Details:
Empire Kosher Increasing Chicken Production by 50%
Price of Chicken Cutlets to Drop
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MIFFLINTOWN, PA -- Empire Kosher Poultry announced today that effective November 24, it will significantly expand production of Kosher chicken, increasing its output by 50%. This increase will allay any fear of a widespread Kosher poultry shortage. Additionally, Empire announced that it will reduce the price of fresh chicken cutlets (skinless and boneless chicken breast) by at least 10%, also effective November 24.
This is the second increase in production for Empire in 2008, having already increased its output earlier this year, responding then to concerns about reduced supply conditions in the marketplace. The expansion announced today will be far more significant, as Empire will now be adding over 100,000 additional Kosher chickens each week into the consumer market.
Greg Rosenbaum, Chairman and CEO of Empire commented, “Empire is proud to be able to ‘step-up to the plate’ and be sure that consumers throughout the United States have easy access to Kosher poultry at their local supermarkets and butcher shops. We are extremely grateful for the cooperation of our Kosher certifying agencies, the OU, KAJ and Star-K, as well as the United Food and Commercial Workers Union to make this rapid expansion possible.”
“Furthermore”, Rosenbaum continued, “by reducing the price of our cutlet product, we hope to make it more affordable for consumers who, in light of the current economy, may have forgone their taste preference for chicken breast, to save a little money.”
Rabbi Menachem Genack, CEO of OU Kosher, praised Empire’s actions, saying, “By taking these bold steps, Empire has once again demonstrated its leadership in the Kosher food industry and its commitment to the Kosher keeping community. The OU believes this action will satisfy the demand for Kosher chickens throughout the country, as Empire products are distributed nationwide. We also salute Empire for its responsible action in lowering some prices during this tough economic time. The OU has a longstanding relationship with Empire and we have never been more proud of that relationship than we are today.”
Although some poultry producers have begun to restrict purchases, such as requiring the purchase of a whole bird or whole bird equivalent, rather than individual parts of a chicken, Empire will continue to allow customers to order whatever combination of whole chickens and chicken parts they need, while making popular chicken cutlets more affordable for its customers.
This production increase of chicken follows a major expansion of turkey production for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday and the recent introduction of a new formulation of its signature Chicken Nugget product line, now made with 100% whole chicken breast meat.
About Empire Kosher Poultry, Inc.
Empire Kosher Poultry, Inc. is the largest Kosher poultry producer in the world. With facilities in central Pennsylvania, Empire produces Kosher chickens and Kosher turkeys for the North American market through a fully integrated process, including breeder farms, egg hatcheries, feed mill, grow out houses and processing facilities. Through this fully vertically integrated approach Empire continues to deliver the highest quality poultry products available anywhere. Empire products have won numerous national and international poultry taste-test competitions, and are available in supermarkets, warehouse clubs and butcher shops. For more information visit www.empireKosher.com.
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