Smithfield Foods Celebrates the Life of Joseph W. Luter, III

The following statement may be attributed to Shane Smith, president and CEO of Smithfield Foods:

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of our former chairman and CEO, Joe Luter III. While his passing is a tremendous loss, we celebrate the remarkable life of a great leader and pioneer who did so much to build the company his father and grandfather founded into the industry leader we are today.

"Joe Luter III left a lasting legacy on Smithfield Foods and our entire industry. He was the driving force behind so many critical chapters in our company's history, leading a decades-long period of revitalization and rapid growth and building on our uniquely American heritage through strategic acquisitions to forge Smithfield into a global food company.

"He was a true visionary, and we are grateful for the legacy he leaves behind."