Pig Stunning Options Raise Welfare and Processing Tradeoffs
The EU‑funded PigStun project compared carbon dioxide, argon and helium for stunning pigs at commercial speeds. While all gases caused aversion, CO₂ produced the quickest loss of posture, whereas argon and helium extended both loss‑posture and excitation times. Argon and helium also lowered early‑post‑mortem pH and raised drip loss, compromising meat quality. The study concluded argon may improve welfare but requires facility redesign, and no gas offers a clear all‑round advantage.
The Big Bird Challenge Is Testing Poultry Plant Design
U.S. poultry processors are confronting a shift toward heavier birds, prompting redesign of plant layouts and equipment. USDA data shows average live weight rising, driving a 1.6% annual growth in total pounds while bird count grows modestly. Larger carcasses stress...
Singing Pastures Lands Investment From Bullish to Scale Meat Snacks
Bullish, a consumer investment and marketing firm, has invested in Singing Pastures, a woman‑owned meat snack brand that uses bone broth, collagen, fermentation and slow‑cooking. The terms of the deal were not disclosed. Singing Pastures already sells in more than...
Panera Expands Bread Bowl Concept with Italian Stuffer Roll
Panera Bread is launching a new menu category called Salad Stuffers, which pair its freshly baked Italian Stuffer Roll with a full‑size salad. The concept expands the brand’s iconic bread‑bowl format beyond soup to include two chef‑crafted options – the...
CoBank Commodity Report Flags Rising Input Cost Pressures
CoBank’s latest Knowledge Exchange report warns that soaring diesel and fertilizer costs are outpacing gains in grain prices, tightening budgets for U.S. farmers and rural businesses. Diesel spikes could add roughly $2,000 per farmer, while fertilizer inputs have risen 20‑40%...
Meat Institute Emerging Leaders Pass the Torch for 2026
The Meat Institute launched its Emerging Leader Class of 2026, a year‑long development program that selects roughly 24 high‑potential professionals from retail, processing, packaging and related sectors. Participants receive mentorship from senior executives, attend seminars on leadership, crisis communication and...
The Spotted Trotter Draws Inspiration and Innovation From US Food Artisans
The Spotted Trotter, founded by Kevin and Megan Ouzts 17 years ago, has grown from a 100‑square‑foot kitchen to an 8,000‑square‑foot Atlanta facility producing "New American Charcuterie" using locally sourced, humanely raised meats. The brand offers 17 salami lines and...
Lottie’s Meats Partners with a Grocery Delivery Service
Lottie’s Meats, a Denver‑based pork sausage brand, announced a partnership with grocery‑delivery service Misfits Market to sell its four premium sausage and ground‑pork lines nationwide. The collaboration lets customers order The Lottie, Bratwurst, Calabrian and Everyday products online, extending the...
Oklahoma Judge Rejects Settlements in Ongoing Poultry Waste Case
A federal judge in Oklahoma dismissed a $31 million settlement reached by Tyson Foods, Cargill, George’s and Peterson Farms over phosphorus pollution in the Illinois River Watershed. The companies had agreed to fund remediation after a 2025 judgment held them liable...
Fresh Gourmet Rethinks Bacon Pieces Placement with Produce Rollout
Fresh Gourmet, the salad‑topping specialist, has introduced two new bacon‑piece products—one real and one uncured. Unlike its traditional placement in the center aisles, the company will stock the items alongside fresh vegetables in the produce department. The move is framed...
Growing Hispanic Pork Demand Shapes National Pork Board Campaign
The National Pork Board launched the "Explora Todo El Gusto Del Pork" campaign to spark long‑term pork demand among Hispanic Gen Z and Millennial consumers, who make up 40% of the U.S. Hispanic population. The initiative highlights pork’s flavor, versatility and...
Dietary Guidelines’ Protein Push Collides with Grocery Budgets
The 2025‑2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans push a protein‑heavy food pyramid, prompting Numerator’s analysis that full compliance would lift per‑person grocery spending by 32% to $106‑$139 per month, or roughly $1,012 annually. The new recommendations boost protein servings by 91%...
Reformulation Amidst Regulatory and Cost Challenges
Sysco announced a $29 billion acquisition of Restaurant Depot, the nation’s largest wholesale food distributor to independent operators. Triumph Foods disclosed a $30 million expansion of its Missouri facilities to boost ready‑to‑eat protein lines. Tyson Foods will shutter its prepared‑foods plant in...
Cal-Maine Relies on Diversification with Egg Prices Falling
Cal-Maine Foods reported a 53% plunge in third‑quarter FY2026 net sales to $667 million and a 90% drop in net income, down to $50.5 million, as conventional egg prices fell 70% year‑over‑year. Specialty eggs and prepared‑food products together accounted for more than...
Clemens Brand Expands Bacon Lineup with Fully Cooked Foodservice Topping
Clemens Food Group’s Hatfield brand unveiled a Fully Cooked Bacon Topping aimed at foodservice operators, offering pre‑cut ⅜‑inch and ½‑inch pieces that eliminate traditional bacon preparation. The ready‑to‑heat product promises consistent flavor, reduced labor, and lower waste for kitchens facing...
