Who is Perdue Chicken’s Biggest Competitor in 2023?

Perdue Chicken has established itself as one of the major players in the US poultry industry. With a long history stretching back to 1920 and a loyal customer base, Perdue has gained a strong foothold in the market for fresh and processed chicken products. However, even leading brands like Perdue have to contend with stiff competition in the rapidly evolving poultry sector. So when it comes to identifying Perdue’s chief rival, there are a few key contenders in the running for the top spot.

Tyson Foods: The Leading Contender

Most industry experts point to Tyson Foods as Perdue Chicken’s biggest competitor. As the largest processor and marketer of chicken, beef and pork in the United States, Tyson Foods wields enormous influence in the meat production landscape. With well-known brand names like Tyson and Jimmy Dean under its umbrella, along with an extensive distribution network, Tyson Foods has the scale and reach to challenge Perdue’s market share across multiple segments.

Some key facts about Tyson Foods

• Approximate annual revenue of $49 billion, more than 7 times that of Perdue’s $7 billion.

• Produces over 20% of the chicken in the U.S., more than double Perdue’s estimated 8-10% market share.

• Product portfolio includes fresh and frozen chicken along with processed and prepared foods.

• Supplies major foodservice and retail customers including fast food chains, grocery stores, distributors and food manufacturers.

Given its vast production capacity and diversified product range, Tyson Foods is undoubtedly Perdue’s most prominent competitor when it comes to market share and brand recognition in the poultry sector. The two heavyweights have competed for decades to win over customers and dominate grocery store shelves and restaurant menus.

Pilgrim’s Pride: A Leading Chicken Processor

While Tyson Foods is diversified across protein categories, Pilgrim’s Pride specializes primarily in chicken as a key contender to Perdue. As one of the largest chicken-focused companies in the U.S., Pilgrim’s processes over 38 million birds per week and generates annual revenues approaching $12 billion. The company has a strong presence across food service, retail and export channels, putting it in direct competition with Perdue.

Some details on Pilgrim’s Pride:

• Second largest U.S. chicken producer after Tyson.

• Chicken portfolio includes fresh and frozen whole birds and chicken parts, along with prepared and processed items.

• Significant customer base includes KFC, Costco, Walmart and leading restaurant chains.

• Strong export business ships products to over 100 countries.

With its singular focus on chicken, Pilgrim’s Pride devotes its full resources to enhancing its poultry operation and product lineup. Its scale and customer leverage make it a prime thorn in Perdue’s side.

Sanderson Farms: A Rapidly Growing Force

While smaller than Tyson and Pilgrim’s Pride, Sanderson Farms has established itself as another chief rival to Perdue in the poultry market. Founded in 1947, the company has major chicken processing plants throughout the southern U.S. and boasts annual revenues approaching $4 billion. It has grown steadily over the decades, and recently completed construction of a new $425 million state-of-the-art facility.

Here are some factors fueling Sanderson Farms’ growth:

• Weekly chicken production expanded to over 17 million birds.

• New products include antibiotic-free chicken and organic chicken offerings.

• Customer list covers major retailers like Walmart, restaurant chains and foodservice distributors.

• Strong export presence in markets across Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

With its continued investments and customer focus, Sanderson Farms seems poised to give Perdue tougher competition for market share down the road. Its rising output and new product pipelines make it a compelling emerging challenger in the chicken segment.

Beyond the Big Three

While Tyson, Pilgrim’s and Sanderson occupy the top spots among Perdue’s rivals, there are a number of second tier players that add to the competitive mix:

• Foster Farms specializes in fresh chicken on the West Coast with over $2 billion in annual revenues.

• Wayne Farms processes chicken in the Southeast U.S. and is a major supplier to foodservice customers.

• Mountaire Farms produces antibiotic-free and organic chicken options along with prepared foods.

Additionally, Perdue must contend with private label store brands that compete on price and specialty chicken producers that offer niche organic and free-range products. New startups focused on plant-based chicken alternatives are also emerging as long term competitors.

Perdue’s Strategy to Stay Competitive

Facing its largest competitors like Tyson and Pilgrim’s, Perdue employs a range of strategies to differentiate itself in the market:

• Emphasizing high-quality, safe and nutritious products as a core part of its brand promise.

• Expanding Perdue Organics line and other specialty chicken offerings.

• Touting its zero-tolerance no antibiotics policy for raising chickens.

• Promoting its poultry as humanely raised in a safe, comfortable environment.

• Targeting sustainability initiatives such as renewable energy investments and recycling programs.

• Leveraging direct-to-consumer sales channels and e-commerce partnerships.

By continuing to highlight its products’ safety, quality and responsible farming practices, Perdue aims to earn consumer trust and preference over rival brands competing intensely for every customer and sale. Thanks to its strategic focus, Perdue appears primed to maintain its position as a top chicken producer in the years ahead.

Unit sales of leading processed chicken manufacturers in the United States in 2025 (in millions)