GNP Co. 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 Co. 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, CEO 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.