As the plant manager of the Kinston facility, David Hoffman said driving quality and a food safety mindset among the team are top of mind, although his number one goal is to provide a safe work environment for plant employees.

Smithfield Foods’ Eckrich brand partnered with ESPN sports journalist Marty Smith and Heisman Trophy winner Andre Ware for its Eckrich $1 Million Challenge for Teachers.

For the past 21 years, Smithfield’s Tar Heel facility has been recognized as an environmental leader under the Environmental Stewardship Initiative.

Smithfield has also pledged to donate 200 million servings of protein by 2025 as part of its commitment to fight food insecurity.

Hormel Foods was included in Newsweek magazine's list of America’s greatest workplaces for diversity in 2024 along with Pilgrim’s Pride, Smithfield Foods and more.

SEED is a comprehensive youth apprenticeship program that provides career pathways and college education for high school students in southeastern North Carolina counties.

The company said it is forming a strategic alliance with Argal Group, a Spanish producer of packaged meats and charcuterie.

The company plans to transfer production to its Tar Heel facility for increased efficiency and better use of existing capacity.

The new system will replace the majority of the existing system, adding treatment processes and enhanced capabilities.

The company agreed to pay $9.75 million to resolve allegations of a pork price-fixing conspiracy.