H-E-B has partnered with celebrity chefs Andrew Zimmern and Barton Seaver to promote seafood sustainability through events tied to the release of "The Blue Food Cookbook." The grocer also has collaborated with Fishwise to enhance seafood sourcing, traceability and ethical practices. "This collaboration allows us to share creative ways to prepare nutritious recipes while amplifying the importance of responsibly sourced seafood that preserves our environment," says Jason Driskill, vice president of seafood at H-E-B.

Hershey has finalized its acquisition of organic snack brand LesserEvil, aiming to strengthen its presence in the salty snack market. The purchase, estimated at $750 million, aligns with Hershey's strategy to offer healthier snack options and attract younger consumers. Hershey plans to integrate LesserEvil and explore new snacking categories, following a successful approach similar to the Dot's Homestyle Pretzels acquisition.

Coborn's is set to open a new supermarket, Coborn's Market & Table, in Plymouth, Minn., in March, featuring significant in-store dining options. The store will include The Buttered Tin, a bakery and cafe, and The Global Table, a food court with three fast-casual concepts by local chef David Fhima.

Target is launching a supply chain facility in Euclid, Ohio, to enhance next-day delivery across Greater Cleveland. The 40,000-square-foot center, operated with Ryder, will serve as the central processing point for orders filled by local stores and delivered by Shipt. The pilot aims to test the effectiveness of relying solely on Shipt for last-mile delivery, potentially reaching up to 5,000 packages per day during peak periods.

Dive into a realm where chocolate becomes a bespoke journey. Visit our booth to explore daring new tastes, healthier choices like dairy-free and plant-based, alongside tailored manufacturing for your private label dreams.

Emmi Roth Brand Communications Manager Kaya Freiman shares strategies for merchandising specialty cheese during the holiday season, emphasizing the importance of cross-merchandising to build bigger baskets. Freiman suggests creating a holiday cheese destination, offering gift-ready options, and setting up festive sampling stations, as well as creating eye-catching displays and promoting value without discounting. "Emmi Le Gruyère experiences a sales lift of up to two times when merchandised during key holiday timeframes," Freiman said.

Hispanic consumers are recognized as trendsetters, with more than half identifying as early adopters of new products, styles and technology. Their influence extends beyond personal use as they actively shape opinions and drive trends within their communities, especially through social media and word of mouth. Brands can harness this trendsetting power by offering early access to new products, encouraging user-generated content, collaborating with Hispanic innovators, and maintaining a strong presence on platforms where trends quickly emerge.

Walmart is integrating agentic AI across its enterprise to enhance the shopping experience by analyzing data in near-real time and automatically taking actions such as adjusting prices and issuing refunds. Mark Simon, vice president of strategy at Celigo, says Walmart is preparing product data for agentic AI by integrating it into major AI platforms, allowing brands to leverage Walmart's marketplace more effectively.

While debates over casseroles and food traditions may never be settled, one thing everyone can agree on is the importance of keeping food safe. Holiday meals often involve large portions, multiple cooks bustling in the kitchen and dishes that may sit out while guests mingle—all of which can increase the risk of foodborne illness if not handled properly. That’s why food safety is an essential ingredient and center role at any holiday meal.

Each year, the Annual Meat Conference honors emerging professionals through the Leaders of Tomorrow Awards, recognizing individuals who demonstrate leadership, ingenuity and a forward-looking approach to operational excellence. The 2025 class exemplifies the remarkable opportunities the next generation brings. Their achievements offer a clear message: investing in your people strengthens your business and the broader meat industry.