Have you ever picked up a package of Heritage Farms chicken at your local grocery store and wondered who’s actually behind this premium poultry brand? You’re not alone! As someone who’s always curious about where my food comes from, I recently did some digging to uncover the real story behind Heritage Farms chicken ownership.
The Short Answer: Perdue Farms Owns Heritage Farms
If you’re in a hurry and just want the quick facts, here it is Heritage Farms chicken is currently owned by Perdue Farms one of America’s largest poultry producers. But there’s so much more to this story that’s worth knowing especially if you care about the quality of the chicken you’re feeding your family.
The Heritage Farms Journey: From 1957 to Today
Heritage Farms isn’t some new fancy brand that popped up to capitalize on the natural food trend. This company has serious roots, tracing back to 1957 when farming was done “the old fashioned way,” as they proudly state on their website.
The brand has built its reputation on a few core principles:
- Honesty and hard work
- Natural farming methods
- High-quality, cleaner chicken products
- Sustainable practices
As part of the Hallmark Poultry organization, Heritage Farms has grown alongside the development of Canada’s lower mainland region According to their official website, they’ve been “proudly serving Canada since 1972,” though their founding dates back to 1957
The Perdue Acquisition: What Happened?
In 2014 Perdue Farms made a significant move by purchasing Heritage Farms along with Hallmark Poultry in Canada. This acquisition was strategic for Perdue, allowing them to expand their reach into the Canadian market while acquiring a brand that already had a strong reputation for quality.
Despite this change in ownership, Heritage Farms continues to operate as a distinct brand with its own identity. They maintain their commitment to responsible farming practices and high standards for animal care – values that were established long before the acquisition.
Why Brand Ownership Matters to Consumers
You might be wondering, “So what if Perdue owns Heritage Farms? Why should I care?” Well, understanding who owns the brands you purchase from matters for several important reasons:
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Values alignment – Does the parent company share your personal values around animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and community involvement?
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Quality control – Larger parent companies often influence production methods, ingredient sourcing, and quality standards.
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Informed choices – Knowledge about ownership helps you make more educated purchasing decisions that align with your preferences.
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Transparency – In today’s food system, many consumers value transparency about where their food comes from.
What Sets Heritage Farms Chicken Apart?
Even under Perdue ownership, Heritage Farms has maintained distinctive qualities that set it apart from other chicken brands on the market:
Natural Farming Practices
Heritage Farms emphasizes raising chickens naturally without antibiotics or added hormones. Their farmers focus on sustainable methods that result in healthier birds and better-tasting meat.
Humane Animal Treatment
The brand prioritizes animal welfare by providing low-stress environments for their chickens with adequate space for natural behaviors. This focus on humane treatment isn’t just good for the chickens – it typically results in better quality meat.
Quality Control Standards
To ensure consistent quality, Heritage Farms implements strict quality control measures throughout their production process:
- Careful selection of breeding stock
- Thorough testing and vaccination
- Regular audits of farms and facilities
- All-vegetarian feed for chickens
- Humane processing methods
- Rigorous product testing
Canadian Identity
Despite being owned by an American company, Heritage Farms maintains its distinct Canadian identity. Their products are marketed as being proudly from the Fraser Valley, and according to their website, Heritage Farms is a “100% Canadian owned and operated business and does not export products outside of Canada.” This statement seems to conflict with the Perdue ownership information, suggesting either the website information is outdated or the operational structure allows for Canadian management despite American ownership.
The Full Range of Heritage Farms Products
Heritage Farms isn’t just selling whole chickens. Their product line has expanded significantly over the years to include:
- Fresh chicken – Whole birds, breasts, thighs, wings, and more
- Frozen chicken – Individual cuts and whole birds
- Seasoned and marinated options – Pre-seasoned products for convenience
- Turkey products – Including whole turkeys, breasts, and ground turkey
- Organic options – For consumers seeking certified organic poultry
This diverse product range allows Heritage Farms to meet the needs of different consumers, from home cooks to foodservice professionals.
Sustainable Farming: A Core Value
One thing that really stands out about Heritage Farms is their commitment to sustainable farming practices. Here’s how they’re working to reduce their environmental impact:
- Free-range environments with natural light
- Enriched housing with features that allow natural behaviors
- All-vegetarian diets without animal by-products
- No added hormones or routine antibiotics
- Careful waste management
- Conservation of water and energy resources
These practices not only produce healthier chickens but also minimize the ecological footprint of their operations.
Where to Find Heritage Farms Products
If you’re interested in trying Heritage Farms chicken, you’re in luck if you live in Canada. Their products are widely available across Canadian grocery stores. In the US, you might find their products at some Kroger-owned stores, as there appears to be some connection between Heritage Farm (note: no ‘s’) and Kroger as well, though this may be a different brand with a similar name.
The Truth About Heritage Farms and Kroger
It’s worth noting that there appears to be some confusion in the marketplace. According to one source, “Heritage Farm” (without the ‘s’) is actually a Kroger private label brand for fresh and dairy products. This is different from the “Heritage Farms” chicken brand owned by Perdue that we’ve been discussing.
This kind of similarity in naming can be confusing for consumers! Always check packaging carefully to know exactly what you’re buying.
Are Heritage Farms Chickens Heritage Breed Chickens?
Another common point of confusion: Heritage Farms chicken is NOT necessarily the same as heritage breed chickens.
Heritage breed chickens refer to traditional chicken breeds defined by the American Poultry Association. These birds are raised naturally, reproduce naturally, have a long productive outdoor lifespan, and grow at a slower rate than industrial chickens.
While Heritage Farms may use some natural farming methods, they aren’t exclusively raising heritage breed chickens as defined by poultry associations. Their name refers to their brand heritage and farming philosophy rather than specifically to heritage chicken breeds.
The Future of Heritage Farms Under Perdue Ownership
Looking ahead, what can we expect from Heritage Farms under Perdue’s ownership? While I can’t predict the future, we can make some educated guesses:
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Expanded distribution – With Perdue’s resources, Heritage Farms may continue to expand its reach within Canada.
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Product innovation – We might see new product offerings that combine Heritage Farms’ quality standards with Perdue’s innovation capabilities.
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Maintained brand identity – Given the strong reputation of Heritage Farms, Perdue will likely maintain the brand’s distinct identity and values.
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Potential sustainability initiatives – As consumers increasingly demand sustainable products, we may see enhanced sustainability efforts.
My Final Thoughts on Heritage Farms Chicken
After researching Heritage Farms chicken, I’ve come away impressed with their commitment to quality and natural farming practices. While the brand is now owned by Perdue Farms, they seem to have maintained their core values and Canadian identity.
For consumers who care about where their food comes from, Heritage Farms offers a good middle ground – it’s not a small local farm, but it’s a brand with standards that go beyond conventional factory farming.
If you’re looking for premium chicken products with a focus on natural methods and you can find Heritage Farms in your local store, it’s definitely worth considering. Just be aware that you’re supporting a brand that’s ultimately owned by one of America’s largest poultry producers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Heritage Farms Chicken
Where does Heritage Farms chicken come from?
Heritage Farms chickens are raised on family farms in the Fraser Valley of Canada, where they’re raised in temperature-controlled barns with low population densities.
How long has Heritage Farms been in business?
According to their website, Heritage Farms has been in business since 1957, and has been “proudly serving Canada since 1972.”
Is Heritage Farms chicken organic?
Heritage Farms offers some organic chicken products, though not all their products are certified organic. They do focus on natural farming methods across their product line.
Is Heritage Farms a Canadian company?
Heritage Farms operates as a Canadian company and markets itself as “100% Canadian owned and operated,” though it’s important to note that it’s ultimately owned by Perdue Farms, an American company, since 2014.
What makes Heritage Farms chicken different from conventional chicken?
Heritage Farms emphasizes natural farming methods, humane animal treatment, no added hormones or routine antibiotics, and rigorous quality control – all factors that contribute to their premium positioning in the market.
So there you have it! The full story on who owns Heritage Farms chicken and what makes this brand special in the crowded poultry market. Next time you’re at the grocery store, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting when you reach for that package of Heritage Farms chicken.
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