Dive Brief:

• Tyson Foods said its net income rose to $261 million in the fourth quarter from $185 million a year earlier, as demand for meat and chicken climbed in the U.S.
• Tyson, the biggest meat processor in the country, also forecast that sale in the upcoming year would rise 5 percent—topping analysts' expectations.
• The company told analysts that it expects its operations in China to become profitable by the fourth quarter of 2014 as the processor converts to company-owned farms there to supply poultry.

Dive Insight:

Tyson's earnings report surprised a lot of people. Shares in the meat producer jumped 2% after the announcement. And Tyson suggested that the good times will continue. Although chicken supply is forecast to rise next year, the company is confident that consumer demand will continue to rise to meet it.