DARLING INGREDIENTS INC., 10-Q filed on 5/8/2026
Quarterly Report
v3.26.1
Document and Entity Information Document - shares
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
May 04, 2026
Cover [Abstract]    
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Quarterly Report true  
Document Period End Date Apr. 04, 2026  
Document Transition Report false  
Entity File Number 001-13323  
Entity Registrant Name DARLING INGREDIENTS INC.  
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code DE  
Entity Tax Identification Number 36-2495346  
Entity Address, Address Line One 5601 N MacArthur Blvd.  
Entity Address, City or Town Irving  
Entity Address, State or Province TX  
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 75038  
City Area Code 972  
Local Phone Number 717-0300  
Title of 12(b) Security Common stock $0.01 par value per share  
Trading Symbol DAR  
Security Exchange Name NYSE  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes  
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer  
Entity Small Business false  
Entity Emerging Growth Company false  
Entity Shell Company false  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   158,927,363
Entity Central Index Key 0000916540  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --01-02  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2026  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1  
Amendment Flag false  
v3.26.1
Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Apr. 04, 2026
Jan. 03, 2026
Current assets:    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 116,015 $ 88,671
Restricted cash 22,216 16,686
Inventories 577,571 527,738
Prepaid expenses 96,960 85,179
Income taxes refundable 6,976 8,281
Assets held for sale 128,043 143,479
Other current assets 61,035 40,127
Total current assets 1,646,188 1,553,366
Property, plant and equipment, less accumulated depreciation of $3,056,874 at April 4, 2026 and $2,991,612 at January 3, 2026 2,785,737 2,796,139
Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization of $640,980 at April 4, 2026 and $627,722 at January 3, 2026 832,109 845,003
Goodwill 2,488,216 2,459,031
Investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries 2,444,888 2,206,827
Operating lease right-of-use assets 220,710 223,705
Other assets 194,955 190,175
Deferred income taxes 28,258 24,536
Total assets 10,641,061 10,298,782
Current liabilities:    
Current portion of long-term debt 75,098 75,217
Accounts payable, principally trade 356,209 371,084
Income taxes payable 17,689 16,018
Current operating lease liabilities 62,757 61,745
Liabilities to be disposed of 23,298 25,085
Accrued expenses 504,702 485,498
Total current liabilities 1,039,753 1,034,647
Long-term debt, net of current portion 4,050,689 3,862,243
Long-term operating lease liabilities 158,462 162,362
Other non-current liabilities 177,996 189,454
Deferred income taxes 269,868 240,561
Total liabilities 5,696,768 5,489,267
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity:    
     Common stock, $0.01 par value; 250,000,000 shares authorized; 176,905,830 and 175,643,373 shares issued at April 4, 2026 and January 3, 2026, respectively 1,769 1,756
Additional paid-in capital 1,733,652 1,718,686
     Treasury stock, at cost; 17,985,404 and 17,450,028 shares at        April 4, 2026 and January 3, 2026, respectively (746,114) (719,280)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (322,411) (339,189)
Retained earnings 4,209,251 4,074,938
Total Darling’s stockholders’ equity 4,876,147 4,736,911
Noncontrolling interests 68,146 72,604
Total stockholders’ equity 4,944,293 4,809,515
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity 10,641,061 10,298,782
Nonrelated Party    
Current assets:    
Accounts receivable 632,246 609,492
Related Party    
Current assets:    
Accounts receivable $ 5,126 $ 33,713
v3.26.1
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Apr. 04, 2026
Jan. 03, 2026
Assets:    
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Current $ 14,958 $ 15,589
Property, plant and equipment, accumulated depreciation 3,056,874 2,991,612
Intangible assets, accumulated amortization $ 640,980 $ 627,722
Stockholders’ equity:    
Common stock, par value (in usd per share) $ 0.01 $ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized 250,000,000 250,000,000
Common stock, shares issued 176,905,830 175,643,373
Treasury stock, shares 17,985,404 17,450,028
v3.26.1
Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
Mar. 29, 2025
Net sales $ 1,550,821 $ 1,380,594
Costs and expenses:    
Cost of sales and operating expenses (excludes depreciation and amortization, shown separately below) 1,145,900 1,069,243
Loss on sale of assets 203 62
Selling, general and administrative expenses 149,067 121,556
Restructuring and asset impairment charges 364 0
Acquisition and integration costs 4,970 1,534
Change in fair value of contingent consideration 0 5,441
Depreciation and amortization 130,909 123,835
Total costs and expenses 1,431,413 1,321,671
Equity in net income/(loss) of Diamond Green Diesel 107,363 (30,523)
Operating income 226,771 28,400
Other expense:    
Interest expense (54,117) (57,967)
Foreign currency gain/(loss) 3,143 (1,362)
Other income/(expense), net (3,010) 3,333
Total other expense (53,984) (55,996)
Equity in net income of other unconsolidated subsidiaries 2,895 2,628
Income/(loss) before income taxes 175,682 (24,968)
Income tax expense/(benefit) 38,626 (1,154)
Net income/(loss) 137,056 (23,814)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (2,743) (2,346)
Net income/(loss) attributable to Darling $ 134,313 $ (26,160)
Basic income per share (in dollars per share) $ 0.85 $ (0.16)
Diluted income per share (in dollars per share) $ 0.83 $ (0.16)
Nonrelated Party    
Net sales $ 1,302,139 $ 1,162,642
Related Party    
Net sales $ 248,682 $ 217,952
v3.26.1
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
Mar. 29, 2025
Net income/(loss) $ 137,056 $ (23,814)
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax:    
Foreign currency translation adjustments 61,180 119,332
Pension adjustments (63) 189
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax 18,703 139,005
Total comprehensive income 155,759 115,191
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests 4,668 860
Comprehensive income attributable to Darling 151,091 114,331
Commodity Contract    
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax:    
Derivative adjustments (48,671) 1,145
Interest Rate Swap    
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax:    
Derivative adjustments 1,132 (1,235)
Foreign Exchange Contract    
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax:    
Derivative adjustments $ 5,125 $ 19,574
v3.26.1
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Total
Commodity Contract
Interest Rate Swap
Foreign Exchange Contract
Stockholders' equity attributable to Darling
Stockholders' equity attributable to Darling
Commodity Contract
Stockholders' equity attributable to Darling
Interest Rate Swap
Stockholders' equity attributable to Darling
Foreign Exchange Contract
Common Stock
Additional Paid-In Capital
Treasury Stock
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Commodity Contract
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Interest Rate Swap
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Foreign Exchange Contract
Retained Earnings
Non-controlling Interests
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 28, 2024                 158,897,470                
Beginning balance at Dec. 28, 2024 $ 4,464,292       $ 4,377,810       $ 1,750 $ 1,720,877 $ (672,710) $ (684,241)       $ 4,012,134 $ 86,482
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]                                  
Net income/(loss) (23,814)       (26,160)                     (26,160) 2,346
Pension adjustments, net of tax 189       189             189          
Derivative adjustments   $ 1,145 $ (1,235) $ 19,574   $ 1,145 $ (1,235) $ 19,574         $ 1,145 $ (1,235) $ 19,574    
Foreign currency translation adjustments 119,332       120,818             120,818         (1,486)
Issuance of non-vested stock 21       21         21              
Stock-based compensation (2,952)       (2,952)         (2,952)              
Treasury stock (in shares)                 (1,365,961)                
Treasury stock transactions (46,037)       (46,037)           (46,037)            
Issuance of common stock (in shares)                 624,907                
Issuance of common stock 5,258       5,258       $ 6 5,252              
Ending balance (in shares) at Mar. 29, 2025                 158,156,416                
Ending balance at Mar. 29, 2025 4,535,773       4,448,431       $ 1,756 1,723,198 (718,747) (543,750)       3,985,974 87,342
Beginning balance (in shares) at Jan. 03, 2026                 158,193,345                
Beginning balance at Jan. 03, 2026 4,809,515       4,736,911       $ 1,756 1,718,686 (719,280) (339,189)       4,074,938 72,604
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]                                  
Net income/(loss) 137,056       134,313                     134,313 2,743
Distribution of noncontrolling interest earnings (5,032)                               (5,032)
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests (7,000)       (2,906)         (2,906)             (4,094)
Pension adjustments, net of tax (63)       (63)             (63)          
Derivative adjustments   $ (48,671) $ 1,132 $ 5,125   $ (48,671) $ 1,132 $ 5,125         $ (48,671) $ 1,132 $ 5,125    
Foreign currency translation adjustments 61,180       59,255             59,255         1,925
Stock-based compensation 7,948       7,948         7,948              
Treasury stock (in shares)                 (535,376)                
Treasury stock transactions (26,834)       (26,834)           (26,834)            
Issuance of common stock (in shares)                 1,262,457                
Issuance of common stock 9,937       9,937       $ 13 9,924              
Ending balance (in shares) at Apr. 04, 2026                 158,920,426                
Ending balance at Apr. 04, 2026 $ 4,944,293       $ 4,876,147       $ 1,769 $ 1,733,652 $ (746,114) $ (322,411)       $ 4,209,251 $ 68,146
v3.26.1
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares
Apr. 04, 2026
Jan. 03, 2026
Mar. 29, 2025
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]      
Common stock, par value (in usd per share) $ 0.01 $ 0.01 $ 0.01
v3.26.1
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
Mar. 29, 2025
Cash flows from operating activities:    
Net income/(loss) $ 137,056 $ (23,814)
Adjustments to reconcile net income/(loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:    
Depreciation and amortization 130,909 123,835
Loss on sale of assets 203 62
Asset impairment 364 0
Change in fair value of contingent consideration 0 5,441
Deferred taxes 24,787 (9,500)
Increase/(decrease) in long-term pension liability (191) 605
Stock-based compensation expense 7,948 (2,931)
Deferred loan cost amortization 1,297 1,429
Equity in net loss/(income) of Diamond Green Diesel and other unconsolidated subsidiaries (110,258) 27,895
Distributions of earnings from Diamond Green Diesel and other unconsolidated subsidiaries 0 129,549
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions:    
Accounts receivable 7,514 (383)
Income taxes refundable/payable 5,167 14,940
Inventories and prepaid expenses (55,360) (10,752)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 19,937 (32,506)
Other (16,415) 25,090
Net cash provided by operating activities 152,958 248,960
Cash flows from investing activities:    
Capital expenditures (94,773) (62,979)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired (11,493) 0
Investment in Diamond Green Diesel (190,145) (150)
Loan to Diamond Green Diesel (50,000) 0
Loan repayment from Diamond Green Diesel 50,000 0
Gross proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment and other assets 7,685 2,298
Proceeds from insurance settlement 0 10,173
Payments related to routes and other intangibles 0 (3)
Net cash used in investing activities (288,726) (50,661)
Cash flows from financing activities:    
Proceeds from long-term debt 9,771 1,812
Payments on long-term debt (3,518) (16,277)
Borrowings from revolving credit facility 330,048 91,172
Payments on revolving credit facility (121,707) (203,207)
Net cash overdraft financing (9,342) (17,868)
Acquisition hold-back payments (4,137) 0
Issuance of common stock 2,560 342
Repurchase of common stock 0 (34,668)
Minimum withholding taxes paid on stock awards (20,625) (6,536)
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities 183,050 (185,230)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash (22,594) (6,213)
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 24,688 6,856
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period 203,538 217,307
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period $ 228,226 $ 224,163
v3.26.1
General
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
General GeneralThe accompanying consolidated financial statements for the three month periods ended April 4, 2026 and March 29, 2025, have been prepared by Darling Ingredients Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Darling”, and together with its subsidiaries, the “Company” or “we”, “us” or “our”) in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).  The information furnished herein reflects all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring accruals) that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to present a fair statement of the financial position and operating results of the Company as of and for the respective periods. However, these operating results are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for a full fiscal year. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations.  However, management of the Company believes, to the best of their knowledge, that the disclosures herein are adequate to make the information presented not misleading.  The accompanying consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements contained in the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2026.
v3.26.1
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
(a)Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Darling and its consolidated subsidiaries. Noncontrolling interests represent the outstanding ownership interest in the Company’s consolidated subsidiaries that are not owned by the Company. In the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations, the noncontrolling interest in net income of the consolidated subsidiaries is shown as an allocation of the Company’s net income and is presented separately as “Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests.” In the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets, noncontrolling interests represent the ownership interests in the Company’s consolidated subsidiaries' net assets held by parties other than the Company. These ownership interests are presented separately as “Noncontrolling interests” within “Stockholders' Equity.” All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

(b)Fiscal Periods

The Company has a 52/53 week fiscal year ending on the Saturday nearest December 31.  Fiscal periods for the consolidated financial statements included herein are as of April 4, 2026, and include the 13 weeks ended April 4, 2026, and the 13 weeks ended March 29, 2025.

(c)    Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all short-term highly liquid instruments, with an original maturity of three months or less, to be cash equivalents. Cash balances are recorded net of book overdrafts when a bank right-of-offset exists. All other book overdrafts are recorded in accounts payable and the change in the related balance is reflected in operating activities on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. In addition, the Company has bank overdrafts, which are considered a form of short-term financing with changes in the related balance reflected in financing activities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Restricted cash shown on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of April 4, 2026 and January 3, 2026, primarily represents the current portion of acquisition consideration hold-back amounts that are part of the purchase price set aside in escrow in the Company’s name for possible indemnification claims by the Company, which amounts will be paid to the sellers in the future if no claims arise. Restricted cash included in other long-term assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of April 4, 2026 and January 3, 2026, primarily represents the long-term acquisition consideration hold-back amounts that are part of the purchase price set aside in escrow in the Company’s name for possible indemnification claims by the Company, which amounts will be paid to the sellers in the future if no claims arise. A reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported within the
Consolidated Balance Sheets that sum to the total of the same amounts shown in the Consolidated Statement of Cash flows is as follows (in thousands):

April 4, 2026January 3, 2026
Cash and cash equivalents$116,015 $88,671 
Restricted cash22,216 16,686 
Restricted cash included in other long-term assets89,995 98,181 
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows$228,226 $203,538 

(d)    Accounts Receivable Factoring

The Company has entered into agreements with third-party banks to factor certain of the Company’s trade receivables in order to enhance working capital by turning trade receivables into cash faster. Under these agreements, the Company sells certain selected customers’ trade receivables to third-party banks without recourse for cash less a nominal fee. For the three months ended April 4, 2026 and March 29, 2025, the Company sold approximately $128.7 million and $125.5 million of its trade receivables and incurred approximately $1.3 million and $1.4 million in fees, respectively.

(e)    Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue on sales when control of the promised finished product is transferred to the Company’s customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for the finished product. Service revenues are recognized when the service occurs. Certain customers may be required to prepay prior to shipment in order to maintain payment protection related to certain foreign and domestic sales. These amounts are recorded as unearned revenue in accrued expenses and recognized when control of the promised finished product is transferred to the Company’s customer. See Note 20 (Revenue) to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.

(f)    Earnings Per Share

Basic income per common share is computed by dividing net income attributable to Darling by the weighted average number of common shares including non-vested and restricted shares outstanding during the period.  Diluted income per common share is computed by dividing net income attributable to Darling by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period increased by dilutive common equivalent shares determined using the treasury stock method.
Net Income/(loss) per Common Share (in thousands, except per share data)
 Three Months Ended
April 4, 2026March 29, 2025
 IncomeSharesPer ShareLossSharesPer Share
Basic:      
Net income/(loss) attributable to Darling$134,313 158,744 $0.85 $(26,160)158,677 $(0.16)
Diluted:      
Effect of dilutive securities:      
Add: Option shares in the money and dilutive effect of non-vested stock awards 2,891   —  
Less: Pro forma treasury shares (604)  —  
Diluted:      
Net income/(loss) attributable to Darling$134,313 161,031 $0.83 $(26,160)158,677 $(0.16)
For the three months ended April 4, 2026 and March 29, 2025, zero and 2,302,222 outstanding stock options were excluded from diluted income/(loss) per common share as the effect would be antidilutive. For the three months ended April 4, 2026 and March 29, 2025, respectively, 367,668 and 1,041,713 shares of non-vested
stock and stock equivalents were excluded from diluted income/(loss) per common share as the effect was antidilutive.

(g)    Use of Estimates

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

If it is at least reasonably possible that the estimate of the effect on the financial statements of a condition, situation, or set of circumstances that exist at the date of the financial statements will change in the near term due to one or more future confirming events, and the effect of the change would be material to the financial statements, the Company will disclose the nature of the uncertainty and include an indication that it is at least reasonably possible that a change in the estimate will occur in the near term.  If the estimate involves certain loss contingencies, the disclosure will also include an estimate of the probable loss or range of loss or state that an estimate cannot be made.

As a result of the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East and the current inflationary environment that might be further impacted by tariffs, we have evaluated the potential impact to the Company’s operations and for any indicators of triggering events that could indicate certain of the Company’s assets may be impaired. Through the three months ended April 4, 2026, the Company has not observed any impairments of the Company’s assets or a significant change in their fair value due to the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, inflation or the impacts of tariffs.
v3.26.1
Investment in Unconsolidated Subsidiary
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]  
Investment in Unconsolidated Subsidiary Investment in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries
On January 21, 2011, a wholly owned subsidiary of Darling entered into a limited liability company agreement with a wholly owned subsidiary of Valero Energy Corporation (“Valero”) to form Diamond Green Diesel Holdings LLC (“DGD” or the “DGD Joint Venture”). The DGD Joint Venture is owned 50% / 50% with Valero.

Selected financial information for the Company’s DGD Joint Venture is as follows:

(in thousands)March 31, 2026December 31, 2025
Assets:
Cash$162,156 $195,765 
Total other current assets1,695,825 1,199,194 
Property, plant and equipment, net3,651,845 3,702,254 
Other assets139,864 139,765 
Total assets$5,649,690 $5,236,978 
Liabilities and members' equity:
Revolver$100,000 $— 
Total other current portion of long-term debt28,964 29,487 
Total other current liabilities271,621 332,256 
Total long-term debt670,527 677,671 
Total other long-term liabilities17,643 17,748 
Total members' equity4,560,935 4,179,816 
Total liabilities and members' equity$5,649,690 $5,236,978 
Three Months Ended
(in thousands)March 31, 2026March 31, 2025
Revenues:
Operating revenues$1,414,046 $899,909 
Expenses:
Total costs and expenses less lower of cost or market inventory valuation adjustment and depreciation, amortization and accretion expense1,201,091 977,106 
Lower of cost or market (LCM) inventory valuation adjustment(96,720)(91,004)
Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense
77,928 67,472 
Total costs and expenses1,182,299 953,574 
Operating income/(loss)231,747 (53,665)
Other income1,514 3,702 
Interest and debt expense, net(11,156)(9,306)
Income/(loss) before income tax expense222,105 (59,269)
Income tax expense44 39 
Net income/(loss)$222,061 $(59,308)

As of April 4, 2026, under the equity method of accounting, the Company has an investment in the DGD Joint Venture of approximately $2,353.7 million on the consolidated balance sheet. The Company has recorded equity in net income/(loss) from the DGD Joint Venture of approximately $107.4 million and $(30.5) million for the three months ended April 4, 2026 and March 29, 2025, respectively.

On August 16, 2022, the U.S. government enacted the Inflation Reduction Act ( the “IR Act”). As part of the IR Act, the blenders tax credits of $1.00 per gallon were extended as is until December 31, 2024, a new Sustainable Aviation Fuel (“SAF”) blenders tax credit was introduced effective for 2023 and 2024, and a new Clean Fuels Production Credit (the “CFPC”) was created effective from 2025 through 2027. Under the IR Act, Section 40B, SAF, blended with Jet A and sold on or before December 31, 2024, receives a base credit of $1.25 per gallon plus $0.01 for each percentage point by which the lifecycle greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions reduction percentage exceeds 50% up to a maximum supplementary amount of $0.50. Under the CFPC, on-road transportation fuel receives a base credit of up to $1.00 per gallon of renewable diesel (adjusted for inflation each calendar year) multiplied by the fuel's emission reduction percentage as long as it is produced at a qualifying facility and it meets prevailing wage requirements and apprenticeship requirements. Similarly, SAF produced during calendar year 2025 at a qualified facility that meets the apprenticeship and prevailing wage requirements receives a base credit of $1.75 (adjusted for inflation each calendar year) multiplied by the GHG emissions factor for SAF. In contrast to the blenders tax credit, the CFPC requires that production must take place in the United States. On July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (the “OBBBA”) was enacted in the U.S. The OBBBA includes significant tax related provisions. With respect to the CFPC, the OBBBA extends the credit for two years through December 31, 2029, reduces the maximum credit rate for SAF to $1.00 per gallon (adjusted for inflation each calendar year) for gallons produced after December 31, 2025, and, beginning in 2026, all eligible transportation fuel must be derived exclusively from feedstocks produced or grown in the U.S., Mexico or Canada. Furthermore, on July 21, 2025, the Internal Revenue Service released Notice 2025-37, announcing the 2025 calendar year inflation adjustment factor for several green energy credits added to the Internal Revenue Code by the IR Act, including the CFPC. Specifically, the base credit for on-road transportation fuel is increased to $1.06 per gallon (from $1.00 per gallon) and SAF is increased to $1.86 per gallon (from $1.75 per gallon) provided the fuel is produced at a qualified facility meeting the prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements. These revised base credits, subject to the aforementioned emission reduction percentages, are applicable for on-road transportation fuel and SAF produced and sold in calendar year 2025 (i.e., there is a retroactive effective date of January 1, 2025).

For the three months ended April 4, 2026 and March 29, 2025, the DGD Joint Venture recorded approximately $177.7 million and $50.9 million of production tax credits, net of discount and broker fees related to Darling's portion, respectively. The production tax credits are recorded as a reduction of cost of sales by the DGD Joint Venture. In the three months ended April 4, 2026 and March 29, 2025, the Company received approximately zero and $129.5 million in dividend distributions from the DGD Joint Venture, respectively. Subsequent to April 4, 2026, the Company received dividend distributions of approximately $68.7 million from the DGD Joint Venture.
In the three months ended April 4, 2026 and March 29, 2025, respectively, the Company made approximately $190.1 million and $0.2 million in capital contributions to the DGD Joint Venture. Subsequent to April 4, 2026, the Company made capital contributions of approximately $0.3 million to the DGD Joint Venture.

In addition to the DGD Joint Venture, the Company has investments in other unconsolidated subsidiaries that are insignificant to the Company.
v3.26.1
Acquisitions
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
Business Combination, Asset Acquisition, Transaction between Entities under Common Control, and Joint Venture Formation [Abstract]  
Acquisitions Acquisitions
Joint Venture with Tessenderlo Group NV

On December 10, 2025, the Company entered into a definitive agreement with Tessenderlo Group NV, a public limited company organized under the laws of Belgium (“Tessenderlo”) to form a joint venture. The definitive agreement is the Master Contribution Agreement (the “Contribution Agreement”) and is by and among Darling, Darling Global Holdings Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Darling, Tessenderlo, and NewCo Collagen LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“NewCo”) and currently a wholly-owned subsidiary of Darling. Under the Contribution Agreement, Darling and Tessenderlo have agreed to contribute their respective collagen and gelatin business segments into NewCo in exchange for equity interests in NewCo and upon closing of the transaction, Darling will have an 85% equity interest and Tessenderlo will have a 15% equity interest in NewCo. The completion of the transaction contemplated by the Contribution Agreement is subject to required regulatory approvals and certain other closing conditions.

UPI Bovinos NewCo

On March 20, 2026, the Company, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, entered into an agreement to purchase all of the shares of UPI Bovinos NewCo (“UPI Bovinos”) for approximately R$617.1 million (approximately USD$119.5 million at the exchange rate of R$5.165:USD$1.00 at April 4, 2026), which includes the payoff of approximately R$57.1 million in debt by the Company. With the purchase, the Company will receive three rendering plants in Brazil with minimal, if any, working capital at these plants. In addition, on March 24, 2026, the Company has provided the parent company of UPI Bovinos, which is in bankruptcy, with Debtor in Possession Financing (“DIP Financing”) in the amount of approximately R$60.5 million (approximately USD$11.5 million at the exchange rate of R$5.259:USD$1.00 at March 24, 2026), which will accrue interest as per the DIP Financing agreement. Upon the closing of the purchase of UPI Bovinos the updated balance from the DIP Financing including principal and interest will be deducted from the purchase price. The acquisition is expected to close in the second quarter of fiscal 2026. At April 4, 2026, the DIP Financing amount is included in the Company's other current assets on the consolidated balance sheet and the DIP Financing amount paid is included in our consolidated statement of cash flows as acquisitions.
The Company incurred acquisition and integration costs of approximately $5.0 million and $1.5 million for the three months ended April 4, 2026 and March 29, 2025, respectively.
v3.26.1
Inventories
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]  
Inventories Inventories
A summary of inventories follows (in thousands):

    
 April 4, 2026January 3, 2026
Finished product$349,675 $295,670 
Work in process74,189 78,458 
Raw material39,859 45,084 
Supplies and other113,848 108,526 
 $577,571 $527,738 
v3.26.1
Assets Held for Sale
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]  
Assets Held for Sale Assets Held for Sale
A disposal group (assets and liabilities to be sold) is classified as held for sale once all applicable criteria under U.S. GAAP have been satisfied, including when management, having the authority to approve the action, commits to a plan to sell the disposal group, the sale is probable and the Company expects to complete the sale within one year. Upon classifying a disposal group as held for sale, the Company measures the disposal group at the lower of its carrying value or fair value less costs to sell and long-lived assets in the disposal group are not depreciated. Based on these criteria, at January 3, 2026 and April 4, 2026, the Company classified certain assets and liabilities from disposal groups within the Feed and Food segments as assets held for sale. The carrying values of the assets and liabilities classified as held for sale in our consolidated balance sheets are as follows (in thousands):

April 4,
2026		January 3,
2026
Assets:
Accounts receivable, net$27,066 $26,493 
Inventories60,313 64,683 
Other current assets6,321 4,381 
Property, plant and equipment, net14,844 24,377 
Goodwill17,171 20,293 
Other assets6,835 7,469 
Total assets132,550 147,696 
Valuation allowance(4,507)(4,217)
Total assets held for sale$128,043 $143,479 
Liabilities:
Accounts payable, principally trade$7,298 $4,152 
Accrued expenses7,880 11,635 
Other current liabilities1,097 1,143 
Other noncurrent liabilities7,023 8,155 
Total liabilities to be disposed of23,298 25,085 
Net assets held for sale$104,745 $118,394 

On April 10, 2026, the Company entered into an agreement to sell a substantial portion of the Company's U.S. grease trap environmental services business in the Feed segment for approximately $90.0 million to WRM Holdings LLC, a subsidiary of Waste Resource Management. The assets and liabilities that will be sold are classified as assets held for sale and liabilities to be disposed of on the Company's consolidated balance sheets. The transaction is expected to be closed by the end of 2026.

The Company evaluated the disposal groups and concluded that the disposal groups did not represent a strategic shift that will have a major effect on the Company’s operations and financial results. Accordingly, the disposal groups have not been classified as discontinued operations.
v3.26.1
Intangible Assets
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
Intangible Asset Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]  
Intangible Assets Intangible Assets
The gross carrying amount of intangible assets not subject to amortization and intangible assets subject to amortization
is as follows (in thousands):
    
 April 4, 2026January 3, 2026
Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets:  
Trade names$51,808 $52,251 
 51,808 52,251 
Finite Lived Intangible Assets:  
Routes729,061 739,833 
Customer relationships330,593 315,652 
Permits324,210 325,663 
Trade names19,475 19,205 
Royalties, product development, patents, consulting, land use rights, non-compete and leasehold agreements17,942 20,121 
 1,421,281 1,420,474 
Accumulated Amortization:
Routes(310,029)(311,198)
Customer relationships(90,910)(79,315)
Permits(221,731)(217,728)
Trade names(12,904)(11,932)
Royalties, product development, patents, consulting, land use rights, non-compete and leasehold agreements(5,406)(7,549)
(640,980)(627,722)
Total intangible assets, less accumulated amortization$832,109 $845,003 
Gross intangible assets changed in the first three months of fiscal 2026 by approximately $15.3 million primarily due to retirement activity partially offset by foreign currency translation impact. Amortization expense for the three months ended April 4, 2026 and March 29, 2025, was approximately $25.2 million and $25.3 million, respectively.
v3.26.1
Goodwill
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
Intangible Asset Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]  
Goodwill Goodwill
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill (in thousands):
 Feed IngredientsFood IngredientsFuel IngredientsTotal
Balance at January 3, 2026   
Goodwill$1,507,187 $862,457 $159,043 $2,528,687 
Accumulated impairment losses(17,881)(20,195)(31,580)(69,656)
 1,489,306 842,262 127,463 2,459,031 
Goodwill transferred from assets held for sale3,122 — — 3,122 
Foreign currency translation7,158 21,193 (2,288)26,063 
Balance at April 4, 2026   
Goodwill1,517,467 883,650 156,755 2,557,872 
Accumulated impairment losses(17,881)(20,195)(31,580)(69,656)
 $1,499,586 $863,455 $125,175 $2,488,216 
v3.26.1
Accrued Expense Accrued Expenses
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]  
Accrued Expenses Accrued Expenses
Accrued expenses consist of the following (in thousands):

 April 4, 2026January 3, 2026
Compensation and benefits
$137,529 $170,312 
Accrued operating expenses
96,966 87,055 
 Short-term acquisition hold-backs29,557 17,500 
Other accrued expenses240,650 210,631 
 $504,702 $485,498 
v3.26.1
Debt
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
Debt Debt
Debt consists of the following (in thousands):

April 4, 2026January 3, 2026
Amended Credit Agreement:  
Revolving Credit Facility ($159.3 million and $162.2 million denominated in € at April 4, 2026 and January 3, 2026, respectively)
$806,321 $601,150 
Term A facility893,250 895,500 
Less unamortized deferred loan costs(3,686)(3,846)
Carrying value Term A facility889,564 891,654 
6% Senior Notes due 2030 with effective interest of 6.12%
1,000,000 1,000,000 
Less unamortized deferred loan costs net of bond premiums(4,493)(4,725)
Carrying value 6% Senior Notes due 2030
995,507 995,275 
5.25% Senior Notes due 2027 with effective interest of 5.47%
500,000 500,000 
Less unamortized deferred loan costs(1,090)(1,345)
Carrying value 5.25% Senior Notes due 2027
498,910 498,655 
4.5% Senior Notes due 2032 - Denominated in euro with effective interest of 4.7%
865,875 881,250 
Less unamortized deferred loan costs - Denominated in euros(9,289)(9,781)
Carrying value 4.5% Senior Notes due 2032
856,586 871,469 
Other Notes and Obligations78,899 79,257 
4,125,787 3,937,460 
Less Current Maturities75,098 75,217 
$4,050,689 $3,862,243 

As of April 4, 2026, the Company had €138.0 million outstanding debt under the revolving credit facility denominated in euros and €750.0 million of outstanding debt under the Company’s 4.5% Senior Notes due 2032 denominated in euros. In addition, at April 4, 2026, the Company had finance lease obligations denominated in euros of approximately €3.7 million.

As of April 4, 2026, the Company had other notes and obligations of $78.9 million that consist of various overdraft facilities of approximately $42.9 million, Brazilian notes of approximately $16.5 million, European notes of approximately $13.9 million and other debt of approximately $5.6 million, including the euro denominated finance lease obligations above and the U.S. finance lease obligations of approximately $1.4 million.

Senior Secured Credit Facilities. On June 25, 2025, Darling, Darling International Canada Inc. (“Darling Canada”), Darling International NL Holdings B.V. (“Darling NL”) and Darling Ingredients International Holding B.V. (“Darling Holding”) entered into a Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Amended Credit Agreement”), which amended and restated the Company's then existing Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated January 6, 2014 (as amended from time to time, the “Previous Credit Agreement”), with the lenders from time to time party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent and the other agents party thereto. The Amended Credit Agreement refinanced the loans and commitments outstanding under the Previous Credit Agreement and provides for senior secured credit facilities in the aggregate principal amount of $2.9 billion comprised of (i) the Company’s $900.0 million six-year term A facility (partially comprised of $395.0 million of term A-1 facility and $296.3 million of term A-3 facility which, in each case, were cashlessly rolled from the Previous Credit Agreement) and (ii) the Company’s $2.0 billion five-year revolving credit facility (up to $50.0 million (as such amount may be increased to an amount not exceeding $150.0 million to the extent consented to by the applicable issuing banks) of which will be available for a letter of credit subfacility and up to $50.0 million of which will be available for a swingline sub-facility) (collectively, the “Senior Secured Credit Facilities”). The Amended Credit Agreement also permits Darling and the other borrowers thereunder to incur ancillary facilities provided by any revolving lender party to the Senior Secured Credit Facilities (with certain restrictions). The revolving credit facility will be used for working capital needs, general corporate purposes and other purposes not prohibited by the Amended Credit Agreement.

The interest rate applicable to any borrowings under the revolving credit facility will equal (i) the Canadian Overnight Repo Rate Average (CORRA) for borrowings denominated in Canadian dollars or the adjusted term secured overnight
financing rate (SOFR) for U.S. dollar borrowings or the adjusted euro interbank rate (EURIBOR) for euro borrowings or the adjusted daily simple Sterling overnight index average (SONIA) for British pound borrowings, in each case plus 1.375% per annum or (ii) the alternative base rate (ABR) for U.S. dollar borrowings or Canadian prime rate for Canadian dollar borrowings or the adjusted daily simple European short-term rate (ESTR) for euro borrowings or the adjusted daily SONIA rate for British pound borrowings, in each case plus 0.375% per annum, and in each case of clauses (i) and (ii), subject to certain step-ups or step-downs based on the Company’s total leverage ratio. The interest rate applicable to any borrowing under the term A facility equals the adjusted term SOFR plus 1.625% per annum or ABR plus 0.625% subject to certain step-ups and step-downs based on the Company’s total leverage ratio with a minimum of 1.50% for SOFR borrowings and a minimum of 0.50% for ABR borrowings.

As of April 4, 2026, the Company had (i) $28.0 million outstanding under the revolver at base rate plus a margin of 0.375% per annum for a total of 7.125%, (ii) $619.0 million outstanding under the revolver at SOFR plus a margin of 1.375% per annum for a total of 5.04258% per annum, (iii) $893.3 million outstanding under the term A facility at SOFR plus a margin of 1.625% per annum for a total of 5.29806% per annum, and (iv) €138.0 million outstanding under the revolving credit facility at EURIBOR plus a margin of 1.375% per annum for a total of 3.29941% per annum. As of April 4, 2026, the Company had revolving credit facility availability of $1.1 billion, under the Amended Credit Agreement taking into account amounts borrowed, ancillary facilities of $73.5 million and letters of credit issued of $0.8 million. The Company also had foreign bank guarantees of approximately $12.3 million that are not part of the Company’s Amended Credit Agreement at April 4, 2026. In addition, the Company capitalized approximately $8.0 million of deferred loan costs in fiscal 2025 in connection with the Amended Credit Agreement.

4.5% Senior Notes due 2032. On June 24, 2025, Darling Global Finance B.V. (the “4.5% Issuer”), an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Darling, issued and sold €750.0 million aggregate principal amount of 4.5% Senior Notes due 2032 (the “4.5% Notes”). The 4.5% Notes, which were offered in a private offering, were issued pursuant to a Senior Notes Indenture, dated as of June 24, 2025 (the “4.5% Indenture”), among Darling Global Finance B.V., Darling, the subsidiary guarantors party thereto from time to time, GLAS Trust Company LLC, as trustee, principal paying agent and registrar. The gross proceeds of the offering, together with borrowings under the Company’s revolving credit facility, were used to (i) redeem the Company’s previous 3.625% senior notes and repay or otherwise refinance the Company’s Previous Credit Agreement, and (ii) pay costs, fees and expenses related to the refinancing.

The 4.5% Notes will mature on July 15, 2032. The 4.5% Issuer pays interest on the 4.5% Notes on January 15 and July 15 of each year commencing on January 15, 2026. Interest on the 4.5% Notes accrues at a rate of 4.5% per annum and is payable in cash. The 4.5% Notes are guaranteed by Darling and all of Darling’s restricted subsidiaries (other than any foreign subsidiary or any receivable entity) that are borrowers under or guarantee the Senior Secured Credit Facilities (collectively, the “4.5% Guarantors”). The 4.5% Notes and the guarantees thereof are senior unsecured obligations of the 4.5% Issuer and the 4.5% Guarantors and rank equally in right of payment to all of the 4.5% Issuer's and the 4.5% Guarantors’ existing and future senior indebtedness. The 4.5% Indenture contains covenants limiting Darling’s ability and the ability of its restricted subsidiaries (including the 4.5% Issuer) to, among other things: grant liens to secure indebtedness and merge with or into other companies or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of their assets. The 4.5% Indenture also requires any non-guarantor restricted subsidiary that is a borrower under or that guarantees the Senior Secured Credit Facilities or, if the Senior Secured Credit Facilities are not outstanding, incurs certain material indebtedness, to guarantee the notes, unless such non-guarantor restricted subsidiary is a foreign subsidiary, receivables entity or another exception applies. These covenants include significant exceptions and qualifications. The 4.5% Indenture does not directly restrict the issuer or the guarantors from incurring indebtedness, paying dividends or making other distributions, repurchasing Darling’s capital stock, or making investments. The Company capitalized approximately $10.3 million of deferred loan costs in fiscal 2025 in connection with the 4.5% Notes.
Other than in connection with a change of control repurchase event, as described in the 4.5% Indenture, the 4.5% Issuer is not required to make mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments on the 4.5% Notes. The 4.5% Issuer may redeem some or all of the 4.5% Notes at any time prior to July 15, 2028 at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount plus a “make-whole” premium as provided in the 4.5% Indenture. The 4.5% Notes become redeemable at any time from July 15, 2028, in whole or in part, at the fixed redemption price specified in the 4.5% Indenture.

As of April 4, 2026, the Company is in compliance with all of the financial covenants under the Amended Credit Agreement, and believes it is in compliance with all of the other covenants contained in the Amended Credit Agreement, the 6% Senior Notes due 2030, the 5.25% Senior Notes due 2027 and the 4.5% Senior Notes due 2032.
v3.26.1
Other Noncurrent Liabilities
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]  
Other Noncurrent Liabilities Other Noncurrent Liabilities
 
Other noncurrent liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):

 April 4, 2026January 3, 2026
Accrued pension liability less amounts included in liabilities to be disposed of$16,611 $17,015 
Reserve for self-insurance, litigation, environmental and tax matters67,815 68,795 
Long-term acquisition hold-backs90,266 98,461 
Other3,304 5,183 
 $177,996 $189,454 
v3.26.1
Income Taxes
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Income Taxes Income Taxes
 
The Company has provided income taxes for the three months ended April 4, 2026 and March 29, 2025, based on its estimate of the effective tax rate for the entire 2026 and 2025 fiscal years. The Company’s estimated annual effective tax rate is based on forecasts of income by jurisdiction, permanent differences between book and tax income, the relative proportion of income and losses by jurisdiction, and statutory income tax rates. Discrete events such as the assessment of the ultimate outcome of tax audits, audit settlements, recognizing previously unrecognized tax benefits due to the lapsing of statutes of limitation, recognizing or derecognizing deferred tax assets due to projections of income or loss and changes in tax laws are recognized in the period in which they occur.
 
Unrecognized tax benefits represent the difference between tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return and the benefits recognized for financial statement purposes. As of April 4, 2026 and January 3, 2026, the Company had $10.2 million and $9.9 million, respectively, of gross unrecognized tax benefits and $3.0 million and $2.7 million, respectively, of related accrued interest and penalties. The Company’s gross unrecognized tax benefits are not expected to decrease significantly within the next twelve months.

On July 4, 2025, the OBBBA was enacted in the U.S. The OBBBA includes significant provisions, such as the permanent extension of certain expiring provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, modifications to the international tax framework and the restoration of favorable tax treatment for certain business provisions. The legislation has multiple effective dates, with certain provisions effective in 2025 and others implemented through 2027. The legislation did not have a material effect on the Company's results or financial position in the current quarter.

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has a framework and model rules to implement a global minimum corporate income tax of 15% for companies with global revenues above certain thresholds (referred to as Pillar 2). On January 5, 2026, the OECD approved changes to the model rules that included the introduction of a “side-by-side” agreement which would exempt U.S.-parented companies from certain aspects of the global minimum tax regime. In certain jurisdictions, local legislative action is needed to effectuate the side-by-side agreement and cannot be considered in our accounting estimate until enactment. Accordingly, as of April 4, 2026, the Company has included a Pillar 2 liability in its estimate of the effective tax rate for the entire 2026 fiscal year primarily related to its U.S. operations.
The Company’s major taxing jurisdictions include the United States (federal and state), Canada, the Netherlands, Belgium, Brazil, Germany, France, China and Poland. The Company is subject to regular examination by various tax authorities and although the final outcome of these examinations is not yet determinable, the Company does not anticipate that any of the examinations will have a significant impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial position. The statute of limitations for the Company’s major tax jurisdictions is open for varying periods, but is generally closed through the 2013 tax year.
v3.26.1
Other Comprehensive Income
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
Equity [Abstract]  
Other Comprehensive Income Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)
The components of other comprehensive income/(loss) and the related tax impacts for the three months ended April 4, 2026 and March 29, 2025 are as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended
Before-TaxTax (Expense)Net-of-Tax
Amountor BenefitAmount
April 4, 2026March 29, 2025April 4, 2026March 29, 2025April 4, 2026March 29, 2025
Defined benefit pension plans
Amortization of prior service (cost)/benefit10 (2)(3)1 7 (1)
Amortization of actuarial loss(97)249 27 (59)(70)190 
Total defined benefit pension plans(87)247 24 (58)(63)189 
Corn option derivatives
Reclassified to earnings— 367 — (89)— 278 
Activity recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss)— (253)— 61 — (192)
Total corn option derivatives— 114 — (28)— 86 
Heating oil derivatives at DGD (Note 16)
Activity recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss)(64,294)1,400 15,623 (341)(48,671)1,059 
Total heating oil derivatives(64,294)1,400 15,623 (341)(48,671)1,059 
Interest swap derivatives
Reclassified to earnings1,228 17,693 (298)(4,299)930 13,394 
Activity recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss)268 (19,324)(66)4,695 202 (14,629)
Total interest swap derivatives1,496 (1,631)(364)396 1,132 (1,235)
Foreign exchange derivatives
Reclassified to earnings(4,193)(3,662)1,380 1,232 (2,813)(2,430)
Activity recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss)11,833 33,159 (3,895)(11,155)7,938 22,004 
Total foreign exchange derivatives7,640 29,497 (2,515)(9,923)5,125 19,574 
Foreign currency translation60,270 121,094 910 (1,762)61,180 119,332 
Other comprehensive income/(loss)$5,025 $150,721 $13,678 $(11,716)$18,703 $139,005 
The following table presents the amounts reclassified out of each component of other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax, for the three months ended April 4, 2026 and March 29, 2025 as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended
April 4, 2026March 29, 2025Statement of Operations Classification
Derivative instruments
Foreign exchange contracts$4,193 $3,662 Net sales
Corn option derivatives— (367)Cost of sales and operating expenses
Interest swaps(1,228)(17,693)Foreign currency gain/(loss) and interest expense
2,965 (14,398)Total before tax
(1,082)3,156 Income taxes
1,883 (11,242)Net of tax
Defined benefit pension plans
Amortization of prior service cost$(10)$2 (a)
Amortization of actuarial loss97 (249)(a)
87 (247)Total before tax
(24)58 Income taxes
63 (189)Net of tax
Total reclassifications$1,946 $(11,431)Net of tax

(a)These items are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See Note 15 (Employee Benefit Plans) to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for additional information.

The following table presents changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) as of April 4, 2026 as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended April 4, 2026
ForeignDefined
CurrencyDerivativeBenefit
TranslationInstrumentsPension PlansTotal
Accumulated Other Comprehensive income/ (loss) January 3, 2026, attributable to Darling, net of tax$(352,086)$15,184 $(2,287)$(339,189)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications61,180 (40,531)— 20,649 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/ (loss)— (1,883)(63)(1,946)
Net current-period other comprehensive income61,180 (42,414)(63)18,703 
Noncontrolling interest
1,925 — — 1,925 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive income/ (loss)
    April 4, 2026, attributable to Darling, net of tax
$(292,831)$(27,230)$(2,350)$(322,411)
v3.26.1
Stockholders' Equity
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
Equity [Abstract]  
Stockholders' Equity Stockholders’ Equity
Fiscal 2026 Long-Term Incentive Opportunity Awards (2026 LTIP). On December 18, 2025, the Compensation Committee (the “Committee”) of the Company’s Board of Directors adopted the 2026 LTIP pursuant to which on January 5, 2026 the Company awarded certain of the Company’s key employees, 233,112 restricted stock units and 349,672 performance share units (the “PSUs”) under the Company’s 2017 Omnibus Incentive Plan. The restricted stock units vest 33.33% on the first, second and third anniversaries of the grant date. The PSUs are tied to a three-year forward-looking performance period and will be earned based on the Company’s average return on gross investment (“ROGI”), as calculated in accordance with the terms of the award agreement, relative to the average ROGI of the Company’s performance peer group companies, with such calculated PSU value then subject to the application of a total shareholder return (“TSR”) modifier depending on the Company’s TSR during the performance period relative to that of the performance peer group companies, with the earned award to be determined in the first quarter of fiscal 2029, after the final results for the relevant performance period are determined. The PSUs were granted at a target of 100%, but the target award may be reduced or increased (up to 225%) depending on the Company’s ROGI relative to that of the performance peer group companies, and then such value following the ROGI calculation is subject to being
reduced or increased (up to 250%) depending on the Company’s TSR relative to that of the performance peer group companies.

On May 7, 2026, the shareholders approved the Company’s 2026 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2026 Omnibus Plan”). The 2026 Omnibus Plan replaces the Company’s 2017 Omnibus Incentive Plan (“2017 Omnibus Plan”) for future grants. Under the 2026 Omnibus Plan, the Company can grant stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance awards, other stock-based awards, non-employee director awards, dividend equivalents and cash-based awards.  Initially, there were up to 5,645,450 common shares available under the 2026 Omnibus Plan for awards to participants. To the extent these outstanding awards are forfeited or expire without exercise, the shares will be returned to and available for future grants under the 2026 Omnibus Plan. The 2026 Omnibus Plan’s purpose is to attract, retain and motivate employees, directors and third-party service providers of the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates and to encourage them to have a financial interest in the Company. The 2026 Omnibus Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee (the “Committee”) of the Board of Directors. The Committee has the authority to select participants, grant awards, and determine the terms and conditions of such awards as provided in the 2026 Omnibus Plan.
The Company’s Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program in August 2017, which was refreshed on June 21, 2024 up to an aggregate of $500.0 million of the Company’s Common Stock depending on market conditions, and extended to August 13, 2026. During the first three months of fiscal 2026, zero Common Stock was repurchased under the share repurchase program. As of April 4, 2026, the Company had approximately $460.3 million remaining under the share repurchase program.
v3.26.1
Employee Benefit Plans
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]  
Employee Benefit Plans Employee Benefit Plans 
Net pension cost for the three months ended April 4, 2026 and March 29, 2025 includes the following components (in thousands):
Pension Benefits
 Three Months Ended
 April 4,
2026		March 29,
2025
Service cost$699 $743 
Interest cost1,596 1,917 
Expected return on plan assets(1,530)(1,716)
Amortization of prior service cost10 (2)
Amortization of actuarial loss(97)249 
Net pension cost$678 $1,191 

Based on annual actuarial estimates, at April 4, 2026 the Company expects to contribute approximately $4.0 million to its pension plans to meet funding requirements during the next twelve months. Additionally, the Company has made tax deductible discretionary and required contributions to its pension plans for the three months ended April 4, 2026 and March 29, 2025 of approximately $0.7 million and $0.5 million, respectively.  

The Company participates in various multiemployer pension plans which provide defined benefits to certain employees covered by labor contracts. These plans are not administered by the Company and contributions are determined in accordance with provisions of negotiated labor contracts to meet their pension benefit obligations to their participants. The Company’s contributions to each multiemployer plan represent less than 5% of the total contributions to each plan. Based on the most currently available information, the Company has determined that, if a withdrawal were to occur, withdrawal liabilities on two of the plans in which the Company currently participates could be material to the Company. With respect to the other multiemployer pension plans in which the Company participates and which are not individually significant, five plans have certified as critical or red zone as defined by the Pension Protection Act of 2006.

The Company currently has withdrawal liabilities recorded on three U.S. multiemployer plans in which it participated. As of April 4, 2026, the Company has an aggregate accrued liability of approximately $3.3 million representing the present value of scheduled withdrawal liability payments on the multiemployer plans that have given notice of withdrawal. While the Company has no ability to calculate a possible current liability for under-funded multiemployer plans that could terminate or could require additional funding under the Pension Protection Act of 2006, the amounts could be material.
v3.26.1
Derivatives
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]  
Derivatives Derivatives 
The Company’s operations are exposed to market risks relating to commodity prices that affect the Company’s cost of raw materials, finished product prices, energy costs and the risk of changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates.

The Company makes limited use of derivative instruments to manage cash flow risks related to interest rates, natural gas usage, diesel fuel usage, inventory, forecasted sales and foreign currency exchange rates. Interest rate swaps are entered into with the intent of managing overall borrowing costs by reducing the potential impact of increases in interest rates on floating-rate long-term debt. Natural gas swaps and options are entered into with the intent of managing the overall cost of natural gas usage by reducing the potential impact of seasonal weather demands on natural gas that increases natural gas prices.  Heating oil swaps and options are entered into with the intent of managing the overall cost of diesel fuel usage by reducing the potential impact of seasonal weather demands on diesel fuel that increases diesel fuel prices.  Soybean meal forwards and options are entered into with the intent of managing the impact of changing prices for poultry meal sales. Corn options and future contracts are entered into with the intent of managing U.S. forecasted sales of bakery by-products (“BBP”) by reducing the impact of changing prices.  Foreign currency forward and option contracts are entered into to mitigate the foreign exchange rate risk for transactions designated in a currency other than the local functional currency. 

At April 4, 2026, the Company had foreign exchange forward and option contracts and interest rate swaps outstanding that qualified and were designated for hedge accounting as well as corn option contracts, soybean meal option contracts, soybean oil option contracts, other commodity forward contracts, and foreign currency forward contracts that did not qualify and were not designated for hedge accounting.

In fiscal 2026 and fiscal 2025, the Company’s DGD Joint Venture entered into heating oil derivatives that were deemed to be cash flow hedges. As a result, the Company has accrued the other comprehensive income/(loss) portion belonging to Darling with an offset to the investment in DGD as required by Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) ASC Topic 323.

Cash Flow Hedges

In fiscal 2023, the Company designated interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges of the interest rate risk on a portion of its outstanding variable rate debt. Due to a change in the terms of the underlying debt instruments, the hedging relationships were dedesignated in June 2025. The cumulative gain of approximately $4.1 million, previously recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss related to the cash flow hedges was reclassified to interest expense upon dedesignation. In July 2025, the Company designated interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges. The notional amount of the swaps at April 4, 2026 was $300.0 million. Under the contracts, the Company is obligated to pay a weighted average rate of 3.420% while receiving the 1-month SOFR rate. Under terms of the interest rate swaps, the Company hedges a portion of its variable rate debt into the second quarter of 2027. At April 4, 2026, the aggregate fair value of these interest rate swaps was approximately $2.4 million and was recorded in other current assets and noncurrent liabilities on the balance sheet, with an offset recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss. At January 3, 2026, the aggregate fair value of these interest rate swaps was approximately $2.2 million and was recorded in other current assets, accrued expenses and noncurrent liabilities on the balance sheet, with an offset recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss.

In fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2026, the Company entered into foreign exchange options and forward contracts that are designated as cash flow hedges. Under the terms of the foreign exchange contracts, the Company hedged a portion of its forecasted sales in currencies other than the functional currency through the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026. At April 4, 2026 and January 3, 2026, the aggregate fair value of these foreign exchange contracts was approximately $17.9 million and $15.3 million, respectively. These amounts are included in other current assets and accrued expenses on the balance sheet, with an offset recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss.

The Company may enter into corn forward and option contracts, soybean meal forward and option contracts and heating oil swap and option contracts from time to time. There were no open designated corn, soybean meal or heating oil contracts entered into by the Company at April 4, 2026.
As of April 4, 2026, the Company had the following designated and non-designated outstanding forward and option contract amounts that were entered into to hedge foreign currency transactions in currencies other than the functional currency and forecasted transactions in currencies other than the functional currency (in thousands):

Functional CurrencyContract Currency
TypeAmountTypeAmount
Brazilian real421,281 Euro64,240 
Brazilian real1,634,393 U.S. dollar287,894 
Euro17,659 U.S. dollar20,524 
Euro114,430 Polish zloty491,210 
Euro10,260 Japanese yen1,879,316 
Euro26,947 Chinese renminbi214,215 
Euro43,217 Australian dollar72,050 
Euro10,255 British pound8,910 
Polish zloty995 U.S. dollar267 
Polish zloty59,599 Euro13,885 
Japanese yen117,407 U.S. dollar754 
Japanese yen42,165 Euro230 
U.S. dollar573 Japanese yen91,157 
Australian dollar479 U.S. dollar328 

The Company estimates the amount that will be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss at April 4, 2026 into earnings over the next 12 months for all cash flow hedges will be approximately $32.8 million. As of April 4, 2026, no amounts have been reclassified into earnings as a result of the discontinuance of cash flow hedges.

The table below summarizes the effect of derivatives not designated as hedges on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended April 4, 2026 and March 29, 2025 (in thousands):

Loss or (Gain) Recognized in Income on Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges
Three Months Ended
Derivatives not designated as hedging instrumentsLocationApril 4,
2026		March 29,
2025
Foreign exchangeForeign currency loss/(gain)$2,013 $(287)
Foreign exchange
Net sales
135 (67)
Foreign exchange
Cost of sales and operating expenses
(87)60 
Foreign exchangeSelling, general and administrative expenses(9,612)(7,189)
Corn options and futures
Cost of sales and operating expenses
552 (1,601)
Soybean meal
Net sales
73 — 
Soybean oil
Net sales
(3,493)— 
Other commoditiesSelling, general and administrative expenses(1,718)(277)
Total$(12,137)$(9,361)

At April 4, 2026, the Company had forward purchase agreements in place for purchases of approximately $223.8 million of natural gas and diesel fuel.  The Company intends to take physical delivery of the commodities under the forward purchase agreements and accordingly, these contracts are not subject to the requirements of fair value accounting because they qualify as normal purchases.
v3.26.1
Fair Value Measurement
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurements 
FASB authoritative guidance defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.  The following table presents the Company’s financial instruments that are measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis as of April 4, 2026 and are categorized using the fair value hierarchy under FASB authoritative guidance.  The fair value hierarchy has three levels based on the reliability of the inputs used to determine the fair value.
 
  Fair Value Measurements at April 4, 2026 Using
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets		Significant Other
Observable
Inputs		Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(In thousands of dollars)Total(Level 1)(Level 2)(Level 3)
Assets
Derivative assets$31,818 $— $31,818 $— 
Total Assets$31,818 $— $31,818 $— 
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities$738 $— $738 $— 
Total Liabilities$738 $— $738 $— 

  Fair Value Measurements at January 3, 2026 Using
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets		Significant Other
Observable
Inputs		Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(In thousands of dollars)Total(Level 1)(Level 2)(Level 3)
Assets
Derivative assets$23,590 $— $23,590 $— 
Total Assets$23,590 $— $23,590 $— 
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities$2,631 $— $2,631 $— 
Total Liabilities$2,631 $— $2,631 $— 

Derivative assets and liabilities consist primarily of the Company’s corn option and futures contracts, foreign currency forward and option contracts, interest rate swap contracts and cross currency swap contracts which represent the difference between observable market rates of commonly quoted intervals for similar assets and liabilities in active markets and the fixed swap rate considering the instruments term, notional amount and credit risk. See Note 16 (Derivatives) to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for discussion on the Company’s derivatives.

Fair value of financial instruments that are not carried at fair value are as follows:

  Fair Value Measurements at April 4, 2026 Using
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets		Significant Other
Observable
Inputs		Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(In thousands of dollars)Total(Level 1)(Level 2)(Level 3)
Liabilities
6% Senior notes$1,008,900 $— $1,008,900 $— 
5.25% Senior notes497,500 — 497,500 — 
4.5% Senior notes863,364 — 863,364 — 
Term Loan A888,784 — 888,784 — 
Revolver debt794,226 — 794,226 — 
Total Liabilities$4,052,774 $— $4,052,774 $— 
  Fair Value Measurements at January 3, 2026 Using
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets		Significant Other
Observable
Inputs		Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(In thousands of dollars)Total(Level 1)(Level 2)(Level 3)
Liabilities
6% Senior notes$1,015,100 $— $1,015,100 $— 
5.25% Senior notes499,000 — 499,000 — 
4.5% Senior notes890,063 — 890,063 — 
Term Loan A891,023 — 891,023 — 
Revolver debt592,133 — 592,133 — 
Total Liabilities$3,887,319 $— $3,887,319 $— 

The fair value of the senior notes, term loan A and revolver debt is based on market quotation from third-party banks. The carrying amount of the Company’s other debt is not deemed to be significantly different from the fair value and all other instruments have been recorded at fair value.

The carrying amount of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximates fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments and as such has been excluded from the table above.
v3.26.1
Contingencies
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Contingencies Contingencies 
The Company is a party to various lawsuits, claims and loss contingencies arising in the ordinary course of its business, including insured worker's compensation, auto, and general liability claims, assertions by certain regulatory and governmental agencies related to various matters including labor and employment, employee benefits, occupational safety and health, wage and hour, compliance, sustainability, permitting requirements, environmental matters, including air, wastewater and storm water discharges from the Company’s processing facilities and other federal, state and local issues, litigation involving tort, contract, statutory, labor, employment, and other claims, and tax matters.

The Company’s workers compensation, auto and general liability policies contain significant deductibles or self-insured retentions.  The Company estimates and accrues its expected ultimate claim costs related to accidents occurring during each fiscal year under these insurance policies and carries this accrual as a reserve until these claims are paid by the Company.

As a result of the matters discussed above, the Company has established loss reserves for insurance, regulatory, governmental, environmental and litigation. At April 4, 2026 and January 3, 2026, the reserves for insurance, regulatory, governmental, environmental and litigation reflected on the balance sheet in accrued expenses and other noncurrent liabilities was approximately $87.6 million and $86.0 million, respectively.  The Company has insurance recovery receivables reflected on the balance sheet in other assets of approximately $27.1 million as of April 4, 2026 and January 3, 2026, related to the insurance contingencies. The Company’s management believes these reserves for contingencies are reasonable and sufficient based upon present governmental regulations and information currently available to management; however, there can be no assurance that final costs related to these contingencies will not exceed current estimates. The Company believes that the likelihood is remote that any additional liability from the pending lawsuits and claims that may not be covered by insurance would have a material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Lower Passaic River Area. In December 2009, the Company, along with numerous other entities, received notice from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) that the Company (as alleged successor-in-interest to The Standard Tallow Corporation) is considered a potentially responsible party (a “PRP”) with respect to alleged contamination in the lower 17-mile area of the Passaic River (the “Lower Passaic River”) which is part of the Diamond Alkali Superfund Site located in Newark, New Jersey. The Company’s designation as a PRP is based upon the operation of former plant sites located in Newark and Kearny, New Jersey by The Standard Tallow Corporation, an entity that the Company acquired in 1996. In March 2016, the Company received another letter from the EPA notifying the Company that it had issued a Record of Decision (the “ROD”) selecting a remedy for the lower 8.3 miles of the Lower Passaic River area at an estimated cost of $1.38 billion. The EPA letter made no demand on the Company and laid out a framework for remedial design/remedial action implementation under which the EPA would
first seek funding from major PRPs. The letter indicated that the EPA had sent the letter to over 100 parties, which include large chemical and refining companies, manufacturing companies, foundries, plastic companies, pharmaceutical companies and food and consumer product companies. The Company asserts that it is not responsible for any liabilities of its former subsidiary The Standard Tallow Corporation, which was legally dissolved in 2000, and that, in any event, The Standard Tallow Corporation did not discharge any of the eight contaminants of concern identified in the ROD (the “COCs”). Subsequently, the EPA conducted a settlement analysis using a third-party allocator and offered early cash out settlements to those PRPs for whom the third-party allocator determined did not discharge any of the COCs. The Company participated in this allocation process, and in November 2019, received a cash out settlement offer from the EPA in the amount of $0.6 million ($0.3 million for each of the former plant sites in question) for liabilities relating to the lower 8.3 miles of the Lower Passaic River area. The Company accepted this settlement offer, and the settlement became effective on April 16, 2021 following the completion of the EPA's administrative approval process. In September 2021, the EPA released a ROD selecting an interim remedy for the upper nine miles of the Lower Passaic River at an expected additional cost of $441 million. In October 2022, the Company, along with other settling defendants, entered into a Consent Decree with the EPA pursuant to which the Company paid $0.3 million to settle liabilities for both of the former plant sites in question related to the upper nine miles of the Lower Passaic River. The Company paid this amount into escrow, as the settlement is subject to the EPA’s administrative approval process, which includes publication, a public comment period and court approval. In December 2024, the court granted the issuance of the Consent Decree; however, this decision has been appealed. On September 30, 2016, Occidental Chemical Corporation (“OCC”) entered into an agreement with the EPA to perform the remedial design for the cleanup plan for the lower 8.3 miles of the Lower Passaic River. On June 30, 2018, OCC filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey against over 100 companies, including the Company, seeking cost recovery or contribution for costs under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA”) relating to various investigations and cleanups OCC has conducted or is conducting in connection with the Lower Passaic River. According to the complaint, OCC has incurred or is incurring costs which include the estimated cost to complete the remedial design for the cleanup plan for the lower 8.3 miles of the Lower Passaic River. OCC is also seeking a declaratory judgment to hold the defendants liable for their proper shares of future response costs, including the remedial action for the lower 8.3 miles of the Lower Passaic River. The Company, along with 40 of the other defendants, had previously received a release from OCC of its CERCLA contribution claim of $165 million associated with the costs to design the remedy for the lower 8.3 miles of the Lower Passaic River. Furthermore, the Company’s settlements with the EPA described above could preclude certain of the claims alleged by OCC against the Company. The Company’s ultimate liability, if any, for investigatory costs, remedial costs and/or natural resource damages in connection with the Lower Passaic River area cannot be determined at this time; however, as of the date of this report, the Company has found no definitive evidence that the former Standard Tallow Corporation plant sites contributed any of the COCs to the Passaic River and, therefore, there is nothing that leads the Company to believe that this matter will have a material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
v3.26.1
Business Segments
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Business Segments Business Segments 
In 2024, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, on a retrospective basis.

The Company sells its products through a global network of over 260 locations across five continents within three industry segments: Feed Ingredients, Food Ingredients and Fuel Ingredients. The Company's segments are determined as those operations whose results are reviewed regularly by the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”), who is the Company's Chief Executive Officer, in deciding how to allocate resources and assess performance. Each segment is organized and managed based upon the nature of the Company's markets and customers and consists of similar products and services.

The following is a description of each segment's business operations.

Feed Ingredients
Feed Ingredients consists principally of (i) the Company’s U.S. ingredients business, including the Company’s fats and proteins, used cooking oil, trap grease, the Company's Canada ingredients business, and the ingredients and specialty products businesses conducted by Darling Ingredients International under the Sonac and FASA names (proteins, fats, and blood products) and (ii) the Company’s bakery residuals business. Feed Ingredients operations process animal by-products and used cooking oil into fats, proteins and hides.
Food Ingredients
Food Ingredients consists principally of (i) the collagen business conducted by Darling Ingredients International under the Rousselot and Gelnex names, (ii) the natural casings business conducted by Darling Ingredients International under the CTH name and (iii) certain specialty products businesses conducted by Darling Ingredients International under the Sonac name.

Fuel Ingredients
The Company’s Fuel Ingredients segment consists of (i) the Company’s investment in the DGD Joint Venture and (ii) the bioenergy business conducted by Darling Ingredients International under the Ecoson and Rendac names.

The performance of the operating segments is evaluated based on segment income (loss) which includes all revenues, operating expenses, and selling, general and administrative expenses incurred at all operating locations and excludes general corporate expenses. The CODM uses segment income (loss) as the measure to make resource (including financial or capital resources) allocation decisions for each segment, predominantly in the annual budget and forecasting process. The CODM considers budget-to-actual variances on a quarterly basis when evaluating performance for each segment and making decisions about capital allocation. Accounting policies have been applied consistently by all segments within the Company for all reporting periods. Intercompany revenue and expense amounts have been eliminated within each segment to report on the basis that management uses internally for evaluating segment performance. Our CODM is not provided with total assets by segment since we do not measure, evaluate the performance, or allocate capital resources on a segment basis. As a result, we have not disclosed any asset information by segment.

Business Segments (in thousands):
Feed IngredientsFood IngredientsFuel IngredientsCorporate (a)Total
Three Months Ended April 4, 2026
Total net sales$985,338 $405,233 $160,250 $— $1,550,821 
Cost of sales and operating expenses736,354 287,976 121,570 — 1,145,900 
Gross margin248,984 117,257 38,680 — 404,921 
Loss/(gain) on sale of assets335 64 (196)— 203 
Selling, general and administrative expenses79,918 36,415 10,132 22,602 149,067 
Restructuring and asset impairment charges— 364 — — 364 
Acquisition and integration costs— — — 4,970 4,970 
Depreciation and amortization90,921 29,581 8,932 1,475 130,909 
Equity in net income of Diamond Green Diesel— — 107,363 — 107,363 
Segment operating income/(loss)77,810 50,833 127,175 (29,047)226,771 
Equity in net income of other unconsolidated subsidiaries2,895 — — — 2,895 
Segment income/(loss)80,705 50,833 127,175 (29,047)229,666 
Total other expense (b)(53,984)
Income before income taxes$175,682 

(a)    Included in corporate activities are general corporate expenses.

(b)    Total other expense includes interest expense, foreign currency gain/(loss) and other income/(expense). Interest expense and foreign currency gain/(loss) are separately disclosed on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Feed IngredientsFood IngredientsFuel IngredientsCorporateTotal
Three Months Ended March 29, 2025
Total net sales$896,283 $349,240 $135,071 $— $1,380,594 
Cost of sales and operating expenses714,015 246,781 108,447 — 1,069,243 
Gross margin182,268 102,459 26,624 — 311,351 
Loss/(gain) on sale of assets115 55 (108)— 62 
Selling, general and administrative expenses71,571 31,472 8,541 9,972 121,556 
Acquisition and integration costs— — — 1,534 1,534 
Change in fair value of contingent consideration5,441 — — — 5,441 
Depreciation and amortization84,130 29,562 8,589 1,554 123,835 
Equity in net loss of Diamond Green Diesel— — (30,523)— (30,523)
Segment operating income/(loss)21,011 41,370 (20,921)(13,060)28,400 
Equity in net income of other unconsolidated subsidiaries2,628 — — — 2,628 
Segment income/(loss)23,639 41,370 (20,921)(13,060)31,028 
Total other expense (c)(55,996)
Loss before income taxes$(24,968)

(c)    Total other expense includes interest expense, foreign currency gain/(loss) and other income/(expense). Interest expense and foreign currency gain/(loss) are separately disclosed on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
v3.26.1
Revenue (Notes)
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Revenue Revenue 
The Company extends payment terms to its customers based on commercially acceptable practices. The term between invoicing and payment due date is not significant. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for transferring finished products or performing services, which is generally based on an executed agreement or purchase order.

Most of the Company’s products are shipped based on the customer specifications. Customer returns are infrequent and not material to the Company. Adjustments to net sales for sales deductions are generally recognized in the same period as the sale or when known. Customers in certain industries or countries may be required to prepay prior to shipment in order to maintain payment protection. These represent short-term prepayment from customers and are not material to the Company. The Company elected to treat shipping and handling as fulfillment costs. Sales, value-add, and other taxes collected concurrently with revenue-producing activities are excluded from revenue and booked on a net basis.

The following tables present the Company’s revenues disaggregated by geographic area and major product types by reportable segment for the three months ended April 4, 2026 and March 29, 2025 (in thousands):
Three Months Ended April 4, 2026
Feed IngredientsFood IngredientsFuel IngredientsTotal
Geographic Area
North America$744,473 $83,741 $— $828,214 
Europe124,326 203,144 160,250 487,720 
China10,111 64,777 — 74,888 
South America101,953 36,505 — 138,458 
Other4,475 17,066 — 21,541 
Total net sales$985,338 $405,233 $160,250 $1,550,821 
Major product types
Fats$384,609 $47,574 $— $432,183 
Used cooking oil109,486 — — 109,486 
Proteins41,416 — — 41,416 
Bakery366,033 — — 366,033 
Other rendering72,200 — — 72,200 
Food ingredients— 331,044 — 331,044 
Bioenergy— — 160,250 160,250 
Other11,594 26,615 — 38,209 
Total net sales$985,338 $405,233 $160,250 $1,550,821 

Three Months Ended March 29, 2025
Feed IngredientsFood IngredientsFuel IngredientsTotal
Geographic Area
North America$688,703 $97,961 $— $786,664 
Europe105,052 168,047 135,071 408,170 
China3,665 50,370 — 54,035 
South America95,324 21,637 — 116,961 
Other3,539 11,225 — 14,764 
Total net sales$896,283 $349,240 $135,071 $1,380,594 
Major product types
Fats$341,524 $44,369 $— $385,893 
Used cooking oil78,940 — — 78,940 
Proteins351,217 — — 351,217 
Bakery50,648 — — 50,648 
Other rendering62,199 — — 62,199 
Food ingredients— 278,582 — 278,582 
Bioenergy— — 135,071 135,071 
Other11,755 26,289 — 38,044 
Total net sales$896,283 $349,240 $135,071 $1,380,594 
Long-Term Performance Obligations. The Company from time to time enters into long-term contracts to supply certain volumes of finished products to certain customers. Revenue recognized to date in 2026 under these long-term supply contracts was approximately $17.9 million with remaining performance obligations to be recognized in future periods (generally 3 years) of approximately $431.8 million.
v3.26.1
Related Party Transactions
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]  
Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions 
Raw Material Agreement

The Company entered into a Raw Material Agreement with the DGD Joint Venture in May 2011 pursuant to which the Company will offer to supply certain animal fats and used cooking oil at market prices, but the DGD Joint Venture is not obligated to purchase the raw material offered by the Company. Additionally, the Company may offer other feedstocks to the DGD Joint Venture, such as inedible corn oil, purchased on a resale basis. For the three months ended April 4, 2026 and March 29, 2025, the Company recorded net sales to the DGD Joint Venture of approximately $248.7 million and $218.0 million, respectively. For the three months ended April 4, 2026 and March 29, 2025, our net sales to the DGD Joint Venture were approximately 16% and 16%, respectively, of total net sales. At April 4, 2026
and January 3, 2026, the Company had $5.1 million and $33.7 million in outstanding receivables due from the DGD Joint Venture, respectively. In addition, the Company has eliminated approximately $63.4 million and $71.5 million of additional sales for the three months ended April 4, 2026 and March 29, 2025, respectively, to defer the Company’s portion of profit of approximately $15.3 million and $14.9 million on those sales relating to inventory assets remaining on the DGD Joint Venture's balance sheet at April 4, 2026 and March 29, 2025, respectively.

Revolving Loan Agreement

On June 15, 2023, Darling, through its wholly owned subsidiary Darling Green Energy LLC, (“Darling Green”), and Diamond Alternative Energy, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Valero (“Diamond Alternative” and together with Darling Green, the “DGD Lenders”), entered into a revolving loan agreement (the “2023 DGD Loan Agreement”) with the DGD Joint Venture, pursuant to which the DGD Lenders committed to making loans available to the DGD Joint Venture in the total amount of $200.0 million with each lender committed to $100.0 million of the total commitment. Any borrowings by the DGD Joint Venture under the 2023 DGD Loan Agreement are at the applicable annum rate equal to the sum of (a) term SOFR on such day plus (b) 2.50%. The 2023 DGD Loan Agreement has been amended to extend the expiration date to June 15, 2029. In March 2026, the DGD Joint Venture borrowed $100.0 million, or $50.0 million of the Company’s portion of the commitment, which was repaid in March 2026. The DGD Joint Venture paid $0.2 million and zero interest to the Company for the three months ended April 4, 2026 and March 29, 2025, respectively. As of April 4, 2026 and January 3, 2026, zero was owed to Darling Green under the 2023 DGD Loan Agreement.

Guarantee Agreements

In February 2020, in connection with the DGD Joint Venture’s expansion project at its Norco, LA facility, the DGD Joint Venture entered into two agreements (the “IMTT Terminaling Agreements”) with International-Matex Tank Terminals (“IMTT”), pursuant to which the DGD Joint Venture will move raw material and finished product to and from the IMTT terminal facility by pipeline, thereby providing better logistical capabilities.  As a condition to entering into the IMTT Terminaling Agreements, IMTT required that the Company and Valero guarantee their proportionate share, up to a maximum of approximately $50 million each, of the DGD Joint Venture’s obligations under the IMTT Terminaling Agreements (the “IMTT Guarantee”), subject to the conditions provided for in the IMTT Terminaling Agreements. The Company has not recorded any liability as a result of the IMTT Guarantee, as the Company believes the likelihood of having to make any payments under the IMTT Guarantee is remote.

In April 2021, in connection with the DGD Joint Venture’s expansion project at its Port Arthur, TX facility, the DGD Joint Venture entered into two agreements (the “GTL Terminaling Agreements”) with GT Logistics, LLC (“GTL”), pursuant to which the DGD Joint Venture will move raw material and finished product to and from the GTL terminal facility by pipeline, thereby providing better logistical capabilities. As a condition to entering into the GTL Terminaling Agreements, GTL required that the Company and Valero guarantee their proportionate share, up to a maximum of approximately $160 million each, of the DGD Joint Venture’s obligations under the GTL Terminaling Agreements (the “GTL Guarantee”), subject to the conditions provided for in the GTL Terminaling Agreements. The maximum amount of the GTL Guarantee is reduced over the 20-year initial term of the GTL Terminaling Agreements as the termination fee under such agreements declines. The Company has not recorded any liability as a result of the GTL Guarantee, as the Company believes the likelihood of having to make any payments under the GTL Guarantee is remote.
v3.26.1
Cash Flow Information
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
Nonmonetary Transactions [Abstract]  
Cash Flow Information Cash Flow Information
The following table sets forth supplemental cash flow information and non-cash transactions (in thousands):
Three Months Ended
April 4, 2026March 29, 2025
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Change in accrued capital expenditures$(9,517)$6,613 
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest, net of capitalized interest$35,904 $24,963 
Income taxes, net of refunds$20,472 $9,222 
Non-cash operating activities
Operating lease right of use asset obtained in exchange for new lease liabilities$15,041 $19,183 
Non-cash financing activities
Debt issued for assets$615 $91 
v3.26.1
New Accounting Pronouncements
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
New Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract]  
New Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU No. 2024-03, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income - Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40), which requires entities to disaggregate any relevant expense caption presented on the face of the income statement within continuing operations or in the footnotes. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2027. Adoption is either with a prospective method or a fully retrospective method of transition. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating this ASU to determine its impact on the Company’s disclosure, but does not expect this update to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements other than additional information that will be provided in the footnote disclosure.

In November 2025, the FASB issued ASU No. 2025-09, Derivative and Hedging (Topic 815) – Hedge Accounting Improvements. This ASU clarifies certain aspects of the guidance on hedge accounting to more closely align hedge accounting with the economics of an entity’s risk management activities by enabling entities to achieve and maintain hedge accounting for highly effective economic hedges of forecasted transactions. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim periods within those annual reporting periods, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating this ASU but does not expect this update to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and disclosure.

In December 2025, the FASB issued ASU No. 2025-11, Interim Reporting (Topic 270) – Narrow-Scope Improvements. This ASU provides clarifications intended to improve the consistency and usability of interim disclosure requirements, including a comprehensive listing of required interim disclosures and a new disclosure principle for reporting material events occurring after the most recent annual period. The amendments do not change the underlying objectives of interim reporting but are designed to enhance clarity in application. The guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2027. The Company is currently evaluating this ASU on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
v3.26.1
Insider Trading Arrangements
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
Trading Arrangements, by Individual  
Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted false
Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted false
Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated false
Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated false
v3.26.1
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Darling and its consolidated subsidiaries. Noncontrolling interests represent the outstanding ownership interest in the Company’s consolidated subsidiaries that are not owned by the Company. In the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations, the noncontrolling interest in net income of the consolidated subsidiaries is shown as an allocation of the Company’s net income and is presented separately as “Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests.” In the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets, noncontrolling interests represent the ownership interests in the Company’s consolidated subsidiaries' net assets held by parties other than the Company. These ownership interests are presented separately as “Noncontrolling interests” within “Stockholders' Equity.” All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Fiscal Periods Fiscal Periods
The Company has a 52/53 week fiscal year ending on the Saturday nearest December 31.  Fiscal periods for the consolidated financial statements included herein are as of April 4, 2026, and include the 13 weeks ended April 4, 2026, and the 13 weeks ended March 29, 2025.
Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all short-term highly liquid instruments, with an original maturity of three months or less, to be cash equivalents. Cash balances are recorded net of book overdrafts when a bank right-of-offset exists. All other book overdrafts are recorded in accounts payable and the change in the related balance is reflected in operating activities on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. In addition, the Company has bank overdrafts, which are considered a form of short-term financing with changes in the related balance reflected in financing activities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Restricted cash shown on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of April 4, 2026 and January 3, 2026, primarily represents the current portion of acquisition consideration hold-back amounts that are part of the purchase price set aside in escrow in the Company’s name for possible indemnification claims by the Company, which amounts will be paid to the sellers in the future if no claims arise. Restricted cash included in other long-term assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of April 4, 2026 and January 3, 2026, primarily represents the long-term acquisition consideration hold-back amounts that are part of the purchase price set aside in escrow in the Company’s name for possible indemnification claims by the Company, which amounts will be paid to the sellers in the future if no claims arise. A reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported within the
Consolidated Balance Sheets that sum to the total of the same amounts shown in the Consolidated Statement of Cash flows is as follows (in thousands):

April 4, 2026January 3, 2026
Cash and cash equivalents$116,015 $88,671 
Restricted cash22,216 16,686 
Restricted cash included in other long-term assets89,995 98,181 
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows$228,226 $203,538 
Revenue Recognition Revenue RecognitionThe Company recognizes revenue on sales when control of the promised finished product is transferred to the Company’s customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for the finished product. Service revenues are recognized when the service occurs. Certain customers may be required to prepay prior to shipment in order to maintain payment protection related to certain foreign and domestic sales. These amounts are recorded as unearned revenue in accrued expenses and recognized when control of the promised finished product is transferred to the Company’s customer.
Use of Estimates Use of Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

If it is at least reasonably possible that the estimate of the effect on the financial statements of a condition, situation, or set of circumstances that exist at the date of the financial statements will change in the near term due to one or more future confirming events, and the effect of the change would be material to the financial statements, the Company will disclose the nature of the uncertainty and include an indication that it is at least reasonably possible that a change in the estimate will occur in the near term.  If the estimate involves certain loss contingencies, the disclosure will also include an estimate of the probable loss or range of loss or state that an estimate cannot be made.

As a result of the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East and the current inflationary environment that might be further impacted by tariffs, we have evaluated the potential impact to the Company’s operations and for any indicators of triggering events that could indicate certain of the Company’s assets may be impaired. Through the three months ended April 4, 2026, the Company has not observed any impairments of the Company’s assets or a significant change in their fair value due to the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, inflation or the impacts of tariffs.
Earnings Per Share Earnings Per ShareBasic income per common share is computed by dividing net income attributable to Darling by the weighted average number of common shares including non-vested and restricted shares outstanding during the period.  Diluted income per common share is computed by dividing net income attributable to Darling by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period increased by dilutive common equivalent shares determined using the treasury stock method.
Income Taxes The Company has provided income taxes for the three months ended April 4, 2026 and March 29, 2025, based on its estimate of the effective tax rate for the entire 2026 and 2025 fiscal years. The Company’s estimated annual effective tax rate is based on forecasts of income by jurisdiction, permanent differences between book and tax income, the relative proportion of income and losses by jurisdiction, and statutory income tax rates. Discrete events such as the assessment of the ultimate outcome of tax audits, audit settlements, recognizing previously unrecognized tax benefits due to the lapsing of statutes of limitation, recognizing or derecognizing deferred tax assets due to projections of income or loss and changes in tax laws are recognized in the period in which they occur.
v3.26.1
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents A reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported within the
Consolidated Balance Sheets that sum to the total of the same amounts shown in the Consolidated Statement of Cash flows is as follows (in thousands):

April 4, 2026January 3, 2026
Cash and cash equivalents$116,015 $88,671 
Restricted cash22,216 16,686 
Restricted cash included in other long-term assets89,995 98,181 
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows$228,226 $203,538 
Net Income per Common Share
Basic income per common share is computed by dividing net income attributable to Darling by the weighted average number of common shares including non-vested and restricted shares outstanding during the period.  Diluted income per common share is computed by dividing net income attributable to Darling by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period increased by dilutive common equivalent shares determined using the treasury stock method.
Net Income/(loss) per Common Share (in thousands, except per share data)
 Three Months Ended
April 4, 2026March 29, 2025
 IncomeSharesPer ShareLossSharesPer Share
Basic:      
Net income/(loss) attributable to Darling$134,313 158,744 $0.85 $(26,160)158,677 $(0.16)
Diluted:      
Effect of dilutive securities:      
Add: Option shares in the money and dilutive effect of non-vested stock awards 2,891   —  
Less: Pro forma treasury shares (604)  —  
Diluted:      
Net income/(loss) attributable to Darling$134,313 161,031 $0.83 $(26,160)158,677 $(0.16)
v3.26.1
Investment in Unconsolidated Subsidiary (Tables)
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]  
Equity Method Investments
Selected financial information for the Company’s DGD Joint Venture is as follows:

(in thousands)March 31, 2026December 31, 2025
Assets:
Cash$162,156 $195,765 
Total other current assets1,695,825 1,199,194 
Property, plant and equipment, net3,651,845 3,702,254 
Other assets139,864 139,765 
Total assets$5,649,690 $5,236,978 
Liabilities and members' equity:
Revolver$100,000 $— 
Total other current portion of long-term debt28,964 29,487 
Total other current liabilities271,621 332,256 
Total long-term debt670,527 677,671 
Total other long-term liabilities17,643 17,748 
Total members' equity4,560,935 4,179,816 
Total liabilities and members' equity$5,649,690 $5,236,978 
Three Months Ended
(in thousands)March 31, 2026March 31, 2025
Revenues:
Operating revenues$1,414,046 $899,909 
Expenses:
Total costs and expenses less lower of cost or market inventory valuation adjustment and depreciation, amortization and accretion expense1,201,091 977,106 
Lower of cost or market (LCM) inventory valuation adjustment(96,720)(91,004)
Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense
77,928 67,472 
Total costs and expenses1,182,299 953,574 
Operating income/(loss)231,747 (53,665)
Other income1,514 3,702 
Interest and debt expense, net(11,156)(9,306)
Income/(loss) before income tax expense222,105 (59,269)
Income tax expense44 39 
Net income/(loss)$222,061 $(59,308)
v3.26.1
Inventories (Tables)
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Inventory
A summary of inventories follows (in thousands):

    
 April 4, 2026January 3, 2026
Finished product$349,675 $295,670 
Work in process74,189 78,458 
Raw material39,859 45,084 
Supplies and other113,848 108,526 
 $577,571 $527,738 
v3.26.1
Assets Held for Sale (Tables)
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]  
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations The carrying values of the assets and liabilities classified as held for sale in our consolidated balance sheets are as follows (in thousands):
April 4,
2026		January 3,
2026
Assets:
Accounts receivable, net$27,066 $26,493 
Inventories60,313 64,683 
Other current assets6,321 4,381 
Property, plant and equipment, net14,844 24,377 
Goodwill17,171 20,293 
Other assets6,835 7,469 
Total assets132,550 147,696 
Valuation allowance(4,507)(4,217)
Total assets held for sale$128,043 $143,479 
Liabilities:
Accounts payable, principally trade$7,298 $4,152 
Accrued expenses7,880 11,635 
Other current liabilities1,097 1,143 
Other noncurrent liabilities7,023 8,155 
Total liabilities to be disposed of23,298 25,085 
Net assets held for sale$104,745 $118,394 
v3.26.1
Intangible Assets (Tables)
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
Intangible Asset Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]  
Schedule of Intangible Assets
The gross carrying amount of intangible assets not subject to amortization and intangible assets subject to amortization
is as follows (in thousands):
    
 April 4, 2026January 3, 2026
Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets:  
Trade names$51,808 $52,251 
 51,808 52,251 
Finite Lived Intangible Assets:  
Routes729,061 739,833 
Customer relationships330,593 315,652 
Permits324,210 325,663 
Trade names19,475 19,205 
Royalties, product development, patents, consulting, land use rights, non-compete and leasehold agreements17,942 20,121 
 1,421,281 1,420,474 
Accumulated Amortization:
Routes(310,029)(311,198)
Customer relationships(90,910)(79,315)
Permits(221,731)(217,728)
Trade names(12,904)(11,932)
Royalties, product development, patents, consulting, land use rights, non-compete and leasehold agreements(5,406)(7,549)
(640,980)(627,722)
Total intangible assets, less accumulated amortization$832,109 $845,003 
v3.26.1
Goodwill (Tables)
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
Intangible Asset Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]  
Schedule of Goodwill
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill (in thousands):
 Feed IngredientsFood IngredientsFuel IngredientsTotal
Balance at January 3, 2026   
Goodwill$1,507,187 $862,457 $159,043 $2,528,687 
Accumulated impairment losses(17,881)(20,195)(31,580)(69,656)
 1,489,306 842,262 127,463 2,459,031 
Goodwill transferred from assets held for sale3,122 — — 3,122 
Foreign currency translation7,158 21,193 (2,288)26,063 
Balance at April 4, 2026   
Goodwill1,517,467 883,650 156,755 2,557,872 
Accumulated impairment losses(17,881)(20,195)(31,580)(69,656)
 $1,499,586 $863,455 $125,175 $2,488,216 
v3.26.1
Accrued Expense (Tables)
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]  
Schedule of Accrued Expenses
Accrued expenses consist of the following (in thousands):

 April 4, 2026January 3, 2026
Compensation and benefits
$137,529 $170,312 
Accrued operating expenses
96,966 87,055 
 Short-term acquisition hold-backs29,557 17,500 
Other accrued expenses240,650 210,631 
 $504,702 $485,498 
v3.26.1
Debt (Tables)
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Debt
Debt consists of the following (in thousands):

April 4, 2026January 3, 2026
Amended Credit Agreement:  
Revolving Credit Facility ($159.3 million and $162.2 million denominated in € at April 4, 2026 and January 3, 2026, respectively)
$806,321 $601,150 
Term A facility893,250 895,500 
Less unamortized deferred loan costs(3,686)(3,846)
Carrying value Term A facility889,564 891,654 
6% Senior Notes due 2030 with effective interest of 6.12%
1,000,000 1,000,000 
Less unamortized deferred loan costs net of bond premiums(4,493)(4,725)
Carrying value 6% Senior Notes due 2030
995,507 995,275 
5.25% Senior Notes due 2027 with effective interest of 5.47%
500,000 500,000 
Less unamortized deferred loan costs(1,090)(1,345)
Carrying value 5.25% Senior Notes due 2027
498,910 498,655 
4.5% Senior Notes due 2032 - Denominated in euro with effective interest of 4.7%
865,875 881,250 
Less unamortized deferred loan costs - Denominated in euros(9,289)(9,781)
Carrying value 4.5% Senior Notes due 2032
856,586 871,469 
Other Notes and Obligations78,899 79,257 
4,125,787 3,937,460 
Less Current Maturities75,098 75,217 
$4,050,689 $3,862,243 
v3.26.1
Other Noncurrent Liabilities (Tables)
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]  
Other Noncurrent Liabilities
Other noncurrent liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):

 April 4, 2026January 3, 2026
Accrued pension liability less amounts included in liabilities to be disposed of$16,611 $17,015 
Reserve for self-insurance, litigation, environmental and tax matters67,815 68,795 
Long-term acquisition hold-backs90,266 98,461 
Other3,304 5,183 
 $177,996 $189,454 
v3.26.1
Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
Equity [Abstract]  
Schedule of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The components of other comprehensive income/(loss) and the related tax impacts for the three months ended April 4, 2026 and March 29, 2025 are as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended
Before-TaxTax (Expense)Net-of-Tax
Amountor BenefitAmount
April 4, 2026March 29, 2025April 4, 2026March 29, 2025April 4, 2026March 29, 2025
Defined benefit pension plans
Amortization of prior service (cost)/benefit10 (2)(3)1 7 (1)
Amortization of actuarial loss(97)249 27 (59)(70)190 
Total defined benefit pension plans(87)247 24 (58)(63)189 
Corn option derivatives
Reclassified to earnings— 367 — (89)— 278 
Activity recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss)— (253)— 61 — (192)
Total corn option derivatives— 114 — (28)— 86 
Heating oil derivatives at DGD (Note 16)
Activity recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss)(64,294)1,400 15,623 (341)(48,671)1,059 
Total heating oil derivatives(64,294)1,400 15,623 (341)(48,671)1,059 
Interest swap derivatives
Reclassified to earnings1,228 17,693 (298)(4,299)930 13,394 
Activity recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss)268 (19,324)(66)4,695 202 (14,629)
Total interest swap derivatives1,496 (1,631)(364)396 1,132 (1,235)
Foreign exchange derivatives
Reclassified to earnings(4,193)(3,662)1,380 1,232 (2,813)(2,430)
Activity recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss)11,833 33,159 (3,895)(11,155)7,938 22,004 
Total foreign exchange derivatives7,640 29,497 (2,515)(9,923)5,125 19,574 
Foreign currency translation60,270 121,094 910 (1,762)61,180 119,332 
Other comprehensive income/(loss)$5,025 $150,721 $13,678 $(11,716)$18,703 $139,005 
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The following table presents the amounts reclassified out of each component of other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax, for the three months ended April 4, 2026 and March 29, 2025 as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended
April 4, 2026March 29, 2025Statement of Operations Classification
Derivative instruments
Foreign exchange contracts$4,193 $3,662 Net sales
Corn option derivatives— (367)Cost of sales and operating expenses
Interest swaps(1,228)(17,693)Foreign currency gain/(loss) and interest expense
2,965 (14,398)Total before tax
(1,082)3,156 Income taxes
1,883 (11,242)Net of tax
Defined benefit pension plans
Amortization of prior service cost$(10)$2 (a)
Amortization of actuarial loss97 (249)(a)
87 (247)Total before tax
(24)58 Income taxes
63 (189)Net of tax
Total reclassifications$1,946 $(11,431)Net of tax

(a)These items are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See Note 15 (Employee Benefit Plans) to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for additional information.
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The following table presents changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) as of April 4, 2026 as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended April 4, 2026
ForeignDefined
CurrencyDerivativeBenefit
TranslationInstrumentsPension PlansTotal
Accumulated Other Comprehensive income/ (loss) January 3, 2026, attributable to Darling, net of tax$(352,086)$15,184 $(2,287)$(339,189)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications61,180 (40,531)— 20,649 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/ (loss)— (1,883)(63)(1,946)
Net current-period other comprehensive income61,180 (42,414)(63)18,703 
Noncontrolling interest
1,925 — — 1,925 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive income/ (loss)
    April 4, 2026, attributable to Darling, net of tax
$(292,831)$(27,230)$(2,350)$(322,411)
v3.26.1
Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]  
Net pension cost
Net pension cost for the three months ended April 4, 2026 and March 29, 2025 includes the following components (in thousands):
Pension Benefits
 Three Months Ended
 April 4,
2026		March 29,
2025
Service cost$699 $743 
Interest cost1,596 1,917 
Expected return on plan assets(1,530)(1,716)
Amortization of prior service cost10 (2)
Amortization of actuarial loss(97)249 
Net pension cost$678 $1,191 
v3.26.1
Derivatives (Tables)
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Derivative Instruments
As of April 4, 2026, the Company had the following designated and non-designated outstanding forward and option contract amounts that were entered into to hedge foreign currency transactions in currencies other than the functional currency and forecasted transactions in currencies other than the functional currency (in thousands):

Functional CurrencyContract Currency
TypeAmountTypeAmount
Brazilian real421,281 Euro64,240 
Brazilian real1,634,393 U.S. dollar287,894 
Euro17,659 U.S. dollar20,524 
Euro114,430 Polish zloty491,210 
Euro10,260 Japanese yen1,879,316 
Euro26,947 Chinese renminbi214,215 
Euro43,217 Australian dollar72,050 
Euro10,255 British pound8,910 
Polish zloty995 U.S. dollar267 
Polish zloty59,599 Euro13,885 
Japanese yen117,407 U.S. dollar754 
Japanese yen42,165 Euro230 
U.S. dollar573 Japanese yen91,157 
Australian dollar479 U.S. dollar328 
Schedule of Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location
The table below summarizes the effect of derivatives not designated as hedges on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended April 4, 2026 and March 29, 2025 (in thousands):

Loss or (Gain) Recognized in Income on Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges
Three Months Ended
Derivatives not designated as hedging instrumentsLocationApril 4,
2026		March 29,
2025
Foreign exchangeForeign currency loss/(gain)$2,013 $(287)
Foreign exchange
Net sales
135 (67)
Foreign exchange
Cost of sales and operating expenses
(87)60 
Foreign exchangeSelling, general and administrative expenses(9,612)(7,189)
Corn options and futures
Cost of sales and operating expenses
552 (1,601)
Soybean meal
Net sales
73 — 
Soybean oil
Net sales
(3,493)— 
Other commoditiesSelling, general and administrative expenses(1,718)(277)
Total$(12,137)$(9,361)
v3.26.1
Fair Value Measurement (Tables)
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis The fair value hierarchy has three levels based on the reliability of the inputs used to determine the fair value.
 
  Fair Value Measurements at April 4, 2026 Using
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets		Significant Other
Observable
Inputs		Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(In thousands of dollars)Total(Level 1)(Level 2)(Level 3)
Assets
Derivative assets$31,818 $— $31,818 $— 
Total Assets$31,818 $— $31,818 $— 
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities$738 $— $738 $— 
Total Liabilities$738 $— $738 $— 

  Fair Value Measurements at January 3, 2026 Using
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets		Significant Other
Observable
Inputs		Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(In thousands of dollars)Total(Level 1)(Level 2)(Level 3)
Assets
Derivative assets$23,590 $— $23,590 $— 
Total Assets$23,590 $— $23,590 $— 
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities$2,631 $— $2,631 $— 
Total Liabilities$2,631 $— $2,631 $— 
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping
Fair value of financial instruments that are not carried at fair value are as follows:

  Fair Value Measurements at April 4, 2026 Using
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets		Significant Other
Observable
Inputs		Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(In thousands of dollars)Total(Level 1)(Level 2)(Level 3)
Liabilities
6% Senior notes$1,008,900 $— $1,008,900 $— 
5.25% Senior notes497,500 — 497,500 — 
4.5% Senior notes863,364 — 863,364 — 
Term Loan A888,784 — 888,784 — 
Revolver debt794,226 — 794,226 — 
Total Liabilities$4,052,774 $— $4,052,774 $— 
  Fair Value Measurements at January 3, 2026 Using
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets		Significant Other
Observable
Inputs		Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(In thousands of dollars)Total(Level 1)(Level 2)(Level 3)
Liabilities
6% Senior notes$1,015,100 $— $1,015,100 $— 
5.25% Senior notes499,000 — 499,000 — 
4.5% Senior notes890,063 — 890,063 — 
Term Loan A891,023 — 891,023 — 
Revolver debt592,133 — 592,133 — 
Total Liabilities$3,887,319 $— $3,887,319 $— 
v3.26.1
Business Segments (Tables)
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Business Segments
Business Segments (in thousands):
Feed IngredientsFood IngredientsFuel IngredientsCorporate (a)Total
Three Months Ended April 4, 2026
Total net sales$985,338 $405,233 $160,250 $— $1,550,821 
Cost of sales and operating expenses736,354 287,976 121,570 — 1,145,900 
Gross margin248,984 117,257 38,680 — 404,921 
Loss/(gain) on sale of assets335 64 (196)— 203 
Selling, general and administrative expenses79,918 36,415 10,132 22,602 149,067 
Restructuring and asset impairment charges— 364 — — 364 
Acquisition and integration costs— — — 4,970 4,970 
Depreciation and amortization90,921 29,581 8,932 1,475 130,909 
Equity in net income of Diamond Green Diesel— — 107,363 — 107,363 
Segment operating income/(loss)77,810 50,833 127,175 (29,047)226,771 
Equity in net income of other unconsolidated subsidiaries2,895 — — — 2,895 
Segment income/(loss)80,705 50,833 127,175 (29,047)229,666 
Total other expense (b)(53,984)
Income before income taxes$175,682 

(a)    Included in corporate activities are general corporate expenses.

(b)    Total other expense includes interest expense, foreign currency gain/(loss) and other income/(expense). Interest expense and foreign currency gain/(loss) are separately disclosed on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Feed IngredientsFood IngredientsFuel IngredientsCorporateTotal
Three Months Ended March 29, 2025
Total net sales$896,283 $349,240 $135,071 $— $1,380,594 
Cost of sales and operating expenses714,015 246,781 108,447 — 1,069,243 
Gross margin182,268 102,459 26,624 — 311,351 
Loss/(gain) on sale of assets115 55 (108)— 62 
Selling, general and administrative expenses71,571 31,472 8,541 9,972 121,556 
Acquisition and integration costs— — — 1,534 1,534 
Change in fair value of contingent consideration5,441 — — — 5,441 
Depreciation and amortization84,130 29,562 8,589 1,554 123,835 
Equity in net loss of Diamond Green Diesel— — (30,523)— (30,523)
Segment operating income/(loss)21,011 41,370 (20,921)(13,060)28,400 
Equity in net income of other unconsolidated subsidiaries2,628 — — — 2,628 
Segment income/(loss)23,639 41,370 (20,921)(13,060)31,028 
Total other expense (c)(55,996)
Loss before income taxes$(24,968)

(c)    Total other expense includes interest expense, foreign currency gain/(loss) and other income/(expense). Interest expense and foreign currency gain/(loss) are separately disclosed on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
v3.26.1
Revenue (Tables)
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Disaggregation of Revenue
The following tables present the Company’s revenues disaggregated by geographic area and major product types by reportable segment for the three months ended April 4, 2026 and March 29, 2025 (in thousands):
Three Months Ended April 4, 2026
Feed IngredientsFood IngredientsFuel IngredientsTotal
Geographic Area
North America$744,473 $83,741 $— $828,214 
Europe124,326 203,144 160,250 487,720 
China10,111 64,777 — 74,888 
South America101,953 36,505 — 138,458 
Other4,475 17,066 — 21,541 
Total net sales$985,338 $405,233 $160,250 $1,550,821 
Major product types
Fats$384,609 $47,574 $— $432,183 
Used cooking oil109,486 — — 109,486 
Proteins41,416 — — 41,416 
Bakery366,033 — — 366,033 
Other rendering72,200 — — 72,200 
Food ingredients— 331,044 — 331,044 
Bioenergy— — 160,250 160,250 
Other11,594 26,615 — 38,209 
Total net sales$985,338 $405,233 $160,250 $1,550,821 

Three Months Ended March 29, 2025
Feed IngredientsFood IngredientsFuel IngredientsTotal
Geographic Area
North America$688,703 $97,961 $— $786,664 
Europe105,052 168,047 135,071 408,170 
China3,665 50,370 — 54,035 
South America95,324 21,637 — 116,961 
Other3,539 11,225 — 14,764 
Total net sales$896,283 $349,240 $135,071 $1,380,594 
Major product types
Fats$341,524 $44,369 $— $385,893 
Used cooking oil78,940 — — 78,940 
Proteins351,217 — — 351,217 
Bakery50,648 — — 50,648 
Other rendering62,199 — — 62,199 
Food ingredients— 278,582 — 278,582 
Bioenergy— — 135,071 135,071 
Other11,755 26,289 — 38,044 
Total net sales$896,283 $349,240 $135,071 $1,380,594 
v3.26.1
Cash Flow Information (Tables)
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
Nonmonetary Transactions [Abstract]  
Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures
The following table sets forth supplemental cash flow information and non-cash transactions (in thousands):
Three Months Ended
April 4, 2026March 29, 2025
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Change in accrued capital expenditures$(9,517)$6,613 
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest, net of capitalized interest$35,904 $24,963 
Income taxes, net of refunds$20,472 $9,222 
Non-cash operating activities
Operating lease right of use asset obtained in exchange for new lease liabilities$15,041 $19,183 
Non-cash financing activities
Debt issued for assets$615 $91 
v3.26.1
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
Mar. 29, 2025
Jan. 03, 2026
Dec. 28, 2024
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]        
Financing Receivable, Sale $ 128,700 $ 125,500    
Financing Receivable, Significant Sales, Transaction Fees 1,300 1,400    
Basic:        
Net income $ 134,313 $ (26,160)    
Shares (in shares) 158,744,000 158,677,000    
Per Share (in usd per share) $ 0.85 $ (0.16)    
Effect of dilutive securities: [Abstract]        
Add: Option shares in the money and dilutive effect of non-vested stock (in shares) 2,891,000 0    
Less: Pro forma treasury shares (in shares) (604,000) 0    
Diluted:        
Net Income $ 134,313 $ (26,160)    
Shares (in shares) 161,031,000 158,677,000    
Per Share (in usd per share) $ 0.83 $ (0.16)    
Antidilutive Securities [Abstract]        
Cash and cash equivalents $ 116,015   $ 88,671  
Restricted cash 22,216   16,686  
Restricted cash included in other long-term assets 89,995   98,181  
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows $ 228,226 $ 224,163 $ 203,538 $ 217,307
Stock Options        
Antidilutive Securities [Abstract]        
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares) 0 2,302,222    
Non Vested Stock        
Antidilutive Securities [Abstract]        
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares) 367,668 1,041,713    
v3.26.1
Investment in Unconsolidated Subsidiary (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 05, 2026
Apr. 04, 2026
Mar. 29, 2025
Jan. 03, 2026
Jan. 21, 2011
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]          
Investment in the joint venture   $ 2,444,888   $ 2,206,827  
Income (loss) from equity method investments   2,895 $ 2,628    
Distributions of earnings from Diamond Green Diesel and other unconsolidated subsidiaries   0 129,549    
Capital contribution   190,145 150    
Diamond Green Diesel Holdings LLC Joint Venture          
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]          
Ownership percentage         50.00%
Investment in the joint venture   2,353,700      
Income (loss) from equity method investments   107,400 (30,500)    
Income tax credits and adjustments   177,700 50,900    
Distributions of earnings from Diamond Green Diesel and other unconsolidated subsidiaries   0 129,500    
Capital contribution   $ 190,100 $ 200    
Diamond Green Diesel Holdings LLC Joint Venture | Subsequent Event          
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]          
Distributions of earnings from Diamond Green Diesel and other unconsolidated subsidiaries $ 68,700        
Capital contribution $ 300        
Diamond Green Diesel Holdings LLC Joint Venture | Valero Energy Corporation          
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]          
Ownership percentage         50.00%
v3.26.1
Investment in Unconsolidated Subsidiary (Assets, Liabilities and members' equity) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Apr. 04, 2026
Jan. 03, 2026
Dec. 31, 2025
Mar. 29, 2025
Dec. 28, 2024
ASSETS          
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net $ 2,785,737 $ 2,796,139      
Other assets 194,955 190,175      
Segment Assets 10,641,061 10,298,782      
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY          
Other non-current liabilities 177,996 189,454      
Members equity 4,944,293 4,809,515   $ 4,535,773 $ 4,464,292
Liabilities and equity 10,641,061 $ 10,298,782      
Diamond Green Diesel Holdings LLC Joint Venture          
ASSETS          
Cash 162,156   $ 195,765    
Other Assets, Current 1,695,825   1,199,194    
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net 3,651,845   3,702,254    
Other assets 139,864   139,765    
Segment Assets 5,649,690   5,236,978    
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY          
Revolver 100,000   0    
Current portion of long-term debt 28,964   29,487    
Other current liabilities 271,621   332,256    
Long term debt 670,527   677,671    
Other non-current liabilities 17,643   17,748    
Members equity 4,560,935   4,179,816    
Liabilities and equity $ 5,649,690   $ 5,236,978    
v3.26.1
Investment in Unconsolidated Subsidiary (Revenues and Expenses) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
Mar. 29, 2025
Revenues:    
Operating revenues $ 1,550,821 $ 1,380,594
Expenses:    
Cost of sales and operating expenses (excludes depreciation and amortization, shown separately below) 1,145,900 1,069,243
Total costs and expenses 1,431,413 1,321,671
Operating income/(loss) 226,771 28,400
Income/(loss) before income taxes 175,682 (24,968)
Income tax expense/(benefit) 38,626 (1,154)
Net income/(loss) 137,056 (23,814)
Diamond Green Diesel Holdings LLC Joint Venture    
Revenues:    
Operating revenues 1,414,046 899,909
Expenses:    
Cost of sales and operating expenses (excludes depreciation and amortization, shown separately below) 1,201,091 977,106
Lower of cost or market (LCM) inventory valuation adjustment (96,720) (91,004)
Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense 77,928 67,472
Total costs and expenses 1,182,299 953,574
Operating income/(loss) 231,747 (53,665)
Other income 1,514 3,702
Interest and debt expense, net (11,156) (9,306)
Income/(loss) before income taxes 222,105 (59,269)
Income tax expense/(benefit) 44 39
Net income/(loss) $ 222,061 $ (59,308)
v3.26.1
Acquisitions (Narrative) (Details)
R$ in Thousands, $ in Thousands
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 24, 2026
USD ($)
Mar. 24, 2026
BRL (R$)
Mar. 20, 2026
BRL (R$)
contaminate
Apr. 04, 2026
USD ($)
Mar. 29, 2025
USD ($)
Dec. 10, 2025
Business Combination [Line Items]            
Acquisition and integration costs | $       $ 4,970 $ 1,534  
Bovinos            
Business Combination [Line Items]            
Expected price of acquisition | R$     R$ 617,100      
Long term debt, current | $       $ 119,500    
Foreign currency exchange rate 5.259 5.259   5.165    
Number of facilities acquired | contaminate     3      
Debtor in possession financing $ 11,500 R$ 60,500        
Bovinos | Secured Debt            
Business Combination [Line Items]            
Long term debt, current | R$     R$ 57,100      
NewCo            
Business Combination [Line Items]            
Ownership percentage, parent           85.00%
NewCo | Tessenderlo Group NV            
Business Combination [Line Items]            
Ownership percentage, noncontrolling owner           15.00%
v3.26.1
Inventories (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Apr. 04, 2026
Jan. 03, 2026
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]    
Finished product $ 349,675 $ 295,670
Work in process 74,189 78,458
Raw Material 39,859 45,084
Supplies and other 113,848 108,526
Inventories $ 577,571 $ 527,738
v3.26.1
Assets Held for Sale (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Apr. 10, 2026
Apr. 04, 2026
Jan. 03, 2026
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]      
Assets held for sale   $ 128,043 $ 143,479
Liabilities to be disposed of   23,298 25,085
Disposal Group, Held-for-Sale, Not Discontinued Operations      
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]      
Accounts receivable, net   27,066 26,493
Inventories   60,313 64,683
Other current assets   6,321 4,381
Property, plant and equipment, net   14,844 24,377
Goodwill   17,171 20,293
Other assets   6,835 7,469
Total assets   132,550 147,696
Valuation allowance   (4,507) (4,217)
Assets held for sale   128,043 143,479
Accounts payable, principally trade   7,298 4,152
Accrued expenses   7,880 11,635
Other current liabilities   1,097 1,143
Other noncurrent liabilities   7,023 8,155
Liabilities to be disposed of   23,298 25,085
Net assets held for sale   $ 104,745 $ 118,394
Disposal Group, Held-for-Sale, Not Discontinued Operations | Subsequent Event | US Grease Trap      
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]      
Disposal group consideration $ 90,000    
v3.26.1
Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
Mar. 29, 2025
Jan. 03, 2026
Intangible Assets [Line Items]      
Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets: $ 51,808   $ 52,251
Finite Lived Intangible Assets: 1,421,281   1,420,474
Accumulated Amortization: (640,980)   (627,722)
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) 832,109   845,003
Decrease due to retirement 15,300    
Amortization of Intangible Assets 25,200 $ 25,300  
Trade Names      
Intangible Assets [Line Items]      
Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets: 51,808   52,251
Trade Names      
Intangible Assets [Line Items]      
Finite Lived Intangible Assets: 19,475   19,205
Accumulated Amortization: (12,904)   (11,932)
Collection Routes      
Intangible Assets [Line Items]      
Finite Lived Intangible Assets: 729,061   739,833
Accumulated Amortization: (310,029)   (311,198)
Royalty, consulting land use and leasehold      
Intangible Assets [Line Items]      
Finite Lived Intangible Assets: 17,942   20,121
Accumulated Amortization: (5,406)   (7,549)
Permits      
Intangible Assets [Line Items]      
Finite Lived Intangible Assets: 324,210   325,663
Accumulated Amortization: (221,731)   (217,728)
Customer Relationships      
Intangible Assets [Line Items]      
Finite Lived Intangible Assets: 330,593   315,652
Accumulated Amortization: $ (90,910)   $ (79,315)
v3.26.1
Goodwill (Details)
$ in Thousands
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]  
Goodwill $ 2,528,687
Accumulated impairment losses (69,656)
Goodwill 2,459,031
Goodwill transferred from assets held for sale 3,122
Foreign currency translation 26,063
Goodwill 2,557,872
Accumulated impairment losses (69,656)
Goodwill 2,488,216
Feed Ingredients  
Goodwill [Roll Forward]  
Goodwill 1,507,187
Accumulated impairment losses (17,881)
Goodwill 1,489,306
Goodwill transferred from assets held for sale 3,122
Foreign currency translation 7,158
Goodwill 1,517,467
Accumulated impairment losses (17,881)
Goodwill 1,499,586
Food Ingredients  
Goodwill [Roll Forward]  
Goodwill 862,457
Accumulated impairment losses (20,195)
Goodwill 842,262
Goodwill transferred from assets held for sale 0
Foreign currency translation 21,193
Goodwill 883,650
Accumulated impairment losses (20,195)
Goodwill 863,455
Fuel Ingredients  
Goodwill [Roll Forward]  
Goodwill 159,043
Accumulated impairment losses (31,580)
Goodwill 127,463
Goodwill transferred from assets held for sale 0
Foreign currency translation (2,288)
Goodwill 156,755
Accumulated impairment losses (31,580)
Goodwill $ 125,175
v3.26.1
Accrued Expense (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Apr. 04, 2026
Jan. 03, 2026
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]    
Compensation and benefits $ 137,529 $ 170,312
Accrued operating expenses 96,966 87,055
Short-term acquisition hold-backs 29,557 17,500
Other accrued expenses 240,650 210,631
Accrued expenses $ 504,702 $ 485,498
v3.26.1
Debt (Schedule of Long-term Debt) (Details)
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
USD ($)
Apr. 04, 2026
EUR (€)
Jan. 03, 2026
USD ($)
Jun. 24, 2025
EUR (€)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Debt and Lease Obligation $ 4,125,787,000   $ 3,937,460,000  
Current portion of long-term debt 75,098,000   75,217,000  
Long-term debt, net of current portion 4,050,689,000   3,862,243,000  
Senior Notes | Senior Notes 6% Due 2030        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Long-term debt 995,507,000   995,275,000  
Long-term Debt, Gross 1,000,000,000   1,000,000,000  
Less unamortized deferred loan costs net of bond premiums $ (4,493,000)   (4,725,000)  
Stated interest rate 6.00% 6.00%    
Debt instrument, interest rate, effective percentage 6.12% 6.12%    
Senior Notes | Senior Notes 5.25% Due 2027        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Long-term debt $ 498,910,000   498,655,000  
Long-term Debt, Gross 500,000,000   500,000,000  
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense $ (1,090,000)   (1,345,000)  
Stated interest rate 5.25% 5.25%    
Debt instrument, interest rate, effective percentage 5.47% 5.47%    
Senior Notes | Senior Notes 3.625% Due 2026        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Stated interest rate 3.625% 3.625%    
Senior Notes | Senior Notes 4.5% Due 2032        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Line of credit outstanding | €   € 750,000,000.0    
Long-term debt $ 856,586,000   871,469,000  
Long-term Debt, Gross 865,875,000   881,250,000  
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense $ (9,289,000)   (9,781,000)  
Stated interest rate 4.50% 4.50%   4.50%
Debt instrument, interest rate, effective percentage 4.70% 4.70%    
Debt face amount | €       € 750,000,000.0
Debt issuance costs $ 10,300,000      
Notes Payable, Other Payables        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Long-term debt 78,899,000   79,257,000  
Secured Debt | Senior Secured Facilities        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity 2,900,000,000      
Term A Facility | Senior Secured Facilities        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Long-term debt 889,564,000   891,654,000  
Long-term Debt, Gross 893,250,000   895,500,000  
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense (3,686,000)   (3,846,000)  
Term A Facility | Senior Secured Facilities | Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR)        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Line of credit outstanding 893,300,000      
Revolving Credit Facility | Senior Secured Facilities        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Line of credit outstanding | €   € 138,000,000.0    
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity 2,000,000,000.0      
Debt issuance costs 8,000,000.0      
Revolving Credit Facility | Senior Secured Facilities | Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR)        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Line of credit outstanding 619,000,000.0      
Revolving Credit Facility | Senior Secured Facilities | Base Rate        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Line of credit outstanding 28,000,000.0      
Revolving Credit Facility | Line of Credit | Senior Secured Facilities        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Line of credit outstanding 159,300,000 € 138,000,000.0 162,200,000  
Long-term debt 806,321,000   $ 601,150,000  
Term A-1 Facility | Senior Secured Facilities        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Debt face amount 395,000,000.0      
Term A Facility | Senior Secured Facilities        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Debt face amount $ 900,000,000.0      
Term A Facility | Secured Debt | Senior Secured Facilities        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Basis spread on variable rate 1.625%      
Term A Facility | Secured Debt | Senior Secured Facilities | Minimum        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Basis spread on variable rate 1.50%      
Term A Facility | Secured Debt | Senior Secured Facilities | Base Rate        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Basis spread on variable rate 0.625%      
Term A Facility | Secured Debt | Senior Secured Facilities | Base Rate | Minimum        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Basis spread on variable rate 0.50%      
Letter of Credit | Senior Secured Facilities        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Line of credit outstanding $ 800,000      
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity 50,000,000.0      
Swingline Sub-Facility | Senior Secured Facilities        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity 50,000,000.0      
Term A-3 Facility | Senior Secured Facilities        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Debt face amount $ 296,300,000      
Secured Debt | Senior Secured Facilities | Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR)        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Basis spread on variable rate 1.375%      
Interest rate 5.04258% 5.04258%    
Secured Debt | Senior Secured Facilities | Base Rate        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Basis spread on variable rate 0.375%      
Interest rate 7.125% 7.125%    
Secured Debt | Secured Debt | Senior Secured Facilities        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Basis spread on variable rate 1.375%      
Secured Debt | Secured Debt | Senior Secured Facilities | Base Rate        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Basis spread on variable rate 0.375%      
v3.26.1
Debt - Narrative (Details)
 3 Months Ended
Jun. 24, 2025
EUR (€)
Apr. 04, 2026
USD ($)
Apr. 04, 2026
EUR (€)
Jan. 03, 2026
USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Finance lease obligations   $ 1,400,000 € 3,700,000  
Notes Payable, Other Payables        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Long-term debt   78,899,000   $ 79,257,000
Senior Secured Facilities | Secured Debt        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity   2,900,000,000    
Senior Secured Facilities | Term A Facility        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Long-term debt   889,564,000   891,654,000
Senior Secured Facilities | Term A Facility | Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR)        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Line of credit outstanding   $ 893,300,000    
Senior Notes 3.625% Due 2026 | Senior Notes        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Stated interest rate   3.625% 3.625%  
Bank Overdrafts | Notes Payable, Other Payables        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Long-term debt   $ 42,900,000    
Brazilian Notes | Notes Payable, Other Payables        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Long-term debt   16,500,000    
Other Debt | Notes Payable, Other Payables        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Long-term debt   $ 5,600,000    
Senior Notes 6% Due 2030 | Senior Notes        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Stated interest rate   6.00% 6.00%  
Long-term debt   $ 995,507,000   995,275,000
Senior Notes 5.25% Due 2027 | Senior Notes        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Stated interest rate   5.25% 5.25%  
Long-term debt   $ 498,910,000   498,655,000
Senior Notes 4.5% Due 2032 | Senior Notes        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Line of credit outstanding | €     € 750,000,000.0  
Stated interest rate 4.50% 4.50% 4.50%  
Long-term debt   $ 856,586,000   871,469,000
Debt face amount | € € 750,000,000.0      
Debt issuance costs   10,300,000    
Redemption price, percentage 100.00%      
Euro Notes | Notes Payable, Other Payables        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Long-term debt   13,900,000    
Revolving Credit Facility | Senior Secured Facilities        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Line of credit outstanding | €     € 138,000,000.0  
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity   $ 2,000,000,000.0    
Debt instrument, term   5 years    
Company availability under revolving loan facility   $ 1,100,000,000    
Debt issuance costs   8,000,000.0    
Revolving Credit Facility | Senior Secured Facilities | Base Rate        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Line of credit outstanding   28,000,000.0    
Revolving Credit Facility | Senior Secured Facilities | Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR)        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Line of credit outstanding   619,000,000.0    
Revolving Credit Facility | Senior Secured Facilities | Line of Credit        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Line of credit outstanding   159,300,000 € 138,000,000.0 162,200,000
Long-term debt   806,321,000   $ 601,150,000
Foreign Line of Credit | Senior Secured Facilities        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Line of credit outstanding   $ 12,300,000    
Secured Debt | Senior Secured Facilities | Base Rate        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Basis spread on variable rate   0.375%    
Interest rate   7.125% 7.125%  
Secured Debt | Senior Secured Facilities | Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR)        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Basis spread on variable rate   1.375%    
Interest rate   5.04258% 5.04258%  
Secured Debt | Senior Secured Facilities | EURIBOR        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Basis spread on variable rate   1.375%    
Secured Debt | Senior Secured Facilities | Secured Debt        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Basis spread on variable rate   1.375%    
Secured Debt | Senior Secured Facilities | Secured Debt | Base Rate        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Basis spread on variable rate   0.375%    
Secured Debt | Term A Facility | Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR)        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Basis spread on variable rate   1.625%    
Interest rate   5.29806% 5.29806%  
Secured Debt | Term A Facility | EURIBOR        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Interest rate   3.29941% 3.29941%  
Term A-1 Facility | Senior Secured Facilities        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Debt face amount   $ 395,000,000.0    
Ancillary Facilities | Senior Secured Facilities        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Line of credit outstanding   73,500,000    
Letter of Credit | Senior Secured Facilities        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Line of credit outstanding   800,000    
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity   50,000,000.0    
Accordion feature, increase limit   150,000,000.0    
Term A Facility | Senior Secured Facilities        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Debt face amount   $ 900,000,000.0    
Debt instrument, term   6 years    
Term A Facility | Senior Secured Facilities | Secured Debt        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Basis spread on variable rate   1.625%    
Term A Facility | Senior Secured Facilities | Secured Debt | Minimum        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Basis spread on variable rate   1.50%    
Term A Facility | Senior Secured Facilities | Secured Debt | Base Rate        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Basis spread on variable rate   0.625%    
Term A Facility | Senior Secured Facilities | Secured Debt | Base Rate | Minimum        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Basis spread on variable rate   0.50%    
Swingline Sub-Facility | Senior Secured Facilities        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity   $ 50,000,000.0    
Term A-3 Facility | Senior Secured Facilities        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Debt face amount   $ 296,300,000    
v3.26.1
Other Noncurrent Liabilities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Apr. 04, 2026
Jan. 03, 2026
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]    
Accrued pension liability less amounts included in liabilities to be disposed of $ 16,611 $ 17,015
Reserve for self-insurance, litigation, environmental and tax matters 67,815 68,795
Long-term acquisition hold-backs 90,266 98,461
Other 3,304 5,183
Other non-current liabilities $ 177,996 $ 189,454
v3.26.1
Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Apr. 04, 2026
Jan. 03, 2026
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]    
Unrecognized tax benefits $ 10.2 $ 9.9
Income tax penalties and interest accrued $ 3.0 $ 2.7
v3.26.1
Other Comprehensive Income (Schedule of OCI) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
Mar. 29, 2025
Before-Tax Amount:    
Amortization of prior service cost $ 10 $ (2)
Amortization of actuarial loss (97) 249
Total defined benefit pension plans (87) 247
Foreign currency translation 60,270 121,094
Other comprehensive income (loss) 5,025 150,721
Tax (Expense) or Benefit:    
Amortization of prior service cost (3) 1
Amortization of actuarial loss 27 (59)
Total defined benefit pension plans 24 (58)
Foreign currency translation 910 (1,762)
Other comprehensive income (loss) 13,678 (11,716)
Net-of-Tax Amount:    
Amortization of prior service cost 7 (1)
Amortization of actuarial loss (70) 190
Total defined benefit pension plans (63) 189
Foreign currency translation adjustments 61,180 119,332
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax 18,703 139,005
Corn Option    
Before-Tax Amount:    
Loss (gain) reclassified to net income 0 367
Gain (loss) activity recognized in other comprehensive loss 0 (253)
Total swap derivatives 0 114
Tax (Expense) or Benefit:    
Loss (gain) reclassified to net income 0 (89)
Gain (loss) activity recognized in other comprehensive loss 0 61
Total swap derivatives 0 (28)
Net-of-Tax Amount:    
Loss (gain) reclassified to net income 0 278
Gain (loss) activity recognized in other comprehensive loss 0 (192)
Total swap derivatives 0 86
Heating Oil Swaps And Options    
Before-Tax Amount:    
Gain (loss) activity recognized in other comprehensive loss (64,294) 1,400
Total swap derivatives (64,294) 1,400
Tax (Expense) or Benefit:    
Gain (loss) activity recognized in other comprehensive loss 15,623 (341)
Total swap derivatives 15,623 (341)
Net-of-Tax Amount:    
Gain (loss) activity recognized in other comprehensive loss (48,671) 1,059
Total swap derivatives (48,671) 1,059
Interest Rate Swap    
Before-Tax Amount:    
Loss (gain) reclassified to net income 1,228 17,693
Gain (loss) activity recognized in other comprehensive loss 268 (19,324)
Total swap derivatives 1,496 (1,631)
Tax (Expense) or Benefit:    
Loss (gain) reclassified to net income (298) (4,299)
Gain (loss) activity recognized in other comprehensive loss (66) 4,695
Total swap derivatives (364) 396
Net-of-Tax Amount:    
Loss (gain) reclassified to net income 930 13,394
Gain (loss) activity recognized in other comprehensive loss 202 (14,629)
Total swap derivatives 1,132 (1,235)
Foreign Exchange Contract    
Before-Tax Amount:    
Loss (gain) reclassified to net income (4,193) (3,662)
Gain (loss) activity recognized in other comprehensive loss 11,833 33,159
Total swap derivatives 7,640 29,497
Tax (Expense) or Benefit:    
Loss (gain) reclassified to net income 1,380 1,232
Gain (loss) activity recognized in other comprehensive loss (3,895) (11,155)
Total swap derivatives (2,515) (9,923)
Net-of-Tax Amount:    
Loss (gain) reclassified to net income (2,813) (2,430)
Gain (loss) activity recognized in other comprehensive loss 7,938 22,004
Total swap derivatives $ 5,125 $ 19,574
v3.26.1
Other Comprehensive Income (Reclassification out of AOCI) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
Mar. 29, 2025
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]    
Net sales $ 1,550,821 $ 1,380,594
Cost of sales and operating expenses (excludes depreciation and amortization, shown separately below) 1,145,900 1,069,243
Income taxes (38,626) 1,154
Amortization of prior service cost 10 (2)
Amortization of actuarial loss (97) 249
Net income attributable to Darling 134,313 (26,160)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]    
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]    
Net income attributable to Darling 1,946 (11,431)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Derivative Instruments    
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]    
Total before tax 2,965 (14,398)
Income taxes (1,082) 3,156
Net income attributable to Darling 1,883 (11,242)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Derivative Instruments | Foreign Exchange Contract    
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]    
Net sales 4,193 3,662
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Derivative Instruments | Corn Option    
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]    
Cost of sales and operating expenses (excludes depreciation and amortization, shown separately below) 0 (367)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Derivative Instruments | Interest Rate Swap    
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]    
Foreign currency gain/(loss) (1,228) (17,693)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Foreign Currency Translation    
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]    
Total before tax 87 (247)
Income taxes (24) 58
Amortization of prior service cost (10) 2
Amortization of actuarial loss 97 (249)
Net income attributable to Darling $ 63 $ (189)
v3.26.1
Other Comprehensive Income (Schedule of AOCI) (Details)
$ in Thousands
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
USD ($)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]  
Beginning balance $ 4,809,515
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications 20,649
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/ (loss) (1,946)
Net current-period other comprehensive income 18,703
Noncontrolling interest 1,925
Ending balance 4,944,293
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss  
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]  
Beginning balance (339,189)
Ending balance (322,411)
Foreign Currency Translation  
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]  
Beginning balance (352,086)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications 61,180
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/ (loss) 0
Net current-period other comprehensive income 61,180
Noncontrolling interest 1,925
Ending balance (292,831)
Derivative Instruments  
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]  
Beginning balance 15,184
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (40,531)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/ (loss) (1,883)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (42,414)
Noncontrolling interest 0
Ending balance (27,230)
Defined Benefit Pension Plans  
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]  
Beginning balance (2,287)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications 0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/ (loss) (63)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (63)
Noncontrolling interest 0
Ending balance $ (2,350)
v3.26.1
Stockholders' Equity (Details) - USD ($)
 3 Months Ended
Jan. 05, 2026
Apr. 04, 2026
Mar. 29, 2025
May 07, 2026
Jun. 21, 2024
Class of Stock [Line Items]          
Grants in Period (in shares) 233,112        
Grants in period (in shares) 349,672        
Annual vesting after initial cliff   33.33%      
Performance period two   3 years      
Target percentage   100.00%      
Increase (decrease) in target percentage dependent on ROGI   225.00%      
Increase (decrease) in target percentage dependent on TSR   250.00%      
Common stock repurchased   $ 26,834,000 $ 46,037,000    
Omnibus Incentive Plan 2026 | Subsequent Event          
Class of Stock [Line Items]          
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized       5,645,450  
August 2017 Share Repurchase Program          
Class of Stock [Line Items]          
Remaining authorized repurchase amount   460,300,000      
Common stock repurchased   $ 0      
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount         $ 500,000,000.0
v3.26.1
Employee Benefit Plans (Details)
$ in Thousands
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
USD ($)
plan
Mar. 29, 2025
USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]    
Amount Company expects to contribute to its pension plans $ 4,000  
Payment for pension benefits $ 700 $ 500
Defined Benefit Plan, Additional Information [Abstract]    
Number Of Multiemployer Plans, Withdrawal Obligation Could Be Material | plan 2  
Number of Multiemployer Plans, Certified Red Zone | plan 5  
Number Of Multiemployer Plans, Withdrawal Obligation | plan 3  
Accrued liability representing the present value of scheduled withdrawal liability payments for under-funded multi-employer plan $ 3,300  
Maximum    
Defined Benefit Plan, Additional Information [Abstract]    
Multiemployer Plan, Contributions To Individual Plan, Percent 5.00%  
Pension Plan, Defined Benefit    
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]    
Service cost $ 699 743
Interest cost 1,596 1,917
Expected return on plan assets (1,530) (1,716)
Amortization of prior service cost 10 (2)
Amortization of actuarial loss (97) 249
Net pension cost $ 678 $ 1,191
v3.26.1
Derivatives (Forward Contracts Not Designated as Hedging Instruments) (Details) - Apr. 04, 2026 - Not Designated as Hedging Instrument
€ in Thousands, ¥ in Thousands, ¥ in Thousands, £ in Thousands, zł in Thousands, R$ in Thousands, $ in Thousands, $ in Thousands
USD ($)
BRL (R$)
EUR (€)
PLN (zł)
JPY (¥)
CNY (¥)
AUD ($)
GBP (£)
BRI/EUR 1 | Short                
Derivative [Line Items]                
Derivative notional amount | R$   R$ 421,281            
BRI/EUR 1 | Long                
Derivative [Line Items]                
Derivative notional amount     € 64,240          
BRI/USD | Short                
Derivative [Line Items]                
Derivative notional amount | R$   R$ 1,634,393            
BRI/USD | Long                
Derivative [Line Items]                
Derivative notional amount | $ $ 287,894              
EUR/USD | Short                
Derivative [Line Items]                
Derivative notional amount     17,659          
EUR/USD | Long                
Derivative [Line Items]                
Derivative notional amount | $ 20,524              
EUR/PLN | Short                
Derivative [Line Items]                
Derivative notional amount     114,430          
EUR/PLN | Long                
Derivative [Line Items]                
Derivative notional amount | zł       zł 491,210        
EUR/JPN | Short                
Derivative [Line Items]                
Derivative notional amount     10,260          
EUR/JPN | Long                
Derivative [Line Items]                
Derivative notional amount | ¥         ¥ 1,879,316      
EUR/CNY | Short                
Derivative [Line Items]                
Derivative notional amount     26,947          
EUR/CNY | Long                
Derivative [Line Items]                
Derivative notional amount | ¥           ¥ 214,215    
EUR/AUD | Short                
Derivative [Line Items]                
Derivative notional amount     43,217          
EUR/AUD | Long                
Derivative [Line Items]                
Derivative notional amount | $             $ 72,050  
EUR/GBP | Short                
Derivative [Line Items]                
Derivative notional amount     10,255          
EUR/GBP | Long                
Derivative [Line Items]                
Derivative notional amount | £               £ 8,910
PLN/USD | Short                
Derivative [Line Items]                
Derivative notional amount | zł       995        
PLN/USD | Long                
Derivative [Line Items]                
Derivative notional amount | $ 267              
PLN/EUR | Short                
Derivative [Line Items]                
Derivative notional amount | zł       zł 59,599        
PLN/EUR | Long                
Derivative [Line Items]                
Derivative notional amount     13,885          
JPN/USD | Short                
Derivative [Line Items]                
Derivative notional amount | ¥         117,407      
JPN/USD | Long                
Derivative [Line Items]                
Derivative notional amount | $ 754              
USD/JPN | Short                
Derivative [Line Items]                
Derivative notional amount | $ 573              
USD/JPN | Long                
Derivative [Line Items]                
Derivative notional amount | ¥         91,157      
USD/AUD | Short                
Derivative [Line Items]                
Derivative notional amount | $             $ 479  
USD/AUD | Long                
Derivative [Line Items]                
Derivative notional amount | $ $ 328              
JPN/EUR | Short                
Derivative [Line Items]                
Derivative notional amount | ¥         ¥ 42,165      
JPN/EUR | Long                
Derivative [Line Items]                
Derivative notional amount     € 230          
v3.26.1
Derivatives (Narrative) (Details)
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
USD ($)
Mar. 29, 2025
USD ($)
Jan. 03, 2026
USD ($)
Derivative [Line Items]      
Net income/(loss) $ 137,056,000 $ (23,814,000)  
Commodity Contract      
Derivative [Line Items]      
Forward purchase amount 223,800,000    
Cash Flow Hedging      
Derivative [Line Items]      
Net income/(loss) 4,100,000    
Cash flow hedge gain (loss) to be reclassified within 12 months 32,800,000    
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign Exchange Contract      
Derivative [Line Items]      
Derivative assets fair value     $ 15,300,000
Derivative Liability, Subject to Master Netting Arrangement, before Offset 17,900,000    
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest Rate Swap      
Derivative [Line Items]      
Derivative notional amount $ 300,000,000.0    
Weighted average pay rate 0.03420    
Derivative assets fair value     $ 2,200,000
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest Rate Swap      
Derivative [Line Items]      
Derivative assets fair value $ 2,400,000    
v3.26.1
Derivatives Derivative Effect of Derivatives Not Designated As Hedges (Details) - Not Designated as Hedging Instrument - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
Mar. 29, 2025
Derivative [Line Items]    
Loss or (Gain) Recognized in Income on Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges $ (12,137) $ (9,361)
Foreign Exchange Contract | Foreign Currency Gain (Loss)    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Loss or (Gain) Recognized in Income on Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges $ 2,013 $ (287)
Derivative, Gain (Loss), Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration] Foreign currency gain/(loss) Foreign currency gain/(loss)
Foreign Exchange Contract | Sales    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Loss or (Gain) Recognized in Income on Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges $ 135 $ (67)
Derivative, Gain (Loss), Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration] Net sales Net sales
Foreign Exchange Contract | Cost of Sales    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Loss or (Gain) Recognized in Income on Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges $ (87) $ 60
Derivative, Gain (Loss), Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration] Cost of sales and operating expenses (excludes depreciation and amortization, shown separately below) Cost of sales and operating expenses (excludes depreciation and amortization, shown separately below)
Foreign Exchange Contract | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Loss or (Gain) Recognized in Income on Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges $ (9,612) $ (7,189)
Derivative, Gain (Loss), Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration] Selling, general and administrative expenses Selling, general and administrative expenses
Corn options and futures    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Loss or (Gain) Recognized in Income on Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges $ 552 $ (1,601)
Derivative, Gain (Loss), Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration] Cost of sales and operating expenses (excludes depreciation and amortization, shown separately below) Cost of sales and operating expenses (excludes depreciation and amortization, shown separately below)
Other Commodities    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Loss or (Gain) Recognized in Income on Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges $ (1,718) $ (277)
Derivative, Gain (Loss), Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration] Selling, general and administrative expenses Selling, general and administrative expenses
Soybean Meal    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Loss or (Gain) Recognized in Income on Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges $ 73 $ 0
Derivative, Gain (Loss), Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration] Net sales Net sales
Soybean Oil    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Loss or (Gain) Recognized in Income on Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges $ (3,493) $ 0
Derivative, Gain (Loss), Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration] Net sales Net sales
v3.26.1
Fair Value Measurement (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Apr. 04, 2026
Jan. 03, 2026
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Derivative instruments $ 31,818 $ 23,590
Total Assets 31,818 23,590
Derivative instruments 738 2,631
Long term debt 4,052,774 3,887,319
Total Liabilities 738 2,631
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Derivative instruments 0 0
Total Assets 0 0
Derivative instruments 0 0
Long term debt 0 0
Total Liabilities 0 0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Derivative instruments 31,818 23,590
Total Assets 31,818 23,590
Derivative instruments 738 2,631
Long term debt 4,052,774 3,887,319
Total Liabilities 738 2,631
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Derivative instruments 0 0
Total Assets 0 0
Derivative instruments 0 0
Long term debt 0 0
Total Liabilities 0 0
Revolving Credit Facility    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Long term debt 794,226 592,133
Revolving Credit Facility | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Long term debt 0 0
Revolving Credit Facility | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Long term debt 794,226 592,133
Revolving Credit Facility | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Long term debt 0 0
Term A Facility    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Long term debt 888,784 891,023
Term A Facility | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Long term debt 0 0
Term A Facility | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Long term debt 888,784 891,023
Term A Facility | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Long term debt 0 0
Senior Notes 5.25% Due 2027 | Senior Notes    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Long term debt 497,500 499,000
Senior Notes 5.25% Due 2027 | Senior Notes | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Long term debt 0 0
Senior Notes 5.25% Due 2027 | Senior Notes | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Long term debt 497,500 499,000
Senior Notes 5.25% Due 2027 | Senior Notes | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Long term debt 0 0
Senior Notes 6% Due 2030 | Senior Notes    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Long term debt 1,008,900 1,015,100
Senior Notes 6% Due 2030 | Senior Notes | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Long term debt 0 0
Senior Notes 6% Due 2030 | Senior Notes | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Long term debt 1,008,900 1,015,100
Senior Notes 6% Due 2030 | Senior Notes | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Long term debt 0 0
Senior Notes 4.5% Due 2032 | Senior Notes    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Long term debt 863,364 890,063
Senior Notes 4.5% Due 2032 | Senior Notes | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Long term debt 0 0
Senior Notes 4.5% Due 2032 | Senior Notes | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Long term debt 863,364 890,063
Senior Notes 4.5% Due 2032 | Senior Notes | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Long term debt $ 0 $ 0
v3.26.1
Contingencies (Details)
$ in Millions
 1 Months Ended 3 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2018
Party
Oct. 31, 2022
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2021
USD ($)
mi
Nov. 30, 2019
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2016
Party
mi
Apr. 04, 2026
USD ($)
contaminate
Jan. 03, 2026
USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]              
Area of land | mi     9   8.3    
Number of parties | Party 100       100    
Loss related to litigation settlement       $ 0.6      
Number of contaminants | contaminate           8  
Insurance Environmental and Litigation Matters              
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]              
Reserves for insurance, environmental and litigation contingencies           $ 87.6 $ 86.0
Insurance settlements receivable           27.1 $ 27.1
Pending Litigation              
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]              
Number of parties | Party 40            
Plant, One              
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]              
Loss related to litigation settlement       0.3      
Plant, Two              
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]              
Loss related to litigation settlement       $ 0.3      
Lower Passaic River Area              
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]              
Estimate of possible loss     $ 441.0     1,380.0  
Loss Contingency, Damages Paid, Value   $ 0.3          
Lower Passaic River Area | Pending Litigation              
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]              
Estimate of possible loss           $ 165.0  
v3.26.1
Business Segments (Narrative) (Details)
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
continent
segment
Facility
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]  
Number of Continents in which Entity Operates | continent 5
Number of reportable segments | segment 3
Minimum  
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]  
Number of Processing and Transfer Facilities | Facility 260
v3.26.1
Business Segments (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
Mar. 29, 2025
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]    
Net sales $ 1,550,821 $ 1,380,594
Cost of sales and operating expenses (excludes depreciation and amortization, shown separately below) 1,145,900 1,069,243
Gross margin 404,921 311,351
Loss on sale of assets 203 62
Selling, general and administrative expenses 149,067 121,556
Restructuring and asset impairment charges 364 0
Acquisition and integration costs 4,970 1,534
Change in fair value of contingent consideration 0 5,441
Depreciation and amortization 130,909 123,835
Equity in net income/(loss) of Diamond Green Diesel 107,363 (30,523)
Operating income 226,771 28,400
Equity in net income of other unconsolidated subsidiaries 2,895 2,628
Segment income/(loss) 229,666 31,028
Total other expense (b) (53,984) (55,996)
Income/(loss) before income taxes 175,682 (24,968)
Corporate    
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]    
Net sales 0 0
Cost of sales and operating expenses (excludes depreciation and amortization, shown separately below) 0 0
Gross margin 0 0
Loss on sale of assets 0 0
Selling, general and administrative expenses 22,602 9,972
Restructuring and asset impairment charges 0  
Acquisition and integration costs 4,970 1,534
Change in fair value of contingent consideration   0
Depreciation and amortization 1,475 1,554
Equity in net income/(loss) of Diamond Green Diesel 0 0
Operating income (29,047) (13,060)
Equity in net income of other unconsolidated subsidiaries 0 0
Segment income/(loss) (29,047) (13,060)
Feed Ingredients    
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]    
Net sales 985,338 896,283
Feed Ingredients | Operating Segments    
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]    
Net sales 985,338 896,283
Cost of sales and operating expenses (excludes depreciation and amortization, shown separately below) 736,354 714,015
Gross margin 248,984 182,268
Loss on sale of assets 335 115
Selling, general and administrative expenses 79,918 71,571
Restructuring and asset impairment charges 0  
Acquisition and integration costs 0 0
Change in fair value of contingent consideration   5,441
Depreciation and amortization 90,921 84,130
Equity in net income/(loss) of Diamond Green Diesel 0 0
Operating income 77,810 21,011
Equity in net income of other unconsolidated subsidiaries 2,895 2,628
Segment income/(loss) 80,705 23,639
Food Ingredients    
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]    
Net sales 405,233 349,240
Food Ingredients | Operating Segments    
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]    
Net sales 405,233 349,240
Cost of sales and operating expenses (excludes depreciation and amortization, shown separately below) 287,976 246,781
Gross margin 117,257 102,459
Loss on sale of assets 64 55
Selling, general and administrative expenses 36,415 31,472
Restructuring and asset impairment charges 364  
Acquisition and integration costs 0 0
Change in fair value of contingent consideration   0
Depreciation and amortization 29,581 29,562
Equity in net income/(loss) of Diamond Green Diesel 0 0
Operating income 50,833 41,370
Equity in net income of other unconsolidated subsidiaries 0 0
Segment income/(loss) 50,833 41,370
Fuel Ingredients    
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]    
Net sales 160,250 135,071
Fuel Ingredients | Operating Segments    
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]    
Net sales 160,250 135,071
Cost of sales and operating expenses (excludes depreciation and amortization, shown separately below) 121,570 108,447
Gross margin 38,680 26,624
Loss on sale of assets (196) (108)
Selling, general and administrative expenses 10,132 8,541
Restructuring and asset impairment charges 0  
Acquisition and integration costs 0 0
Change in fair value of contingent consideration   0
Depreciation and amortization 8,932 8,589
Equity in net income/(loss) of Diamond Green Diesel 107,363 (30,523)
Operating income 127,175 (20,921)
Equity in net income of other unconsolidated subsidiaries 0 0
Segment income/(loss) $ 127,175 $ (20,921)
v3.26.1
Revenue Disaggregation of Revenue (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
Mar. 29, 2025
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales $ 1,550,821 $ 1,380,594
Feed Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 985,338 896,283
Food Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 405,233 349,240
Fuel Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 160,250 135,071
North America    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 828,214 786,664
North America | Feed Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 744,473 688,703
North America | Food Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 83,741 97,961
North America | Fuel Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 0 0
Europe    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 487,720 408,170
Europe | Feed Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 124,326 105,052
Europe | Food Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 203,144 168,047
Europe | Fuel Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 160,250 135,071
China    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 74,888 54,035
China | Feed Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 10,111 3,665
China | Food Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 64,777 50,370
China | Fuel Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 0 0
South America    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 138,458 116,961
South America | Feed Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 101,953 95,324
South America | Food Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 36,505 21,637
South America | Fuel Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 0 0
Other    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 21,541 14,764
Other | Feed Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 4,475 3,539
Other | Food Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 17,066 11,225
Other | Fuel Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 0 0
Fats    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 432,183 385,893
Fats | Feed Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 384,609 341,524
Fats | Food Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 47,574 44,369
Fats | Fuel Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 0 0
Used cooking oil    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 109,486 78,940
Used cooking oil | Feed Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 109,486 78,940
Used cooking oil | Food Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 0 0
Used cooking oil | Fuel Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 0 0
Proteins    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 41,416 351,217
Proteins | Feed Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 41,416 351,217
Proteins | Food Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 0 0
Proteins | Fuel Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 0 0
Bakery    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 366,033 50,648
Bakery | Feed Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 366,033 50,648
Bakery | Food Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 0 0
Bakery | Fuel Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 0 0
Other rendering    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 72,200 62,199
Other rendering | Feed Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 72,200 62,199
Other rendering | Food Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 0 0
Other rendering | Fuel Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 0 0
Food ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 331,044 278,582
Food ingredients | Feed Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 0 0
Food ingredients | Food Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 331,044 278,582
Food ingredients | Fuel Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 0 0
Bioenergy    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 160,250 135,071
Bioenergy | Feed Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 0 0
Bioenergy | Food Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 0 0
Bioenergy | Fuel Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 160,250 135,071
Other    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 38,209 38,044
Other | Feed Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 11,594 11,755
Other | Food Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 26,615 26,289
Other | Fuel Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales $ 0 $ 0
v3.26.1
Revenue Revenue from Long-term Performance Obligations, Narrative (Details)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
USD ($)
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Revenue recognized $ 17.9
v3.26.1
Revenue Revenue from Long-term Performance Obligations (Details) - Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2020-03-29
$ in Millions
Apr. 04, 2026
USD ($)
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Expected timing of satisfaction 3 years
Remaining performance obligation $ 431.8
v3.26.1
Related Party Transactions (Details)
 3 Months Ended
Jun. 15, 2023
USD ($)
Apr. 01, 2021
USD ($)
agreement
Apr. 04, 2026
USD ($)
Mar. 29, 2025
USD ($)
Jan. 03, 2026
USD ($)
Feb. 29, 2020
USD ($)
agreement
IMTT Terminaling Agreements            
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]            
Number Of Terminaling Agreements | agreement           2
Related Party, Unrecorded Unconditional Guarantee           $ 50,000,000
GTL Terminaling Agreements            
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]            
Number Of Terminaling Agreements | agreement   2        
Related Party, Unrecorded Unconditional Guarantee   $ 160,000,000        
Related Party, Initial Agreement Term   20 years        
Diamond Green Diesel Holdings LLC Joint Venture            
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]            
Related Party Sales Eliminated     $ 63,400,000 $ 71,500,000    
Deferred Revenue, Additions     15,300,000 14,900,000    
Accounts receivable     5,100,000   $ 33,700,000  
Revenues     $ 248,700,000 $ 218,000,000.0    
Diamond Green Diesel Holdings LLC Joint Venture | Revenue Benchmark | Customer Concentration Risk            
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]            
Concentration Risk, Percentage     16.00% 16.00%    
Revolving Loan Agreement | Revolving Credit Facility            
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]            
Revolving Loan Agreement, Maximum Borrowing Capacity $ 200,000,000.0          
Basis spread on variable rate 2.50%          
Revolving Loan Agreement, Fair Value of Amount Outstanding     $ 0   $ 0  
Line Of Credit Facility, Amount Borrowed       $ 100,000,000.0    
Interest Expense, Long-term Debt     $ 200,000 200,000    
Revolving Loan Agreement | Lender One | Revolving Credit Facility            
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]            
Revolving Loan Agreement, Maximum Borrowing Capacity $ 100,000,000.0          
Line Of Credit Facility, Amount Borrowed       $ 50,000,000.0    
v3.26.1
Cash Flow Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2026
Mar. 29, 2025
Nonmonetary Transactions [Abstract]    
Change in accrued capital expenditures $ (9,517) $ 6,613
Interest, net of capitalized interest 35,904 24,963
Income taxes, net of refunds 20,472 9,222
Operating lease right of use asset obtained in exchange for new lease liabilities 15,041 19,183
Debt issued for assets $ 615 $ 91