US poultry group Pilgrim’s Pride has booked lower sales and profits for 2016.

For the full year ending 25 December, net profit fell from US$439.7m from $645.9m. Operating income also declined to $713.5m from $1bn a year earlier, the company, majority-owned by Brazilian meat giant JBS, said.

Sales for the period dropped to $7.93bn from $8.2bn.

Bill Lovette, CEO for Pilgrim’s, did, however, insist chicken demand “has remained healthy despite greater availability of other proteins”.

“We remain committed to our prepared foods operations and expect growth in 2017, with new capacity additions at Moorefield to begin contributing to volumes starting in Q1,” he said.

“We continue to invest in facility improvements and diversify our portfolio by improving mix and offer more differentiated, innovative products to serve key customer requirements, reduce the impact of commodity markets, and further raise our margin profile.”

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

In November last year, Pilgrim’s Pride struck a deal to buy fellow US poultry processor GNP for US$350m.