Jerky Snack Brands Inc. has acquired Pioneer Snacks Inc., a global meat snack company. The company is known for its Natural Style Beef Jerky, Snack Sticks, Steak Tenders and Hickory Smoked Sausage Snacks. Its headquarters will eventually relocate to Minong, Wis., from Farmington Hills, Mich. The plant in Mankato, Minn., will receive additional capital investment to continue as a leader in the meat snack industry.

Healthy Choice® - a premier brand from ConAgra Foods – is helping to support the launch of the American Heart Association’s Start! Movement. The program is designed to inspire Americans to achieve and enjoy physical health by adding great-tasting, nutritious food and activity into their everyday lives. Healthy Choice is one of three sponsors of the new program and is launching the Start Making Healthy Choices program to supplement the program. For more information, visit www.healthychoice.com.

Wayne Farms LLC was awarded the Gordon Food Service Vendor Improvement Process (VIP) Cornerstone Partner award for 2006. Gordon annually bestows the VIP award to the vendor who provides excellence in service and continuous improvement. This is the fifth time Wayne Farms has won the award, and third year in a row.

Alison’s Family Farms of Marshville, N.C., has received approval from Humane Farm Animal Care (HFAC) to use the “Certified Humane” label on its natural air-chilled fresh chickens. It has been using the label on its natural turkeys since 2005. HFAC has certified more than 55 companies since the program was unveiled in 2003.