Ever stood in the grocery store staring at that package of Just Bare chicken and wondered who’s actually behind this brand? Trust me, you’re not alone! As someone who spends way too much time researching food companies (my partner calls it an obsession), I’ve dug deep into the ownership of Just Bare chicken What I discovered was a fascinating corporate family tree that might surprise you
The Short Answer: A Three-Tier Ownership Structure
Let’s cut to the chase before diving into the details:
Just Bare Chicken is owned by Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation, which is itself majority-owned (78.5%) by JBS S.A., a Brazilian multinational food processing company that happens to be the largest meat processor in the world.
But there’s SO much more to this story than just names of big corporations! Let’s break it down.
Just Bare Chicken: The Brand You Know
Just Bare has built quite a reputation for itself in the premium chicken market. What makes it stand out from other chicken brands on the shelf?
- Antibiotic-free poultry: Their chickens are raised without antibiotics throughout their lifecycle
- Minimal processing: They avoid unnecessary additives and artificial ingredients
- Transparency: The brand emphasizes openness about its farming and processing practices
- Quality and taste: They focus on producing premium chicken products that maintain nutritional value
If you’ve ever grabbed those Just Bare Lightly Breaded Chicken Breast Chunks from Costco (which btw, many people say taste remarkably similar to Chick-fil-A nuggets), you’re already familiar with their products.
The Corporate Ladder: From Farm to Global Corporation
Pilgrim’s Pride: The Direct Owner
Just Bare chicken is directly owned and operated by Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation. Here’s what you should know about them:
- They’re one of the largest chicken producers in the United States and Puerto Rico
- They’re also the second-largest chicken producer in Mexico
- They have operations in 12 states, Mexico, and Puerto Rico
- Pilgrim’s processes approximately 36 million birds weekly
- They produce nearly 9.5 billion pounds of live chicken annually
- They employ around 38,000 people
- Their headquarters is in Greeley, Colorado (relocated there in 2011)
Pilgrim’s Pride has an interesting history. The company traces its origins to a feed store opened in 1946 in Pittsburg, Texas, by brothers Lonnie “Bo” Pilgrim and Aubrey Pilgrim. Interestingly, they used to give away free chicks with bags of feed to expand their business! After Aubrey died of a heart attack in 1966, Bo became president of the company.
In late 2016, Pilgrim’s Pride acquired GNP Company (the parent company of Just Bare) for $350 million. This acquisition allowed Pilgrim’s to expand into the growing market for antibiotic-free, premium chicken products under the established Just Bare brand name.
JBS S.A.: The Parent Company
But wait, there’s more! Pilgrim’s Pride itself is majority-owned by JBS S.A., which owns a whopping 78.5% of Pilgrim’s Pride. So what’s the deal with JBS?
- Brazilian multinational company
- The largest meat processor in the world
- Acquired majority stake in Pilgrim’s Pride through its subsidiary JBS USA Holdings
- Initially purchased 64% of Pilgrim’s Pride in 2009
- Expanded ownership to 78.5% by 2017
JBS’s size and global reach significantly impact Just Bare through resource allocation, supply chain management, and overall business strategy. While Just Bare maintains its brand identity and focus on specific product characteristics, it benefits from the resources and infrastructure provided by its parent companies.
The Acquisition Timeline
To better understand how Just Bare ended up under this corporate structure, here’s a timeline of key events:
- GNP Company era: Founded and developed the Just Bare brand
- December 2016: Pilgrim’s Pride acquires GNP Company for $350 million
- September 2009: JBS USA Holdings (subsidiary of JBS S.A.) purchases 64% stake in Pilgrim’s Pride
- 2009-2017: JBS gradually increases ownership share to 78.5%
Through this sequence of acquisitions and investments, Just Bare chicken came under the ownership structure it remains in today.
What This Means for the Chicken on Your Plate
You might be wondering, “Okay, but what does all this corporate stuff mean for the actual chicken I’m eating?”
Quality Standards and Practices
Despite being part of a larger corporate structure, Just Bare emphasizes its commitment to:
- Animal welfare
- Sustainable practices
- Providing wholesome, high-quality chicken
Just Bare’s products are American Humane Certified™ (for their Natural line), meaning the chickens were raised by family farm partners who participate in the annual certification audit process. Their Organic line comes from certified organic farmers and follows animal welfare standards required under the National Organic Program.
The Antibiotic-Free Promise
Just Bare’s core appeal lies in its promise of antibiotic-free chicken. This involves strict protocols regarding antibiotic use in poultry farming and careful processing methods that avoid unnecessary additives and artificial ingredients.
It’s worth noting that their commitment to being antibiotic-free is a key selling point for consumers concerned about the overuse of antibiotics in animal agriculture.
Sustainability Initiatives
Pilgrim’s Pride, including the Just Bare brand, participates in various sustainability initiatives aimed at reducing its environmental footprint, including:
- Water conservation efforts
- Reducing energy consumption
- Minimizing waste generation throughout the supply chain
Common Questions About Just Bare Chicken
Here are some questions I frequently get asked about Just Bare:
Is Just Bare Chicken organic?
Not all Just Bare products are organic. They have two main product lines:
- Just Bare Natural: Not certified organic but raised without antibiotics
- Just Bare Organic: Certified organic, fed a non-GMO vegetable and grain diet
Is Just Bare Chicken really antibiotic-free?
Yes, Just Bare Chicken is raised without antibiotics throughout their lifecycle. The company rigorously monitors and tests its poultry to ensure compliance with this standard.
Where can I buy Just Bare Chicken?
Just Bare Chicken is widely available at major retailers including:
- Costco (famous for their chicken breast chunks)
- Target
- Many other national grocery chains
Is Just Bare Chicken gluten-free?
Plain, unseasoned Just Bare Chicken is naturally gluten-free. However, if you’re buying pre-seasoned or marinated products, always check the ingredients list to ensure they’re free from gluten.
Is Just Bare Chicken the same as Chick-fil-A?
No, but many people consider Just Bare’s Lightly Breaded Chicken Breast Chunks from Costco to be a great “dupe” for Chick-fil-A nuggets. They have similar flavor and crunch without requiring a trip to the drive-thru!
The Bigger Picture: Consolidation in the Food Industry
The ownership structure of Just Bare chicken reflects a broader trend of consolidation in the food industry, particularly in meat production. Large conglomerates like JBS have acquired numerous smaller companies and brands, creating complex corporate hierarchies.
This consolidation raises important questions about:
- Market competition
- Food safety oversight
- Environmental practices
- Animal welfare standards
- Workers’ rights and conditions
For consumers concerned about these issues, understanding who owns the brands we buy from can help us make more informed purchasing decisions.
Should You Still Buy Just Bare Chicken?
That’s totally your call! I still buy it occasionally, especially when I’m craving those Costco chicken chunks that taste like Chick-fil-A (without the political baggage, lol).
The reality is that many “premium” or “natural” food brands are owned by much larger corporations. Just Bare’s commitment to antibiotic-free, minimally processed chicken sets it apart from conventional chicken products, even if it’s ultimately owned by global meat giants.
As informed consumers, we can:
- Support the aspects of brands we value (like antibiotic-free practices)
- Stay aware of the larger corporate structures behind our food
- Use our purchasing power to encourage transparency and responsible practices
The Bottom Line
Just Bare chicken is owned by Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation, which is majority-owned by JBS S.A. While this corporate structure might seem removed from the chicken in your grocery cart, it influences everything from how the chickens are raised to how the products are marketed and distributed.
By understanding who owns Just Bare chicken, you’re better equipped to make informed choices about the food you bring home to your family. And isn’t that what we all want? To know where our food comes from and who’s behind it?
I’d love to hear your thoughts! Do you buy Just Bare chicken? Did you know about its ownership before reading this article? Drop a comment below!
This article was last updated September 2025. Ownership information is current as of this date.
GNP can put Pilgrim’s ahead of pace for reaching antibiotic-free goal
With the Just BARE brand already being one that is raised with no antibiotics ever, and Gold’n Plump transitioning into a raised without antibiotics brand, Pilgrim’s will more rapidly progress in its plans to have one quarter of its broiler production raised without antibiotics by 2019.
Lovette estimated that between the moves Pilgrim’s has made to transition into increased antibiotic-free chicken production, and the raised without antibiotics volumes offered by GNP company, Pilgrim’s will have roughly 24 percent of its chicken production raised without antibiotics. He said about 21 percent of that will be due to Pilgrim’s existing operations, with the other 3 percent coming from GNP Company’s operations.
Pilgrim’s has agreed to pay $350 million for GNP Company, which it is purchasing from The Maschhoffs. The transaction is expected to close during the first quarter of 2017.