Independent Processor - Articles - Page 54

International Quality Competition for Sausage and Ham Judges

Entering cured meat competitions

The thrill of competition: Cured meat competitions could prove a good learning experience and a great marketing tool.

April 16, 2019

Meat competitions are friendly, to be sure. However, the word "competition" should not be overlooked, as many of these state or national events bring together high-quality processors with strong reputations.

Meal kit appeal

Home delivery of meal kits is a growing trend, and a good opportunity for a nimble meat processor.

Sam Gazdziak

April 8, 2019

No Comments

The concept of an all-in-one-box meal has been around for years, going back to the first frozen TV dinners. Today's meal kits are far removed from their earliest origins, though.

Salami with Hazlenuts and Figs as Inclusions

Inclusions in meat products

Addition by inclusion: Adding ingredients like cheese or berries to a sausage product could lead to a new customer favorite.

Sam Gazdziak

April 5, 2019

No Comments

Adding an inclusion such as cheese or a combination of inclusions can turn a plain product into a value-added, high-end item. With a wide variety of ingredients from which to choose, processors can unleash their product development creativity and create unique best sellers.

AAMP

AAMP legislative updates

Christopher Young

March 1, 2019

No Comments

Here are some of the latest updates taking place from the regulatory and legislative arenas. AAMP continues to ensure that the voice of the small processor is heard in Washington.

AAMP

Building on the past to ensure a brighter future

Christopher Young

February 27, 2019

No Comments

It is hard to believe that 2018 is behind us, and 2019 is here in all its glory. AAMP membership saw growth again for the fourth year in a row. Our association also saw a lot of expansions in our efforts on behalf of the members.

Cleaning up the ingredients label of meat products

Consumers may want a nitrite-free product, but removing the ingredient may require other formulation changes.

Sam Gazdziak

February 26, 2019

No Comments

Consumers have decided that they want clean-label products, with easy-to-pronounce, recognizable ingredients. They want nitrite-free, nitrate-free, GMO-free, allergen-free products.

Designing meat processing plants for hygiene

Consider food safety at the start of a construction project.

Sam Gazdziak

February 22, 2019

No Comments

When it comes time for a processor to renovate or build a new facility, there is excitement in the air. However, as much as one might be tempted to jump into pouring concrete and putting up walls, there are food safety and hygiene considerations that must be made in the design phase.

Special Report | Mission to Poland

Mission to Poland: Part One

Independent Processor editor Sam Gazdziak traveled to Poland for a seminar and tour of two leading European meat processors.

Sam Gazdziak

February 22, 2019

No Comments

The purpose of this trip was to bring together media and food industry experts from the United States and Canada and processors from Poland.

Greg Wiviott, Todd Waldman, Brian Levy and Jay Wiviott

A return of  epic ProPortion

With a catastrophic fire in its past, ProPortion Foods' future includes strong growth and a state-of-the-art new facility.

Sam Gazdziak

February 20, 2019

No Comments

When ProPortion Foods decided that it would leave its Los Angeles home for a new, larger facility in Round Rock, Texas, the family-owned business worked out a plan.

Independent Processor 2019 Meat Industry Outlook

Despite trade and economic questions,  the outlook for the New Year looks bright.

Sam Gazdziak

February 19, 2019

No Comments

Taken as a whole, 2018 was a strong year for the U.S. economy, and the New Year should keep the momentum rolling. There are concerns ahead, such as the trade war with China and the partial shutdown of the U.S. government (as of press time) that could slow the country's growth.