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Pilgrim's Pride Strengthens Prepared Foods Strategy With Just Bare
ZACKS· 2026-02-20 15:25
Core Insights - Pilgrim's Pride Corporation's Just Bare chicken brand has achieved over $1 billion in annual retail sales in 2025, marking a significant growth from a niche product to a leading player in the chicken market [1][9] Growth and Market Position - Just Bare has experienced a remarkable 45% annual growth rate, increasing its market share from 1% to 13% within three years, driven by strong consumer demand for convenient, clean-label protein options [2][9] - The brand leads the fully cooked chicken category in sales pace, supported by expanding retail distribution across mass, club, and grocery channels [2] Product Portfolio and Consumer Trends - The frozen fully cooked portfolio of Just Bare generates over $750 million in annual sales, with the Oven Roasted platform appealing to consumers seeking quick preparation and minimal ingredients [3] - The brand's focus on simplicity, transparency, and antibiotic-free chicken aligns with evolving consumer preferences for higher-quality convenience foods [3] Capacity Expansion and Strategic Initiatives - To meet rising demand, Pilgrim's Pride is constructing a new prepared chicken facility in Walker County, GA, aimed at increasing production capacity for Just Bare products [4] - This investment reflects the company's confidence in sustained volume growth and highlights the importance of the brand in scaling value-added prepared foods [4] Broader Strategic Goals - Pilgrim's Pride aims to reduce exposure to commodity price fluctuations by expanding its branded, value-added offerings, investing in prepared foods capacity, and strengthening key customer partnerships [5] - The company seeks to diversify revenue streams and build a more resilient earnings profile while addressing the growing demand for convenient protein solutions [5] Valuation Metrics - Pilgrim's Pride currently trades at a forward 12-month P/E ratio of 9.66, which is below the industry average of 13.35 and the sector average of 18.03, indicating a modest discount relative to peers [10]