The Globe and Mail reports in its Thursday, Oct. 2, edition that Maple Leaf Foods has spun off its legacy pork business in a bid to unlock shareholder value and separate itself from a volatile livestock business. The Globe's Kate Helmore writes that Maple Leaf will now focus on high-protein consumer packaged goods while the new Canada Packers will handle pork production and processing, according to chief executive officer Curtis Frank. He noted that the spinoff made sense due to the distinct growth strategies and capital needs of each business. The pork market is currently profitable, with sales rising 10.7 per cent year-over-year in the second quarter of 2025. However, the volatility in pork prices and market instability influenced the decision to separate, raising questions about the stability of Maple Leaf's remaining operations. Maple Leaf Foods' 200 barns housed 1.7 million pigs, more than Manitoba's population. The company owned top brands like Schneiders hot dogs and Lunch Mate kits but struggled with a "confused identity" between consumer packaged goods and livestock production. Maple Leaf will keep a 16-per-cent interest in the new pork company. Michael McCain is retaining a 33-per-cent stake.