Jim Perdue Grew Perdue Farms Revenue to $9.2 Billion Since 1991

Jim Perdue increased Perdue Farms revenue from roughly $1 billion to $9.2 billion between 1991 and 2025 by moving the company into organic chicken, organic soybean oil, and pasture-raised meats. The company now holds more than 30 percent of the U.S. organic-chicken market and purchases about 20 billion pounds of organic grain each year.

It also produces more than 500 million pounds of organic soybean oil annually and trades over $2 billion worth of grain.

The Perdue family retains 100 percent ownership.

Fifty family members, including five from the fourth generation, hold positions at the firm. Day-to-day operations are led by outside CEO Kevin McAdams. Jim Perdue, 77, became chairman and CEO in 1991 after his father, Frank Perdue, threatened to sell the business unless he returned.

2002 and 2016, Perdue Farms converted all of its chicken farms to antibiotic-free production. The company states that lower stocking densities and improved ventilation offset any added costs. Through acquisitions of Niman Ranch and Coleman, the firm now manages regenerative organic beef on 105,000 acres, with plans to reach 250,000 acres by 2028.

Perdue Farms chicken carries higher retail prices than many competitors. Forbes estimates the company’s EBITDA margin exceeds 15 percent, compared with 6 percent at Tyson and 7 percent at Pilgrim’s Pride.