Smithfield Foods Marches Forward with Renewable Energy Projects

Smithfield Foods, Inc. is pleased to announce the construction of new biogas gathering systems in Missouri and Utah, which bring the company steps closer to delivering renewable natural gas (RNG) to communities in multiple states using manure from its hog farms. Detailed in its recently released Sustainability Report, Smithfield’s “manure-to-energy” projects are part of Smithfield Renewables, the company’s platform that unifies and accelerates its renewable energy efforts to help meet its goal to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 25% by 2025.

“By finding innovative ways to reduce GHG emissions and use existing resources to power our planet, we are playing a critical role in providing consumers with nutritious food, as well as...

Senators Raise Concerns that USDA Trade Aid will Continue to Benefit Foreign Corporations

Nine U.S. Senators, led by Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, & Forestry, today raised concerns that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will continue to allow foreign companies to profit from the Trump Administration’s plan to assist American farmers affected by their trade policies.

Last week, the Administration announced it would provide up to $1.4 billion to purchase commodities targeted by retaliatory tariffs. In the previous round of aid, lucrative purchasing contracts were awarded to several foreign entities, including nearly $62.5 million in pork products from JBS USA, which is owned by Brazilian parent company JBS SA.

“…It is counterproductive and contradictory for these companies to receive assistance paid for with U.S. taxpayer dollars intended to help American farmers struggling with this Administration’s trade policy,” the Senators wrote...

Tyson says Hog Disease Impact to Linger for Years

Global meat prices are poised to rise after China culled tens of millions of hogs to contain a fast-spreading swine disease, the chief executive of Tyson Foods Inc. said.

The top U.S. meat processing company already is paying higher prices for U.S. hogs and other meat as Chinese buyers crank up purchases, Tyson executives said Monday. In the months ahead, Tyson anticipates higher meat costs for consumers, as well as stronger profits in its own pork, beef and chicken-processing operations.

Noel White, CEO of the Arkansas-based company, said the potential impact of the past year's African swine fever outbreaks was unprecedented, and could lower global meat supplies by 5% at a time when protein consumption is on the rise world-wide...

Smithfield Foods Brands Company’s Foodservice Business as “Smithfield Culinary”

Smithfield Foods, Inc. today announced the introduction of Smithfield Culinary, a new branding of the company’s foodservice portfolio. Smithfield Culinary – historically recognized as Smithfield Farmland – leverages the corporation’s position as the world’s largest pork processor and industry leader in sustainability, and highlights the involvement and leadership that it has within the culinary community.

Throughout the last several years, Smithfield has experienced significant growth of the company’s foodservice business, prompting the decision to create a dedicated branding that represents all of the company’s culinary-focused initiatives. From establishing chef advisory boards and forming product innovation labs, to partnering with leading culinary schools, Smithfield Culinary has evolved from simply selling products to positioning culinary arts as a key cornerstone of its business model.

“Our company – a leader in pork, value-added protein specialties, and now culinary arts – is driven by those who have a passion for great food blended with insights and ...

Smithfield Foods Achieves Industry-Leading Environmental Commitment

Smithfield Foods, Inc. is pleased to announce that it has successfully engaged 80 percent of its grain supply chain, which is used to feed the company’s hogs, in farming practices that are both sustainable and reduce the cost of production for grain farmers. This exceeded the company’s original goal of 75 percent. In 2018, Smithfield purchased grain from producers who use efficient fertilizer and soil health methods across approximately 560,000 acres of land.

Grain production is the first step in the vertically integrated company’s supply chain, making this accomplishment one of the key ways Smithfield is working toward its ambitious goal to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 25 percent by 2025 throughout its entire supply chain – the first commitment of its kind from a protein company.

“This accomplishment is a significant milestone in our company’s holistic approach to reducing carbon emissions across our entire supply chain ...

Smithfield Foods Announces Enhanced Structure and New Leadership Appointments

Smithfield Foods, Inc. is pleased to announce an enhanced organizational structure, which includes new leadership appointments and the addition of a chief operating officer.

The new structure and leadership appointments signify the ultimate realization of “One Smithfield,” an initiative to unify all of Smithfield’s operations, brands, and more than 54,000 employees globally under one corporate umbrella. In addition, it will optimize and simplify Smithfield’s organizational alignment, infuse innovative ideas in ...

Smithfield Foods Opens New North Carolina Distribution Center

Smithfield Foods, Inc. is pleased to announce the grand opening of its new distribution center in Tar Heel, North Carolina, which will create approximately 250 new jobs in the state. Smithfield invested more than $100 million into the over 500,000-square foot facility, about the size of eight football fields, and its blast cell cold storage capabilities at its processing facility, which will strengthen the company’s supply chain to better serve customers globally.

“We are experiencing an exciting time of growth and this new distribution center will help us continue to optimize our footprint,” said Kenneth M. Sullivan, president and chief executive officer for Smithfield Foods. “More than 10,000 Smithfield Family members already call North Carolina home, and ...

Smithfield Foods Announces Nearly $45 Million Investment in Sioux Falls Operations

Smithfield Foods, Inc. is investing nearly $45 million and adding 70 new jobs to its Sioux Falls, South Dakota, operations. The investment includes renovating a high-speed bacon line, a ground seasoned pork operation, and the distribution center, as well as the rebuilding of a facility that houses more than 8,000 hogs. This investment and expansion will help Smithfield meet the increasing domestic demand for bacon and international demand for ground seasoned pork, a growing category in export markets.

“At Smithfield, we’re committed to our continual investment in our facilities and farms in Sioux Falls,” said Kenneth M. Sullivan, president and chief executive officer for Smithfield Foods. “In the past five years, we have invested more than ...

Dominion Energy and Smithfield Foods Partner to Transform the Future of Sustainable Energy

• Dominion Energy and Smithfield Foods form joint venture, Align Renewable Natural Gas (RNG)℠
• Initial projects announced in North Carolina, Virginia and Utah will capture waste methane from hog farms and convert it into renewable natural gas to heat homes and power local industries
• Transformational partnership will dramatically reduce methane emissions from the agriculture and energy industries in support of state greenhouse gas reduction initiatives
• RNG enhances fuel diversity for natural gas utilities and provides a waste management solution and new revenue stream for family farmers

Dominion Energy and Smithfield Foods, Inc. are joining forces in an historic initiative to transform...

Appeals Court Unanimously Strikes Down Gag Order in Hog Farm Nuisance Lawsuits

Ruling says trial judge’s order fails First Amendment scrutiny, has “chilling effect” and  “has already inflicted serious harm”

A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit ruled unanimously Monday that the trial judge’s gag order in the North Carolina hog farm nuisance lawsuits was an unconstitutional violation of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The panel granted the request by defendant Murphy-Brown LLC that the gag order be struck down...

Smithfield Foods Marks Significant Step Toward Zero-Waste-to-Landfill in North Carolina

Smithfield Foods, Inc. is pleased to announce a key step toward achieving zero-waste-to-landfill status across its North Carolina processing facilities. Smithfield will achieve this goal with support from its newest partner, Waste Connections, in a first-of-its-kind collaboration between a food company and waste services provider. The project will create a recycling facility that processes materials specifically from food production facilities. This project is part of Smithfield’s companywide sustainability initiative to reduce solid waste to landfills 10 percent by 2020 across all locations and its goal to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 25 percent by 2025 throughout its supply chain.

“At Smithfield, we are the first major protein company to make a significant GHG reduction commitment and are forging innovative new partnerships to help us get there,” said Stewart Leeth, vice president of regulatory affairs and chief sustainability officer for Smithfield Foods. “This project is especially exciting because...

Smithfield Foods Announces Expansion at Grayson, Kentucky Facility

Smithfield to Hire 40 Full-Time Employees and Expand Production Capabilities

Today, Smithfield Foods, Inc. announced a $1.2 million expansion at its Grayson, Kentucky facility which will increase production capacity by 20 percent. To meet the growing operational needs, Smithfield is hiring 40 full-time positions. The Grayson facility produces Smithfieldâ brand spiral sliced hams.

“In the last several years, our growth has allowed us to invest in our facilities and create new opportunities for those living in the communities we call home,” said Jeff Salyer, Grayson plant manager for Smithfield Foods, Inc. “We are proud to invest in Grayson and look forward to welcoming new members of the Smithfield Family at this facility, which helps put holiday hams and other mealtime favorites on millions of tables each year...

Patrick Cudahy® Celebrates 130 Years of Signature Sweet Apple-Wood Smoked Flavor

This October marks the start of the 130th anniversary of the signature Sweet Apple-Wood Smoked flavor of Patrick Cudahy®, perfected well over a century ago in the town of Cudahy, Wisconsin. Instantaneously, this small Midwestern town bought into the custom that bacon wasn’t optional, it was mandatory!

For 130 years, Patrick Cudahy stayed true to its one-of-a-kind flavor by sticking to original recipes and smoking their meats the old fashioned way, using its authentic rotary smokehouse still used to this day. As the tradition says, “when you make it right, you make it history.” Patrick Cudahy is proud to provide Wisconsin with its signature Sweet Apple-Wood Smoked bacon, premium deli hams, pepperoni, and deli meats year after year. The brand is dedicated to creating crave-worthy products guaranteed to be...

Hog Processing Disruptions in SE Cause Backlog of About 280K Head

Catching up with the supply bubble created by Florence could take about 5 weeks

Disruptions in hog processing at Smithfield Foods' three plants located in North Carolina and Virginia caused by Hurricane Florence have led to a backlog in supplies of approximately 260,000 head so far and another 20,000 or so could be added to the total on Wednesday.

All three plants were closed Wednesday through Friday of last week, the Virginia plant reportedly worked a partial shift on Saturday and operated Monday. The two North Carolina plants, one of which is the largest in the world with a daily capacity of about 35,000 head, did not harvest hogs Monday or today. Industry sources say the company plans to resume operations on Wednesday but likely at a reduced pace.

Officials with Smithfield have said the plants were not damaged by the storm. However, flooding, loss of power, down trees and damaged roads, and clean up efforts across North Carolina have delayed or...

Smithfield Foods Prepares for Hurricane Florence

Storm Preparations Underway to Ensure Safety of People, Animals, and Property

SMITHFIELD, Va.,- Smithfield Foods, Inc. today shared that the company is fully prepared for the potential impact of Hurricane Florence, specifically in North Carolina and Virginia.

Smithfield has numerous operations, both plants and farms, and more than 14,000 employees across both states, and has enacted its hurricane preparedness procedures.

Employees in the company's eastern Virginia and North Carolina plants and on its approximately 250 company-owned farms and 1,500 contract farms are taking steps to protect people, animals, and buildings against wind and rain damage.

On its farms, the company has been closely monitoring and, as necessary, lowering lagoon levels in accordance...

Smithfield Foods Donates More Than 40,000 Pounds of Protein to the Lowcountry Food Bank

CHARLESTON, S.C., -- Smithfield Foods, Inc. and Harris Teeter joined forces to donate more than 40,000 pounds of protein to the Lowcountry Food Bank. Smithfield’s contribution was part of the company’s 2018 Helping Hungry Homes® donation tour. Now in the program’s 10th year, Helping Hungry Homes® is Smithfield’s signature hunger-relief initiative focused on alleviating hunger and helping Americans become more food secure. The donation, equivalent to more than 160,000 meals, will help families fight hunger in South Carolina.

“Our guiding principles to feed, advocate, and empower are supported through generous donations like the one we’ve received today from Smithfield,” said Pat Walker, president and CEO of the Lowcountry Food Bank. “High-quality protein allows us to better serve the community in a healthy way with nutritious food choices, a key focus for our efforts in alleviating ...

Smithfield Foods Honors Employees and Facilities with Environmental and Sustainability Awards

SMITHFIELD, Va: Smithfield Foods, Inc. has honored multiple facilities and employees with Environmental and Sustainability Awards, recognizing efforts that helped Smithfield save more than 1.1 billion gallons of water, more than 8.8 million kilowatts of electricity, and more than 21.1 million pounds of solid waste generation in 2017.

Smithfield President and Chief Executive Officer, Kenneth M. Sullivan, honored the award recipients earlier this week at a ceremony during the company’s annual Environmental and Sustainability Conference. This conference is designed to engage employees on the company’s sustainability program through case studies, presentations, and breakout sessions.

“Sustainability is firmly ingrained in our company’s culture and is integrated into every aspect of our domestic and...

Sweet Apple-Wood Smoked Ham and Bacon Fans Unite to Celebrate 19th Annual Patrick Cudahy Day at the Wisconsin State Fair

Brand Celebrates Their 130th Anniversary with Bacon-Filled Festivities Includes Cooking Competitions, Entertainment, Prizes, and More

CUDAHY, Wis., -- Patrick Cudahy® is returning to Central Park to celebrate the 19th Annual Patrick Cudahy Day at the Wisconsin State Fair on Friday, August 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This year, Patrick Cudahy is celebrating their 130th Anniversary of providing Wisconsin with its signature Sweet Apple-Wood Smoked bacon, premium deli hams, salami, and pepperoni. In addition, the Wisconsin staple will be sampling their sister brands Nathan’s Famous® hot dogs and Eckrich® turkey and beef deli items.

For this year’s momentous celebration, Patrick Cudahy will host a variety of activities and entertainment throughout the day, including big giveaways, exciting contests, and snack-filled cooking demonstrations with their resident ...

Smithfield® Partners With Haylie Duff to Create Meals for the Busy Back to School Season

Smithfield® is partnering with cookbook author, actress, designer, and mom of two, Haylie Duff, to create exclusive recipes and time-saving tips that help busy families answer the age-old question, “What’s for dinner?” Her original recipes including Tomatillo, Pineapple & Bacon Fresh Pork Tacos, Fresh Pork Loin Banh Mi Bowls, and Fresh Pork Gyros with Tzatziki, feature a variety of Smithfield Marinated Fresh Pork cuts and flavors, with just a few fresh ingredients, and can be made in a matter of minutes. At-home cooks can visit SmithfieldRealFlavorRealFast.com to view these quick and easy meal ideas, as well as the “Real Fresh, Real Flavor, Real Fast” recipe inspiration center, complete with wine pairings. In addition, consumers can enter a time-saving tip contest by sharing how they fit home-cooked meals into their busy weeknight routines for a chance to win a trip to Napa Valley, Calif., plus hundreds of other great prizes.

“With back-to-school season around the corner, my family’s schedule is about to get busier than ever...

Smithfield Foods to Continue to Produce Genuine Smithfield Ham in Smithfield, Virginia

SMITHFIELD, Va.,- Recent media reports regarding Smithfield Foods, Inc. closing its smokehouse that produces Genuine Smithfield Ham in Smithfield, Virginia, are sensationalized and exaggerated. Contrary to these media reports, Smithfield has absolutely no intention of ceasing production of Genuine Smithfield Ham in the town of Smithfield, Virginia. No company representative has ever said otherwise. The company simply shuttered one of the oldest buildings on our large Smithfield, Virginia, complex while we evaluate the best site to produce our Genuine Smithfield Ham going forward.

Consumers needn’t worry: we have plenty of Genuine Smithfield Hams in inventory. This affords us the opportunity to assess alternatives for the production of our Genuine Smithfield Ham while continuing to supply this product to our loyal ...

Smithfield Foods Earns National Honors for Sustainability Achievements

Solid Waste Reduction, Innovative Packaging, and Food Waste Recovery Projects Earn Industry Recognition, Highlight Smithfield’s Leadership in Manufacturing Practices

SMITHFIELD, Va: Smithfield Foods, Inc. is pleased to announce that ProFood World selected its Salt Lake City, Utah; Kinston, North Carolina; and Middlesboro, Kentucky, facilities as winners of the 2018 Sustainability Excellence in Manufacturing Awards (SEMA). The annual awards program honors companies for exceptional sustainability achievements in food, beverage, and consumer products manufacturing.

“At Smithfield, some of our most innovative and impactful sustainability projects begin with the teams at our facilities,” said Bill Gill, assistant vice president of sustainability for Smithfield Foods. “These award-winning facilities are just...

Smithfield Foods Donates More Than 42,000 Pounds of Protein to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida

Publix and Stewart-Haas Racing Join the 35th Stop of Smithfield’s 2018 Helping Hungry Homes® Tour

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla -- Smithfield Foods, Inc. and Publix joined forces to donate more than 42,000 pounds of protein to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida Smithfield’s contribution was part of the company’s 2018 Helping Hungry Homes® donation tour. Now in the program’s 10th year, Helping Hungry Homes® is Smithfield’s signature hunger-relief initiative focused on alleviating hunger and helping Americans become more food secure. The donation, equivalent to more than 171,000 servings, will help families fight hunger across central Florida.

“‘Fighting hunger, feeding hope’ is more than a slogan—it’s our driving force to meet unmet needs in our community,” said Gregg Higgerson, vice president for Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, said. “With donations from Smithfield, we can provide much-needed nutrition to families who don’t always ...

Nathan’s Famous® Adds Some Sizzle to Grocery Shelves with New All Natural Hot Dogs

Nathan’s Famous® is giving cooks nationwide another reason to break out the grill this summer. Today, Nathan’s Famous is pleased to introduce a new All Natural, beef hot dog to grocery retailers nationwide. Made with the same signature original flavor of Nathan’s Famous hot dogs, the new All Natural hot dogs are uncured beef franks with no nitrates or nitrites added, no artificial ingredients, and are minimally processed.

For many consumers, eating habits are shifting to focus on foods using simpler, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Nathan’s Famous is excited to answer the call with an option that caters to both values and tastes, providing an option that offers the same delicious, crave-able taste of the original World Famous Nathan’s Famous beef hot dog, in an all-natural variety.

“As more people are searching for cleaner labels for their grills this summer, we are happy to offer our new All Natural Nathan’s Famous hot dogs to help gear up for grilling season,” said Michael Paribello, senior director of marketing for Smithfield Foods. “Nathan’s Famous has always been about quality and, with this latest product innovation, we’re...