Throughout the history of the Independent Processor’s Top 75 Report, one thing has proven true: These companies are able to weather most any storm that comes their way. Even when a historic drought sends the costs of feed to record highs, most of the returning companies to this year’s list were able to increase their sales, or at the very least hold steady.

 

This year’s report saw numerous highlights from participating companies, from record sales years to new products, expansions and capital investments. Godshall’s Quality Meats, for one, enjoyed the biggest sales year in the company’s 60+-year history and is adding a new impingement oven to fulfill orders of its new fully cooked turkey bacon. JTM Food Group introduced numerous new products, added several key pieces of equipment and acquired the school business operations of Culinary Standards. That acquisition bolstered the company’s already-strong position as a producer of kettle-cooked products for the school foodservice industry.

 

There are serious questions about what lies in store — Obamacare, in particular, was listed by many companies as a concern for the coming year. The opportunities, though, seem to outweigh the challenges.

 

Click here to view this year's Top 75 chart.