Processed meat is an industry that is driven by the demand for meat. A rapid increase in globalization resulted in amped-up meat processing procedures. Consumers increased their protein intake. And, busy, on-the-go, 2-income families rely on ready-to-eat meals that oftentimes, incorporate meat as the main component. These are just a few factors driving the processed meat industry.

Maple Leaf Foods, Toronto said it expects this May to consolidate its further processed poultry operations into its Brantford and Mississauga, Ontario, facilities.

National processed meats supplier Bar-S Foods, Phoenix, said it named Warren Panico as president and chief operating officer effective immediately.

Processed meats giant American Foods Group LLC, Green Bay, Wis., said it expects in late February or early March to purchase Double D Foods Inc.

Private investor Littlejohn & Co., LLC, Greenwich, Conn., said it completed the recapitalization of CTI Foods Holding Co., LLC, a Wilder, Idaho-based meat processor.