Poultry producer Bell & Evans is experiencing significant growth in its organic chicken program, increasing its need for U.S. grown organic-certified corn and soybeans used in its organic chicken feed. The family-owned producer finalized a long-term sourcing agreement with global ag leader Cargill to exclusively secure its organic grain and increase domestic organic grain supply. Under the agreement, Cargill will incentivize U.S. farmers to transition acreage from conventional to organic management through subsidized organic crop consulting services provided by organic pioneer Rodale Institute.

Vejii Holdings through its U.S.-based subsidiary, Vejii, an online platform offering thousands of vegan and plant-based products, has launched Vejii Express, which offers guaranteed shipping within two business-days across the U.S. on select products. The website now includes a section that showcases products that are available via Vejii Express. 

Sweet Grass Dairy, an award-winning cheesemaker and one of​ the largest Southern artisan cheese brands, hosted a socially distanced ribbon cutting ceremony with The Thomas County Chamber of Commerce, Thomasville National Bank, CCH​ Construction, and architect Leon Lynn from Jinright, Ryan & Lynn. The ceremony took place at​ Sweet Grass Dairy’s new production facility located at 126 Roseway Drive in Thomasville, Georgia.

Hormel Foods announced that Glenn Leitch, executive vice president of supply chain, will retire during the second calendar quarter of 2021. Mark Coffey, currently senior vice president of supply chain and manufacturing for Hormel Foods, will advance to group vice president of supply chain and will lead the company's global supply chain. Additionally, Jen Ehresmann was named to vice president of supply chain. The company's supply chain includes more than 30 production facilities and co-packing partners, producing thousands of products sold worldwide.

The Worthy Company, creator of the plant-based, ready-to-eat Worthy Bowl, is expanding distribution to Southern California Costco and Bristol Farms locations. The Worthy Company’s Strawberry & Greens flavor in a 4-pack is now available at nine Southern California Costco locations, while 14 Bristol Farms stores will offer the brand’s Strawberry & Greens, Vanilla Orange and Mango & Greens bowls in early March.

See the latest bagging, weighing and case packing innovations.

Signode, a leading global manufacturer of automated packaging equipment, tools, and consumables, will showcase its new, complete automation solutions at the virtual ProMat Show 2021.

RLS Logistics, a national third-party logistics provider specializing in temperature-controlled logistics, announced their 2020 contribution total for their Pallets 4 Plates program. In 2020, through their program, 365,291 plates of food were supplied to charities in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Utah, including Food Cowboy and the Food Bank of South Jersey. Also, equivalent cash contributions were made to Baker’s Club of Philadelphia, American Heart Association, Pink Clover Foundation, numerous local schools, and youth sports teams.

Urban Pie Pizza Co., a brand manufactured under the Palermo Villa, Inc. umbrella, is now available nationwide at Whole Foods. Three of the brand’s Thin Artisan Crust line will be sold at Whole Foods for a suggested retail price of $8.99 every day.

Jensen Meat, a Southern California-based processor of ground beef, is currently expanding both its facilities and its team to manage co-packing opportunities for plant-based beef alternatives. To accelerate production, Jensen has already broken ground on its new processing plant which will also create new jobs when complete.