Empirical Foods to Open New Ground Beef Facility in Kansas

South Dakota-based Empirical Foods announced plans to construct a new ground beef facility in Garden City, Kansas, adding that the investment is the largest in the company's 40-year history.

It said in a statement that the new plant, which Empirical will begin constructing in the first quarter of 2020, will supplement its existing production facility in South Sioux City, Nebraska and more than double the company’s current ground beef capacity.

“Demand for Empirical’s lean ground beef requires us to significantly increase our processing capacity to...

JBS USA Intends to Purchase Pipestone Facility from J&B Group

JBS USA today announced an agreement with J&B Group, Inc., to lease J&B’s value-added meat processing facility in Pipestone, Minn., with the intent to acquire this facility in the upcoming months for an undisclosed amount. The facility was destined for imminent closure.

The pending acquisition means the facility will join JBS USA, a leading U.S.-based food company with proven expertise and a strong track record of success, protecting more than 130 jobs and ensuring the facility remains a significant economic contributor to the Pipestone community for years to come.

“We are excited to welcome the Pipestone team members to JBS USA,” said Bob Krebs, COO, JBS USA Pork. “We have worked with the J&B team under the common goals of preserving jobs and creating a sustainable future for the facility. We believe...

Bachoco will Invest in Processed Swine Business in Mexico

Bachoco announced that an agreement has been reached on investing in the company Sonora Agropecuaria S.A. de C.V. "SASA", a swine processing and distributor company with operations in the states of Sonora and Jalisco.

SASA is one of the ten principle processors in Mexico. They have a production capacity of about 15,000 swine per week, having participation in the national and export markets.

Rodolfo Ramos, Bachoco's Chief Executive Officer, stated...

Verde's Growth Continues with Opening of Processing Facility

Verde Farms announces today the opening of its own processing facility in Mullica Hill, NJ. Marking a major milestone for the company, the opening signals Verde's enhanced capability to process its premium products in-house, while also offering advanced processing services to a select number of specialty meat customers. Following ongoing market growth and expansion of robust customer support services, the new facility underscores Verde Farms' position in grass-fed beef.

In its USDA Organic and level 2 SQF-certified facility, Verde will now process both frozen and fresh material into a variety of vacuum-packed products using the latest state-of-the art, highly-automated process and packaging equipment.

"Opening our own processing facility emphasizes our foundational commitment to offer the highest-quality products, while...

Pilgrim's Pride Reports Third Quarter Results

Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation reports third quarter 2019 financial results.

Third Quarter Highlights

• Net Sales of $2.78 billion.
• Net Income of $109.8 million.
• Operating Income margins of 6.5% in U.S., 11.5% in Mexico and 4.9% in Europe operations, respectively.
• Adjusted EBITDA of $258.4 million (or a 9.3% margin), and Adjusted EPS of $0.45.
• U.S portfolio generated an improved performance due to our differentiated strategy. Demand in less commoditized segment remained strong while pure commodity was significantly better year on year but...

Storms Halt Production at Two Tyson Foods Poultry Plants 

Reports of storm damage impacting Tyson poultry plants located in Georgia and Arkansas have halted operations.

On Saturday, October 19, a storm hit the administration area of the Vienna, Georgia location. The plant was not operating at the time, and resumed normal operations today.

Due to overnight storms in the area, the plant near downtown Rogers, Arkansas, lost power yesterday and did not operate first shift. However, normal operations resumed Monday afternoon, and there was...

Tyson to Help Meet Growing Demand for U.S. Pork by Prohibiting Ractopamine Use

In an effort to meet growing global demand for U.S. pork, Tyson Fresh Meats , the beef and pork subsidiary of Tyson Foods, Inc., today announced plans to prohibit the use of ractopamine in the market hogs it buys from farmers beginning in February 2020 .

Ractopamine is a feed ingredient that helps increase the amount of lean meat in hogs. While it is FDA-approved and considered safe for use, some countries such as China prohibit the import of pork from hogs that have been given the product.

Tyson Fresh Meats has been offering a limited amount of ractopamine-free pork to export customers by working with farmers who raise hogs without it, and...

Kepak Secures USDA Approval to Distribute Irish Beef Burgers in the United States

Kepak Group has become the first ever European meat processor to be awarded United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) approval for the supply, marketing and distribution of Irish beef in a value-added format of beef burgers into the US market.

The approval announced at Anuga, the world’s largest trade fair for food and beverages in Cologne, Germany, secures access for Kepak to the US beef burger market which is currently valued at over $122bn.

The development follows the successful launch in 2017 of the first Irish beef retail brand in the United States, Kepak’s Celtic Beef Company, and means...

Tyson Foods Experiencing Short-Term Challenges in Fiscal Fourth Quarter

Tyson Foods, Inc. today said it is experiencing short-term challenges that are negatively affecting fourth quarter earnings. These challenges include margin compression related to a reversal of a gain on mark to market grain derivatives recognized in our third quarter, commodity market volatility, implementation of enhanced food safety initiatives, a beef processing plant fire, and slower than expected operational improvements in the Chicken segment. As a result, the company is revising its fiscal 2019 adjusted earnings guidance to a range of $5.30 to $5.70 per share and we continue to monitor potentially adverse mark-to-market movements and other volatilities.

“The discrete challenges we’ve encountered this quarter now lead us to believe we will fall short of our previously stated guidance,” said Noel White, Tyson Foods’ president and CEO, “but our outlook for fiscal 2020 remains...

Secretary Perdue Statement on Beef Processing Facility in Holcomb, Kansas

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue issued the following statement regarding the beef processing facility in Holcomb, Kan.:

“As part of our continued efforts to monitor the impact of the fire at the beef processing facility in Holcomb, Kan., I have directed USDA’s Packers and Stockyards Division to launch an investigation into recent beef pricing margins to determine if there is any evidence of price manipulation, collusion, restrictions of competition or other unfair practices. If any unfair practices are detected...

Pilgrim’s to Acquire Tulip Limited, Creating Integrated Prepared Foods Leader in Europe

Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation today announced that it has signed a contract to acquire Tulip Limited, a leading, integrated prepared foods supplier with 12 fresh and value-added operations in the United Kingdom, from Danish Crown. The transaction solidifies Pilgrim’s as a leading European food company, creating one of the largest integrated prepared foods businesses in the UK with a portfolio of brands and retail private label solutions.

The transaction, unanimously approved by Pilgrim’s Board of Directors and funded with cash on hand, values Tulip Limited at £290 million (or approximately $354 million based on a 1.22 exchange rate as of August 27, 2019). The purchase amount represents 5.4x implied expected EBITDA.

“We are pleased to strengthen our European foods platform with the acquisition of Tulip Limited, which positions Pilgrim’s as a leading global prepared foods player,” said Jayson Penn, Pilgrim’s global chief executive officer. “The transaction represents...

Mrs. Ressler's Food Products Acquires Emils Organics 

House of Raeford Farms Recognized for Outstanding Safety Performance

The Joint Industry Safety and Health Council has awarded six House of Raeford Farms locations with safety awards for outstanding performance through the implementation of innovative and effective employee safety and health programs.

Two House of Raeford processing plants—Arcadia, LA and Rose Hill, NC – were each recognized for their commitment to safety with Awards of Distinction during the 2019 National Safety Conference for the Poultry Industry in Destin, FL.

Awards of Distinction are the highest level of recognition a company can receive from the Joint Industry Safety and Health Council. Injury statistics over three years and...

Pilgrim’s Releases 2018 Sustainability Report

Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation (Nasdaq: PPC) today announced the release of its 2018 Sustainability Report. The interactive digital report provides a comprehensive overview of the company’s recent achievements and progress toward 2020 sustainability goals.

“Our 2018 Pilgrim’s Sustainability Report shares the ways our 55,000 team members and more than 5,400 family farm partners are contributing to environmental, social and economic progress in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Mexico and Europe,” said Pilgrim’s Global President and CEO Jayson Penn. “We are committed to improving the lives of families around the world through high-quality, sustainable food solutions and are focused on long-term success for our business and our stakeholders.”

The 2018 report transparently details Pilgrim’s achievements related to team members, customers and...

Tyson Foods to Rebuild Kansas Beef Plant and Pay Workers Following Fire

A fire partly destroyed the Tyson Foods beef plant in Holcomb, Kansas on Friday, August 9. The plant will be down indefinitely, however; the company plans to rebuild the plant at the same location. Officials are still assessing the damage, so it’s too early to establish a timeline, but work to clear damage has already begun.

“This is a difficult time for our team members and their families, and we want to ensure they’re taken care of,” said Steve Stouffer, group president of Tyson Fresh Meats. “Today, we will notify our full-time, active team members that they’ll be paid weekly until production resumes.”

Stouffer said the team members may be called on to work during this time to help with clean-up and other projects, but regardless of the hours worked, all full-time active employees are...

New Facility to Boost Tyson Foods’ Automation and Robotics Efforts

Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN) has created a new, state-of-the-art facility designed to help the company develop more automation and robotics for its food production plants.

The Tyson Manufacturing Automation Center (TMAC) officially opened in downtown Springdale today. The center provides space for the development of new manufacturing solutions and collaboration with the company’s information technology team and equipment suppliers. It also serves as a location for team member training on new technology.

The investment is part of Tyson Foods’ focus on continuous improvement. The development of new technology and processes will help improve...

Wayne Farms Introduces All Natural Ladybird Premium Chicken Brand 

After a successful market entry and a round of market tests Wayne Farms LLC is launching its new brand LADYBIRD Premium Chicken in select Northeast locations and planning wider distribution by the end of the year.

LADYBIRD Premium Chicken was developed for foodservice and cash and carry customers looking to capitalize on trending preferences in the consumer marketplace while sourcing a more tender chicken product. Humanely raised on family farms, the all natural line of fresh products are made from smaller, all-female chickens providing more consistent sizing and portion control. LADYBIRD chicken is aged on the bone before processing, optimizing...

Pilgrim's Pride Reports Second Quarter Results

Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation (NASDAQ: PPC) reports second quarter 2019 financial results.

Second Quarter Highlights

• Net Sales of $2.84 billion.
• Net Income of $170.1 million.
• Operating Income margins of 9.8% in U.S., 17.5% in Mexico and 4.5% in Europe operations, respectively.
• Adjusted EBITDA of $349.3 million (or a 12.3% margin), and Adjusted EPS of $0.69.
• U.S. portfolio continues to deliver strong results in our differentiated segments, while more market features and promotional activity of chicken supported better demand in the commodity segment. We continue to evolve our well-balanced portfolio to further...

Market House Meats Adds Custom Meat Processing

A year and a half after announcing the addition of its new land-based protein division, Market House Meats will open an additional facility offering custom meat processing to local restaurant and foodservice operators. The new USDA-inspected facility will accommodate specialty orders such as dry-aged cuts tailored to customer focused specifications.

“Market House Meats has far exceeded expectations,” said Mike Higgins, The Fish Guys, Inc. Owner and CEO. “With this addition, we’ve hit a goal to see this company become a true full-service, center-of-the-plate protein purveyor.”

According to Tim McKee, The Fish Guys SVP of Business Development and James Beard award-winning, “Adding a cutting facility opens up a lot of doors. We have customers that have been asking for this service since...

Sanderson Farms Comments on Legal Proceedings

Sanderson Farms, Inc. (NASDAQ: SAFM) today issued the following statement regarding certain ongoing legal proceedings:

“The United States Department of Justice filed a motion on Friday, June 21, 2019, in In re Broiler Chicken Antitrust Litigation stating that it is conducting a criminal investigation regarding the broiler industry. The Company has not been subpoenaed in connection with the Department of Justice investigation. The Company continues to believe the civil plaintiffs’ claims as to Sanderson Farms are wholly without merit, and we are committed to defending the case vigorously.”

Sanderson Farms, Inc. is engaged in the production, processing, marketing and distribution of fresh, frozen and minimally prepared chicken. Its shares trade on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol SAFM...

Tyson Foods: We’re Activating the Ingredients for More Growth

Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN) continues to meet changing consumer needs and is well-positioned for long-term, sustainable growth, company officials told investors and analysts today during Tyson Foods’ Investor Day at the New York Stock Exchange.

Chairman John Tyson, President and CEO Noel White and members of the company’s senior management team spoke at the event, which showcased the strength of Tyson’s diversified portfolio, execution of its long-term growth strategy, efforts to increase its value-added product offerings, continued innovation in food and sustainability, and expansion into new global markets.

“We’re poised for long-term growth because we understand consumers and can meet their needs through a broad portfolio of diverse products,” said White. “As we look ahead, prepared foods and value-added chicken are expected to be...

United Premium Foods Purchases Amboy Group Out of Bankruptcy

The Board of Directors of United Premium Foods (“UPF”), a private investment group based in N.J., today announced the company has purchased the Amboy Group, a provider of quality meat and food products, out of bankruptcy. In addition to UPF’s acquisition of Amboy, Amboy Woodbridge Realty, an entity affiliated with UPF, acquired the real property and cold storage business.

“The acquisitions include a state-of-the-art meat processing and cold storage facility, as well as an extremely strong and loyal customer base,” said Jim Kwon, chairman and acting CEO, UPF. “We are confident that with additional working capital, supplemental management and a new operating team, we can improve operating efficiencies while growing the company’s market share and reach. This investment is affirmation of our belief in the strong fundamentals of the business and our confidence in the upside potential of this company...

ALLETE Clean Energy's Diamond Spring Wind Project Will Provide Renewable Energy to Corporations

Allete Clean Energy, a wholly owned subsidiary of ALLETE (NYSE: ALE), announced today a power sales agreement with Smithfield Foods, Inc. for the remaining output of the Diamond Spring wind site ALLETE Clean Energy will build, own and operate in Oklahoma.

The Smithfield agreement follows an earlier announcement of power sale agreements with two large Fortune 500 companies, Walmart and Starbucks. Walmart has agreed to purchase 175 megawatts for 15 years, Smithfield will purchase 75 megawatts for 12 years, and Starbucks will purchase 50 megawatts for 15 years. The approximately 300-megawatt Diamond Spring site, which is ALLETE Clean Energy’s first project to sell wind power to corporate customers, is now fully contracted with the Smithfield agreement...

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...

Tyson Foods Completes Acquisition of Thai and European Businesses from BRF S.A.

Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN) announced today the successful completion of the acquisition of the Thai and European businesses from BRF S.A. The purchase includes four production facilities in Thailand, and one each in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. These businesses build on the company’s growth strategy to expand offerings of value-added protein in global markets.

“The addition of this experienced and talented team combined with these businesses strengthens our capabilities and increases our reach to new markets. I’m glad to welcome them to the Tyson Foods family,” said Noel White, president and CEO of Tyson Foods. “We’re now strategically aligned to better serve customers in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, building on our global strategy.”

It’s estimated that approximately 90 percent of global protein consumption growth will occur outside the United States, with 60 percent of the volume growth coming from...

JBS USA Announces Nearly $100M Investment at Grand Island Beef Production Facility

JBS USA, a leading U.S.-based, global food company, today announced a $95 million expansion project at its Grand Island, Neb., beef production facility. The project includes new, improved animal handling facilities, a state-of-the-art, temperature-controlled harvest floor and facility reconfiguration designed to improve team member experience, food safety and product quality.

The 107,000 square-foot expansion and facility enhancements will better position the company to sustainably meet evolving customer and consumer expectations for high-quality, great-tasting U.S. beef products. This expansion project has already begun and is anticipated to be completed in early 2021. Operations at Grand Island will...

JBS USA Highlights 2018 Sustainability Accomplishments and Progress Toward 2020 Goals

JBS USA, a U.S.-based global food company, today announced the release of its 2018 Sustainability Report and progress toward 2020 sustainability targets. The report is the company’s first interactive, digital report and represents the most comprehensive and transparent view to date of the global company’s sustainability progress in its operations in Australia, Canada, England, France, Mexico, the Netherlands, Northern Ireland, New Zealand and the United States.

“At our core, we are a food company with a passion to be a part of the family meal, providing sustainable food solutions to our customers and consumers that they can proudly share and serve,” said Andre Nogueira, President and CEO of JBS USA. “The JBS USA 2018 Sustainability Report details our economic, social and environmental progress and the important role...

FSIS Proposes to Remove Dual Labeling Requirements for Certain Amounts of Meat and Poultry Products

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today that it is proposing to amend labeling regulations to remove duplicative net weight and net content requirements for packages that contain certain amounts of meat or poultry products. The proposed regulation would apply to products that are at least one pound or one pint, but less than four pounds or one gallon.

FSIS is proposing this action after receiving a petition submitted by a small meat processor in response to USDA’s request for ideas to better serve its customers ...

OSI Group Acquires Rose Packing Company, Inc.

OSI Group is pleased to announce the acquisition of Rose Packing Company, Inc., a well-established, premier U.S. producer of pork products for leading foodservice and retail customers.

A fifth generation, family-owned and operated leader in the meat industry, Rose is headquartered in Barrington, Illinois, and operates a Chicago production facility with more than 700 employees.

“This transaction brings together two long-time leaders in the food industry, and we are excited to have Rose join the OSI Group,” said Kevin Scott, Senior Executive Vice President, OSI North America. “Strategically, the Rose acquisition complements our existing business and directly supports our growth strategy by providing ...