In a strategic move to enhance its presence in the high-end protein market, Baldor Specialty Foods has announced the acquisition of Golden Packing, a premium meat company with deep roots in New York’s meatpacking industry. The acquisition allows Baldor to vertically integrate its meat processing operations and launch a new division under the name Golden Meat Co.
The acquisition positions Baldor, a leading premium food distributor in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, to expand its offerings of center-of-the-plate proteins, including premium beef and pork cuts. This move is seen as a response to growing demand from foodservice operators seeking high-quality, portioned meats that reduce labor needs and streamline delivery.
Integration and Impact on Pork Industry
Golden Packing’s portfolio, which includes dry-aged and fresh meats, now becomes part of Baldor’s robust logistics and sourcing operation. With pork as a key protein in foodservice menus, Baldor’s expansion could influence how premium pork products—such as high-end chops, heritage breeds, or value-added pork offerings—are processed and distributed to chefs and restaurants across the Eastern Seaboard.
Baldor CEO TJ Murphy emphasized that combining Baldor’s sourcing and logistics strengths with Golden’s meat-cutting expertise offers significant value to customers. “With Golden’s cutting and dry aging expertise, we will be scaling a cut shop that meets our customers’ growing needs around meat,” he stated.
Industry Veteran Joins to Lead Protein Division
Meat industry veteran Mark Pastore, formerly President at Pat LaFrieda Meat Purveyors, joins Baldor as Vice President of Business Development. He will spearhead the company’s expansion in protein sales, including high-quality pork programs that meet Baldor’s exacting standards.
Golden Meat Co. will continue sourcing from premium partners, including Niman Ranch, known for its focus on humane practices and flavor-forward pork—an important detail for pork producers and processors aiming to align with premium supply chains.
Legacy and Growth
Golden Packing, originally established in Manhattan’s historic Meatpacking District in the 1920s, was relaunched in 2020 and currently serves more than 150 high-end clients, including steakhouses. Founders David Bernstein and Jerry Zwernemann will remain with the company, alongside their full staff of butchers and drivers, to continue operations and scale Baldor’s protein footprint.
Implications for Swine Industry
This acquisition signals a continued trend of vertical integration and premiumization in protein distribution, reinforcing the importance of traceability, quality processing, and supply chain agility. Pork producers targeting high-end markets may find new opportunities through distributors like Baldor that emphasize portion control, humane sourcing, and culinary-grade meats.
With Golden Meat Co. now integrated into Baldor’s delivery system and product catalog, restaurants and chefs along the East Coast can expect greater access to custom-cut pork, aligning with consumer interest in flavor, consistency, and sustainability.
