December 2025

The National Provisioner

In the December issue of The National Provisioner, explore the 2026 economic outlook report, which highlights strong demand and nutrition trends that support a positive forecast for the meat and poultry industries. Also featured is the family-owned meat market that received AAMP's prestigious Achievement Award. Get a sneak peek of IPPE 2026, read a special report on cold chain efficiencies, and consider a pressing question: is the meat and poultry industry over-investigating listeria? Don't miss the Inside Scoop with Bryan Freeman!

Real Good Foods interview with Executive Chairman Bryan Freeman

Inside scoop: Real Good Foods enters the meatball category

Real Goods Foods Executive Chairman Bryan Freeman shares insights on the company's chicken meatball line.

October 10, 2025

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In this exclusive interview, Real Goods Foods Executive Chairman Bryan Freeman walks The National Provisioner through the development process for its new meatball line and explains how this innovation aligns with consumer shopping priorities.

POV from a seat amongst an audience, listening to a speaker. Front rows and speaker are blurred.

Commentary: AMSA

SMA MEAT Forum: Where meat industry leaders meet

The event draws meat and food industry professionals from across all levels of leadership.

Lacy Bates

December 8, 2025

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Participation is open to all industry professionals, regardless of SMA membership.

Digital economic graph with three yellow arrows on the lower right hand corner pointing up and a yellow triangle next to the word "meat", the background is a shelf full of steak.

2026 Economic Outlook Report

Strong demand and nutrition trends bolster meat and poultry outlook

Tight beef supply opens opportunity for chicken at foodservice.

Fred Wilkinson

December 15, 2025

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Price-conscious consumers’ shift to dining at-home plays to pork’s strength.

Dried meat sticks on a chopping board, whole and sliced jalapeno peppers, cheese and pepper seasoning on a board.

RJ's Meats Processor Profile

Commitment to quality defines Wisconsin-based RJ’s Meats

Rick and Anne Reams demonstrate dedication to quality of their meat products, as well as collaboration across the industry.

Sammy Bredar

December 18, 2025

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RJ’s Meats wins hundreds of awards for its meat products, signaling a persistent commitment to innovation and satisfaction.

Gloved hand holding a test tube labeled "Listeria - Test". A group of blue and purple capped test tubes in the background.

Fight for Food Safety

Is the meat and poultry industry over-investigating Listeria?

Why the meat and poultry industry remains stuck in battle mode.

Shawn K. Stevens

December 11, 2025

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The industry’s approach to environmental monitoring may need recalibration.

Convention Preview: IPPE 2026

Driven by genetics, fueled by formulation, defined by precision -- welcome to IPPE 2026

IPPE 2026 will introduce a lineup of new and complimentary educational sessions.

Gwen Venable

December 10, 2025

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IPPE draws industry leaders and decision-makers from across the globe.

Special Report: Distribution Strategies

Containing costs drives cold chain efficiencies

Integrated storage and transportation solutions help reduce dwell time and protect product quality.

Fred Wilkinson

December 9, 2025

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Forward distribution centers add about 3 million pallet positions in North America.

People seated at tables next to pop-up tents at an outdoor event.

Processor Profile: Louie's Finer Meats

Community engagement and continuous improvement propel Louie’s Finer Meats

Cumberland, Wisc.-based Louie's Finer Meats is known for their award-winning meat and specialty sausage products.

Sammy Bredar

December 17, 2025

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Dedication, creativity and passion for the craft turn a small-town butchery into a multi-award-winning powerhouse in the meat industry.

2026 Small Processor Economic Outlook Report

Processors pursue efficiency and new markets to mitigate rising costs

One of the biggest challenges facing small processors is the shortage of labor.

Fred Wilkinson

December 16, 2025

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Proposed legislation would expand market reach for small processors.

Overhead shot of cooked pork ribs and sprigs of thyme.

Category Report: Pork

Nutritional benefits and taste propel pork category success

Pork campaigns and university research reinforce consumer priorities surrounding taste and wellness.

Sammy Bredar

December 12, 2025

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Evolving consumer preferences surrounding nutrition, taste and affordability are redefining the pork category’s competitive landscape.

The live webinar will explore the latest technologies, emerging risks, and practical strategies shaping food safety programs across meat and poultry processing operations. Attendees will hear from industry experts on key challenges impacting processors today, along with approaches for strengthening and updating food safety plans across their facilities.

The National Provisioner

December 2025

Other

Inside scoop: Real Good Foods enters the meatball category

Columns

SMA MEAT Forum: Where meat industry leaders meet

Cover Story

Strong demand and nutrition trends bolster meat and poultry outlook

Feature Articles

Commitment to quality defines Wisconsin-based RJ’s Meats

Is the meat and poultry industry over-investigating Listeria?

Driven by genetics, fueled by formulation, defined by precision -- welcome to IPPE 2026

Containing costs drives cold chain efficiencies

Independent Processor

Community engagement and continuous improvement propel Louie’s Finer Meats

Processors pursue efficiency and new markets to mitigate rising costs

Nutritional benefits and taste propel pork category success

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