R&FF provides its annual listing of the leading retail and foodservice processors in each of six industry segments. Coverage includes “Year in Review” highlights with segment-leading companies.


Objects in mirror are closer than they appear.

Just as a car’s side-view mirror provides a slightly altered reflection, Refrigerated & Frozen Foods’ Top 150 Food Processors feature reveals who the leading processors are - although this true picture is bound to be a little distorted too.

That’s because the past 18 months have brought unprecedented cost pressures involving fuel, energy and raw materials (including grains, dairy ingredients, oils, eggs). With no sign of these costs abating, many food processors already have raised prices - and those that have not, are strongly considering it.

So, perhaps it’s more fitting to point out that leading processors are distinguished by other critical indicators. Unit volume data, operating profits and earnings figures provide the essential coloring and shading needed to round out a picture of any company’s true financial health. Interestingly - and unsurprisingly - cost swings have cooled merger and acquisition activity.

For a look at who’s still standing - and how category leaders are responding - continue reading R&FF’s annual industry feature.



About this report

Refrigerated & Frozen Foods’ 11th annual industry leaders report profiles the top 25 processors in each of six refrigerated and frozen food sectors. Processors are ranked by annual net sales and listings represent R&FF’s best efforts to reflect pertinent sales from all channels. Sales figures and estimates are based on company reports, news releases, market analysts’ reports, industry media and other sources. Figures exclude shelf-stable products.


Categories

Meals & Entrees
Includes refrigerated and frozen breakfasts and breakfast entrees, hand-held entrees and sandwiches, bagged meal kits, pizza, plated dinner meals and entrees, pot pies, meatless entrees, prepared seafood entrees, soups and pasta.

Snacks, Appetizers & Side Dishes
Includes refrigerated and frozen prepared snacks, appetizers, hors d’oeuvres, side dishes, deli-style salads, potato products, prepared gelatins, puddings and soft pretzels.

Meat & Poultry
Includes fresh and processed beef, poultry, pork and lamb.

Bakery
Includes refrigerated and frozen breads, rolls, bagels, biscuits, cakes, pies, Danish, cookies and other products. Available in dough, par-baked and fully-baked forms.

Dairy
Includes milk, butter, cultured products, ice cream, novelties, natural and processed cheese, dairy-based spreads and toppings.

Fruits & Vegetables
Includes refrigerated and frozen processed fruit, vegetables and prepared, fresh-cut salads.