From dairy-free offerings and meat alternatives to refrigerated meal kits and produce packs, the refrigerated foods industry continues to reinvent itself.

And, 2020 will be the year where refrigerated foods reign supreme.

Think regenerative agriculture, single-serve packaging, prebiotics, probiotics, CBD-infused, protein-packed and sustainability-driven new product development.

Think new flavors, new labeling and new categories.

Here’s Refrigerated & Frozen Foods’ Top 25 Refrigerated Foods Processors report, a list of the Top 5 refrigerated foods processors broken down by category (entrées/sides/prepared foods, meat/poultry/seafood, dairy, fruits/vegetables and dips/spreads). Processors are ranked by annual net sales and listings.

Companies that appear in more than one category are marked with an (*) by the company name. For those companies that didn’t respond or declined to release figures, estimated sales numbers, which are marked with an asterisk (*), are based on company reports, news releases, market analysts’ reports, industry media and more.

 This report represents Refrigerated & Frozen Foods’ best efforts to reflect sales from all refrigerated channels.

Sales figures and estimates are based on company reports, news releases, market analysts’ reports, industry media and more. Figures exclude shelf-stable products, but may include non-refrigerated sectors, as some companies do not separate refrigerated sales from frozen. Bag salad sales exclude raw produce. Prepared foods sales include prepared dishes and salads. Fruits and vegetables exclude juice.

Dairy: Dairy-free innovation leads the way

Sales of milk dropped by around $1.1 billion since last year, with the net sales in 2018 amounting for $13.6 billion, compared to $14.7 billion in 2017, according to the Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), Kansas City, Kan.

On the other hand, the market for dairy alternatives was valued at around $11.9 billion in 2017, and is estimated to be worth over $24 billion by 2025.

That’s because non-dairy products are taking over the dairy category.

For instance, non-dairy milk moved from the No. 10 to No. 8 spot in New York-based Pollock Communications’ annual survey. Meanwhile, dairy alternatives, oat and nut-based milks in particular, will continue to reign in 2020, according to New York-based Specialty Food Association’s specialty food predictions.

Find out how dairy-free innovation helps these Top 5 dairy processors experience growth.

Significant events in 2019

• Saputo acquired Dairy Crest Group plc, as well as the specialty cheese business of Lion-Dairy & Drinks Pty Ltd. Saputo Cheese refreshed the packaging for its Frigo Cheese Heads string cheese. Saputo also began construction of a new state-of-the-art fluid milk manufacturing facility in Canada, and has taken steps to optimize operations by closing facilities in Courtenay, British Columbia, Canada; Fond du Lac, Wis.; and Dresser, Wis.
• General Mills signed a virtual 15-year power purchase agreement with Roaring Fork Wind, LLC, a joint venture partnership between Renewable Energy Systems and Steelhead Americas, for 200 megawatts of its Maverick Creek wind project. General Mills also collaborated with Foremost Farms USA on a 3-year pilot program that produced a combined 11% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for 16 dairy farmers in Michigan. Additionally, General Mills joined 10 private-sector companies and non-profit organizations to form the Ecosystem Services Market Consortium to promote land stewardship. The company’s 2019 Global Responsibility Report further outlines its approach to creating environmental, social and economic value in the countries where it operates. General Mills’ chairman and CEO Jeff Harmening was elected new chairman of the board for the Grocery Manufacturers Association.
• Kraft Heinz’ evolv group introduced an artificial intelligence-powered app called Meal Hero that’s poised to transform the way people plan, shop and cook their meals. Kraft Heinz also launched what is said to be the largest on-pack intelligent packaging program.
• Dean Foods filed for bankruptcy, and announced plans to possibly sell to the Dairy Farmers of America.
• Conagra Brands announced plans to build The Conagra Brands Center for Food Design, located next to its existing Chicago headquarters in The Merchandise Mart. The new 40,000-square-foot innovation center will focus on innovation related to snacking.

Back to Top  ↑

Dips & Spreads:--How refrigerated dips category scoops up big growth

Refrigerated dips are scooping up big sales, with total U.S. multi-outlet sales of refrigerated pourable salad dressings up 3% to reach $425.8 million in sales for the 52 weeks ending June 16, 2019, according to IRI. Meanwhile, refrigerated dips gained 8.3% for $1.1 billion in sales for the same time period.

And, data from Chicago-based SPINS finds the $11.2 million refrigerated plant-based dips category growing at 91%.

Here’s how the Top 5 players in this category play a major role in increased sales.

Changes to the report:

• Added T. Marzetti Co. to the report.
• As a result, omitted Cedar’s Foods.

Significant events in 2019

• Sabra Dipping Co. opened Whirled Peas, a limited-time pop-up experience reimagining the hummus as inspired by global culture and cuisine. Sabra also released a study that revealed the average American only eats breakfast three times a week.

Significant events to come in 2020

• Reser’s Fine Foods will be profiled in an upcoming Refrigerated & Frozen Foods’ 30-year anniversary issue to discuss its growth, progress and success since being named 2012 Refrigerated Foods Processor of the Year. 

Back to Top  ↑

Fruits & Vegetables: Fresh fuels growth in produce aisles

Transparency and sustainability remain the key driving forces of growth in fresh foods. And, U.S. retailers of all types are seeing upticks in everything from pre-made food offerings to meal kits, according to study this produced by Nielsen, Chicago. which sits within the broader topic of transparency, is becoming increasingly important to many consumers. Case in point: a study produced by Nielsen, Chicago, reveals a 20% increase in sustainable product sales since 2014.

Pre-cut, packaged or seasoned products have been some of the biggest and most consistent sources of growth in the produce department over the past few years, according to this Nielsen study.

Find out how the Top 5 players in this category utilize sustainable measures to drive progress in fresh food operations.

Changes from last year’s report

• Danone North America sold Earthbound Farm; is no longer in the fresh produce category.
• Add Earthbound Farm to the report.

Significant events in 2019

• Taylor Farms acquired Earthbound Farm from Danone SA. Meanwhile, an Earthbound Farm study found that today’s organic shoppers are more mainstream and diverse than most contemporary stereotypes of pro-organic shoppers.
• Fresh Del Monte Produce released its 2019 sustainability report, which focused on further reducing its emissions footprint, achieving carbon neutrality across more of its operations and partnering with other organizations to multiply its impact.
• The Bonduelle Group acquired the industrial assets of the LLC SHOCK frozen vegetable production company located in Belgorod, Russia, and acquired Seneca Foods’ Lebanon, Pa., plant. Meanwhile, Bonduelle Fresh Americas (formerly known as Ready Pac Corp.) was named Refrigerated & Frozen Foods’ 2019 Refrigerated Foods Processor of the Year. Bonduelle Fresh Americas also installed an energy-efficient cogeneration system at the company's Irwindale, Calif., headquarters production plant.

Back to Top  ↑

Meat, Poultry & Seafood: Meat processors embrace plant-based trend, experience category growth

If you can’t beat them, join them, and that’s clearly the stance many of today’s traditional meat processors have taken. That’s because in addition to their core product lines, they’ve also developed plant-based and meat alternative SKUs to cater to the every consumer. And, they don’t stop there. They’ve also incorporated alternative energy, sustainable farms and automated production lines to improve carbon footprint and meet sustainable goals.

Find out how the Top 5 players in this category are revolutionizing the market one plant-based product at a time.

Significant events in 2019

• Smithfield Foods introduced Smithfield Culinary, the company’s new foodservice portfolio. In partnership with Isle of Wight County Schools and Isle of Wight County. Smithfield Foods created a new career building program at Smithfield High School, consisting of classroom space and resources for five career and technology programs, including manufacturing, engineering, welding, nursing and the culinary arts. Additionally, Smithfield Foods signed an agreement with United Wind to power dozens of Smithfield hog farms in Colorado with on-site wind energy. Likewise, Smithfield Foods and Roeslein Alternative Energy formed a joint venture called Monarch Bioenergy to produce renewable natural gas (RNG) across Smithfield’s hog farms in Missouri. Smithfield Foods also engaged 80% of its grain supply chain.
• Hormel Foods Corp. and IGS Solar began construction on a solar energy project at the Hormel Foods Swiss American Sausage Co. facility in Lathrop, Calif. Hormel also launched new plant-forward protein portfolio under its Cultivated Foods umbrella. 
• Tyson Fresh Meats collaborated with IdentiGEN to use DNA technology to trace beef back to the individual animal of origin. Meanwhile, Tyson Foods invested in Grupo Vibra’s food division to allow for more flexibility in serving customers in key global markets. Through its corporate venture subsidiary, Tyson Ventures, Tyson Foods invested in New Wave Foods, then sold its 6.5% stake in Beyond Meat to develop its own line of alternative protein products. Tyson Foods expanded its Camilla, Ga., processing plant, acquired BRF S.A.’s Thai and European operations and rebuilt its Holcomb, Kan., plant following a fire Aug. 9, 2019. Tyson Foods also created the Tyson Manufacturing Automation Center, a new, state-of-the-art facility designed to help the company develop more automation and robotics for its food production plants. It also partnered with Proforest to conduct a deforestation risk assessment across its global agriculture supply chain. What’s more is, Tyson Foods partnered with Auburn University’s National Poultry Technology Center to open what is said to be the largest stand-alone solar-powered poultry house to be operated completely off the grid.
• JBS USA released its 2018 Sustainability Report, which outlined progress toward its 2020 sustainability targets. JBS USA also announced a $95 million expansion project at its Grand Island, Neb., beef production facility.
• Cargill expanded its protein production capacity in Chuzhou, Anhui, China, with a $48.8 million investment in a production plant. Meanwhile, a Cargill study shows more than two-thirds of respondents say they intend to maintain or increase their consumption of animal protein in the next year, while four-fifths of participants express interest in plant-based or alternative sources of protein. Furthermore, Cargill launched BeefUp Sustainability, an initiative committed to achieving a 30% greenhouse gas intensity reduction across its North American beef supply chain by 2030.

Back to Top  ↑

Entreés, Sides, Prepared Foods: Fresh, convenience provide one-stop-shop for chilled sandwiches, breakfast items and more

From fresh and convenient to pre-packaged and grab-and-go, today’s consumers seek a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to refrigerated foods.

In fact, 69% of respondents enjoy eating “breakfast for dinner.” The survey, conducted by OnePoll, UK, on behalf of Avocados from Peru, based in Peru, also revealed that top of the list was eating something quick to make (46%), healthy (45%) or full of nutrients (39%), followed by food that tastes good (39%) or that’s fresh (34%).

Here’s how the Top 5 players in this category innovate for the future.

Significant events in 2019

• General Mills signed a virtual 15-year power purchase agreement with Roaring Fork Wind, LLC, a joint venture partnership between Renewable Energy Systems and Steelhead Americas, for 200 megawatts of its Maverick Creek wind project. General Mills also collaborated with Foremost Farms USA on a 3-year pilot program that produced a combined 11% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for 16 dairy farmers in Michigan. Additionally, General Mills joined 10 private-sector companies and non-profit organizations to form the Ecosystem Services Market Consortium to promote land stewardship. The company’s 2019 Global Responsibility Report further outlines its approach to creating environmental, social and economic value in the countries where it operates. General Mills’ chairman and CEO Jeff Harmening was elected new chairman of the board for the Grocery Manufacturers Association.
• Kraft Heinz’ evolv group introduced an artificial intelligence-powered app called Meal Hero that’s poised to transform the way people plan, shop and cook their meals. Kraft Heinz also launched what is said to be the largest on-pack intelligent packaging program.
• Conagra Brands announced plans to build The Conagra Brands Center for Food Design, located next to its existing Chicago headquarters in The Merchandise Mart. The new 40,000-square-foot innovation center will focus on innovation related to snacking.

Back to Top  ↑

The Reports