As of early 2026, Shane Smith serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Smithfield Foods. Key leadership roles in operations include Doug Sutton, Ph.D., who serves as chief manufacturing officer, and Keller Watts, who serves as chief business officer. The company has recently restructured, promoting leaders to manage its U.S. operations and supply chain.
On May 29, 2013, WH Group, then known as Shuanghui Group and sometimes also Shineway Group, the largest meat producer in China, announced the purchase of Smithfield Foods for $4.72 billion, a sale first suggested in 2009.
Did Smithfield Foods CEO say it won't close more US pork plants?
Jan 28 (Reuters) - Smithfield Foods does not plan to close more U.S. pork processing plants, Chief Executive Shane Smith said on Tuesday, as the company returned to a U.S. exchange after more than a decade in a spinoff by Hong Kong-based WH Group (0288.HK) , opens new tab.
Who is the largest shareholder of Smithfield Foods?
As of April 2025, WH Group, a publicly listed entity on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX: 0288.HK), maintains substantial control over Smithfield Foods. WH Group beneficially owns nearly 93% of Smithfield Foods' outstanding shares, solidifying its position as the primary Smithfield Foods owner.
The remainder included a wide variety of products, many associated with Asian cuisine. Despite the rapid growth, less than 1 percent of the U.S. food supply comes from China. For a few specific items, like apple juice, garlic, canned mandarin oranges, fish, and shrimp, China is a major supplier.
Smithfield Foods has an employee rating of 3.1 out of 5 stars, based on 1,273 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have a good working experience there.
In a surprising turn of events, the world-famous meat and fish markets might not actually be closing down for good. Phew. The City of London Corporation voted to withdraw its support for the 850-year-old markets in November 2024, meaning they would have to shut forever by 2028.
Approximately 55% of pork variety meats (offal) exports go to China. NPPC will continue to advocate for market access for U.S. pork products and facilities.
The top consumer of pork in 2021 continued to be China, taking into account its special economic regions Hong Kong, Macau, and Mainland China, whose consumptions were about 61, 52, and 37 kg/inhabitant respectively. By 2022, consumption in China is expected to grow by 4.1%, reaching almost 52 kg/inhabitant.
According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, pork is the most widely eaten meat in the world (36%) followed by poultry (33%), beef (24%), and goats/sheep (5%).
The main competitors of Smithfield Foods include Kellanova (K), General Mills (GIS), Tyson Foods (TSN), McCormick & Company, Incorporated (MKC), and Hormel Foods (HRL). These companies are all part of the "packaged foods & meats" industry.
The result represents a 22.8% increase from the net income of $202 million in the same period of the previous year and marks the best third quarter in the company's history. On an adjusted basis, net income was $230 million, equivalent to $0.58 per share, up from $0.53 per share in the same quarter of 2024.
Chip Luter will take over his father's role as senior pastor beginning in October 2026 as Fred Luter moves on to take the role of pastor emeritus. He will still preach occasionally and preside over weddings, funerals and other major life moments when asked.
