Meat Industry Hall of Fame Announces Class of 2024
The Meat Industry Hall of Fame is proud to welcome its latest round of inductees and invites all meat and poultry industry stakeholders to congratulate its Class of 2024.
After nominations solicited from the industry and voting by past inductees of the Meat Industry Hall of Fame, please join us in honoring these six newest members of the Meat Industry Hall of Fame:
- Dr. Barb Masters, Tyson Foods
- Glen Dolezal, Cargill. retired
- Robert Meyer, Meyer Natural Foods
- Frederick Usinger IV, Usinger Inc.
- Roger Ball, King B Jerky
- Craig Hess, Speco Inc.
To celebrate the Meat Industry Hall of Fame’s Class of 2024, MIHOF is once again hosting its annual in-person honors ceremony, with this year’s induction reception planned to take place July 25, 2025, from 5-7 p.m. during the AAMP American Convention of Meat Processors & Suppliers’ Exhibition in Kansas City, Mo.
The reception is sponsored by Multivac, Diamond Sponsor and Reiser, Gold Sponsor.
The Hall of Fame originated in 2009 to enshrine the leaders and legends whose visions, skills and dedication have shaped and sustained our industry. The National Provisioner, a media brand established in 1891 to serve the business needs of meat, poultry, seafood and other protein processors, administers and organizes MIHOF, along with support from the MIHOF Board of Trustees.
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High Liner Foods Acquires Mrs. Paul’s, Van de Kamp’s Brands
High Liner Foods Inc., a leading North American value-added frozen seafood company, has entered into a purchase agreement to acquire the Mrs. Paul’s and Van de Kamp’s brands of frozen breaded and battered fish products from Conagra Brands for $55 million, inclusive of approximately $36 million in inventory. The purchase price is subject to a customary inventory adjustment.
“This is a highly strategic and compelling opportunity for High Liner Foods that will serve as a catalyst for further growth in the U.S retail market,” said Paul Jewer, president and chief executive officer of High Liner Foods. “By taking full ownership of these well established and respected brands, we will capture additional value for our shareholders and ensure a seamless transition for existing customers. We look forward to offering choice and value to an expanded portfolio of customers and consumers in the growing U.S market.”
High Liner Foods currently co-manufactures products for Mrs. Paul’s and Van de Kamp’s brands at its U.S. based manufacturing facilities, an average of 25 million pounds annually. The transaction secures the volume associated with the company’s current contract with Conagra, which is due to expire in 2027. It is anticipated to increase High Liner Foods’ annual volume from this business to a total of approximately 29 million pounds of fish procured, processed and sold in the United States, aligned with the company’s strategy to continue to diversify its global supply chain.
Before reaching the anticipated annual run rate of $11 million Adjusted EBITDA in 2027, which is inclusive of current contract margin, incremental contribution and synergies, the transaction is anticipated to generate incremental Adjusted EBITDA for 2026 of approximately $4 million on top of existing contract margins. The company anticipates approximately 12 to 18 months of ramp-up time to realize synergies from across the Company’s operations which are reflected, after transaction costs, in the estimated annual run rate from 2027 onward. The transaction is expected to be slightly accretive to Adjusted EBITDA starting in the second half of 2025.
Mrs. Paul’s and Van de Kamp’s are leading brands in the frozen breaded and battered category in U.S. retail with high consumer awareness. High Liner Foods intends to leverage the brands’ strong conversion metrics and brand equity to drive incremental sales of its diversified portfolio of branded and value-added retail products through an expanded distribution network and a significant national base of new retail customers.
The company will fund the transaction from its existing ABL facility. The transaction is expected to close at the end of June 2025, subject to customary closing conditions.
Jewer concluded, “This strategic transaction is one example of the steps we are taking to position High Liner Foods for future growth, leveraging our healthy balance sheet today to secure profitable volume and incremental growth for years to come. We have a clear line of sight to significant synergies that will strengthen our performance over time through operational efficiencies and incremental sales opportunities.”
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Lobato Retires From Idaho Potato Commission
After nearly 17 years with the Idaho Potato Commission and over 50 years in the food industry, Armand Lobato has retired, closing an impressive chapter in a long and accomplished career. Known for his dedication, humility, and genuine relationships, Armand continues to have a lasting presence among growers, commissioners, colleagues, and friends.
Lobato began his career in 1974 as a courtesy clerk in Denver. From those early days, he steadily advanced through retail and foodservice before joining the IPC as Foodservice Promotions Director West. In that role, he traveled across 14 western states visiting distributors, restaurants, culinary schools, and processors while sharing his well-known love of dad jokes.
Reflecting on his time with the IPC, Lobato said, “It has been a privilege to work and travel for the IPC. I will miss the growers, commissioners, teammates, and friends I made along the way. I am just an ordinary guy working in an extraordinary industry.” This deep appreciation made his contributions especially meaningful.
Along the way, Lobato earned undergraduate and graduate degrees and wrote a weekly column for The Packer and other agribusiness publications for nearly 20 years. He became known for his sharp industry insight, storytelling, and respect for Idaho’s growers and shippers.
Lobato looks forward to spending more time with his wife Michelle, their two grown children, and three grandsons. He also plans to continue writing and hopes to teach journalism or creative writing in the near future.
“It’s been a remarkable ride, one I recommend highly,” Lobato said. “It is my hope that someday, someone will open a carton of fresh Idaho potatoes and say, ‘You know, I had a good friend that worked there, years ago.’”
“Armand has been a vital part of the Idaho Potato Commission,” said Jamey Higham, president and CEO of the IPC. “His passion for the industry, his storytelling, and yes, even his love of dad jokes, have made him a cherished member of our team. We will truly miss working alongside him and wish him all the best in this exciting new chapter.”
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