Articles by Sam Gazdziak

Meet “Regi,” the new meat vending machine installed at RJ’s Meats in Hudson, Wis.

Last year, I had the chance to attend the IFFA Show in Frankfurt, Germany, for the first time. Along with being overwhelmed by the size and scope of the show itself, I had the chance to explore the neighborhood around the fairgrounds in Frankfurt.

Whether barbecue or bahn mi, consumers are always on the lookout for the latest flavor or cuisine trend. Regardless of the type of food, turkey seems to find a way into the conversation.

With five distinct businesses operating under the Armand Agra parent company, the Flocchini family produces and distributes everything from fresh fish to gourmet whole-meat beef sausages to elk jerky to ground bison.

As co-owner of Thrushwood Farms, of Galesburg, Ill., Doug Hankes has helped steer his family business into exciting new growth areas. As the president of AAMP, Hankes has worked to ensure the association delivers timely information, advice and information to its members.

Independent Processor editor Sam Gazdziak explains why consumers are scaling back on serving sizes, and what the meat industry can do to meet the needs of consumers looking for smaller portions.

The news headlines of the past year have been dominated by upheaval and uncertainty, but the stories surrounding the meat and poultry industry were more positive. Those stories were a part of the largely positive response from the industry to this year’s annual Top 100 Processors Report.

Company’s first foray outside its New Jersey home will serve the Southeast, South-Central markets

Burgers’ Smokehouse has undergone many expansions, additions and upgrades, but the important aspects of its business haven’t changed. The company still uses its traditional curing methods; it’s just applying its traditions to a wider range of products, and at a larger scale than ever before.

Canned meats have, right or wrong, developed a reputation as a substandard product, made with the cheapest cuts and leftover trimmings, packed with preservatives. That is of course a false assumption, and one Keystone Meats works to change consumer perception about.