Jim Perdue, chairman of Perdue Farms, has been named to the Meat Industry Hall of Fame, honoring industry excellence in business leadership and community service.
Perdue has been the chairman and advertising spokesperson of Perdue Farms since 1991. As the third-generation leader of the company founded by his grandfather in 1920, Jim is responsible for ensuring the company stays true to its vision and values and has guided Perdue Farms to become a leader in workplace safety, associate health, and animal care.
Under his leadership, Perdue Foods has grown from an East Coast-centered label of premium fresh chicken to a national roster of premium protein brands, which includes turkey, pork, beef, and lamb, and Perdue AgriBusiness from a regional grain and oilseed business to a multi-faceted international player.
Perdue holds multiple degrees and is a member of the board of the National Chicken Council. He is active in the local community, serving on the boards of the Oyster Recovery Partnership and the Handy Seafood Company, and participating in the Salisbury University’s Perdue School of Business Entrepreneur Program.
“Once again, the Board of Trustees and living Members of the Hall have done well to sort through a crowded field of well-qualified nominations,” said Andy Hanacek, director of the Meat Industry Hall of Fame. “The Hall welcomes a class representing a wide variety of disciplines and divisions of the meat and poultry industry. All inductees have a staunch record of innovation and advancement behind them. As the third-generation leader of Perdue Farms, Jim continues to carry on the legacy of quality and consumer trust from his grandfather and father, and exemplifies true leadership in our industry.”
Jim’s father, Frank Perdue, was part of the Meat Industry Hall of Fame’s inaugural class of 2009.
“It’s an honor to receive this recognition for our company, especially in our milestone 100th year and alongside such impressive members of our industry,” said Jim Perdue. “Reaching our first century of business would not have been possible without the dedication and passion of our associates, farmers, customers, business partners, loyal consumers, and many more. We look forward to entering our next hundred years in business with an unwavering commitment to our values of quality, integrity, teamwork, and stewardship.”
As one of seven new members of the Class of 2020, Jim will be inducted into the Hall of Fame during a virtual ceremony in January 2021.
