Smithfield Culinary: A Culinary Powerhouse Driving Foodservice Innovation

Smithfield Culinary, a division of Smithfield Foods, has been making waves in the foodservice industry, earning the prestigious Overall Winner title in the International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA) Distributor's Choice Awards. Their strategic approach to business, coupled with a focus on culinary arts, innovation, and sustainability, has positioned them as a leader in the market. Let's delve into the factors contributing to their success and explore the potential for future growth.



Smithfield Culinary's strategic approach to business has been instrumental in their success. They have been recognized as a Strategic Partner, Sales Leader, Product Innovator, and Supply Chain Leader by the IFDA, demonstrating their commitment to understanding and meeting the needs of their customers. By working closely with distributor customers and engaging in joint-sales planning, Smithfield Culinary has built strong, long-lasting relationships that have contributed to their growth and popularity in the industry.

Their focus on culinary arts and innovation has allowed Smithfield Culinary to develop high-quality products that inspire chefs and consumers alike. By leveraging passionate chefs, culinary partners, and R&D, they have created innovative products that cater to evolving consumer tastes and trends. For instance, they have seen growth in products like avocado toast (+161%), tamales (+48%), and chicken & waffles (+46%) on U.S. menus over the past four years (Datassential, 2021). This commitment to culinary excellence has helped Smithfield Culinary stay ahead of the competition and maintain a competitive edge in the market.

Smithfield Culinary's dedication to sustainability has also played a significant role in their success. By maintaining strong relationships with thousands of U.S. family farmers and adopting sustainable practices, they ensure a consistent and sustainable supply of high-quality ingredients. This focus on sustainability has helped them appeal to environmentally conscious consumers, with 73% of UK diners willing to pay more for sustainably sourced food (Mintel).

Smithfield Culinary's fully cooked protein products, such as bacon, sausage, and ham, have also contributed to their growth and popularity among foodservice operators. These products offer versatility, catering to consumer preferences, and are recognized for their excellence in the industry. Bacon, for example, is on 71% of menus and has seen a 2.4% growth over four years (Datassential Smithfield Brand Tracker, 2021). The pandemic has emphasized the need to expand uses of products and create unique recipe creations, further boosting the demand for these fully cooked proteins.

In conclusion, Smithfield Culinary's strategic approach to business, focus on culinary arts, innovation, and sustainability, and success with fully cooked protein products have all contributed to their growth and popularity in the foodservice industry. Their recognition as the Overall Winner in the IFDA Distributor's Choice Awards is a testament to their commitment to understanding and meeting the needs of their customers. As the foodservice industry continues to evolve, Smithfield Culinary is well-positioned to maintain their competitive edge and drive innovation in the market.