Meat and Poultry Processing Top Stories

RMC 2026 workshop details costs related to meat discoloration

wilkinsonf@bnpmedia.com (Fred Wilkinson) — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 13:35:44 -0400

Meat discarded due to discoloration represents an annual loss of $3.73 billion in revenue.

What meat and poultry processors should know about hygienic fluid transfer

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 10:35:24 -0400

Sanitary design, material selection, effective CIP and documented controls can help processors manage risks inside closed fluid-transfer systems.

Classic BOM vs. reverse BOM: what works best for meat and poultry processors

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 09:43:24 -0400

Cost allocation in a reverse BOM environment is one of the more demanding problems in food ERP.

Litigation returns on the reporting of farm emissions

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

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

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

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

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.

The Farm To You co-founder details launch strategy for producer-focused meat marketplace

bredars@bnpmedia.com (Sammy Bredar) — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 09:30:45 -0400

The Farm To You builds a direct-to-consumer platform centered on independent producers, curated meat boxes and regional supply chains.

Norwegian Seafood Council promotion enlists Norwegian soccer star Erling Haaland

wilkinsonf@bnpmedia.com (Fred Wilkinson) — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 13:31:38 -0400

Soccer’s growing popularity in the US provides relevance to a cultural moment.

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

stevens@foodindustrycounsel.com (Shawn K. Stevens) — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Plant procedures must reflect updated operational realities.

Younger consumers favoring spicy, umami-rich and fermented flavors

wilkinsonf@bnpmedia.com (Fred Wilkinson) — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 11:44:02 -0400

As consumer demand for healthier options rises, more shoppers are reading labels and seeking reduced-sodium options.

Record fed cattle weights help offset slaughter shortfall, but high prices to persist

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 05:54:40 -0400

Against this backdrop of deep packer losses, the industry has seen significant capacity reductions.

Chicken gains as consumers feel financial strain

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 22:41:57 -0400

Processed meat prices also rose, but at a considerably slower rate of 1.7%.

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

bredars@bnpmedia.com (Sammy Bredar) — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

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

Processors large and small embrace co-packing opportunities

wilkinsonf@bnpmedia.com (Fred Wilkinson) — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 15:00:00 -0400

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

Understanding the full scope of shelf life in meat and poultry

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 10:16:08 -0400

By pairing natural antioxidant solutions with naturally derived preservation solutions, processors can address shelf life from multiple angles.

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

bredars@bnpmedia.com (Sammy Bredar) — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 15:00:00 -0400

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

87th annual AAMP Convention offers attendees new products and the opportunity for new connections

wilkinsonf@bnpmedia.com (Fred Wilkinson) — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 14:38:44 -0400

American Cured Meat Championships are always a highlight for AAMP Convention, and this year's competition includes a fresh class featuring fresh bratwurst products.

Episode 231: Better For Butchery CEO talks facility acquisition and strategic vision for a local meat economy

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 13:29:21 -0400

Better For Butchery shifts from a DTC‑focused meat business into a platform‑scale processing, co‑packing, cold‑storage and fulfillment hub.

NPB's Jose de Jesus discusses the Explora Todo El Gusto Del Pork campaign

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 12:43:39 -0400

In this interview, learn how pork products are positioned to meet the needs of today’s Hispanic consumers.

Episode 230: Don Smiley details Messer's KwikChiller freezing technology

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 10:48:55 -0400

KwikChiller freezing system helps improve production efficiency.

Interview with Ajinomoto Foods North America President and CEO Dave Gardner

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 11:00:35 -0400

New CEO discusses how his supply chain and operations background informs his current appointment, and how he plans to honor the cultural history of the brand.

Achieve smarter processing through data optimization

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 10:39:04 -0400

Collecting real-time data can inform processors’ predictive maintenance, as well as yield management and efficiency improvements.

Research links protein quality to exercise recovery and muscle protein synthesis

bredars@bnpmedia.com (Sammy Bredar) — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Research from Texas A&M and University of Illinois suggests protein quality influences how the body responds to exercise rather than total protein intake alone.

Staffing concerns on a meat packaging line? Think beyond a single machine

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 06:00:14 -0400

Automation is an effective response to labor shortages on fresh protein packaging lines, but only when applied strategically. Isolated upgrades can create new constraints, while a balanced approach delivers sustained efficiency.

Insights with ADM: Soy protein's expanding role in meat extension, hybrid and plant-based products

bredars@bnpmedia.com (Sammy Bredar) — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400

ADM says soy protein continues to gain momentum across both traditional meat applications and emerging plant-forward formats, driven by the need for cost efficiency, functionality and sensory performance.

Automation strategies expand beyond labor replacement

bredars@bnpmedia.com (Sammy Bredar) — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

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

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

wilkinsonf@bnpmedia.com (Fred Wilkinson) — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

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

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

wilkinsonf@bnpmedia.com (Fred Wilkinson) — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 13:00:00 -0400

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.

Episode 229: Country Natural Beef's Tylor Braden shares insights on meeting consumer and retailer demands in the all-natural beef category

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 11:58:32 -0400

Country Natural Beef markets RaiseWell certified beef products through retailers including Whole Foods.

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

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

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

Q&A: Rancher's Premium Smokehouse talks scaling a regional brand into larger retail distribution

bredars@bnpmedia.com (Sammy Bredar) — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 07:00:01 -0400

Roland Dickey Jr., CEO of Rancher's Premium Smokehouse, discusses the brand's growth strategy, consumer flavor preferences, retail expansion efforts and the role authenticity plays in product development.