Cal-Maine Foods Strengthens Prepared Foods Division with Leadership Changes and Expansion Plans
RIDGELAND, Miss., Dec. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. (NASDAQ: CALM), the largest egg producer in the United States, is advancing its prepared foods strategy by appointing new leadership and expanding production capabilities. The Company aims to enhance its operational efficiency and market share in the egg-based food sector, reflecting its commitment to growth and innovation.
Leadership Appointments Signal Growth Focus
Cal-Maine Foods has welcomed Johnathan Zoeller as the Chief Financial Officer of Prepared Foods. Zoeller brings over 25 years of experience in financial and corporate accounting, having most recently served as Vice President, Treasurer, and Head of Investor Relations at Westlake Corporation, a global industrial leader. His expertise will be instrumental in guiding the financial strategy of Cal-Maine Foods as it expands its prepared foods segment.
Moreover, Dave Jordan has been promoted to President of Echo Lake Foods from his previous role as Senior Vice President, Operations. Jordan is recognized for modernizing manufacturing networks and fostering high-performance environments.
Sherman Miller, President and CEO of Cal-Maine Foods, stated, “Talent is at the center of every chapter of sustained growth. We are thrilled to welcome John and celebrate Dave’s well-deserved promotion. Their leadership will be pivotal in our prepared foods platform as we continue to grow and serve our customers effectively.”
Prepared Foods Expansion Initiatives
Simultaneously, Cal-Maine Foods has announced a $15 million investment in a network optimization and capacity-expansion project at Echo Lake Foods. This initiative is projected to add 17 million pounds of annual scrambled egg production by mid-fiscal 2027. The project consolidates scrambled egg manufacturing into a single, modernized facility, enhancing efficiency and reliability.
- Centralizes production to eliminate redundancies and streamline workflows.
- Improves yields and reduces labor costs through upgraded equipment and automation.
- Supports both immediate demand and long-term growth strategies.
This capacity expansion builds on the prior announcement of a $14.8 million project focused on a high-speed pancake production line, which is expected to yield an additional 12 million pounds of product by early fiscal 2027.
Short-Term Challenges with Long-Term Gains
While these expansion projects are set to enhance production capabilities, Cal-Maine Foods anticipates some challenges, including temporary reductions in production volume and increased costs through the remainder of fiscal 2026. However, the Company believes these investments are essential for positioning itself to meet rising customer demand in the prepared foods market.
Investment in Joint Venture with Crepini Foods
In addition, Cal-Maine Foods' joint venture, Crepini Foods, is set to invest $7 million through fiscal 2028 to increase production capacity by 18 million pounds. This initiative will involve new equipment and line installations, significantly boosting Crepini's output over the next two years.
Overall, these strategic investments are expected to elevate Cal-Maine’s prepared foods production capacity by over 30 percent in the coming 18–24 months, aligning with its multi-year strategy to foster mid-cycle earnings and resilience.
About Cal-Maine Foods
Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. (NASDAQ: CALM) is the foremost egg provider in the United States and plays a significant role in the egg-based food sector. The Company's extensive portfolio spans various egg types, including conventional, cage-free, organic, and specialty offerings. Cal-Maine Foods also operates within the prepared foods market, providing a range of products such as pre-cooked egg patties, omelets, pancakes, and specialty wraps.
Headquartered in Ridgeland, Mississippi, Cal-Maine emphasizes operational excellence, innovation, and sustainability, aimed at offering reliable nutrition and long-term value to stakeholders.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this article that are not historical facts constitute forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements reflect management’s expectations regarding future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ.