What began as a commodity chicken product has evolved into the fourth-largest poultry company in the United States with a leading branded portfolio featuring no-antibiotics-ever products under the Perdue, Perdue Simply Smart and Perdue Harvestland brands, and USDA-certified organic chicken under the Perdue Harvestland Organic brand.
“Before we processed our first chicken here, Dad asked customers what they wanted, and the people working in this plant delivered on those expectations,” Jim Perdue, chairman and advertising spokesperson, said in a statement. “Today is a celebration of a brand and a plant, but also a reaffirmation of the promise to keep listening and responding to what consumers and customers expect from us.”
Perdue Farms also celebrated the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Salisbury, Maryland, processing plant where the Perdue Farms brand was started. The Salisbury facility continues to produce Perdue branded chicken today. The company also acknowledged the contributions of associates whose careers at Perdue span 40 years at the Salisbury plant.
“The Salisbury plant is successful because of the experience of our associates,” Perdue said. “So many people have made a tremendous impact on the growth of our brand and success of our company.”
Maryland Commerce Secretary Mike Gill said in remarks at the celebration, “I want to congratulate Perdue on the 50th anniversary of its legendary brand, as well as the Salisbury plant where the company’s first chickens were processed. With a strong commitment to quality and customer service, Perdue is one of Maryland’s most valued corporate partners, and we thank them for continuing to invest in our state.”
