Pilgrim’s Pride announced it has executed an acquisition agreement to acquire the meats and meals business of Kerry Consumer Foods in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Following the acquisition, Pilgrim’s will be a leading food company, with a significant value-added protein and integrated prepared foods business anchored by a portfolio of strong brands.

Hormel's Deli Solutions Group has rolled out its line of Perfect Plate products, making it easier for retailers to deliver what consumers are looking for in a touch-free and convenient meal while easing the back-of-house labor challenges that may come with prepared meal products in a store's deli section.

Cafe Spice is launching three new, globally-inspired, heat-and-eat meals sold exclusively at Whole Foods. Created in partnership with the Whole Foods Market North Atlantic culinary team, the new Cafe Spice dishes highlight bold and exotic flavors that will take taste buds on a culinary adventure from the convenience of home.

See what’s trending in refrigerated and frozen meals and entrées.

Carando, a brand of Smithfield Foods, is venturing further into the deli section with the addition of handheld, fully-cooked calzones. The new line features three flavors to tantalize every palate, including Pepperoni, Meatball, and Chicken Parmesan. Known for its authentic Italian flavors, the calzones offer consumers a simple, no-prep meal without skimping on taste.

In July, Universal Pure acquired Stay Fresh Foods LLC, combining two providers of HPP services and solutions into a consolidated platform that operates 15 HPP machines across six facilities in the United States, serves over 110 customers and has HPPd over 900 million pounds of food and beverage products.