April 2026

In the April 2026 edition of The National Provisioner, don't miss the Plant-Based Meats Report addressing retail sales challenges, alongside a Processor Profile of Lakeside Foods expanding meat snack capacity. Highlights include a Special Report on animal welfare, an examination of food safety appeals, and commentary on how dietary fat and Vitamin E levels affect pork quality. In Independent Processor, explore Manchester Farms’ journey from hobby to national quail supplier, strategies for small processors in retail merchandising, and a preview of summer grilling innovations, along with updates on meat policy bills in Congress.

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.

Commentary: AMSA

Dietary fat sources and levels of Vitamin E isoforms impact belly and bacon quality of heavy slaughter weight pigs

Belly depth and belly flex were significantly influenced by dietary fat source.

Ana Paula Salim Marlee Kelley Ding Wang Surendranath P. Suman Merlin Lindemann Gregg Rentfrow

April 22, 2026

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Dietary fat sources with a higher proportion of saturated fatty acids improved belly firmness and overall bacon quality.

Overhead view of a graph notebook with "NON COMPLIANCE" on it on a yellow background, a cropped image of a keyboard at the top, a small alarm clock and small plant.

Fight for Food Safety

NRs aren’t just paperwork: Why appeals matter

FSIS may initiate escalated enforcement actions when an establishment’s food safety system appears inadequate due to multiple or recurring issues of noncompliance.

Shawn K. Stevens

April 20, 2026

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While a single NR rarely triggers significant enforcement action, a series of unchallenged NRs can quietly build a regulatory record that supports more serious enforcement.

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

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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 stack of Lakeside Foods snack sticks on a table, a small cup of barbecue sauce on a small plate with a basting brush, and a cut onion with a coriander leaf above it.

Processor Profile: Lakeside Foods

Broadline co-packer Lakeside Foods invests in meat snack opportunities

The company -- long known for its natural casing hot dogs and heat-and-serve cocktail sausages -- bolsters its meat stick packing capabilities.

Fred Wilkinson

April 13, 2026

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Co‑manufacturer for both national brands and private labels upgrades single-stick packaging technology to build on multi-pack options to meet growing consumer demand for convenient protein snacks.

The U.S. flag on a flagpole and the dome of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington D.C.

Commentary: SMA

A wave of meat policy bills moves through Congress

Lawmakers take on a wide range of bills that could significantly reshape the meat industry.

Lacy Bates

April 30, 2026

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Bills address issues including beef labeling transparency, international trade, expansion of small meat processors and state inspection authority.

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

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Merchandising strategies evolve beyond traditional pricing and placement.

Matt Miller, Manchester Farms’ purchasing director, and Brittney Miller, owner of Manchester Farms posing outside, a red barn is in the background.

Processor Profile: Manchester Farms

Manchester Farms grows from a backyard hobby to a national supplier of quail meat

Quail offers foodservice operators low cost while offering diners high perceived value.

Fred Wilkinson

April 24, 2026

No Comments

Manchester Farms’ recent annual sales totaled more than 2 million quail and nearly 48 million quail eggs.

Join Tony Vacaro, Foods Industry Manager, and Emile Klein, Foods Market Strategy Manager at Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. , as they tackle key questions surrounding heat removal in food processing.

The National Provisioner

Cover Story

Plant-based meat shifts from novelty to performance

Feature Articles

Dietary fat sources and levels of Vitamin E isoforms impact belly and bacon quality of heavy slaughter weight pigs

NRs aren’t just paperwork: Why appeals matter

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

Broadline co-packer Lakeside Foods invests in meat snack opportunities

Independent Processor

A wave of meat policy bills moves through Congress

How convenience is driving summer grilling innovation in 2026

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

Manchester Farms grows from a backyard hobby to a national supplier of quail meat

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