June 2026

Check out The National Provisioner's 2026 Process of the Year. Also for June, don't miss our special report on automation strategies expanding beyond labor replacement— and more!

2026 Processor of the Year: New Primal

Prime time for New Primal — meet our 2026 Processor of the Year

Meat stick brand’s early embrace of the clean-label meat snacks category compounds as the brand secures deals for expanded national retail distribution.

Fred Wilkinson

June 8, 2026

No Comments

New Primal’s investment in automated production enables embracing meat snacks' evolution from single-item sales to their growing presence in consumers’ pantries and kids’ lunchboxes.

a wooden judge's gavel resting on a sound block

Commentary: USPOULTRY

Litigation returns on the reporting of farm emissions

Effort is being driven by a legal appeal filed by the environmental groups after a US District Court rules the EPA narrowly defined reporting exemption under EPCRA for these substances is lawful.

Paul Bredwell, U.S. Poultry & Egg Association

June 30, 2026

No Comments

The poultry and egg industry advocates for the continuation of the exemption.

Commentary: AMSA

Impact of freezing, thawing and refreezing on beef strip loin palatability and thaw loss

Research suggests fabrication state nor frozen storage temperature has a substantial influence on beef palatability.

June 30, 2026

No Comments

Processors and foodservice operators are advised to fabricate beef products in a frozen state and delay thawing until final preparation to optimize yield and minimize economic loss while maintaining palatability.

a professional conducting a food safety inspection in an industrial processing facility

Fight for Food Safety

Perhaps the most dangerous words in food safety: ‘We’ve always done it this way’

Unquestioned operational assumptions can pose food safety risk.

Shawn K. Stevens

June 26, 2026

No Comments

Plant procedures must reflect updated operational realities.

Automation & Robotics Special Report

Automation strategies expand beyond labor replacement

Meat and poultry processors continue investing in automation, but flexibility, scalability and operational fit drive purchasing decisions.

Sammy Bredar

June 11, 2026

No Comments

Processors balance labor shortages, production demand, and SKU complexity with more targeted automation and AI-driven decision-making.

This stock image depicts a common drive-thru service interaction

Foodservice Report 2026

Makers of foodservice meat and poultry solutions listening to consumers and operators

Consumers’ embrace of meat in their diets holds key to adding value for foodservice proteins.

Fred Wilkinson

June 10, 2026

No Comments

People gotta eat – but they are increasingly looking for food-away-from-home value outside leading US restaurant chains.

two thick steaks grilling over an open flame

Category Report: Beef

What does ‘value’ mean to today’s beef consumer?

Beef consumers redefine value through versatility, quality and premium differentiation.

Sammy Bredar

June 19, 2026

No Comments

Despite elevated prices, the beef category sees strong growth as consumers prioritize protein, perceived value, and convenience.

a grocery store aisle from the perspective of someone pushing a shopping cart

Special Report: Co-Packing & Private-Label Opportunities

Processors large and small embrace co-packing opportunities

Private-label products can elevate meat and poultry beyond commodity positioning into premium, differentiated retail product offerings.

Fred Wilkinson

June 18, 2026

No Comments

Co‑branded products enable retailers to offer differentiated value, reinforce quality perception and keep the protein category engaging in a highly competitive perimeter environment.

Evergood Foods Old Fashioned Beef Frankfurters packaged in a 12 oz or 13 oz set of 5 links

Processor Profile: Evergood Sausage Co.

Evergood Sausage’s next chapter builds on 100 years of consistency

Evergood Sausage discusses its last 100 years, exploring how the company has adapted to changing market conditions while maintaining its brand identity.

Sammy Bredar

June 17, 2026

No Comments

San Francisco processor reflects on hardwood smoking, traditional production methods and maintaining product identity across generations.

Commentary: SMA

Where the Meat Industry Meets: SMA’s 70th Annual Convention

Event planned for July 22–25, 2026, at Moody Gardens Hotel & Convention Center in Galveston, Texas.

Lacy Bates

June 5, 2026

No Comments

Four-day event brings together packers, processors, suppliers and service providers for education and relationship-building.

The live webinar will explore the latest technologies, emerging risks, and practical strategies shaping food safety programs across meat and poultry processing operations. Attendees will hear from industry experts on key challenges impacting processors today, along with approaches for strengthening and updating food safety plans across their facilities.

The National Provisioner

Cover Story

Prime time for New Primal — meet our 2026 Processor of the Year

Feature Articles

Litigation returns on the reporting of farm emissions

Impact of freezing, thawing and refreezing on beef strip loin palatability and thaw loss

Perhaps the most dangerous words in food safety: ‘We’ve always done it this way’

Automation strategies expand beyond labor replacement

Makers of foodservice meat and poultry solutions listening to consumers and operators

Independent Processor

What does ‘value’ mean to today’s beef consumer?

Processors large and small embrace co-packing opportunities

Evergood Sausage’s next chapter builds on 100 years of consistency

Where the Meat Industry Meets: SMA’s 70th Annual Convention

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