shop at a dollar store. Here’s 7 very specific reasons.

RESTAURANTS AND FOODSERVICE

• Just running a value meal hasn’t been the savior that McDonald’s expected. They are now trying to adjust. On the other hand, McDonald’s managed its move into healthier oils for their fries magnificently. Here is the evolution.

• Taco Bell is going to start taking back some of it’s packaging for re-use and recycling, which is pretty surprising.

• A thought piece on ball park food. But it is really about baseball food. The Major Leagues have spent a lot of effort to reduce game length over the last several years. But one of the unintended consequences of long games was an opportunity for interesting food experiences.

• I am sure I am not the only one who was disappointed when they learned that Der Wienerschnitzel does not sell wienerschnitzel

• The backlash against the over-the-top cocktail bar experience.

FOOD SUPPLY CHAIN

• Yes, berries are better now. And you can thank Driscoll’s for that

• This year, it is the East Coast facing drought issues. And rain by itself does not necessarily fix many everything.

• Of course it doesn’t help when the chemical company Chemours puts so many PFAs (forever chemicals) in your water source that you can’t sell the crops. But sure. let’s kneecap the EPA. And if PFAs are frightening enough, how about fiberglass in oysters and mussels?

• More farmers losing organic status – this time in Arkansas – because of the lack of certification services.

• Quaker plant in Danville IL had salmonella issues going back at least three years, affecting dozen of consumer products. It is now closed.

• Chefs and Farmers getting together to try and influence farm policy.

• .Global food supply is controlled by fewer and fewer companies..

DRINK CORNER

• In a (soon to be) explosive ruling, judge finds 156 year old ban on distilling to be unconstitutional.

• People can name their companies or beers anything they like. But I am struggling to see the link between a brand called Fly Llama and Biloxi Mississippi,

• Drinking martinis all night long? Quarter Proof offers alcohol with a proof resembling wine.

• The Bicicletta: An Italian cocktail for summer. And I like the idea of Cappelletti as opposed to Campari which would overwhelm the white wine.

• The difference between a digestif and an apertif.

• Agave cocktail recipes. And recipes for Fernet, if you must. Or you are Argentinian.

• Nobody likes the big reds anymore. Also a video review of 100 point rated wines.

FOOD WEEK JULY 19 LAGNIAPPE

• Butter made from C02, not milk sounds like science fiction. But a British company called Savor is claiming they can do it.

• The Bear is making enjoying Pequod’s Pizza harder and harder.

• The link between shortened life spans and ultra-processed foods. Taxes on sugary drinks worked. Should we do the same for ultra-processed foods?

• Apple rankings. An obsessive and amusing deep dive.

• The tradition of the Bartender’s handshake.