ST. CLOUD, Minn. – GNP Company achieved sales of $372 million in 2012, up from $338 million in 2011, according to the company's fourth Farm to Fork Report.

The retail segment accounted for most of the company's sales at 38 percent. Foodservice was second in sales at 22 percent. The industrial/export segment accounted for 18 percent of sales in 2012, while the deli segment totaled 15 percent.

The company's production capacity grew 8 percent on a major expansion at its Cold Spring, Minn. plant, and 15 new chicken bars were built with 20 more planned for 2013.

GNP's report also highlighted the company's successes, some of which include:

• Recognition as a Minnesota Keystone Company for donating 5 percent of pre-tax profits to charitable causes. GNP said 2012 marks the 26th year the company has received this honor.
• Retail customer growth through Target Corp. and new distribution at Gelson’s in Southern California.
• 100 percent of feed corn was purchased from farmers within 75 miles of GNP's feed mill.

“As I look ahead, I am very confident in our company’s ability to thrive,” said Michael Helgeson, CEO of GNP Company. “Chicken was named one of the top food trends for 2013 because of its value and versatility, and remains the most consumer-preferred animal protein domestically, with strong international export. In 2013, we will celebrate three milestones for our company — the 15th, 20th and 30th year anniversaries of the acquisition of our Luverne, Arcadia and Cold Spring facilities, respectively.

“I take tremendous pride in these events, as well as the culture of innovation, the strength of our premium natural chicken brands and evolving product lines, and the dedicated and hard-working team members who drive our success. In closing, I am amazed at what we accomplished this past year and look forward to the milestones and new innovations of 2013.”