Special Reports - Articles | The National Provisioner

Verde Farms Sirloin Steak package on a board and steak tacos.

Natural & Organic Special Report

Transparency and convenient formats drive interest in natural and organic meat

Clear claims, verified sourcing and easy-to-use formats position natural and organic proteins for continued growth, especially as millennial purchasing power rises.

Sammy Bredar

May 27, 2026

No Comments

Double-digit gains in claims-based meats highlight shifting consumer purchasing behaviors, with transparency, trust and convenient product formats driving momentum across retail and foodservice.

A cow eating grass and a chicken standing next to it in a field.

Top 100 Meat & Poultry Processors

The Top 100 Meat & Poultry Processors of 2026

Positive consumer trends fueling protein consumption push meat and poultry sales to a record high $112 billion.

Fred Wilkinson

May 5, 2026

One Comment

The 2026 Top 100 Meat & Poultry Processors highlights a $112B market fueled by strong demand, premium trends and Gen Z influence, despite tight cattle supply, rising costs and shifting protein dynamics across beef, pork and poultry.

An open double cheeseburger on a white plate, the top bun beside it, along with a side of seasoned fries.

Summer Grilling Preview 2026

How convenience is driving summer grilling innovation in 2026

As purchasing behaviors continue to shift and grilling season approaches, there are a few key consumer-driven trends shaping product innovation, from convenience-driven formats to production and sourcing claims.

Sammy Bredar

April 29, 2026

No Comments

Demand for high-quality, convenience-driven formats bolsters consumer interest in grilling throughout the week.

A close-up image of Force of Nature 100% ground beef in a grocery cart with other groceries.

Category Report: Merchandising Strategies for small processors

Carefully curated merchandising helps small processors stay competitive in the meat case

From strategic labeling to local partnerships and limited-time offerings, small processors leverage agility and storytelling to stand out at retail.

Sammy Bredar

April 28, 2026

No Comments

Merchandising strategies evolve beyond traditional pricing and placement.

A smiling farmer posing in front of a pen full of brown cows.

Special Report: Animal Welfare & Humane Handling

Consumer trust in animal welfare is solid – but there’s room for gains

Ensuring animal welfare and humane handling practices improves product quality and builds trust with consumers.

Fred Wilkinson

April 17, 2026

No Comments

A quarter of consumers say they are unsure about the industry’s animal welfare practices, suggesting an opportunity for transparency and clearer messaging to educate the public.

A shopkeeper in an apron stands behind a deli counter displaying packaged bread, with shelves of jars and condiments lining the walls.

Plant-Based Meats Report 2026

Plant-based meat shifts from novelty to performance

Following years of rapid growth and strong investment, the plant-based meat category is entering a new phase: one less defined by novelty and more by performance.

Sammy Bredar

April 15, 2026

No Comments

As sales decline, plant-based meat producers are focusing on everyday use cases, improved product quality and transparent ingredient panels to drive repeat purchases.

A veterinarian with a notepad and his assistant with a digital tablet are inspecting and talking in a barn, with cows nearby.

Special Report: Regulatory Update

Regulatory efforts focus on fighting disease – in people and cattle

New Dietary Guidelines for Americans play up the need for animal protein in diets, while USDA takes aim at New World Screwworm.

Dan Emery

March 17, 2026

No Comments

Dietary guidelines seen as a tool to fight chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.

Bacon cheeseburger with lettuce and tomatoes on a black plate and black background.

The Burger Report 2026

Protein demand drives interest in high-quality burgers, bricks and grinds

Consumer demand for protein is at an all-time high, leading shoppers to the burger category to meet nutrition and flavor needs.

Sammy Bredar

March 5, 2026

No Comments

Smashburger, Teton Waters Ranch, 210 Analytics and Prosur share what’s trending in burger production and consumer demands.

A variety of canned opened canned seafood on top of a wooden board along with limes, garlic, capers, a small tomato and a far of other seasonings on the table.

Category Report: Value-Added Seafood Products

Tinned is still in for seafood purchases

Tinned fish products offer convenience and consistency.

Fred Wilkinson

February 19, 2026

No Comments

A mix of nostalgia and trendiness boosts the popularity of tinned seafood.

A processor employee in safet gear using the CarVe system.

Special Report: Operational Efficiency

Meat and poultry processors leverage technology and strategic design

To explore current innovations and best practices supporting meat and poultry production efficiency, The National Provisioner spoke with Burns & McDonnell, JBT Marel, JLS Automation and Cargill.

Sammy Bredar

February 19, 2026

No Comments

Meat and poultry facilities leverage automation, data analytics and strategic design to balance throughput, product quality and energy efficiency.