GNP Company™ Unveils Third Farm To Fork Report for 2011

ST. CLOUD, Minn., May 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- GNP Company™, the Midwest's leading chicken producer, unveiled its third Farm To Fork Report, outlining its newly launched mission of healthy food, families and farms, and key results for 2011. Despite a difficult year for the industry, GNP Company reported $338 million in annual sales, added new jobs, and donations to local food banks exceeding four million meals' worth of chicken to Minnesota and Wisconsin families.

"Our people made a significant impact in what was one of the most challenging years on record for our industry," said Mike Helgeson, chief executive officer and third-generation in the family-owned business. Record-high feed costs, fuel prices and low market pricing due to oversupply in the industry created the "perfect storm" for many. However, Helgeson credits "major business improvements, strong team member and partner relationships, and a company-wide focus on innovation" as key factors that led to record sales and a modest 2011 profit.

The company's 2011 Farm To Fork Report concentrates on results in four key areas—people, planet, poultry and progress—highlighting the people and opportunities behind the company and its products. "People expect us to be forthcoming about what's working and what can be improved. Not only from an accountability standpoint, but also to help people better understand the processes behind their food. This report helps build confidence through that information," said Helgeson.

While the report summarizes notable achievements already publicized, such as the company being named Meatingplace's 10th annual Jesse Jewell Award recipient; new product launches such as Gold'n Plump® Seasoned Boneless Skinless Breast Fillets; frozen carton programs; and animal welfare certification for its Just BARE® brand, it also highlights new facts about GNP Company:

• People: 34 percent of GNP Company's workforce has been with the company more than 10 years and 49.2 percent of all family farm partners have been with the company for more than 20 years. 
• Planet: Carbon emissions and carbon intensity for the company's processing facilities and barns decreased from 2010 levels. 
• Poultry: The implementation of an Active Grower Management program and work with a leading university on a "Happy, Healthy Chickens" initiative further the company's commitment to humane animal care.
• Progress: 1,209 team member suggestions yielded $4,340,547 in company-wide savings. 

For more 2011 results, and a look ahead at what's coming for 2012, GNP Company's 2011 Farm To Fork Report, is now available for download and viewing at www.gnpcompany.com. 

About GNP Company™
Since 1926, GNP Company is a family-owned provider of premium chicken products to retail, deli and foodservice customers throughout the Midwest and in other parts of the country under both the Gold'n Plump® and Just BARE® brands. The company employs about 1,600 people and partners with nearly 350 family farmers in Minnesota and Wisconsin to produce wholesome, high-quality chicken. For more information about the company, its full line of poultry products, as well as innovative recipes, general cooking and safe handling tips and nutrition information, visit gnpcompany.com, goldnplump.com and justbarechicken.com.

SOURCE GNP Company