With tariffs once again making headlines and adding to market volatility, investors are seeking refuge in reliable sectors like Consumer Staples. Food companies, in particular, offer both defensive stability and long-term growth. Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation PPC is a standout, leveraging its global footprint and strong execution to stay ahead amid market turbulence.

PPC’s Vision Positions It for Lasting Success

Pilgrim’s Pride is capitalizing on growing consumer demand for chicken across both retail and foodservice sectors. The company has expanded its foodservice distribution network, with volumes rising notably in the quick-service restaurant channel. This trend has directly supported growth of its Small Bird and Case Ready businesses, reinforcing PPC’s strong position within the segment.

At the core of this momentum is PPC’s ability to align its supply chain and production capabilities with evolving foodservice needs. By focusing on operational agility and efficient delivery of high-quality poultry products, the company has strengthened its presence in higher-margin channels and continues to capture market share as chicken becomes a staple in menu innovations.

Pilgrim’s Pride’s strategic investments reinforce its long-term growth potential. The company is prioritizing product development, packaging innovation, and automation initiatives designed to enhance efficiency and drive scalability. In Europe, its brands Fridge Raiders and Rollover are outperforming industry trends, benefiting from consumer demand for convenient, premium meal solutions.

PPC plans to allocate $450-$500 million in capital expenditure for 2025. These investments will focus on expanding Prepared Foods production, improving protein conversion capabilities, and optimizing operational efficiency. Together, these efforts position Pilgrim’s Pride to maintain profitability and build on its leadership in the global protein space. Shares of this Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) company have gained 13.2% in the past three months.

Past 3 Months’ Stock Price Performances of PPC, BYND, POST & UNFI

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3 Other Consumer Staples Picks

While Pilgrim’s Pride leads with strong fundamentals and smart investments, it is not the only stock worth watching. Here are three more Consumer Staples companies making their mark.

Beyond Meat, Inc. BYND is focused on revenue stabilization, margin improvement and cost reduction. By enhancing operational efficiency and streamlining production, BYND aims to strengthen its brand presence. The company is also investing in health-focused products and marketing initiatives to reinforce its leadership in the plant-based protein sector.

Beyond Meat engages in the development, manufacture, marketing, and sale of plant-based meat products under the Beyond brand name in the United States and internationally. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for BYND’s fiscal 2025 sales and earnings suggests growth of 0.7% and 31.6%, respectively, from the year-ago period’s actuals. BYND shares have fallen 26.1% in the past three months. The company currently carries a Zacks Rank #2. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Post Holdings, Inc. POST has been strengthening its market position through a focused strategy, like expanding its foodservice segment, leveraging pricing power, pursuing targeted acquisitions, and enhancing operational efficiency. The company is actively growing its presence in quick-service and institutional channels while maintaining strong pricing discipline to support margins. Strategic acquisitions continue to strengthen its brand portfolio and category reach, reinforcing POST’s long-term growth strategy.

Post Holdings operates as a consumer packaged goods holding company in the United States and internationally. POST currently carries a Zacks Rank #2. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Post Holdings’ fiscal 2025 sales and earnings indicates growth of 0.3% and 2.2%, respectively, from the prior-year reported levels. POST shares have gained 8.1% in the past three months.

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United Natural Foods, Inc. UNFI is reinforcing its market position through a multi-faceted strategy focused on strengthening its natural and organic portfolio, enhancing operational efficiency, optimizing its distribution network and embracing lean management practices. The company has realigned its wholesale operations into two specialized divisions to better serve conventional and natural categories, improving focus and execution.

UNFI distributes natural, organic, specialty, produce, and conventional grocery and non-food products in the United States and Canada. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for United Natural’s fiscal 2025 sales and earnings suggests growth of 1.9% and 485.7%, respectively, from the year-ago reported figures. This Zacks Rank #2 company has fallen 14.3% in the past three months.

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Pilgrim's Pride Corporation (PPC) : Free Stock Analysis Report

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This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

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