Typically, the Top 100 serves as a good indicator of how the industry has performed, and what the expectations were for the coming year. If the industry is going through strong periods, we will see record sales, acquisitions, expansions and other initiatives. If the industry is pinched because of high prices or a slowdown in the economy, sales drop and future plans become a little more conservative.

Even before the impact of the Coronavirus became fully realized in the United States, there were signs that the meat industry was starting to slow down. This year, respondents to our Top 100 Survey were asked to describe their more recent fiscal year’s performance. Seven companies called it their best year ever, while 13 more described it as merely “good.” These results are a reverse of last year’s poll, when 10 companies described their last year as their best ever, as opposed to six votes for good. There are still plenty of companies that showed impressive growth in the Greatest Gains List. However, the responses for this year’s report were more subdued than previous editions.

Naturally, the onset of the Coronavirus and its effect on the country have affected the outlook for the future. The first forms that were returned before shelter-in-place orders were more optimistic than the ones that were submitted later. The last submissions came when the effects of COVID-19 were evident, to the country in general and the meat industry specifically. The majority of this year’s respondents still have expectations of a better year next year (19 out of 32). However, 13 companies expect 2021 to be the same if not worse than the current year.

When asked to list the concerns for the next year, COVID-19 was overwhelmingly the top worry. Specifically, there were concerns about employee welfare, the impact on the foodservice industry, the aftermath, and the volatility of the pork market. There were other issues as well. Labor is perpetually a problem in the meat industry, whether it refers to recruitment or retention. Animal diseases, especially ASF (African Swine Fever), were listed by multiple companies. Other concerns included the beef market volatility, exports, supply chain issues, alternative meat products, lack of consistent and quality inspection, cost of doing business, and wage growth.

While many processors saw the potential problems that COVID-19 can cause the industry, some saw a bright side. When asked to provide their greatest opportunities for the coming year, some companies did think that they could emerge from the pandemic as a stronger company or find growth in the aftermath. Other opportunities included new product releases, completing expansions or utilizing just-completed expansions, export markets, e-commerce and utilizing FSIS line speed waivers. NP

If you would like your company to be included in the 2020 Top 100 Report or the Greatest Gains report, contact Sam Gazdziak at gazdziaks@bnpmedia.com.

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