Chicken processor Pilgrim's is planning to build a $400 million plant in northwest Georgia as consumer demand for protein reaches a fever pitch.
The facility in LaFayette will produce fully cooked chicken products and expand production of brands including Just Bare, Pilgrim’s and Gold Kist. The plant will support up to 630 new jobs at full capacity, according to a statement from the Georgia governor's office.
“Expanding the Pilgrim’s footprint in Georgia highlights our ongoing commitment to the region and our company’s long-term growth strategy,” Fabio Sandri, Pilgrim’s CEO, said in a statement. “This significant investment will allow further growth of our prepared foods business … supporting increasing demand in retail and foodservice channels."
Construction on the Pilgrim's plant is set to begin this fall, with the first phase forecast to be completed in 2027.
Pilgrim's, which is majority owned by Brazilian meat giant JBS, has posted an increase in profits as consumers increasingly turn to chicken for its protein content and affordability compared to other meats. First-quarter profit margins for Pilgrim's reached a record 14.8%.
The company said in an earnings statement that it's moved to boost its market presence through increased distribution in retail and foodservice channels, primarily with its Just Bare brand.
U.S. poultry demand has exploded in recent years, displacing a substantial amount of red-meat consumption, according to the National Chicken Council. Americans are expected to eat a record 104.1 pounds of chicken next year compared to 109 pounds of red meat, marking the closest margin between the two categories since tracking began in 1960.
