Industry Overview - The agriculture industry is undergoing a significant transformation driven by advanced technologies and innovations, addressing the urgent need for sustainable and efficient farming practices due to global population growth and climate change [2][3] - Agricultural technology (AgTech) and food innovation are pivotal in revolutionizing food production, enhancing productivity, and reducing environmental impact [2][3] AgTech Innovations - AgTech is reshaping food production, processing, and distribution through advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology, and automation, leading to smarter and more sustainable agriculture [3] - Technologies such as precision farming, lab-grown meat, and plant-based alternatives are at the forefront of this transformation, enabling farmers to optimize operations and reduce resource waste [3][5] Protein Market Transformation - The global protein market is shifting towards healthier and more sustainable alternatives, including plant-based proteins and lab-grown meat, driven by health-conscious consumers [4] - Companies like Ingredion Incorporated are investing in plant-based ingredients to meet the rising global demand for sustainable protein solutions [4] Supply Chain Enhancements - Emerging technologies like blockchain and the Internet of Things (IoT) are improving food traceability and safety standards while minimizing waste in logistics and distribution [5] - Automation in food processing and packaging is enabling companies to deliver fresher products more efficiently and reduce operational costs [5] Investment Opportunities - Companies adopting advanced technologies are gaining a competitive edge, with top-performing stocks in AgTech and food innovation presenting compelling investment opportunities [6] - Industry leaders such as Beyond Meat, Hormel Foods, and Tyson Foods are leveraging AgTech to enhance growth and competitiveness [6] Beyond Meat Initiatives - Beyond Meat is focused on redefining protein production through innovative plant-based meats that replicate traditional animal products, addressing climate change and public health challenges [8] - The company is expanding its global footprint and investing in sustainable product development and supply chain transformation [11] Hormel Foods Strategies - Hormel Foods is utilizing digital technologies and AgTech solutions to enhance operational efficiency and food production standards, including a $1.7 million investment in regenerative agriculture [11][13] - The company is expanding its innovation pipeline with a focus on alternative protein development through partnerships, such as with The Better Meat Co. [12] Tyson Foods Transformation - Tyson Foods is investing in agricultural technology and food innovation to support sustainable protein production and digital transformation [14] - The company is enhancing operational efficiency through automation and logistics improvements, aiming for $200 million in annual savings by 2030 [16]

The Grocer is proud to highlight its commitment to supporting local, by celebrating the true MVPs of the season—Ontario farmers and producers who bring the freshest summer items to our tables.Toronto, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- This summer, Metro is celebrating the heart of Ontario’s food scene by shining a spotlight on the true MVPs of the season—local farmers and producers who bring fresh, flavourful ingredients to tables across the province. With record levels of interest in Canadian-grown and pro ...

– Transaction creates new joint-venture in the North American produce industry backed by private investment firms – – Parties intend to provide additional capital to execute a roll-up strategy of other produce assets and operations – LAKE MARY, Fla., June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vanguard Food LP, a privately-held produce industry joint venture between Kennedy Lewis Investment Management, Sweat Equities, and Village Farms International, today announced the closing of a transaction which created a new, e ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has maintained a strong balance sheet over the past five years, aligning short and long-term incentives with shareholder value creation and maintaining a disciplined capital allocation policy [19][20] - The company reported a dividend of $0.40 per share and authorized a $3 billion share repurchase program through December 2026, indicating a focus on returning value to shareholders [59] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Emerging Markets, the company has achieved a 7% CAGR in top-line growth from 2022 to 2024, with nearly 175,000 new distribution points added since implementing the go-to-market model [8] - The North America Retail segment is facing challenges, but the company is prioritizing brands under pressure, such as Lunchables and Capri Sun, with new product innovations and marketing campaigns [11][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. Away from Home market is experiencing a slowdown, but the company is expanding its footprint and growing beyond ketchup, with partnerships like those with the Chicago Cubs and Hilton Hotels [9][10] - The company has consistently grown market share in the U.S. from 2021 to 2024, adding 16,000 new distribution points globally in Q1 of the current year [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on three strategic pillars: North America Retail, Global Away From Home, and Emerging Markets, with an emphasis on sustainable growth and brand investment [7][14] - The company aims to innovate and evolve its product offerings to meet consumer preferences, including gluten-free and dairy-free options, while maintaining a commitment to quality [16][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges market pressures but expresses confidence in the company's strategic direction and the strength of its brands [7][24] - The company anticipates inflation of 5% to 7% in 2025, primarily driven by commodity costs, and is embedding this into its guidance [55] Other Important Information - The company has achieved its highest employee engagement scores ever in 2024 and has been recognized as a great place to work in 22 countries [21][22] - The company has won multiple awards for its marketing campaigns, indicating a strong focus on creative excellence and brand building [15][16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Will Kraft Heinz commit to establishing new nutrition targets using recognized models? - The company acknowledges the lack of a globally aligned nutrition profile model but has established its own guidelines and is reviewing external models [52][53] Question: Is it a good time for acquisitions given the depressed stock prices in the food industry? - The company is always looking for portfolio management opportunities and has a strong balance sheet, but will maintain financial discipline in any actions taken [54][55] Question: Will Kraft Heinz reconsider commitments regarding cage-free eggs? - The company stands by its commitment to globally source cage-free eggs while working with suppliers to improve sourcing options [57][58] Question: When can shareholders expect a dividend increase? - The company recently declared a dividend of $0.40 per share and believes the share repurchase program provides better opportunities for returning value to shareholders [59] Question: Why is the stock price not performing well, and what is being done to correct it? - The company believes it is currently undervalued and is focused on executing its plans for 2025 and beyond to create opportunities for investors [60]

Lochem, 8 May 2025 Trading update Q1 2025 Positive trend continues with volume growth and strong profitability in Q1 Pieter Wolleswinkel, CEO ForFarmers: "We look back on a strong quarter in which we once again achieved growth in our compound feed volumes. This is in line with our ambition to retain customers for the long term and to continue growing our market share. Operational profitability also increased strongly, continuing the positive trend of the past year. The integration of Van Triest's activitie ...