This week the Census Bureau released the May 2016 U.S. retail sales data. This marked the 14th consecutive month that food service has outsold the grocery sector as a result of several factors.This week the Census Bureau released the May 2016 U.S. retail sales data. The totals were $54.9 billion for restaurants and $52.5 billion for grocery stores. This marks the 14th consecutive month that food service has outsold the grocery sector, the first time this has occurred in the past 15.5 years. Moreover, May’s spending gap is the widest margin to date at $2.35 billion.The reversal in higher consumer spending on food service versus groceries is likely to be a new long-term trend. One key demographic driver is that the average U.S. household size...
What You Need to Know Today: The corn and soybean markets closed slightly higher in low-volume trade. The wheat market was mixed, with HRW continuing its downward trek on improved moisture. As expected, the bearish cattle on feed report drove down cattle prices and pulled hogs down with it. Mi...
Monday, 25 May is a U.S. holiday, and both the markets and our office will be closed. Please note that the next issue of Ag Perspectives will be published on Tuesday, 26 May. The WPI staff wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend...
USDA’s monthly cattle on feed report was released today. The total number of cattle on feed in feedlots with 1,000 head or more capacity amounted to 11.6 million head, 102 percent of last year. Source: USDA, WPI Placements were up, but part of that is attributable to persistent drought c...
From WPI Consulting
Weighing in on strategic realignment
WPI’s team was retained by the governing board of a U.S. industry organization to review a decision, reached by vote, to invest significant assets into the development and management of an export trading company. WPI’s team conducted a formal review of this decision and concluded that the current level of market saturation would limit the benefits of the investment. Based on WPI’s analysis and recommended actions, the board subsequently reversed its decision and undertook a strategic planning effort to identify more impactful investments. On behalf of numerous clients, WPI has not only assisted in identifying strategic paths but also advised their implementation.