GREELEY, COLO. — Pilgrim’s Pride Corp., a unit of JBS SA, detailed its poultry business, highlighting some of the key points from the US operations along with the economic factors in Europe and Mexico.

The company reported net sales of $4.4 billion for the fourth quarter of 2024, ending Dec. 29, 2024, which decreased from $4.5 billion reported during the same 13-week period in fiscal 2023.

For fiscal 2024, Pilgrim’s reported net income was $1.1 billion versus $321.6 million in 2023.

Net sales for 2024 were $17.9 billion, which is up from $17.4 billion in the same time period last year.

“While we experienced a positive market environment with lower input costs and strong chicken demand in 2024, we elevated our performance across all regions through a continued focus on controlling what we can control,” said Fabio Sandri, president and chief executive officer of Pilgrim’s. “As such, we improved efficiencies through operational excellence, expanded relationships with key customers, and drove growth in our value-added portfolio.”

Within the earnings report, Pilgrim’s stated how, in its fourth quarter, the US business executed its strategies and demand for chicken remained strong in both retail and foodservice. The company noted that case-ready and small-bird items grew from increased consumer demand in the retail, QSR and deli. Prepared foods also saw sales increase through more distribution in the company’s value-added portfolio.

“Our performance is a reflection of our diversified portfolio, our ability to work with key customers to unlock consumer value through differentiated offerings, and our continued emphasis on quality and service,” Sandri said.

US sales in Q4 of 2024 decreased slightly, at $2.61 billion, compared to $2.66 billion in the fourth quarter of 2023. For the year, US sales in 2024 were up at $10.63 billion compared to $10.03 billion during the same period last year.

US prepared foods saw branded offerings grow nearly 25% compared to last year, with Just Bare and Pilgrim’s being key drivers for capturing market share.

In Pilgrim’s Europe, sales in Q4 of 2024 decreased, at $1.26 billion compared to $1.34 billion in the fourth quarter of 2023. For the year, European sales in 2024 were down to $5.14 billion compared to $5.20 billion during 2023.

“In partnership with our key customers, we launched new and innovative products that are growing ahead of the categories and helping our key customers to differentiate in the marketplace,” Sandri said about the European business.

In Mexico, sales decreased in the fourth quarter, to $499.6 million compared to $526.5 million during the same time period in 2023. Net sales in Mexico were $2.11 billion compared to $2.13 billion in 2023.

“Given Mexico’s performance and market potential, we are continuing to invest in capacity expansion and operational excellence to further cultivate profitable growth with key customers,” Sandri said. “Based on these efforts, we can simultaneously reduce our operational risk, further diversify our portfolio, and unlock value with our key customers.”

Under its sustainability projects, Pilgrim’s continued its partnership with GreenGasUSA to leverage methane capture capabilities at its Sumter, SC, facility and generate renewable natural gas.