Pilgrim’s plans to build a $400 million chicken plant in Georgia to meet high consumer demand for protein. The plant in LaFayette will create 630 new jobs and produce fully cooked chicken products under brands like Just Bare and Pilgrim’s.

Construction on the plant starts this fall, with completion forecasted for 2027. Pilgrim’s CEO, Fabio Sandri, sees this investment as crucial for growth in retail and foodservice channels. The company aims to capitalize on the increasing popularity of chicken over red meat.

Pilgrim’s profits have surged, with first-quarter profit margins hitting a record 14.8%. The company is expanding distribution of its Just Bare brand to boost market presence. U.S. poultry demand is on the rise, with Americans projected to consume 104.1 pounds of chicken next year, nearing red meat consumption levels.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: Pilgrim’s to build $400M chicken plant in Georgia