Perdue Farms commemorated the 50th anniversary of Perdue branded chicken at the poultry processing plant in Salisbury, Maryland, that produced those very first chickens.
“Before we processed our first chicken here, dad asked customers what they wanted, and the people working in this plant delivered on those expecations,” Jim Perdue, chairman and advertising spokesperson, said during a recent celebration. “Today is a celebration of a brand and a plant, but also a reaffirmation of the promise to keep listening and responding to what consumers and customers expect from us.”
“Perdue Farms has a long and proud history with the Eastern Shore and the State of Maryland,” said Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan. “Our administration recognizes the importance of this iconic, family owned business to Maryland’s economy, and I am proud to congratulate the Perdue family on the 50th anniversary of Perdue branded chicken.”
It was at the Salisbury plant that the late Frank Perdue established the quality standards that set his chicken apart from the competition, changing chicken from a commodity to branded product. In just a few years, thanks to the now-famous “It takes a tough man to make a tender chicken” advertising campaign, the Perdue name became as recognized in its New York and Northeast markets as many other iconic brands.
Today, according to the company, the Perdue brand is the No. 1 brand of fresh chicken and No. 1 organic brand in the United States, with a rapidly growing portfolio of no-antibiotics-ever products under the Perdue, Perdue Simply Smart and Perdue Harvestland brands, and USDA-certified organic chicken under the Perdue Harvestland organic brand.
The brand that started a half century ago in Salisbury is now a leader in no-antibiotics-ever, organic and advancements in how we raise chickens, and is continuing to deliver innovative ideas in chicken products, the company stated.
Salisbury plant reaches 50 years
The celebration also marked the 50th anniversary of the opening of the processing plant. That first plant – which continues to produce Perdue branded chicken today – was instrumental in Perdue’s evolution from a local company raising chickens sold at live auctions to the fourth largest poultry company in the U.S.
In remarks at Friday’s celebration, Maryland Commerce Secretary Mike Gill said: “I want to congratulate Perdue on the 50th anniversary of its legendary brand, as well as the Salisbury plant where the company’s first chickens were processed. With a strong commitment to quality and customer service, Perdue is one of Maryland’s most valued corporate partners, and we thank them for continuing to invest in our state.”
Perdue also celebrated the contributions of associates whose careers each span 40-plus years at the Salisbury plant, combining for more than 300 years of dedicated service.
“The Salisbury plant is successful because of the experience of our associates,” said Perdue. “So many people have made a tremendous impact on the growth of our brand and success of our company.”
