DARLING INGREDIENTS INC., 10-Q filed on 5/7/2025
Quarterly Report
v3.25.1
Document and Entity Information Document - shares
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
May 01, 2025
Cover [Abstract]    
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Quarterly Report true  
Document Period End Date Mar. 29, 2025  
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 $0.01 par value per share  
Trading Symbol DAR  
Security Exchange Name NYSE  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes  
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer  
Entity Small Business false  
Entity Emerging Growth Company false  
Entity Shell Company false  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   158,158,847
Entity Central Index Key 0000916540  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --01-03  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2025  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1  
Amendment Flag false  
v3.25.1
Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 29, 2025
Dec. 28, 2024
Current assets:    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 81,471 $ 75,973
Restricted cash 39,872 37,579
Inventories 595,408 576,837
Prepaid expenses 89,921 81,286
Income taxes refundable 25,084 35,063
Other current assets 25,852 42,114
Total current assets 1,454,721 1,439,436
Property, plant and equipment, less accumulated depreciation of $2,697,272 at March 29, 2025 and $2,579,770 at December 28, 2024 2,739,079 2,713,669
Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization of $604,065 at March 29, 2025 and $567,135 at December 28, 2024 898,050 898,412
Goodwill 2,389,238 2,322,593
Investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries 2,111,707 2,263,709
Operating lease right-of-use assets 217,927 210,692
Other assets 203,148 199,594
Deferred income taxes 18,173 22,368
Total assets 10,032,043 10,070,473
Current liabilities:    
Current portion of long-term debt 116,629 133,020
Accounts payable, principally trade 348,480 348,705
Income taxes payable 14,564 9,723
Current operating lease liabilities 63,841 62,761
Accrued expenses 492,254 489,295
Total current liabilities 1,035,768 1,043,504
Long-term debt, net of current portion 3,804,873 3,908,978
Long-term operating lease liabilities 158,400 152,327
Other non-current liabilities 207,801 208,350
Deferred income taxes 289,428 293,022
Total liabilities 5,496,270 5,606,181
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity:    
     Common stock, $0.01 par value; 250,000,000 shares authorized; 175,590,741 and 174,965,834 shares issued at March 29, 2025 and December 28, 2024, respectively 1,756 1,750
Additional paid-in capital 1,723,198 1,720,877
     Treasury stock, at cost; 17,434,325 and 16,068,364 shares at        March 29, 2025 and December 28, 2024, respectively (718,747) (672,710)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (543,750) (684,241)
Retained earnings 3,985,974 4,012,134
Total Darling's stockholders’ equity 4,448,431 4,377,810
Noncontrolling interests 87,342 86,482
Total stockholders' equity 4,535,773 4,464,292
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity 10,032,043 10,070,473
Nonrelated Party    
Current assets:    
Accounts receivable 590,783 581,108
Related Party    
Current assets:    
Accounts receivable $ 6,330 $ 9,476
v3.25.1
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 29, 2025
Dec. 28, 2024
Assets:    
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Current $ 16,716 $ 16,166
Property, plant and equipment, accumulated depreciation 2,697,272 2,579,770
Intangible assets, accumulated amortization $ 604,065 $ 567,135
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 175,590,741 174,965,834
Treasury stock, shares 17,434,325 16,068,364
v3.25.1
Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
Mar. 30, 2024
Net sales $ 1,380,594 $ 1,420,299
Costs and expenses:    
Cost of sales and operating expenses (excludes depreciation and amortization, shown separately below) 1,069,243 1,116,666
Loss/(gain) on sale of assets 62 (574)
Selling, general and administrative expenses 121,556 139,143
Acquisition and integration costs 1,534 4,054
Change in fair value of contingent consideration 5,441 (25,249)
Depreciation and amortization 123,835 127,509
Total costs and expenses 1,321,671 1,361,549
Equity in net income/(loss) of Diamond Green Diesel (30,523) 78,419
Operating income 28,400 137,169
Other expense:    
Interest expense (57,967) (62,876)
Foreign currency gain/(loss) (1,362) 236
Other income, net 3,333 8,656
Total other expense (55,996) (53,984)
Equity in net income of other unconsolidated subsidiaries 2,628 2,310
Income/(loss) before income taxes (24,968) 85,495
Income tax expense/(benefit) (1,154) 3,907
Net income/(loss) (23,814) 81,588
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (2,346) (431)
Net income/(loss) attributable to Darling $ (26,160) $ 81,157
Basic income per share (in dollars per share) $ (0.16) $ 0.51
Diluted income per share (in dollars per share) $ (0.16) $ 0.50
Nonrelated Party    
Net sales $ 1,162,642 $ 1,173,562
Related Party    
Net sales $ 217,952 $ 246,737
v3.25.1
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
Mar. 30, 2024
Net income/(loss) $ (23,814) $ 81,588
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax:    
Foreign currency translation adjustments 119,332 (64,670)
Pension adjustments 189 262
Total other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax 139,005 (98,948)
Total comprehensive income/(loss) 115,191 (17,360)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests 860 1,601
Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Darling 114,331 (18,961)
Commodity Contract    
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax:    
Derivative adjustments 1,145 (31,758)
Interest Rate Swap    
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax:    
Derivative adjustments (1,235) 4,077
Foreign Exchange Contract    
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax:    
Derivative adjustments $ 19,574 $ (6,859)
v3.25.1
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. 30, 2023                 159,533,789                
Beginning balance at Dec. 30, 2023 $ 4,693,691       $ 4,605,431       $ 1,744 $ 1,697,787 $ (629,008) $ (198,346)       $ 3,733,254 $ 88,260
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]                                  
Net income/(loss) 81,588       81,157                     81,157 431
Pension adjustments, net of tax 262       262             262          
Derivative adjustments   $ (31,758) $ 4,077 $ (6,859)   $ (31,758) $ 4,077 $ (6,859)         $ (31,758) $ 4,077 $ (6,859)    
Foreign currency translation adjustments (64,670)       (65,840)             (65,840)         1,170
Issuance of non-vested stock 47       47         47              
Stock-based compensation 12,789       12,789         12,789              
Treasury stock (in shares)                 (179,955)                
Treasury stock (7,908)       (7,908)           (7,908)            
Issuance of common stock (in shares)                 425,723                
Issuance of common stock 1,731       1,731       $ 5 1,726              
Ending balance (in shares) at Mar. 30, 2024                 159,779,557                
Ending balance at Mar. 30, 2024 4,682,990       4,593,129       $ 1,749 1,712,349 (636,916) (298,464)       3,814,411 89,861
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 (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
v3.25.1
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares
Mar. 29, 2025
Dec. 28, 2024
Mar. 30, 2024
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]      
Common stock, par value (in usd per share) $ 0.01 $ 0.01 $ 0.01
v3.25.1
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
Mar. 30, 2024
Cash flows from operating activities:    
Net income/(loss) $ (23,814) $ 81,588
Adjustments to reconcile net income/(loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:    
Depreciation and amortization 123,835 127,509
Loss/(gain) on sale of assets 62 (574)
Change in fair value of contingent consideration 5,441 (25,249)
Deferred taxes (9,500) (30,572)
Increase in long-term pension liability 605 504
Stock-based compensation expense (2,931) 12,836
Deferred loan cost amortization 1,429 1,395
Equity in net loss/(income) of Diamond Green Diesel and other unconsolidated subsidiaries 27,895 (80,729)
Distributions of earnings from Diamond Green Diesel and other unconsolidated subsidiaries 129,549 0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions:    
Accounts receivable (383) 181,243
Income taxes refundable/payable 14,940 (12,542)
Inventories and prepaid expenses (10,752) 69,885
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (32,506) (58,004)
Other 25,090 (3,382)
Net cash provided by operating activities 248,960 263,908
Cash flows from investing activities:    
Capital expenditures (62,979) (93,775)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired 0 (109,938)
Investment in Diamond Green Diesel (150) (90,000)
Loan to Diamond Green Diesel 0 (100,000)
Loan repayment from Diamond Green Diesel 0 100,000
Gross proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment and other assets 2,298 2,756
Proceeds from insurance settlement 10,173 0
Payments related to routes and other intangibles (3) (2)
Net cash used in investing activities (50,661) (290,959)
Cash flows from financing activities:    
Proceeds from long-term debt 1,812 3,036
Payments on long-term debt (16,277) (15,549)
Borrowings from revolving credit facility 91,172 584,755
Payments on revolving credit facility (203,207) (558,986)
Net cash overdraft financing (17,868) 41,977
Issuance of common stock 342 437
Repurchase of common stock (34,668) 0
Minimum withholding taxes paid on stock awards (6,536) (6,905)
Net cash provided/(used) in financing activities (185,230) 48,765
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash (6,213) 6,471
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 6,856 28,185
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period 217,307 264,450
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period $ 224,163 $ 292,635
v3.25.1
General
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
General GeneralThe accompanying consolidated financial statements for the three month periods ended March 29, 2025 and March 30, 2024, 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 December 28, 2024.
v3.25.1
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
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 March 29, 2025, and include the 13 weeks ended March 29, 2025, and the 13 weeks ended March 30, 2024.

(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 March 29, 2025 and December 28, 2024, 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 March 29, 2025 and December 28, 2024, 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 such amounts shown in the Consolidated Statement of Cash flows is as follows (in thousands):

March 29, 2025December 28, 2024
Cash and cash equivalents$81,471 $75,973 
Restricted cash39,872 37,579 
Restricted cash included in other long-term assets102,820 103,755 
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows$224,163 $217,307 

(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 March 29, 2025 and March 30, 2024, the Company sold approximately $125.5 million and $137.4 million of its trade receivables and incurred approximately $1.4 million and $2.2 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 19 (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
March 29, 2025March 30, 2024
 LossSharesPer ShareIncomeSharesPer Share
Basic:      
Net income/(loss) attributable to Darling$(26,160)158,677 $(0.16)$81,157 159,812 $0.51 
Diluted:      
Effect of dilutive securities:      
Add: Option shares in the money and dilutive effect of non-vested stock awards —   3,053  
Less: Pro forma treasury shares —   (960) 
Diluted:      
Net income/(loss) attributable to Darling$(26,160)158,677 $(0.16)$81,157 161,905 $0.50 
For the three months ended March 29, 2025 and March 30, 2024, respectively, 2,302,222 and zero outstanding stock options were excluded from diluted income/(loss) per common share as the effect would be antidilutive. For the three months ended March 29, 2025 and March 30, 2024, respectively, 1,041,713 and
576,692 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 Russia-Ukraine war, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and other Middle Eastern conflicts 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 potential triggering events that could indicate certain of the Company’s assets may be impaired. Through the three months ended March 29, 2025, the Company has not observed any impairments of the Company’s assets or a significant change in their fair value due to the Russia-Ukraine war, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and other Middle Eastern conflicts or inflation or the impacts of tariffs.
v3.25.1
Investment in Unconsolidated Subsidiary
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
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, 2025December 31, 2024
Assets:
Cash$152,440 $353,446 
Total other current assets1,038,381 1,137,821 
Property, plant and equipment, net3,847,613 3,868,943 
Other assets115,915 100,307 
Total assets$5,154,349 $5,460,517 
Liabilities and members' equity:
Revolver$— $— 
Total other current portion of long term debt30,150 29,809 
Total other current liabilities336,404 319,688 
Total long term debt699,491 707,158 
Total other long term liabilities17,095 17,195 
Total members' equity4,071,209 4,386,667 
Total liabilities and members' equity$5,154,349 $5,460,517 
Three Months Ended
(in thousands)March 31, 2025March 31, 2024
Revenues:
Operating revenues$899,909 $1,411,115 
Expenses:
Total costs and expenses less lower of cost or market inventory valuation adjustment and depreciation, amortization and accretion expense977,106 1,159,356 
Lower of cost or market (LCM) inventory valuation adjustment(91,004)21,638 
Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense
67,472 65,290 
Total costs and expenses953,574 1,246,284 
Operating income/(loss)(53,665)164,831 
Other income3,702 3,220 
Interest and debt expense, net(9,306)(11,242)
Income/(loss) before income tax expense(59,269)156,809 
Income tax expense/(benefit)39 (29)
Net income/(loss)$(59,308)$156,838 

As of March 29, 2025, under the equity method of accounting, the Company has an investment in the DGD Joint Venture of approximately $2,038.1 million on the consolidated balance sheet. The Company has recorded equity in net income/(loss) from the DGD Joint Venture of approximately $(30.5) million and $78.4 million for the three months ended March 29, 2025 and March 30, 2024, 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 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. For the three months ended March 29, 2025 and March 30, 2024, the DGD Joint Venture recorded approximately $50.9 million and $331.1 million of production tax credits and blenders tax credits, respectively. The production tax credit and blenders tax credits are recorded as a reduction of cost of sales by the DGD Joint Venture. In the three months ended March 29, 2025 and March 30, 2024, respectively, the Company made approximately $0.2 million and $90.0 million in capital contributions to the DGD Joint Venture. In the three months ended March 29, 2025 and March 30, 2024, the Company received approximately $129.5 million and zero in dividend distributions from the DGD Joint Venture, respectively.

In addition to the DGD Joint Venture, the Company has investments in other unconsolidated subsidiaries that are insignificant to the Company.
v3.25.1
Acquisitions
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
Business Combination, Asset Acquisition, and Joint Venture Formation [Abstract]  
Acquisitions Acquisitions
Miropasz Group

On January 31, 2024, a wholly owned international subsidiary of the Company acquired all of the shares of the Miropasz Group (the “Miropasz Acquisition”), a rendering company in Poland that is now in our Feed Ingredients segment, for a cash purchase price of approximately €105.6 million (approximately $114.3 million USD at the exchange rate of €1.0:USD$1.082198 on the closing date). In addition, the Company incurred a liability of approximately €7.0 million (approximately $7.6 million USD at the exchange rate on the closing date) for acquisition consideration hold-back amount that is 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. The hold-back amount represents a noncash investing activity during the period of acquisition. During the third quarter of fiscal 2024, the Company received approximately $0.2 million from the sellers as a reduction of the purchase price and other immaterial adjustments. The Company recorded assets and liabilities consisting of property, plant and equipment of approximately $21.2 million, identifiable intangibles which includes routes and immaterial land use rights of approximately $34.9 million with a weighted average life of 17 years, other net assets of approximately $2.8 million which includes cash, working capital and net debt, and goodwill of approximately $62.8 million. Goodwill is expected to strengthen the Company’s base Feed Ingredients business and is nondeductible for tax purposes.

Gelnex

On March 31, 2023, the Company acquired all of the shares of Gelnex, a leading global producer of collagen products (the “Gelnex Acquisition”). The Gelnex Acquisition includes a network of five processing facilities in South America and one in the United States. The initial purchase price of approximately $1.2 billion was comprised of an initial cash payment of approximately $1.1 billion, which consisted of a payment of approximately R$4.3 billion Brazilian real (approximately $853.3 million USD at the exchange rate of R$5.08:USD$1.00 on the closing date) and a payment of approximately $243.5 million in USD, subject to various post-closing adjustments in accordance with the stock purchase agreement. In addition, the Company incurred a liability of approximately $104.1 million for acquisition consideration hold-back amount that is 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. The hold-back amount represents a noncash investing activity during the period of acquisition. The Gelnex Acquisition gives us immediate capacity to serve the growing needs of our collagen customers and the growing gelatin market. The initial purchase price was financed by borrowing all of the Company’s term A-3 facility of $300.0 million and term A-4 facility of $500.0 million, with the remainder coming through revolver borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement. During the third quarter of fiscal 2023, the Company made a cash payment for working capital purchase price adjustment per the stock purchase agreement of approximately $14.1 million with an offset to goodwill. The Company obtained new information about facts and circumstances that existed at the acquisition date during the first quarter of fiscal 2024 that resulted in measurement period adjustments to increase property, plant and equipment by approximately $13.7 million, decrease intangible assets by approximately $9.5 million, decrease goodwill by approximately $9.1 million, increase deferred tax liabilities by approximately $5.1 million, increase deferred tax assets by approximately $8.1 million and a decrease in other assets and liabilities of approximately $0.1 million.

The following table summarizes the final fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed in the Gelnex Acquisition as of March 31, 2023 (in thousands):

Accounts receivable$81,025 
Inventories140,865 
Other current assets3,143 
Property, plant and equipment169,205 
Identifiable intangible assets339,500 
Goodwill542,572 
Operating lease right-of-use assets134 
Other assets2,703 
Deferred tax asset9,067 
Accounts payable(15,059)
Current operating lease liabilities(26)
Current portion of long-term debt(44,692)
Accrued expenses(18,826)
Long-term debt, net of current portion(1,407)
Long-term operating lease liabilities(123)
Deferred tax liability(12,870)
Other noncurrent liabilities(19)
Purchase price, net of cash acquired$1,195,192 
Less hold-back104,145 
Cash paid for acquisition, net of cash acquired$1,091,047 
The $542.6 million of goodwill from the Gelnex Acquisition, which is expected to strengthen the Company’s collagen business and expand its ability to service increased demand of its collagen customer base, is assigned to the Food Ingredients segment. Of the goodwill recorded in the Gelnex Acquisition approximately $425.0 million is deductible for tax purposes. The identifiable intangible assets include $331.0 million in customer relationships with a weighted average life of 11.4 years and $8.5 million in trade name with a life of five years for a total weighted average life of approximately 11.3 years.
The Company incurred acquisition and integration costs of approximately $1.5 million and $4.1 million for the three months ended March 29, 2025 and March 30, 2024, respectively.
v3.25.1
Inventories
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]  
Inventories Inventories
A summary of inventories follows (in thousands):


    
 March 29, 2025December 28, 2024
Finished product$349,289 $335,116 
Work in process96,632 92,762 
Raw material37,733 38,117 
Supplies and other111,754 110,842 
 $595,408 $576,837 
v3.25.1
Intangible Assets
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
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):
    

 March 29, 2025December 28, 2024
Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets:  
Trade names$51,983 $51,050 
 51,983 51,050 
Finite Lived Intangible Assets:  
Routes727,992 714,801 
Customer relationships294,904 278,920 
Permits321,291 316,038 
Non-compete agreements60 60 
Trade names83,341 82,401 
Royalties, product development, patents, consulting, land use rights and leasehold22,544 22,277 
 1,450,132 1,414,497 
Accumulated Amortization:
Routes(270,814)(254,164)
Customer relationships(54,094)(44,476)
Permits(198,594)(189,500)
Non-compete agreements(36)(33)
Trade names(73,838)(72,549)
Royalties, product development, patents, consulting, land use rights and leasehold(6,689)(6,413)
(604,065)(567,135)
Total intangible assets, less accumulated amortization$898,050 $898,412 

Gross intangible assets changed due to foreign currency translation impact in the first three months of fiscal 2025. Amortization expense for the three months ended March 29, 2025 and March 30, 2024, was approximately $25.3 million and $28.0 million, respectively.
v3.25.1
Goodwill
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
Intangible Asset Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]  
Goodwill Goodwill
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill (in thousands):


 Feed IngredientsFood IngredientsFuel IngredientsTotal
Balance at December 28, 2024   
Goodwill$1,453,677 $774,998 $144,582 $2,373,257 
Accumulated impairment losses(15,914)(3,170)(31,580)(50,664)
 1,437,763 771,828 113,002 2,322,593 
Foreign currency translation30,199 31,997 4,449 66,645 
Balance at March 29, 2025   
Goodwill1,483,876 806,995 149,031 2,439,902 
Accumulated impairment losses(15,914)(3,170)(31,580)(50,664)
 $1,467,962 $803,825 $117,451 $2,389,238 
v3.25.1
Accrued Expense Accrued Expenses
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]  
Accrued Expenses Accrued Expenses
Accrued expenses consist of the following (in thousands):


 March 29, 2025December 28, 2024
Compensation and benefits
$127,710 $139,011 
Accrued operating expenses
73,129 73,239 
 Short-term acquisition hold-backs39,582 38,620 
 Short-term contingent consideration36,459 28,862 
Other accrued expense
215,374 209,563 
 $492,254 $489,295 
v3.25.1
Debt
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
Debt Debt
Debt consists of the following (in thousands):

March 29, 2025December 28, 2024
Amended Credit Agreement:  
Revolving Credit Facility (zero denominated in € at March 29, 2025 and December 28, 2024, respectively)
$155,000 $267,000 
Term A-1 facility396,000 397,000 
Less unamortized deferred loan costs(321)(366)
Carrying value Term A-1 facility395,679 396,634 
Term A-2 facility468,750 471,875 
Less unamortized deferred loan costs(444)(509)
Carrying value Term A-2 facility468,306 471,366 
Term A-3 facility297,000 297,750 
Less unamortized deferred loan costs(490)(560)
Carrying value Term A-3 facility296,510 297,190 
Term A-4 facility478,125 481,250 
Less unamortized deferred loan costs(579)(664)
Carrying value Term A-4 facility477,546 480,586 
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 premium(5,386)(5,605)
Carrying value 6% Senior Notes due 2030
994,614 994,395 
5.25% Senior Notes due 2027 with effective interest of 5.47%
500,000 500,000 
Less unamortized deferred loan costs(2,081)(2,322)
Carrying value 5.25% Senior Notes due 2027
497,919 497,678 
3.625% Senior Notes due 2026 - Denominated in euro with effective interest of 3.83%
557,436 536,733 
Less unamortized deferred loan costs - Denominated in euro(1,314)(1,542)
Carrying value 3.625% Senior Notes due 2026
556,122 535,191 
Other Notes and Obligations79,806 101,958 
3,921,502 4,041,998 
Less Current Maturities116,629 133,020 
$3,804,873 $3,908,978 

As of March 29, 2025, the Company had no outstanding debt under the revolving credit facility denominated in euros and €515.0 million of outstanding debt under the Company’s 3.625% Senior Notes due 2026 denominated in euros. In addition, at March 29, 2025, the Company had finance lease obligations denominated in euros of approximately €5.5 million.

As of March 29, 2025, the Company had other notes and obligations of $79.8 million that consist of various overdraft facilities of approximately $37.8 million, Brazilian notes of approximately $18.6 million, and other debt of approximately $23.4 million, including U.S. finance lease obligations of approximately $2.7 million.

On January 6, 2014, Darling, Darling International Canada Inc. (“Darling Canada”) and Darling International NL Holdings B.V. (“Darling NL”) entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (as subsequently amended, the “Amended Credit Agreement”), restating its then existing Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated September 27, 2013, with the lenders from time to time party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and the other agents from time to time party thereto.

The interest rate applicable to any borrowings under the revolving credit facility will equal (i) 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 1.50% per annum or (ii) the base rate or the adjusted term SOFR for a one-month
interest period 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 0.50% 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-1 facility and term A-3 facility equals the adjusted term SOFR plus 1.625% per annum subject to certain step-ups and step-downs based on the Company’s total leverage ratio with a minimum of 1.50%. The interest rate applicable to any borrowing under the term A-2 facility and term A-4 facility equals the adjusted term SOFR plus 1.50% per annum subject to certain step-ups or step-downs based on the Company’s total leverage ratio with a minimum of 1.00%.

As of March 29, 2025, the Company had (i) $155.0 million outstanding under the revolver at SOFR plus a margin of 1.50% per annum for a total of 5.92719% per annum, (ii) $396.0 million outstanding under the term A-1 facility at SOFR plus a margin of 1.625% per annum for a total of 6.04884% per annum, (iii) $468.8 million outstanding under the term A-2 facility at SOFR plus a margin of 1.50% per annum for a total of 5.92384% per annum, (iv) $297.0 million outstanding under the term A-3 facility at SOFR plus a margin 1.625% per annum for a total of 6.04884% per annum, and (v) $478.1 million outstanding under the term A-4 facility at SOFR plus a margin 1.50% per annum for a total of 5.92384% per annum. As of March 29, 2025, the Company had revolving credit facility availability of $1,271.7 million, under the Amended Credit Agreement taking into account amounts borrowed, ancillary facilities of $72.6 million and letters of credit issued of $0.7 million. The Company also had foreign bank guarantees of approximately $11.6 million that are not part of the Company’s Amended Credit Agreement at March 29, 2025.

As of March 29, 2025, 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 3.625% Senior Notes due 2026.
v3.25.1
Other Noncurrent Liabilities
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]  
Other Noncurrent Liabilities Other Noncurrent Liabilities
 
Other noncurrent liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):

 March 29, 2025December 28, 2024
Accrued pension liability$18,561 $17,676 
Reserve for self-insurance, litigation, environmental and tax matters81,126 80,757 
Long-term acquisition hold-backs103,696 104,684 
Other4,418 5,233 
 $207,801 $208,350 
v3.25.1
Income Taxes
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Income Taxes Income Taxes
 
The Company has provided income taxes for the three months ended March 29, 2025 and March 30, 2024, based on its estimate of the effective tax rate for the entire 2025 and 2024 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 March 29, 2025 and March 30, 2024, the Company had $11.2 million and $13.6 million, respectively, of gross unrecognized tax benefits and $2.3 million and $1.7 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 August 16, 2022, the U.S. government enacted the IR Act that includes tax incentives, such as the CFPC, for energy and climate initiatives. The CFPC, a new transferable income tax credit effective January 1, 2025, consolidates and replaces the refundable excise tax credits for biodiesel, renewable diesel, alternative fuel and sustainable aviation fuel mixtures (collectively the “Blenders Tax Credits”). The CFPC provides a per-gallon tax credit for producers of clean transportation fuel based on the carbon intensity of production and is calculated by multiplying the applicable amount per gallon of qualifying fuel by the emissions rates for the fuel.
On January 10, 2025, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and Internal Revenue Service released Notices 2025-10 and 2025-11, which provide clarity on issues including which entities and fuels are eligible for the credit and how taxpayers determine lifecycle emissions. In conjunction with such guidance, the Department of Energy released the 45ZCF-GREET Model allowing clean fuel producers to compute and claim the CFPC. Like the Blenders Tax Credits, the CFPC is generated by DGD and significantly impacts our effective tax rate relative to the federal statutory rate of 21%.
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.
v3.25.1
Other Comprehensive Income
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
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 March 29, 2025 and March 30, 2024 are as follows (in thousands):

Three Months Ended
Before-TaxTax (Expense)Net-of-Tax
Amountor BenefitAmount
March 29, 2025March 30, 2024March 29, 2025March 30, 2024March 29, 2025March 30, 2024
Defined benefit pension plans
Amortization of prior service (cost)/benefit$(2)$(6)$1 $3 $(1)$(3)
Amortization of actuarial loss249 349 (59)(84)190 265 
Total defined benefit pension plans247 343 (58)(81)189 262 
Soybean meal option derivatives
Reclassified to earnings— (33)— 8 — (25)
Total soybean meal option derivatives— (33)— 8 — (25)
Corn option derivatives
Reclassified to earnings367 — (89)— 278 — 
Activity recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss)(253)— 61 — (192)— 
Total corn option derivatives114 — (28)— 86 — 
Heating oil derivatives at DGD (Note 15)
Activity recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss)1,400 (41,919)(341)10,186 1,059 (31,733)
Total heating oil derivatives1,400 (41,919)(341)10,186 1,059 (31,733)
Interest swap derivatives
Reclassified to earnings17,693 (17,480)(4,299)4,248 13,394 (13,232)
Activity recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss)(19,324)22,865 4,695 (5,556)(14,629)17,309 
Total interest swap derivatives(1,631)5,385 396 (1,308)(1,235)4,077 
Foreign exchange derivatives
Reclassified to earnings(3,662)(5,996)1,232 2,046 (2,430)(3,950)
Activity recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss)33,159 (4,415)(11,155)1,506 22,004 (2,909)
Total foreign exchange derivatives29,497 (10,411)(9,923)3,552 19,574 (6,859)
Foreign currency translation121,094 (65,343)(1,762)673 119,332 (64,670)
Other comprehensive income/(loss)$150,721 $(111,978)$(11,716)$13,030 $139,005 $(98,948)
The following table presents the amounts reclassified out of each component of other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax, for the three months ended March 29, 2025 and March 30, 2024 as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended
March 29, 2025March 30, 2024Statement of Operations Classification
Derivative instruments
Soybean meal option derivatives$— $33 Net sales
Foreign exchange contracts3,662 5,996 Net sales
Corn option derivatives(367)— Cost of sales and operating expenses
Interest swaps(17,693)17,480 Foreign currency gain/(loss) and interest expense
(14,398)23,509 Total before tax
3,156 (6,302)Income taxes
(11,242)17,207 Net of tax
Defined benefit pension plans
Amortization of prior service cost$2 $6 (a)
Amortization of actuarial loss(249)(349)(a)
(247)(343)Total before tax
58 81 Income taxes
(189)(262)Net of tax
Total reclassifications$(11,431)$16,945 Net of tax

(a)These items are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See Note 14 (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 March 29, 2025 as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended March 29, 2025
ForeignDefined
CurrencyDerivativeBenefit
TranslationInstrumentsPension PlansTotal
Accumulated Other Comprehensive income/ (loss) December 28, 2024, attributable to Darling, net of tax$(648,827)$(23,825)$(11,589)$(684,241)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications119,332 8,242 — 127,574 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/ (loss)— 11,242 189 11,431 
Net current-period other comprehensive income/ (loss)119,332 19,484 189 139,005 
Noncontrolling interest
(1,486)— — (1,486)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive income/ (loss) March 29, 2025, attributable to Darling, net of tax$(528,009)$(4,341)$(11,400)$(543,750)
v3.25.1
Stockholders' Equity
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
Equity [Abstract]  
Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity
Fiscal 2025 Long-Term Incentive Opportunity Awards (2025 LTIP). On December 20, 2024, the Compensation Committee (the “Committee”) of the Company’s Board of Directors adopted the 2025 LTIP pursuant to which on January 3, 2025 the Company awarded certain of the Company’s key employees, 244,130 restricted stock units and 355,383 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 the earned award to be determined in the first quarter of fiscal 2028, after the final results for the relevant performance period are determined. The PSUs were granted at a target of 100%, but each PSU will reduce or increase (up to 225%) depending on the Company’s ROGI relative to that of the
performance peer group companies and is also subject to the application of a total shareholder return (“TSR”) cap/collar modifier depending on the Company’s TSR during the performance period relative to that of the performance peer group companies.
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 2025, $34.7 million of Common Stock was repurchased under the share repurchase program. As of March 29, 2025, the Company had approximately $460.3 million remaining under the share repurchase program.
v3.25.1
Employee Benefit Plans
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]  
Employee Benefit Plans Employee Benefit Plans
Net pension cost for the three months ended March 29, 2025 and March 30, 2024 includes the following components (in thousands):
Pension Benefits
 Three Months Ended
 March 29,
2025		March 30,
2024
Service cost$743 $791 
Interest cost1,917 1,911 
Expected return on plan assets(1,716)(1,810)
Amortization of prior service cost(2)(6)
Amortization of actuarial loss249 349 
Net pension cost$1,191 $1,235 

Based on annual actuarial estimates, at March 29, 2025 the Company expects to contribute approximately $3.9 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 March 29, 2025 and March 30, 2024 of approximately $0.5 million and $0.6 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 four U.S. multiemployer plans in which it participated. As of March 29, 2025, the Company has an aggregate accrued liability of approximately $4.3 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.
v3.25.1
Derivatives
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
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 March 29, 2025, the Company had corn forward contracts, foreign exchange forward and option contracts and interest rate swaps outstanding that qualified and were designated for hedge accounting as well as corn option and forward contracts, other commodity forward contracts and foreign currency forward contracts that did not qualify and were not designated for hedge accounting.

In fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2024, 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 entered into interest rate swaps that are designated as cash flow hedges. The notional amount of these swaps totaled $900.0 million. Under the contracts, the Company is obligated to pay a weighted average rate of 4.007% while receiving the 1-month SOFR rate. Under the terms of the interest rate swaps, the Company hedged a portion of its variable rate debt into the first quarter of 2026. At March 29, 2025 and December 28, 2024, the aggregate fair value of these interest rate swaps was approximately $5.4 million and $4.2 million, respectively. These amounts are included in other current assets, accrued expenses, other assets and noncurrent liabilities on the balance sheet, with an offset recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss.

In fiscal 2023, the Company also entered into cross currency swaps that are designated as cash flow hedges. The notional amount of these swaps at March 29, 2025 was €465.6 million. Under the contracts, the Company is obligated to pay a 4.6% euro denominated fixed rate while receiving a weighted average U.S. dollar fixed rate of 5.8%. Under the terms of the cross currency swaps, the Company hedged its intercompany notes receivable into the second quarter of 2025. Accordingly, changes in the fair value of the cash flow hedge are initially recorded as gains and/or losses as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. We immediately reclassify from accumulated other comprehensive loss to earnings an amount to offset the remeasurement recognized in earnings associated with the respective intercompany loan. Additionally, we reclassify amounts from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) associated with the interest rate differential between the U.S. dollar and the Euro to interest income. At March 29, 2025 and December 28, 2024, the aggregate fair value of these cross currency swaps was approximately $0.7 million and $22.2 million, respectively. At March 29, 2025, these amounts are included in other current assets and accrued expenses on the balance sheet, with an offset recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss. At December 28, 2024, these amounts are included in other current assets on the balance sheet, with an offset recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss.

In fiscal year 2024, the Company entered into corn option and forward contracts on the Chicago Board of Trade that are designated as cash flow hedges. Under the terms of the corn option contracts, the Company hedged a portion of its U.S. forecasted sales of BBP into the second quarter of fiscal 2025. At March 29, 2025 and December 28, 2024, the aggregate fair value of these corn option contracts was approximately zero and $0.1 million, respectively. The amounts are included in other current assets and accrued expenses on the balance sheet, with an offset recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss.

In fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2025, 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 March 29, 2025 and December 28, 2024, the aggregate fair value of these foreign exchange contracts was approximately $3.4 million and $32.6 million, respectively. These amounts are included in other current assets, other long term assets, accrued expenses and other non-current liabilities on the balance sheet, with an offset recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss.
The Company may enter into soybean meal forward contracts and heating oil swap and option contracts from time to time. There were not any open designated soybean meal forward or heating oil swap and option contracts entered into by the Company at March 29, 2025 and December 28, 2024, respectively.

As of March 29, 2025, 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 real218,553 Euro34,145 
Brazilian real2,459,943 U.S. dollar429,592 
Euro37,346 U.S. dollar40,352 
Euro73,845 Polish zloty308,945 
Euro10,918 Japanese yen1,763,824 
Euro33,958 Chinese renminbi267,043 
Euro16,421 Australian dollar28,050 
Euro4,247 British pound3,560 
Polish zloty48,802 Euro11,639 
British pound204 Euro244 
British pound274 U.S. dollar355 
Japanese yen98,499 U.S. dollar643 
U.S. dollar366 Japanese yen54,499 
U.S. dollar981,501 Euro907,990 

The Company estimates the amount that will be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss at March 29, 2025 into earnings over the next 12 months for all cash flow hedges will be approximately $9.3 million. As of March 29, 2025, 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 March 29, 2025 and March 30, 2024 (in thousands):

Loss or (Gain) Recognized in Income on Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges
Three Months Ended
Derivatives not designated as hedging instrumentsLocationMarch 29, 2025March 30, 2024
Foreign exchangeForeign currency loss/(gain)$(287)$(656)
Foreign exchange
Net sales
(67)484 
Foreign exchange
Cost of sales and operating expenses
60 (192)
Foreign exchangeSelling, general and administrative expenses(7,189)1,481 
Corn options and futuresNet sales— 308 
Corn options and futures
Cost of sales and operating expenses
(1,601)(368)
Other commoditiesSelling, general and administrative expenses(277)— 
Total$(9,361)$1,057 

At March 29, 2025, the Company had forward purchase agreements in place for purchases of approximately $138.1 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.
v3.25.1
Fair Value Measurement
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
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 March 29, 2025 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 March 29, 2025 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$15,732 $— $15,732 $— 
Total Assets$15,732 $— $15,732 $— 
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities$12,373 $— $12,373 $— 
Contingent consideration36,459 — — 36,459 
Total Liabilities$48,832 $— $12,373 $36,459 

  Fair Value Measurements at December 28, 2024 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$30,693 $— $30,693 $— 
Total Assets$30,693 $— $30,693 $— 
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities$41,920 $— $41,920 $— 
Contingent consideration28,862 — — 28,862 
Total Liabilities$70,782 $— $41,920 $28,862 

Derivative assets and liabilities consists primarily of the Company’s corn option and future 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 15 (Derivatives) to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for discussion on the Company’s derivatives.

The fair value measurement of contingent consideration liability uses significant unobservable inputs (level 3). We estimated the fair value of the FASA contingent consideration using a Monte Carlo simulation methodology from a third-party that includes simulating the forecasted net income or earnings plus interest expense, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) using a Geometric Brownian Motion in a risk-neutral framework. The assumptions used in the FASA contingent consideration analysis as of March 29, 2025 included the EBITDA forecast through the remaining term of the contingent consideration, an EBITDA discount rate, an EBITDA volatility, credit spread, risk-free rate and exchange rate. Significant increases and decreases in these inputs could result in a significantly lower or higher fair value measurement of the FASA contingent consideration. The changes in contingent consideration are due to the following:
(in thousands of dollars)Contingent Consideration
Balance as of December 28, 2024$28,862 
Total included in earnings during period5,441 
Exchange rate changes2,156 
Balance as of March 29, 2025$36,459 

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

  Fair Value Measurements at March 29, 2025 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$984,900 $— $984,900 $— 
5.25% Senior notes492,500 — 492,500 — 
3.625% Senior notes553,199 — 553,199 — 
Term loan A-1394,020 — 394,020 — 
Term loan A-2466,406 — 466,406 — 
Term loan A-3295,515 — 295,515 — 
Term loan A-4475,734 — 475,734 — 
Revolver debt153,450 — 153,450 — 
Total Liabilities$3,815,724 $— $3,815,724 $— 

  Fair Value Measurements at December 28, 2024 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$982,500 $— $982,500 $— 
5.25% Senior notes490,000 — 490,000 — 
3.625% Senior notes534,908 — 534,908 — 
Term loan A-1395,015 — 395,015 — 
Term loan A-2469,516 — 469,516 — 
Term loan A-3296,261 — 296,261 — 
Term loan A-4478,844 — 478,844 — 
Revolver debt264,330 — 264,330 — 
Total Liabilities$3,911,374 $— $3,911,374 $— 

The fair value of the senior notes, term loan A-1, term loan A-2, term loan A-3, term loan A-4 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.
v3.25.1
Contingencies
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
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, employees 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 March 29, 2025 and December 28, 2024, the reserves for insurance, regulatory, governmental, environmental and litigation reflected on the balance sheet in accrued expenses and other non-current liabilities was approximately $99.6 million and $97.1 million, respectively.  The Company has insurance recovery receivables reflected on the balance sheet in other assets of approximately $39.0 million as of March 29, 2025 and December 28, 2024, 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.
v3.25.1
Business Segments
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
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 March 29, 2025
Total net sales$896,283 $349,240 $135,071 $— $1,380,594 
Cost of sales and operating expenses714,015 246,781 108,447 — 1,069,243 
Gross margin182,268 102,459 26,624 — 311,351 
Loss/(gain) on sale of assets115 55 (108)— 62 
Selling, general and administrative expenses71,571 31,472 8,541 9,972 121,556 
Acquisition and integration costs— — — 1,534 1,534 
Change in fair value of contingent consideration5,441 — — — 5,441 
Depreciation and amortization84,130 29,562 8,589 1,554 123,835 
Equity in net loss of Diamond Green Diesel— — (30,523)— (30,523)
Segment operating income/(loss)21,011 41,370 (20,921)(13,060)28,400 
Equity in net income of other unconsolidated subsidiaries2,628 — — — 2,628 
Segment income/(loss)23,639 41,370 (20,921)(13,060)31,028 
Total other expense (b)(55,996)
Loss before income taxes$(24,968)

(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. Other income/(expense) consists of interest income of approximately $7.6 million, casualty loss of approximately $(0.5) million, other pension expense excluding service cost of approximately $(0.4) million and other expense of approximately $(3.4) million.

Feed IngredientsFood IngredientsFuel IngredientsCorporateTotal
Three Months Ended March 30, 2024
Total net sales$889,848 $391,282 $139,169 $— $1,420,299 
Cost of sales and operating expenses705,769 298,145 112,752 — 1,116,666 
Gross margin184,079 93,137 26,417 — 303,633 
Loss/(gain) on sale of assets132 (294)(412)— (574)
Selling, general and administrative expenses77,138 31,744 8,745 21,516 139,143 
Acquisition and integration costs— — — 4,054 4,054 
Change in fair value of contingent consideration(25,249)— — — (25,249)
Depreciation and amortization87,569 28,868 8,667 2,405 127,509 
Equity in net income of Diamond Green Diesel— — 78,419 — 78,419 
Segment operating income/(loss)44,489 32,819 87,836 (27,975)137,169 
Equity in net income of other unconsolidated subsidiaries2,310 — — — 2,310 
Segment income/(loss)46,799 32,819 87,836 (27,975)139,479 
Total other expense (c)(53,984)
Income before income taxes$85,495 

(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. Other income (expense) consists of interest income of approximately $6.6 million, casualty gain of approximately $7.8 million, other pension expense excluding service cost of approximately $(0.4) million and other expense of approximately $(5.3) million.
v3.25.1
Revenue (Notes)
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
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 revenues disaggregated by geographic area and major product types by reportable segment for the three months ended March 29, 2025 and March 30, 2024 (in thousands):

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 
Three Months Ended March 30, 2024
Feed IngredientsFood IngredientsFuel IngredientsTotal
Geographic Area
North America$691,846 $107,064 $— $798,910 
Europe100,793 169,453 139,169 409,415 
China4,778 61,469 — 66,247 
South America88,845 40,273 — 129,118 
Other3,586 13,023 — 16,609 
Total net sales$889,848 $391,282 $139,169 $1,420,299 
Major product types
Fats$311,247 $38,290 $— $349,537 
Used cooking oil75,800 — — 75,800 
Proteins367,600 — — 367,600 
Bakery44,900 — — 44,900 
Other rendering76,701 — — 76,701 
Food ingredients— 331,031 — 331,031 
Bioenergy— — 139,169 139,169 
Other13,600 21,961 — 35,561 
Total net sales$889,848 $391,282 $139,169 $1,420,299 
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 2025 under these long-term supply contracts was approximately $36.6 million, with the remaining performance obligations to be recognized in future periods (generally three years) of approximately $628.2 million.
v3.25.1
Related Party Transactions
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
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 March 29, 2025 and March 30, 2024, the Company recorded net sales to the DGD Joint Venture of approximately $218.0 million and $246.7 million, respectively. For the three months ended March 29, 2025 and March 30, 2024, our net sales to the DGD Joint Venture were approximately 16% and 17%, respectively of total net sales. At March 29, 2025 and December 28, 2024, the Company had $6.3 million and $9.5 million in outstanding receivables due from the DGD Joint Venture, respectively. In addition, the Company has eliminated approximately $71.5 million and $62.1 million of additional sales for the three months ended March 29, 2025 and March 30, 2024, respectively, to defer the Company’s portion of profit of approximately $14.9 million and $10.0 million on those sales relating to inventory assets remaining on the DGD Joint Venture's balance sheet at March 29, 2025 and March 30, 2024, 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 expires on June 15, 2026. In January 2024, the DGD Joint Venture borrowed all $200.0 million available under the 2023 DGD Loan Agreement, including the Company’s full $100.0 million commitment, which was repaid in March 2024. The DGD Joint Venture paid interest to the Company for the three months ended March 29, 2025 and March 30, 2024 of zero and $1.6 million, respectively. As of March 29, 2025 and December 28, 2024, 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.
v3.25.1
Cash Flow Information
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
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
March 29, 2025March 30, 2024
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Change in accrued capital expenditures$6,613 $(16,919)
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest, net of capitalized interest$24,963 $34,503 
Income taxes, net of refunds$9,222 $33,125 
Non-cash operating activities
Operating lease right of use asset obtained in exchange for new lease liabilities$19,183 $20,160 
Non-cash financing activities
Debt issued for assets$91 $(2,214)
v3.25.1
New Accounting Pronouncements
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
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 is provided in the footnote disclosure.

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740) Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. The ASU requires the annual financial statements to include consistent categories and greater disaggregation of information in the rate reconciliation, and income taxes paid disaggregated by jurisdiction. ASU 2023-09 is effective for the Company's annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2025. 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 is provided in the footnote disclosure.

In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280) Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. The amendment requires disclosure of significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker and included within each reported measure of segment income or loss, an amount and description of its composition for other segment items, and interim disclosures of a reportable segment's income or loss and assets. The amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and for interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024 and should be applied retrospectively. The Company adopted this ASU in 2024 and the adoption did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements other than additional information that is provided in the footnote disclosure.
v3.25.1
Pay vs Performance Disclosure - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
Mar. 30, 2024
Pay vs Performance Disclosure    
Net income attributable to Darling $ (26,160) $ 81,157
v3.25.1
Insider Trading Arrangements
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
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
v3.25.1
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
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 March 29, 2025, and include the 13 weeks ended March 29, 2025, and the 13 weeks ended March 30, 2024.
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 March 29, 2025 and December 28, 2024, 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 March 29, 2025 and December 28, 2024, 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 such amounts shown in the Consolidated Statement of Cash flows is as follows (in thousands):

March 29, 2025December 28, 2024
Cash and cash equivalents$81,471 $75,973 
Restricted cash39,872 37,579 
Restricted cash included in other long-term assets102,820 103,755 
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows$224,163 $217,307 
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 Russia-Ukraine war, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and other Middle Eastern conflicts 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 potential triggering events that could indicate certain of the Company’s assets may be impaired. Through the three months ended March 29, 2025, the Company has not observed any impairments of the Company’s assets or a significant change in their fair value due to the Russia-Ukraine war, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and other Middle Eastern conflicts or 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 March 29, 2025 and March 30, 2024, based on its estimate of the effective tax rate for the entire 2025 and 2024 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.
v3.25.1
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
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 such amounts shown in the Consolidated Statement of Cash flows is as follows (in thousands):

March 29, 2025December 28, 2024
Cash and cash equivalents$81,471 $75,973 
Restricted cash39,872 37,579 
Restricted cash included in other long-term assets102,820 103,755 
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows$224,163 $217,307 
Net Income per Common Share
Basic income per common share is computed by dividing net income attributable to Darling by the weighted average number of common shares including non-vested and restricted shares outstanding during the period.  Diluted income per common share is computed by dividing net income attributable to Darling by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period increased by dilutive common equivalent shares determined using the treasury stock method.
Net Income/(Loss) per Common Share (in thousands, except per share data)
 Three Months Ended
March 29, 2025March 30, 2024
 LossSharesPer ShareIncomeSharesPer Share
Basic:      
Net income/(loss) attributable to Darling$(26,160)158,677 $(0.16)$81,157 159,812 $0.51 
Diluted:      
Effect of dilutive securities:      
Add: Option shares in the money and dilutive effect of non-vested stock awards —   3,053  
Less: Pro forma treasury shares —   (960) 
Diluted:      
Net income/(loss) attributable to Darling$(26,160)158,677 $(0.16)$81,157 161,905 $0.50 
v3.25.1
Investment in Unconsolidated Subsidiary (Tables)
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
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, 2025December 31, 2024
Assets:
Cash$152,440 $353,446 
Total other current assets1,038,381 1,137,821 
Property, plant and equipment, net3,847,613 3,868,943 
Other assets115,915 100,307 
Total assets$5,154,349 $5,460,517 
Liabilities and members' equity:
Revolver$— $— 
Total other current portion of long term debt30,150 29,809 
Total other current liabilities336,404 319,688 
Total long term debt699,491 707,158 
Total other long term liabilities17,095 17,195 
Total members' equity4,071,209 4,386,667 
Total liabilities and members' equity$5,154,349 $5,460,517 
Three Months Ended
(in thousands)March 31, 2025March 31, 2024
Revenues:
Operating revenues$899,909 $1,411,115 
Expenses:
Total costs and expenses less lower of cost or market inventory valuation adjustment and depreciation, amortization and accretion expense977,106 1,159,356 
Lower of cost or market (LCM) inventory valuation adjustment(91,004)21,638 
Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense
67,472 65,290 
Total costs and expenses953,574 1,246,284 
Operating income/(loss)(53,665)164,831 
Other income3,702 3,220 
Interest and debt expense, net(9,306)(11,242)
Income/(loss) before income tax expense(59,269)156,809 
Income tax expense/(benefit)39 (29)
Net income/(loss)$(59,308)$156,838 
v3.25.1
Acquisitions (Tables)
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
Business Combination, Asset Acquisition, and Joint Venture Formation [Abstract]  
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed
The following table summarizes the final fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed in the Gelnex Acquisition as of March 31, 2023 (in thousands):

Accounts receivable$81,025 
Inventories140,865 
Other current assets3,143 
Property, plant and equipment169,205 
Identifiable intangible assets339,500 
Goodwill542,572 
Operating lease right-of-use assets134 
Other assets2,703 
Deferred tax asset9,067 
Accounts payable(15,059)
Current operating lease liabilities(26)
Current portion of long-term debt(44,692)
Accrued expenses(18,826)
Long-term debt, net of current portion(1,407)
Long-term operating lease liabilities(123)
Deferred tax liability(12,870)
Other noncurrent liabilities(19)
Purchase price, net of cash acquired$1,195,192 
Less hold-back104,145 
Cash paid for acquisition, net of cash acquired$1,091,047 
v3.25.1
Inventories (Tables)
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Inventory
A summary of inventories follows (in thousands):


    
 March 29, 2025December 28, 2024
Finished product$349,289 $335,116 
Work in process96,632 92,762 
Raw material37,733 38,117 
Supplies and other111,754 110,842 
 $595,408 $576,837 
v3.25.1
Intangible Assets (Tables)
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
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):
    

 March 29, 2025December 28, 2024
Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets:  
Trade names$51,983 $51,050 
 51,983 51,050 
Finite Lived Intangible Assets:  
Routes727,992 714,801 
Customer relationships294,904 278,920 
Permits321,291 316,038 
Non-compete agreements60 60 
Trade names83,341 82,401 
Royalties, product development, patents, consulting, land use rights and leasehold22,544 22,277 
 1,450,132 1,414,497 
Accumulated Amortization:
Routes(270,814)(254,164)
Customer relationships(54,094)(44,476)
Permits(198,594)(189,500)
Non-compete agreements(36)(33)
Trade names(73,838)(72,549)
Royalties, product development, patents, consulting, land use rights and leasehold(6,689)(6,413)
(604,065)(567,135)
Total intangible assets, less accumulated amortization$898,050 $898,412 
v3.25.1
Goodwill (Tables)
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
Intangible Asset Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]  
Schedule of Goodwill
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill (in thousands):


 Feed IngredientsFood IngredientsFuel IngredientsTotal
Balance at December 28, 2024   
Goodwill$1,453,677 $774,998 $144,582 $2,373,257 
Accumulated impairment losses(15,914)(3,170)(31,580)(50,664)
 1,437,763 771,828 113,002 2,322,593 
Foreign currency translation30,199 31,997 4,449 66,645 
Balance at March 29, 2025   
Goodwill1,483,876 806,995 149,031 2,439,902 
Accumulated impairment losses(15,914)(3,170)(31,580)(50,664)
 $1,467,962 $803,825 $117,451 $2,389,238 
v3.25.1
Accrued Expense (Tables)
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]  
Schedule of Accrued Expenses
Accrued expenses consist of the following (in thousands):


 March 29, 2025December 28, 2024
Compensation and benefits
$127,710 $139,011 
Accrued operating expenses
73,129 73,239 
 Short-term acquisition hold-backs39,582 38,620 
 Short-term contingent consideration36,459 28,862 
Other accrued expense
215,374 209,563 
 $492,254 $489,295 
v3.25.1
Debt (Tables)
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Debt
Debt consists of the following (in thousands):

March 29, 2025December 28, 2024
Amended Credit Agreement:  
Revolving Credit Facility (zero denominated in € at March 29, 2025 and December 28, 2024, respectively)
$155,000 $267,000 
Term A-1 facility396,000 397,000 
Less unamortized deferred loan costs(321)(366)
Carrying value Term A-1 facility395,679 396,634 
Term A-2 facility468,750 471,875 
Less unamortized deferred loan costs(444)(509)
Carrying value Term A-2 facility468,306 471,366 
Term A-3 facility297,000 297,750 
Less unamortized deferred loan costs(490)(560)
Carrying value Term A-3 facility296,510 297,190 
Term A-4 facility478,125 481,250 
Less unamortized deferred loan costs(579)(664)
Carrying value Term A-4 facility477,546 480,586 
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 premium(5,386)(5,605)
Carrying value 6% Senior Notes due 2030
994,614 994,395 
5.25% Senior Notes due 2027 with effective interest of 5.47%
500,000 500,000 
Less unamortized deferred loan costs(2,081)(2,322)
Carrying value 5.25% Senior Notes due 2027
497,919 497,678 
3.625% Senior Notes due 2026 - Denominated in euro with effective interest of 3.83%
557,436 536,733 
Less unamortized deferred loan costs - Denominated in euro(1,314)(1,542)
Carrying value 3.625% Senior Notes due 2026
556,122 535,191 
Other Notes and Obligations79,806 101,958 
3,921,502 4,041,998 
Less Current Maturities116,629 133,020 
$3,804,873 $3,908,978 
v3.25.1
Other Noncurrent Liabilities (Tables)
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]  
Other Noncurrent Liabilities
Other noncurrent liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):

 March 29, 2025December 28, 2024
Accrued pension liability$18,561 $17,676 
Reserve for self-insurance, litigation, environmental and tax matters81,126 80,757 
Long-term acquisition hold-backs103,696 104,684 
Other4,418 5,233 
 $207,801 $208,350 
v3.25.1
Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
Equity [Abstract]  
Schedule of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The components of other comprehensive income/(loss) and the related tax impacts for the three months ended March 29, 2025 and March 30, 2024 are as follows (in thousands):

Three Months Ended
Before-TaxTax (Expense)Net-of-Tax
Amountor BenefitAmount
March 29, 2025March 30, 2024March 29, 2025March 30, 2024March 29, 2025March 30, 2024
Defined benefit pension plans
Amortization of prior service (cost)/benefit$(2)$(6)$1 $3 $(1)$(3)
Amortization of actuarial loss249 349 (59)(84)190 265 
Total defined benefit pension plans247 343 (58)(81)189 262 
Soybean meal option derivatives
Reclassified to earnings— (33)— 8 — (25)
Total soybean meal option derivatives— (33)— 8 — (25)
Corn option derivatives
Reclassified to earnings367 — (89)— 278 — 
Activity recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss)(253)— 61 — (192)— 
Total corn option derivatives114 — (28)— 86 — 
Heating oil derivatives at DGD (Note 15)
Activity recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss)1,400 (41,919)(341)10,186 1,059 (31,733)
Total heating oil derivatives1,400 (41,919)(341)10,186 1,059 (31,733)
Interest swap derivatives
Reclassified to earnings17,693 (17,480)(4,299)4,248 13,394 (13,232)
Activity recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss)(19,324)22,865 4,695 (5,556)(14,629)17,309 
Total interest swap derivatives(1,631)5,385 396 (1,308)(1,235)4,077 
Foreign exchange derivatives
Reclassified to earnings(3,662)(5,996)1,232 2,046 (2,430)(3,950)
Activity recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss)33,159 (4,415)(11,155)1,506 22,004 (2,909)
Total foreign exchange derivatives29,497 (10,411)(9,923)3,552 19,574 (6,859)
Foreign currency translation121,094 (65,343)(1,762)673 119,332 (64,670)
Other comprehensive income/(loss)$150,721 $(111,978)$(11,716)$13,030 $139,005 $(98,948)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The following table presents the amounts reclassified out of each component of other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax, for the three months ended March 29, 2025 and March 30, 2024 as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended
March 29, 2025March 30, 2024Statement of Operations Classification
Derivative instruments
Soybean meal option derivatives$— $33 Net sales
Foreign exchange contracts3,662 5,996 Net sales
Corn option derivatives(367)— Cost of sales and operating expenses
Interest swaps(17,693)17,480 Foreign currency gain/(loss) and interest expense
(14,398)23,509 Total before tax
3,156 (6,302)Income taxes
(11,242)17,207 Net of tax
Defined benefit pension plans
Amortization of prior service cost$2 $6 (a)
Amortization of actuarial loss(249)(349)(a)
(247)(343)Total before tax
58 81 Income taxes
(189)(262)Net of tax
Total reclassifications$(11,431)$16,945 Net of tax

(a)These items are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See Note 14 (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 March 29, 2025 as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended March 29, 2025
ForeignDefined
CurrencyDerivativeBenefit
TranslationInstrumentsPension PlansTotal
Accumulated Other Comprehensive income/ (loss) December 28, 2024, attributable to Darling, net of tax$(648,827)$(23,825)$(11,589)$(684,241)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications119,332 8,242 — 127,574 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/ (loss)— 11,242 189 11,431 
Net current-period other comprehensive income/ (loss)119,332 19,484 189 139,005 
Noncontrolling interest
(1,486)— — (1,486)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive income/ (loss) March 29, 2025, attributable to Darling, net of tax$(528,009)$(4,341)$(11,400)$(543,750)
v3.25.1
Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]  
Net pension cost
Net pension cost for the three months ended March 29, 2025 and March 30, 2024 includes the following components (in thousands):
Pension Benefits
 Three Months Ended
 March 29,
2025		March 30,
2024
Service cost$743 $791 
Interest cost1,917 1,911 
Expected return on plan assets(1,716)(1,810)
Amortization of prior service cost(2)(6)
Amortization of actuarial loss249 349 
Net pension cost$1,191 $1,235 
v3.25.1
Derivatives (Tables)
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Derivative Instruments
As of March 29, 2025, 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 real218,553 Euro34,145 
Brazilian real2,459,943 U.S. dollar429,592 
Euro37,346 U.S. dollar40,352 
Euro73,845 Polish zloty308,945 
Euro10,918 Japanese yen1,763,824 
Euro33,958 Chinese renminbi267,043 
Euro16,421 Australian dollar28,050 
Euro4,247 British pound3,560 
Polish zloty48,802 Euro11,639 
British pound204 Euro244 
British pound274 U.S. dollar355 
Japanese yen98,499 U.S. dollar643 
U.S. dollar366 Japanese yen54,499 
U.S. dollar981,501 Euro907,990 
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 March 29, 2025 and March 30, 2024 (in thousands):

Loss or (Gain) Recognized in Income on Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges
Three Months Ended
Derivatives not designated as hedging instrumentsLocationMarch 29, 2025March 30, 2024
Foreign exchangeForeign currency loss/(gain)$(287)$(656)
Foreign exchange
Net sales
(67)484 
Foreign exchange
Cost of sales and operating expenses
60 (192)
Foreign exchangeSelling, general and administrative expenses(7,189)1,481 
Corn options and futuresNet sales— 308 
Corn options and futures
Cost of sales and operating expenses
(1,601)(368)
Other commoditiesSelling, general and administrative expenses(277)— 
Total$(9,361)$1,057 
v3.25.1
Fair Value Measurement (Tables)
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
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 March 29, 2025 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$15,732 $— $15,732 $— 
Total Assets$15,732 $— $15,732 $— 
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities$12,373 $— $12,373 $— 
Contingent consideration36,459 — — 36,459 
Total Liabilities$48,832 $— $12,373 $36,459 

  Fair Value Measurements at December 28, 2024 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$30,693 $— $30,693 $— 
Total Assets$30,693 $— $30,693 $— 
Liabilities
Derivative liabilities$41,920 $— $41,920 $— 
Contingent consideration28,862 — — 28,862 
Total Liabilities$70,782 $— $41,920 $28,862 
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation The changes in contingent consideration are due to the following:
(in thousands of dollars)Contingent Consideration
Balance as of December 28, 2024$28,862 
Total included in earnings during period5,441 
Exchange rate changes2,156 
Balance as of March 29, 2025$36,459 
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 March 29, 2025 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$984,900 $— $984,900 $— 
5.25% Senior notes492,500 — 492,500 — 
3.625% Senior notes553,199 — 553,199 — 
Term loan A-1394,020 — 394,020 — 
Term loan A-2466,406 — 466,406 — 
Term loan A-3295,515 — 295,515 — 
Term loan A-4475,734 — 475,734 — 
Revolver debt153,450 — 153,450 — 
Total Liabilities$3,815,724 $— $3,815,724 $— 

  Fair Value Measurements at December 28, 2024 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$982,500 $— $982,500 $— 
5.25% Senior notes490,000 — 490,000 — 
3.625% Senior notes534,908 — 534,908 — 
Term loan A-1395,015 — 395,015 — 
Term loan A-2469,516 — 469,516 — 
Term loan A-3296,261 — 296,261 — 
Term loan A-4478,844 — 478,844 — 
Revolver debt264,330 — 264,330 — 
Total Liabilities$3,911,374 $— $3,911,374 $— 
v3.25.1
Business Segments (Tables)
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Business Segments
Business Segments (in thousands):
Feed IngredientsFood IngredientsFuel IngredientsCorporate (a)Total
Three Months Ended March 29, 2025
Total net sales$896,283 $349,240 $135,071 $— $1,380,594 
Cost of sales and operating expenses714,015 246,781 108,447 — 1,069,243 
Gross margin182,268 102,459 26,624 — 311,351 
Loss/(gain) on sale of assets115 55 (108)— 62 
Selling, general and administrative expenses71,571 31,472 8,541 9,972 121,556 
Acquisition and integration costs— — — 1,534 1,534 
Change in fair value of contingent consideration5,441 — — — 5,441 
Depreciation and amortization84,130 29,562 8,589 1,554 123,835 
Equity in net loss of Diamond Green Diesel— — (30,523)— (30,523)
Segment operating income/(loss)21,011 41,370 (20,921)(13,060)28,400 
Equity in net income of other unconsolidated subsidiaries2,628 — — — 2,628 
Segment income/(loss)23,639 41,370 (20,921)(13,060)31,028 
Total other expense (b)(55,996)
Loss before income taxes$(24,968)

(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. Other income/(expense) consists of interest income of approximately $7.6 million, casualty loss of approximately $(0.5) million, other pension expense excluding service cost of approximately $(0.4) million and other expense of approximately $(3.4) million.

Feed IngredientsFood IngredientsFuel IngredientsCorporateTotal
Three Months Ended March 30, 2024
Total net sales$889,848 $391,282 $139,169 $— $1,420,299 
Cost of sales and operating expenses705,769 298,145 112,752 — 1,116,666 
Gross margin184,079 93,137 26,417 — 303,633 
Loss/(gain) on sale of assets132 (294)(412)— (574)
Selling, general and administrative expenses77,138 31,744 8,745 21,516 139,143 
Acquisition and integration costs— — — 4,054 4,054 
Change in fair value of contingent consideration(25,249)— — — (25,249)
Depreciation and amortization87,569 28,868 8,667 2,405 127,509 
Equity in net income of Diamond Green Diesel— — 78,419 — 78,419 
Segment operating income/(loss)44,489 32,819 87,836 (27,975)137,169 
Equity in net income of other unconsolidated subsidiaries2,310 — — — 2,310 
Segment income/(loss)46,799 32,819 87,836 (27,975)139,479 
Total other expense (c)(53,984)
Income before income taxes$85,495 

(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. Other income (expense) consists of interest income of approximately $6.6 million, casualty gain of approximately $7.8 million, other pension expense excluding service cost of approximately $(0.4) million and other expense of approximately $(5.3) million.
v3.25.1
Revenue (Tables)
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Disaggregation of Revenue
The following tables present the Company revenues disaggregated by geographic area and major product types by reportable segment for the three months ended March 29, 2025 and March 30, 2024 (in thousands):

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 
Three Months Ended March 30, 2024
Feed IngredientsFood IngredientsFuel IngredientsTotal
Geographic Area
North America$691,846 $107,064 $— $798,910 
Europe100,793 169,453 139,169 409,415 
China4,778 61,469 — 66,247 
South America88,845 40,273 — 129,118 
Other3,586 13,023 — 16,609 
Total net sales$889,848 $391,282 $139,169 $1,420,299 
Major product types
Fats$311,247 $38,290 $— $349,537 
Used cooking oil75,800 — — 75,800 
Proteins367,600 — — 367,600 
Bakery44,900 — — 44,900 
Other rendering76,701 — — 76,701 
Food ingredients— 331,031 — 331,031 
Bioenergy— — 139,169 139,169 
Other13,600 21,961 — 35,561 
Total net sales$889,848 $391,282 $139,169 $1,420,299 
v3.25.1
Cash Flow Information (Tables)
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
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
March 29, 2025March 30, 2024
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Change in accrued capital expenditures$6,613 $(16,919)
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest, net of capitalized interest$24,963 $34,503 
Income taxes, net of refunds$9,222 $33,125 
Non-cash operating activities
Operating lease right of use asset obtained in exchange for new lease liabilities$19,183 $20,160 
Non-cash financing activities
Debt issued for assets$91 $(2,214)
v3.25.1
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
Mar. 30, 2024
Dec. 28, 2024
Dec. 30, 2023
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]        
Financing Receivable, Sale $ 125,500 $ 137,400    
Financing Receivable, Significant Sales, Transaction Fees 1,400 2,200    
Basic:        
Net income $ (26,160) $ 81,157    
Shares (in shares) 158,677,000 159,812,000    
Per Share (in usd per share) $ (0.16) $ 0.51    
Effect of dilutive securities: [Abstract]        
Add: Option shares in the money and dilutive effect of non-vested stock (in shares) 0 3,053,000    
Less: Pro forma treasury shares (in shares) 0 (960,000)    
Diluted:        
Net Income $ (26,160) $ 81,157    
Shares (in shares) 158,677,000 161,905,000    
Per Share (in usd per share) $ (0.16) $ 0.50    
Antidilutive Securities [Abstract]        
Cash and cash equivalents $ 81,471   $ 75,973  
Restricted cash 39,872   37,579  
Restricted cash included in other long-term assets 102,820   103,755  
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows $ 224,163 $ 292,635 $ 217,307 $ 264,450
Stock Options        
Antidilutive Securities [Abstract]        
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares) 2,302,222 0    
Non Vested Stock        
Antidilutive Securities [Abstract]        
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares) 1,041,713 576,692    
v3.25.1
Investment in Unconsolidated Subsidiary (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
Mar. 30, 2024
Dec. 28, 2024
Jan. 21, 2011
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]        
Investment in the joint venture $ 2,111,707   $ 2,263,709  
Income (loss) from equity method investments 2,628 $ 2,310    
Capital contribution 150 90,000    
Distributions of earnings from Diamond Green Diesel and other unconsolidated subsidiaries 129,549 0    
Diamond Green Diesel Holdings LLC Joint Venture        
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]        
Ownership percentage       50.00%
Investment in the joint venture 2,038,100      
Income (loss) from equity method investments (30,500) 78,400    
Income tax credits and adjustments 50,900 331,100    
Capital contribution 200 90,000    
Distributions of earnings from Diamond Green Diesel and other unconsolidated subsidiaries $ 129,500 $ 0    
Diamond Green Diesel Holdings LLC Joint Venture | Valero Energy Corporation        
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]        
Ownership percentage       50.00%
v3.25.1
Investment in Unconsolidated Subsidiary (Assets, Liabilities and members' equity) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 29, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 28, 2024
Mar. 30, 2024
Dec. 30, 2023
ASSETS          
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net $ 2,739,079   $ 2,713,669    
Other assets 203,148   199,594    
Segment Assets 10,032,043   10,070,473    
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY          
Other non-current liabilities 207,801   208,350    
Members equity 4,535,773   4,464,292 $ 4,682,990 $ 4,693,691
Liabilities and equity 10,032,043   $ 10,070,473    
Diamond Green Diesel Holdings LLC Joint Venture          
ASSETS          
Cash 152,440 $ 353,446      
Other Assets, Current 1,038,381 1,137,821      
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net 3,847,613 3,868,943      
Other assets 115,915 100,307      
Segment Assets 5,154,349 5,460,517      
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY          
Revolver 0 0      
Current portion of long-term debt 30,150 29,809      
Other current liabilities 336,404 319,688      
Long term debt 699,491 707,158      
Other non-current liabilities 17,095 17,195      
Members equity 4,071,209 4,386,667      
Liabilities and equity $ 5,154,349 $ 5,460,517      
v3.25.1
Investment in Unconsolidated Subsidiary (Revenues and Expenses) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
Mar. 31, 2024
Mar. 30, 2024
Revenues:      
Operating revenues $ 1,380,594   $ 1,420,299
Expenses:      
Cost of sales and operating expenses (excludes depreciation and amortization, shown separately below) 1,069,243   1,116,666
Total costs and expenses 1,321,671   1,361,549
Operating income/(loss) 28,400   137,169
Income/(loss) before income taxes (24,968)   85,495
Income tax expense/(benefit) (1,154)   3,907
Net income/(loss) (23,814)   $ 81,588
Diamond Green Diesel Holdings LLC Joint Venture      
Revenues:      
Operating revenues 899,909 $ 1,411,115  
Expenses:      
Cost of sales and operating expenses (excludes depreciation and amortization, shown separately below) 977,106 1,159,356  
Lower of cost or market (LCM) inventory valuation adjustment (91,004) 21,638  
Depreciation, amortization and accretion expense 67,472 65,290  
Total costs and expenses 953,574 1,246,284  
Operating income/(loss) (53,665) 164,831  
Other income 3,702 3,220  
Interest and debt expense, net (9,306) (11,242)  
Income/(loss) before income taxes (59,269) 156,809  
Income tax expense/(benefit) 39 (29)  
Net income/(loss) $ (59,308) $ 156,838  
v3.25.1
Acquisitions (Narrative) (Details)
$ in Thousands, € in Millions, R$ in Billions
 3 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2024
USD ($)
Jan. 31, 2024
EUR (€)
Mar. 31, 2023
USD ($)
facilities
Mar. 31, 2023
BRL (R$)
Mar. 29, 2025
USD ($)
Sep. 28, 2024
USD ($)
Mar. 30, 2024
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2023
USD ($)
Dec. 28, 2024
USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                  
Goodwill         $ 2,389,238       $ 2,322,593
Acquisition and integration costs         1,534   $ 4,054    
Senior Secured Facilities | Term A-3 Facility                  
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                  
Line of credit outstanding     $ 300,000   297,000        
Senior Secured Facilities | Term A-4 Facility                  
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                  
Line of credit outstanding     500,000   $ 478,100        
Miropasz                  
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                  
Payments to acquire businesses, gross $ 114,300 € 105.6              
Foreign currency exchange rate 1.082198                
Less hold-back $ 7,600 € 7.0              
Purchase price and other immaterial adjustments           $ 200      
Property, plant and equipment 21,200                
Finite-lived intangible assets $ 34,900                
Weighted average useful life 17 years 17 years              
Other net assets $ 2,800                
Goodwill $ 62,800                
Gelnex                  
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                  
Payments to acquire businesses, gross     $ 1,100,000            
Foreign currency exchange rate     5.08            
Less hold-back     $ 104,145            
Property, plant and equipment     $ 169,205            
Weighted average useful life     11 years 3 months 18 days 11 years 3 months 18 days          
Goodwill     $ 542,572            
Expected price of acquisition     1,200,000            
Business combination, consideration transferred     853,300 R$ 4.3          
Partial payment     243,500            
Purchase price adjustments               $ 14,100  
Increase in property, plant and equipment             13,700    
Intangible assets adjustment             9,500    
Measurement period adjustments             9,100    
Increase in deferred tax liabilities             5,100    
Deferred tax asset     9,067       8,100    
Increase in other assets and liabilities             $ 100    
Expected tax deductible amount of goodwill     425,000            
Gelnex | Customer Relationships                  
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                  
Finite-lived intangible assets     $ 331,000            
Weighted average useful life     11 years 4 months 24 days 11 years 4 months 24 days          
Gelnex | Trade Names                  
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                  
Finite-lived intangible assets     $ 8,500            
Weighted average useful life     5 years 5 years          
Gelnex | South America                  
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                  
Number of facilities acquired | facilities     5            
Gelnex | UNITED STATES                  
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                  
Number of facilities acquired | facilities     1            
v3.25.1
Acquisitions (Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2023
Mar. 29, 2025
Mar. 30, 2024
Dec. 28, 2024
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
Goodwill   $ 2,389,238   $ 2,322,593
Cash paid for acquisition, net of cash acquired   $ 0 $ 109,938  
Gelnex        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
Accounts receivable $ 81,025      
Inventories 140,865      
Other current assets 3,143      
Property, plant and equipment 169,205      
Identifiable intangible assets 339,500      
Goodwill 542,572      
Operating lease right-of-use assets 134      
Other assets 2,703      
Deferred tax asset 9,067   $ 8,100  
Accounts payable (15,059)      
Current operating lease liabilities (26)      
Current portion of long-term debt (44,692)      
Accrued expenses (18,826)      
Long-term debt, net of current portion (1,407)      
Long-term operating lease liabilities (123)      
Deferred tax liability (12,870)      
Other noncurrent liabilities (19)      
Purchase price, net of cash acquired 1,195,192      
Less hold-back 104,145      
Cash paid for acquisition, net of cash acquired $ 1,091,047      
v3.25.1
Inventories (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 29, 2025
Dec. 28, 2024
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]    
Finished product $ 349,289 $ 335,116
Work in process 96,632 92,762
Raw Material 37,733 38,117
Supplies and other 111,754 110,842
Inventories $ 595,408 $ 576,837
v3.25.1
Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
Mar. 30, 2024
Dec. 28, 2024
Intangible Assets [Line Items]      
Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets: $ 51,983   $ 51,050
Finite Lived Intangible Assets: 1,450,132   1,414,497
Accumulated Amortization: (604,065)   (567,135)
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) 898,050   898,412
Amortization of Intangible Assets 25,300 $ 28,000  
Trade Names      
Intangible Assets [Line Items]      
Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets: 51,983   51,050
Trade Names      
Intangible Assets [Line Items]      
Finite Lived Intangible Assets: 83,341   82,401
Accumulated Amortization: (73,838)   (72,549)
Collection Routes      
Intangible Assets [Line Items]      
Finite Lived Intangible Assets: 727,992   714,801
Accumulated Amortization: (270,814)   (254,164)
Royalty, consulting land use and leasehold      
Intangible Assets [Line Items]      
Finite Lived Intangible Assets: 22,544   22,277
Accumulated Amortization: (6,689)   (6,413)
Permits      
Intangible Assets [Line Items]      
Finite Lived Intangible Assets: 321,291   316,038
Accumulated Amortization: (198,594)   (189,500)
Noncompete Agreements      
Intangible Assets [Line Items]      
Finite Lived Intangible Assets: 60   60
Accumulated Amortization: (36)   (33)
Customer Relationships      
Intangible Assets [Line Items]      
Finite Lived Intangible Assets: 294,904   278,920
Accumulated Amortization: $ (54,094)   $ (44,476)
v3.25.1
Goodwill (Details)
$ in Thousands
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]  
Goodwill $ 2,373,257
Accumulated impairment losses (50,664)
Goodwill 2,322,593
Foreign currency translation 66,645
Goodwill 2,439,902
Accumulated impairment losses (50,664)
Goodwill 2,389,238
Feed Ingredients  
Goodwill [Roll Forward]  
Goodwill 1,453,677
Accumulated impairment losses (15,914)
Goodwill 1,437,763
Foreign currency translation 30,199
Goodwill 1,483,876
Accumulated impairment losses (15,914)
Goodwill 1,467,962
Fuel Ingredients  
Goodwill [Roll Forward]  
Goodwill 144,582
Accumulated impairment losses (31,580)
Goodwill 113,002
Foreign currency translation 4,449
Goodwill 149,031
Accumulated impairment losses (31,580)
Goodwill 117,451
Food Ingredients  
Goodwill [Roll Forward]  
Goodwill 774,998
Accumulated impairment losses (3,170)
Goodwill 771,828
Foreign currency translation 31,997
Goodwill 806,995
Accumulated impairment losses (3,170)
Goodwill $ 803,825
v3.25.1
Accrued Expense (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 29, 2025
Dec. 28, 2024
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]    
Compensation and benefits $ 127,710 $ 139,011
Accrued operating expenses 73,129 73,239
Short-term acquisition hold-backs 39,582 38,620
Contingent consideration 36,459 28,862
Other accrued expense 215,374 209,563
Accrued expenses $ 492,254 $ 489,295
v3.25.1
Debt (Schedule of Long-term Debt) (Details)
$ in Thousands, € in Millions
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
USD ($)
Mar. 29, 2025
EUR (€)
Dec. 28, 2024
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2023
USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Debt and Lease Obligation $ 3,921,502   $ 4,041,998  
Current portion of long-term debt 116,629   133,020  
Long-term debt, net of current portion 3,804,873   3,908,978  
Term A-1 Facility | Senior Secured Facilities        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Line of credit outstanding 396,000      
Long-term debt 395,679   396,634  
Long-term Debt, Gross 396,000   397,000  
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense (321)   (366)  
Term A-2 Facility | Senior Secured Facilities        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Line of credit outstanding 468,800      
Long-term debt 468,306   471,366  
Long-term Debt, Gross 468,750   471,875  
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense (444)   (509)  
Term A-3 Facility | Senior Secured Facilities        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Line of credit outstanding 297,000     $ 300,000
Long-term debt 296,510   297,190  
Long-term Debt, Gross 297,000   297,750  
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense (490)   (560)  
Term A-4 Facility | Senior Secured Facilities        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Line of credit outstanding 478,100     $ 500,000
Long-term debt 477,546   480,586  
Long-term Debt, Gross 478,125   481,250  
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense (579)   (664)  
Senior Notes | Senior Notes 6% Due 2030        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Long-term debt 994,614   994,395  
Long-term Debt, Gross 1,000,000   1,000,000  
Less unamortized deferred loan costs net of bond premium $ (5,386)   (5,605)  
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 $ 497,919   497,678  
Long-term Debt, Gross 500,000   500,000  
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense $ (2,081)   (2,322)  
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]        
Line of credit outstanding | €   € 515.0    
Long-term debt $ 556,122   535,191  
Long-term Debt, Gross 557,436   536,733  
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense $ (1,314)   (1,542)  
Stated interest rate 3.625% 3.625%    
Debt instrument, interest rate, effective percentage 3.83% 3.83%    
Notes Payable, Other Payables        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Long-term debt $ 79,806   101,958  
Revolving Credit Facility | Senior Secured Facilities        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Line of credit outstanding 155,000      
Revolving Credit Facility | Line of Credit | Senior Secured Facilities        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Line of credit outstanding 0 € 0.0 0  
Long-term debt $ 155,000   $ 267,000  
Term A-1 Facility | Secured Debt | Senior Secured Facilities        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Basis spread on variable rate 1.625%      
Term A-1 Facility | Secured Debt | Senior Secured Facilities | Minimum        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Basis spread on variable rate 1.50%      
Term A-2 Facility | Secured Debt | Senior Secured Facilities        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Basis spread on variable rate 1.50%      
Term A-2 Facility | Secured Debt | Senior Secured Facilities | Minimum        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Basis spread on variable rate 1.00%      
v3.25.1
Debt - Narrative (Details)
$ in Thousands, € in Millions
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
USD ($)
Mar. 29, 2025
EUR (€)
Dec. 28, 2024
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2023
USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Finance lease obligations $ 2,700 € 5.5    
Notes Payable, Other Payables        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Long-term debt 79,806   $ 101,958  
Senior Secured Facilities | Term A-1 Facility        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Line of credit outstanding 396,000      
Long-term debt 395,679   396,634  
Senior Secured Facilities | Term A-2 Facility        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Line of credit outstanding 468,800      
Long-term debt 468,306   471,366  
Senior Secured Facilities | Term A-3 Facility        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Line of credit outstanding 297,000     $ 300,000
Long-term debt 296,510   297,190  
Senior Secured Facilities | Term A-4 Facility        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Line of credit outstanding 478,100     $ 500,000
Long-term debt $ 477,546   480,586  
Senior Notes 3.625% Due 2026 | Senior Notes        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Line of credit outstanding | €   € 515.0    
Stated interest rate 3.625% 3.625%    
Long-term debt $ 556,122   535,191  
Bank Overdrafts | Notes Payable, Other Payables        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Long-term debt 37,800      
Brazilian Notes | Notes Payable, Other Payables        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Long-term debt 18,600      
Other Debt | Notes Payable, Other Payables        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Long-term debt $ 23,400      
Senior Notes 6% Due 2030 | Senior Notes        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Stated interest rate 6.00% 6.00%    
Long-term debt $ 994,614   994,395  
Senior Notes 5.25% Due 2027 | Senior Notes        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Stated interest rate 5.25% 5.25%    
Long-term debt $ 497,919   497,678  
Revolving Credit Facility | Senior Secured Facilities        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Line of credit outstanding 155,000      
Company availability under revolving loan facility 1,271,700      
Revolving Credit Facility | Senior Secured Facilities | Line of Credit        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Line of credit outstanding 0 € 0.0 0  
Long-term debt 155,000   $ 267,000  
Foreign Line of Credit | Senior Secured Facilities        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Line of credit outstanding $ 11,600      
Secured Debt | Senior Secured Facilities | Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR)        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Basis spread on variable rate 1.50%      
Interest rate 5.92719% 5.92719%    
Secured Debt | Senior Secured Facilities | Secured Debt        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Basis spread on variable rate 1.50%      
Secured Debt | Senior Secured Facilities | Secured Debt | Base Rate        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Basis spread on variable rate 0.50%      
Secured Debt | Term A-1 Facility | Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR)        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Basis spread on variable rate 1.625%      
Interest rate 6.04884% 6.04884%    
Secured Debt | Term A-2 Facility | Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR)        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Basis spread on variable rate 1.50%      
Interest rate 5.92384% 5.92384%    
Secured Debt | Term A-3 Facility | Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR)        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Basis spread on variable rate 1.625%      
Interest rate 6.04884% 6.04884%    
Secured Debt | Term A-4 Facility | Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR)        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Basis spread on variable rate 1.50%      
Interest rate 5.92384% 5.92384%    
Term A-1 Facility | Senior Secured Facilities | Secured Debt        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Basis spread on variable rate 1.625%      
Term A-2 Facility | Senior Secured Facilities | Secured Debt        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Basis spread on variable rate 1.50%      
Ancillary Facilities | Senior Secured Facilities        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Line of credit outstanding $ 72,600      
Letter of Credit | Senior Secured Facilities        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Line of credit outstanding $ 700      
v3.25.1
Other Noncurrent Liabilities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 29, 2025
Dec. 28, 2024
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]    
Accrued pension liability $ 18,561 $ 17,676
Reserve for self-insurance, litigation, environmental and tax matters 81,126 80,757
Long-term acquisition hold-backs 103,696 104,684
Other 4,418 5,233
Other non-current liabilities $ 207,801 $ 208,350
v3.25.1
Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Mar. 29, 2025
Mar. 30, 2024
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]    
Unrecognized tax benefits $ 11.2 $ 13.6
Income tax penalties and interest accrued $ 2.3 $ 1.7
v3.25.1
Other Comprehensive Income (Schedule of OCI) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
Mar. 30, 2024
Before-Tax Amount:    
Amortization of prior service cost $ (2) $ (6)
Amortization of actuarial loss 249 349
Total defined benefit pension plans 247 343
Foreign currency translation 121,094 (65,343)
Other comprehensive income (loss) 150,721 (111,978)
Tax (Expense) or Benefit:    
Amortization of prior service cost 1 3
Amortization of actuarial loss (59) (84)
Total defined benefit pension plans (58) (81)
Foreign currency translation (1,762) 673
Other comprehensive income (loss) (11,716) 13,030
Net-of-Tax Amount:    
Amortization of prior service cost (1) (3)
Amortization of actuarial loss 190 265
Total defined benefit pension plans 189 262
Foreign currency translation adjustments 119,332 (64,670)
Total other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax 139,005 (98,948)
Soybean Meal    
Before-Tax Amount:    
Loss (gain) reclassified to net income 0 (33)
Total swap derivatives 0 (33)
Tax (Expense) or Benefit:    
Loss (gain) reclassified to net income 0 8
Total swap derivatives 0 8
Net-of-Tax Amount:    
Loss (gain) reclassified to net income 0 (25)
Total swap derivatives 0 (25)
Corn Option    
Before-Tax Amount:    
Loss (gain) reclassified to net income 367 0
Gain (loss) activity recognized in other comprehensive loss (253) 0
Total swap derivatives 114 0
Tax (Expense) or Benefit:    
Loss (gain) reclassified to net income (89) 0
Gain (loss) activity recognized in other comprehensive loss 61 0
Total swap derivatives (28) 0
Net-of-Tax Amount:    
Loss (gain) reclassified to net income 278 0
Gain (loss) activity recognized in other comprehensive loss (192) 0
Total swap derivatives 86 0
Heating Oil Swaps And Options    
Before-Tax Amount:    
Gain (loss) activity recognized in other comprehensive loss 1,400 (41,919)
Total swap derivatives 1,400 (41,919)
Tax (Expense) or Benefit:    
Gain (loss) activity recognized in other comprehensive loss (341) 10,186
Total swap derivatives (341) 10,186
Net-of-Tax Amount:    
Gain (loss) activity recognized in other comprehensive loss 1,059 (31,733)
Total swap derivatives 1,059 (31,733)
Interest Rate Swap    
Before-Tax Amount:    
Loss (gain) reclassified to net income 17,693 (17,480)
Gain (loss) activity recognized in other comprehensive loss (19,324) 22,865
Total swap derivatives (1,631) 5,385
Tax (Expense) or Benefit:    
Loss (gain) reclassified to net income (4,299) 4,248
Gain (loss) activity recognized in other comprehensive loss 4,695 (5,556)
Total swap derivatives 396 (1,308)
Net-of-Tax Amount:    
Loss (gain) reclassified to net income 13,394 (13,232)
Gain (loss) activity recognized in other comprehensive loss (14,629) 17,309
Total swap derivatives (1,235) 4,077
Foreign Exchange Contract    
Before-Tax Amount:    
Loss (gain) reclassified to net income (3,662) (5,996)
Gain (loss) activity recognized in other comprehensive loss 33,159 (4,415)
Total swap derivatives 29,497 (10,411)
Tax (Expense) or Benefit:    
Loss (gain) reclassified to net income 1,232 2,046
Gain (loss) activity recognized in other comprehensive loss (11,155) 1,506
Total swap derivatives (9,923) 3,552
Net-of-Tax Amount:    
Loss (gain) reclassified to net income (2,430) (3,950)
Gain (loss) activity recognized in other comprehensive loss 22,004 (2,909)
Total swap derivatives $ 19,574 $ (6,859)
v3.25.1
Other Comprehensive Income (Reclassification out of AOCI) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
Mar. 30, 2024
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]    
Net sales $ 1,380,594 $ 1,420,299
Cost of sales and operating expenses (excludes depreciation and amortization, shown separately below) 1,069,243 1,116,666
Income taxes 1,154 (3,907)
Amortization of prior service cost (2) (6)
Amortization of actuarial loss 249 349
Net income attributable to Darling (26,160) 81,157
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]    
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]    
Net income attributable to Darling (11,431) 16,945
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Derivative Instruments    
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]    
Total before tax (14,398) 23,509
Income taxes 3,156 (6,302)
Net income attributable to Darling (11,242) 17,207
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Derivative Instruments | Soybean Meal    
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]    
Net sales 0 33
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Derivative Instruments | Foreign Exchange Contract    
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]    
Net sales 3,662 5,996
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) (367) 0
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) (17,693) 17,480
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Foreign Currency Translation    
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]    
Total before tax (247) (343)
Income taxes 58 81
Amortization of prior service cost 2 6
Amortization of actuarial loss (249) (349)
Net income attributable to Darling $ (189) $ (262)
v3.25.1
Other Comprehensive Income (Schedule of AOCI) (Details)
$ in Thousands
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
USD ($)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]  
Beginning balance $ 4,464,292
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications 127,574
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/ (loss) 11,431
Net current-period other comprehensive income/ (loss) 139,005
Noncontrolling interest (1,486)
Ending balance 4,535,773
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss  
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]  
Beginning balance (684,241)
Ending balance (543,750)
Foreign Currency Translation  
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]  
Beginning balance (648,827)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications 119,332
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/ (loss) 0
Net current-period other comprehensive income/ (loss) 119,332
Noncontrolling interest (1,486)
Ending balance (528,009)
Derivative Instruments  
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]  
Beginning balance (23,825)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications 8,242
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/ (loss) 11,242
Net current-period other comprehensive income/ (loss) 19,484
Noncontrolling interest 0
Ending balance (4,341)
Defined Benefit Pension Plans  
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]  
Beginning balance (11,589)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications 0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/ (loss) 189
Net current-period other comprehensive income/ (loss) 189
Noncontrolling interest 0
Ending balance $ (11,400)
v3.25.1
Stockholders' Equity (Details) - USD ($)
 3 Months Ended
Jan. 03, 2025
Mar. 29, 2025
Mar. 30, 2024
Jun. 21, 2024
Class of Stock [Line Items]        
Grants in Period (in shares) 244,130      
Grants in period (in shares) 355,383      
Annual vesting after initial cliff   33.33%    
Performance period two   3 years    
Target percentage   100.00%    
Increase (decrease) in target percentage   225.00%    
Common stock repurchased   $ 46,037,000 $ 7,908,000  
August 2017 Share Repurchase Program        
Class of Stock [Line Items]        
Remaining authorized repurchase amount   460,300,000    
Common stock repurchased   $ 34,700,000    
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount       $ 500,000,000.0
v3.25.1
Employee Benefit Plans (Details)
$ in Thousands
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
USD ($)
plan
Mar. 30, 2024
USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]    
Amount Company expects to contribute to its pension plans $ 3,900  
Payment for pension benefits $ 500 $ 600
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 4  
Accrued liability representing the present value of scheduled withdrawal liability payments for under-funded multi-employer plan $ 4,300  
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 $ 743 791
Interest cost 1,917 1,911
Expected return on plan assets (1,716) (1,810)
Amortization of prior service cost (2) (6)
Amortization of actuarial loss 249 349
Net pension cost $ 1,191 $ 1,235
v3.25.1
Derivatives (Forward Contracts Not Designated as Hedging Instruments) (Details) - Mar. 29, 2025 - Not Designated as Hedging Instrument
€ in Thousands, ¥ in Thousands, ¥ in Thousands, £ in Thousands, zł in Thousands, R$ in Thousands, $ in Thousands, $ in Thousands
USD ($)
EUR (€)
BRL (R$)
PLN (zł)
JPY (¥)
CNY (¥)
AUD ($)
GBP (£)
BRI/EUR 1 | Short                
Derivative [Line Items]                
Derivative notional amount | R$     R$ 218,553          
BRI/EUR 1 | Long                
Derivative [Line Items]                
Derivative notional amount   € 34,145            
BRI/USD | Short                
Derivative [Line Items]                
Derivative notional amount | R$     R$ 2,459,943          
BRI/USD | Long                
Derivative [Line Items]                
Derivative notional amount | $ $ 429,592              
EUR/USD | Short                
Derivative [Line Items]                
Derivative notional amount   37,346            
EUR/USD | Long                
Derivative [Line Items]                
Derivative notional amount | $ 40,352              
EUR/PLN | Short                
Derivative [Line Items]                
Derivative notional amount   73,845            
EUR/PLN | Long                
Derivative [Line Items]                
Derivative notional amount | zł       zł 308,945        
EUR/JPN | Short                
Derivative [Line Items]                
Derivative notional amount   10,918            
EUR/JPN | Long                
Derivative [Line Items]                
Derivative notional amount | ¥         ¥ 1,763,824      
EUR/CNY | Short                
Derivative [Line Items]                
Derivative notional amount   33,958            
EUR/CNY | Long                
Derivative [Line Items]                
Derivative notional amount | ¥           ¥ 267,043    
EUR/AUD | Short                
Derivative [Line Items]                
Derivative notional amount   16,421            
EUR/AUD | Long                
Derivative [Line Items]                
Derivative notional amount | $             $ 28,050  
EUR/GBP | Short                
Derivative [Line Items]                
Derivative notional amount   4,247            
EUR/GBP | Long                
Derivative [Line Items]                
Derivative notional amount | £               £ 3,560
PLN/EUR | Short                
Derivative [Line Items]                
Derivative notional amount | zł       zł 48,802        
PLN/EUR | Long                
Derivative [Line Items]                
Derivative notional amount   11,639            
JPN/USD | Short                
Derivative [Line Items]                
Derivative notional amount | ¥         98,499      
JPN/USD | Long                
Derivative [Line Items]                
Derivative notional amount | $ 643              
USD/JPN | Short                
Derivative [Line Items]                
Derivative notional amount | $ 366              
USD/JPN | Long                
Derivative [Line Items]                
Derivative notional amount | ¥         ¥ 54,499      
GBP/USD | Short                
Derivative [Line Items]                
Derivative notional amount | £               274
GBP/USD | Long                
Derivative [Line Items]                
Derivative notional amount | $ 355              
USD/EUR | Short                
Derivative [Line Items]                
Derivative notional amount | $ $ 981,501              
USD/EUR | Long                
Derivative [Line Items]                
Derivative notional amount   907,990            
GBP/EUR | Short                
Derivative [Line Items]                
Derivative notional amount | £               £ 204
GBP/EUR | Long                
Derivative [Line Items]                
Derivative notional amount   € 244            
v3.25.1
Derivatives (Narrative) (Details)
€ in Millions
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
USD ($)
Mar. 30, 2024
USD ($)
Mar. 29, 2025
EUR (€)
Dec. 28, 2024
USD ($)
Derivative [Line Items]        
Net income/(loss) $ (23,814,000) $ 81,588,000    
Commodity Contract        
Derivative [Line Items]        
Forward purchase amount 138,100,000      
Cash Flow Hedging        
Derivative [Line Items]        
Cash flow hedge gain (loss) to be reclassified within 12 months 9,300,000      
Net income/(loss) 0      
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign Exchange Contract        
Derivative [Line Items]        
Asset Derivatives Fair Value       $ (32,600,000)
Derivative Liability, Subject to Master Netting Arrangement, before Offset (3,400,000)      
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest Rate Swap        
Derivative [Line Items]        
Asset Derivatives Fair Value 5,400,000     4,200,000
Derivative notional amount $ 900,000,000      
Weighted Average Derivative Pay Rate 0.04007   0.04007  
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract        
Derivative [Line Items]        
Asset Derivatives Fair Value $ (700,000)      
Derivative notional amount | €     € 465.6  
Derivative Pay Rate 0.046   0.046  
Weighted Average Derivative Receive Rate 0.058   0.058  
Derivative Liability, Subject to Master Netting Arrangement, before Offset       22,200,000
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Corn Option        
Derivative [Line Items]        
Asset Derivatives Fair Value $ 0     $ (100,000)
v3.25.1
Derivatives Derivative Effect of Derivatives Not Designated As Hedges (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
Mar. 30, 2024
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Loss or (Gain) Recognized in Income on Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges $ (9,361) $ 1,057
Foreign Exchange Contract | Foreign Currency Gain (Loss)    
Derivative [Line Items]    
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]    
Derivative, Gain (Loss), Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration] Net sales Net sales
Foreign Exchange Contract | Cost of Sales    
Derivative [Line Items]    
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]    
Derivative, Gain (Loss), Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration] Selling, general and administrative expenses Selling, general and administrative expenses
Foreign Exchange Contract | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign Currency Gain (Loss)    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Loss or (Gain) Recognized in Income on Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges $ (287) $ (656)
Foreign Exchange Contract | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Sales    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Loss or (Gain) Recognized in Income on Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges (67) 484
Foreign Exchange Contract | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cost of Sales    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Loss or (Gain) Recognized in Income on Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges 60 (192)
Foreign Exchange Contract | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Loss or (Gain) Recognized in Income on Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges $ (7,189) $ 1,481
Corn options and futures | Sales    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivative, Gain (Loss), Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration] Net sales Net sales
Corn options and futures | Cost of Sales    
Derivative [Line Items]    
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)
Corn options and futures | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Sales    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Loss or (Gain) Recognized in Income on Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges $ 0 $ 308
Corn options and futures | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cost of Sales    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Loss or (Gain) Recognized in Income on Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges $ (1,601) $ (368)
Other Commodities    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivative, Gain (Loss), Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration] Selling, general and administrative expenses Selling, general and administrative expenses
Other Commodities | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Loss or (Gain) Recognized in Income on Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges $ (277) $ 0
v3.25.1
Fair Value Measurement (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 29, 2025
Dec. 28, 2024
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Derivative instruments $ 15,732 $ 30,693
Total Assets 15,732 30,693
Derivative instruments 12,373 41,920
Contingent consideration 36,459 28,862
Long term debt 3,815,724 3,911,374
Total Liabilities 48,832 70,782
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
Contingent consideration 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 15,732 30,693
Total Assets 15,732 30,693
Derivative instruments 12,373 41,920
Contingent consideration 0 0
Long term debt 3,815,724 3,911,374
Total Liabilities 12,373 41,920
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
Contingent consideration 36,459 28,862
Long term debt 0 0
Total Liabilities 36,459 28,862
Revolving Credit Facility    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Long term debt 153,450 264,330
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 153,450 264,330
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-2 Facility    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Long term debt 466,406 469,516
Term A-2 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-2 Facility | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Long term debt 466,406 469,516
Term A-2 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-1 Facility    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Long term debt 394,020 395,015
Term A-1 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-1 Facility | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Long term debt 394,020 395,015
Term A-1 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-3 Facility    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Long term debt 295,515 296,261
Term A-3 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-3 Facility | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Long term debt 295,515 296,261
Term A-3 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-4 Facility    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Long term debt 475,734 478,844
Term A-4 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-4 Facility | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Long term debt 475,734 478,844
Term A-4 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 492,500 490,000
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 492,500 490,000
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 3.625% Due 2026 | Senior Notes    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Long term debt 553,199 534,908
Senior Notes 3.625% Due 2026 | 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 3.625% Due 2026 | Senior Notes | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Long term debt 553,199 534,908
Senior Notes 3.625% Due 2026 | 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 984,900 982,500
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 984,900 982,500
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
v3.25.1
Fair Value Measurement (Contingent Consideration) (Details) - Contingent Consideration
$ in Thousands
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
USD ($)
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]  
Balance as of December 28, 2024 $ 28,862
Total included in earnings during period 5,441
Exchange rate changes 2,156
Balance as of March 29, 2025 $ 36,459
v3.25.1
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 ($)
Mar. 31, 2016
Party
mi
Mar. 29, 2025
USD ($)
contaminate
Dec. 28, 2024
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           $ 99.6 $ 97.1
Insurance settlements receivable           39.0 $ 39.0
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  
v3.25.1
Business Segments (Narrative) (Details)
Mar. 29, 2025
continent
segment
Facility
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]  
Number of Continents in which Entity Operates | continent 5
Number of Business Segments | segment 3
Minimum  
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]  
Number of Processing and Transfer Facilities | Facility 260
v3.25.1
Business Segments (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
Mar. 30, 2024
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]    
Net sales $ 1,380,594 $ 1,420,299
Cost of sales and operating expenses (excludes depreciation and amortization, shown separately below) 1,069,243 1,116,666
Gross margin 311,351 303,633
Loss/(gain) on sale of assets 62 (574)
Selling, general and administrative expenses 121,556 139,143
Acquisition and integration costs 1,534 4,054
Change in fair value of contingent consideration 5,441 (25,249)
Depreciation and amortization 123,835 127,509
Equity in net income/(loss) of Diamond Green Diesel (30,523) 78,419
Operating income 28,400 137,169
Equity in net income of other unconsolidated subsidiaries 2,628 2,310
Segment income/(loss) 31,028 139,479
Total other expense (b) (55,996) (53,984)
Income/(loss) before income taxes (24,968) 85,495
Investment Income, Interest 7,600 6,600
Casualty Gain (Loss) (500) 7,800
Net Periodic Defined Benefits Expense (Reversal of Expense), Excluding Service Cost Component (400) (400)
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense), Miscellaneous (3,400) (5,300)
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/(gain) on sale of assets 0 0
Selling, general and administrative expenses 9,972 21,516
Acquisition and integration costs 1,534 4,054
Change in fair value of contingent consideration 0 0
Depreciation and amortization 1,554 2,405
Equity in net income/(loss) of Diamond Green Diesel 0 0
Operating income (13,060) (27,975)
Equity in net income of other unconsolidated subsidiaries 0 0
Segment income/(loss) (13,060) (27,975)
Feed Ingredients    
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]    
Net sales 896,283 889,848
Feed Ingredients | Operating Segments    
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]    
Net sales 896,283 889,848
Cost of sales and operating expenses (excludes depreciation and amortization, shown separately below) 714,015 705,769
Gross margin 182,268 184,079
Loss/(gain) on sale of assets 115 132
Selling, general and administrative expenses 71,571 77,138
Acquisition and integration costs 0 0
Change in fair value of contingent consideration 5,441 (25,249)
Depreciation and amortization 84,130 87,569
Equity in net income/(loss) of Diamond Green Diesel 0 0
Operating income 21,011 44,489
Equity in net income of other unconsolidated subsidiaries 2,628 2,310
Segment income/(loss) 23,639 46,799
Food Ingredients    
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]    
Net sales 349,240 391,282
Food Ingredients | Operating Segments    
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]    
Net sales 349,240 391,282
Cost of sales and operating expenses (excludes depreciation and amortization, shown separately below) 246,781 298,145
Gross margin 102,459 93,137
Loss/(gain) on sale of assets 55 (294)
Selling, general and administrative expenses 31,472 31,744
Acquisition and integration costs 0 0
Change in fair value of contingent consideration 0 0
Depreciation and amortization 29,562 28,868
Equity in net income/(loss) of Diamond Green Diesel 0 0
Operating income 41,370 32,819
Equity in net income of other unconsolidated subsidiaries 0 0
Segment income/(loss) 41,370 32,819
Fuel Ingredients    
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]    
Net sales 135,071 139,169
Fuel Ingredients | Operating Segments    
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]    
Net sales 135,071 139,169
Cost of sales and operating expenses (excludes depreciation and amortization, shown separately below) 108,447 112,752
Gross margin 26,624 26,417
Loss/(gain) on sale of assets (108) (412)
Selling, general and administrative expenses 8,541 8,745
Acquisition and integration costs 0 0
Change in fair value of contingent consideration 0 0
Depreciation and amortization 8,589 8,667
Equity in net income/(loss) of Diamond Green Diesel (30,523) 78,419
Operating income (20,921) 87,836
Equity in net income of other unconsolidated subsidiaries 0 0
Segment income/(loss) $ (20,921) $ 87,836
v3.25.1
Revenue Disaggregation of Revenue (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
Mar. 30, 2024
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales $ 1,380,594 $ 1,420,299
Feed Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 896,283 889,848
Food Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 349,240 391,282
Fuel Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 135,071 139,169
North America    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 786,664 798,910
North America | Feed Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 688,703 691,846
North America | Food Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 97,961 107,064
North America | Fuel Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 0 0
Europe    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 408,170 409,415
Europe | Feed Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 105,052 100,793
Europe | Food Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 168,047 169,453
Europe | Fuel Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 135,071 139,169
China    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 54,035 66,247
China | Feed Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 3,665 4,778
China | Food Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 50,370 61,469
China | Fuel Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 0 0
South America    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 116,961 129,118
South America | Feed Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 95,324 88,845
South America | Food Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 21,637 40,273
South America | Fuel Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 0 0
Other    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 14,764 16,609
Other | Feed Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 3,539 3,586
Other | Food Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 11,225 13,023
Other | Fuel Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 0 0
Fats    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 385,893 349,537
Fats | Feed Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 341,524 311,247
Fats | Food Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 44,369 38,290
Fats | Fuel Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 0 0
Used cooking oil    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 78,940 75,800
Used cooking oil | Feed Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 78,940 75,800
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 351,217 367,600
Proteins | Feed Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 351,217 367,600
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 50,648 44,900
Bakery | Feed Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 50,648 44,900
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 62,199 76,701
Other rendering | Feed Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 62,199 76,701
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 278,582 331,031
Food ingredients | Feed Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 0 0
Food ingredients | Food Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 278,582 331,031
Food ingredients | Fuel Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 0 0
Bioenergy    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 135,071 139,169
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 135,071 139,169
Other    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 38,044 35,561
Other | Feed Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 11,755 13,600
Other | Food Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales 26,289 21,961
Other | Fuel Ingredients    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Net sales $ 0 $ 0
v3.25.1
Revenue Revenue from Long-term Performance Obligations, Narrative (Details)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
USD ($)
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Revenue recognized $ 36.6
v3.25.1
Revenue Revenue from Long-term Performance Obligations (Details) - Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2020-03-29
$ in Millions
Mar. 29, 2025
USD ($)
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Expected timing of satisfaction 3 years
Remaining performance obligation $ 628.2
v3.25.1
Related Party Transactions (Details)
 3 Months Ended
Jun. 15, 2023
USD ($)
Apr. 01, 2021
USD ($)
agreement
Mar. 29, 2025
USD ($)
Mar. 30, 2024
USD ($)
Dec. 28, 2024
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     $ 71,500,000 $ 62,100,000    
Deferred Revenue, Additions     14,900,000 10,000,000    
Accounts receivable     6,300,000   $ 9,500,000  
Revenues     $ 218,000,000.0 $ 246,700,000    
Diamond Green Diesel Holdings LLC Joint Venture | Revenue Benchmark | Customer Concentration Risk            
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]            
Concentration Risk, Percentage     16.00% 17.00%    
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       $ 200,000,000.0    
Interest Expense, Long-term Debt     $ 0 1,600,000    
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       $ 100,000,000.0    
v3.25.1
Cash Flow Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 29, 2025
Mar. 30, 2024
Nonmonetary Transactions [Abstract]    
Change in accrued capital expenditures $ 6,613 $ (16,919)
Interest, net of capitalized interest 24,963 34,503
Income taxes, net of refunds 9,222 33,125
Operating lease right of use asset obtained in exchange for new lease liabilities 19,183 20,160
Debt issued for assets $ 91 $ (2,214)