May 2026

The National Provisioner

Check out The National Provisioner's 2026 Top 100 Meat & Poultry Processors for an industrywide view on how record sales are impacting financial performance. Also for May, don't miss our Meat Snacks Report and our Natural & Organic Special Report for news on the latest trends driving growth in the categories — and more!

A cow eating grass and a chicken standing next to it in a field.

Top 100 Meat & Poultry Processors

The Top 100 Meat & Poultry Processors of 2026

Positive consumer trends fueling protein consumption push meat and poultry sales to a record high $112 billion.

Fred Wilkinson

May 5, 2026

One Comment

The 2026 Top 100 Meat & Poultry Processors highlights a $112B market fueled by strong demand, premium trends and Gen Z influence, despite tight cattle supply, rising costs and shifting protein dynamics across beef, pork and poultry.

Several cuts of beef, pork and chicken on a wooden board, cast iron pan and salt.

Commentary: AMSA

Validated thermal lethality data and a new tool for ensuring safety of RTE meats

Hydrated Surface Lethality calculator translates data into actionable decisions.

Russ McMinn Ph.D.

May 29, 2026

No Comments

As RTE products continue to evolve and regulatory expectations remain high, success will depend on integrating solid microbiological science with practical processing knowledge.

Close up image of a gloved hand holding a test tube with a blood sample with a label that reads Listeria Bacteria - Test.

Fight for Food Safety

FSIS Listeria control continues to tighten

For processors, the takeaway should not be to debate the regulatory trajectory on listeria but to recognize it.

Shawn K. Stevens

May 28, 2026

No Comments

Although FSIS regulations have not changed in any sweeping way, many processors feel the practical microbial standard they are held to has intensified.

Verde Farms Sirloin Steak package on a board and steak tacos.

Natural & Organic Special Report

Transparency and convenient formats drive interest in natural and organic meat

Clear claims, verified sourcing and easy-to-use formats position natural and organic proteins for continued growth, especially as millennial purchasing power rises.

Sammy Bredar

May 27, 2026

No Comments

Double-digit gains in claims-based meats highlight shifting consumer purchasing behaviors, with transparency, trust and convenient product formats driving momentum across retail and foodservice.