The Companies Behind Publix's Fresh And Frozen Meats

Publix Super Markets offers a wide variety of products from major producers as well as its own line of store-brand products. Additionally, Publix is among the leading grocery stores, providing services such as an in-house bakery, a deli where customers can order its famous Pub Subs, and a full-service meat department. Despite this, Publix doesn't produce its own meat, so it has to partner with a supplier to fulfill its poultry, pork, and beef requirements. Like Aldi and its other peers, this comes from a variety of third parties, which is where Prestage Farms and a few other suppliers come in. The former producer is behind Publix's turkey, but it's less clear exactly which company provides the grocery chain's beef. While you might not immediately recognize their names, whether or not you shop at Publix, you're likely already familiar with their work.

Starting with Prestage Farms, the family-owned and operated supplier produces all of Publix's GreenWise and standard turkey meat. Its founder, Bill Prestage, was a pioneer in the turkey industry and got his start in the early days of what would become Carroll Foods Inc. Prestage's time with Carroll gave him a close look at the latest innovations in turkey farming, networking, building partnerships, and other successful business practices. Prestage used that knowledge to establish Prestage Farms, which has been operational since 1983. Outside of a fruitful relationship with Publix, Prestage also stands as the 12th largest turkey supplier as of 2023, and supplies Kraft Heinz Co. with turkey for many of its products. 

When it comes to Publix's pork, a deeper look points to Clemons Food Group. The six-generation family-owned pork business entered into a partnership with Publix as a supplier around 2020. 

Turning the gaze to other meat, the answers are less clear. Publix sells private-label beef from a few different suppliers, but it's unclear who supplies the beef for the products sold under GreenWise, the generic Publix brand. Since 2004, the store has had a partnership with White Oak Pastures, which prioritizes regenerative, sustainable farming and humane animal cultivation, but only sells products under the company's branding. Publix also sells Verde Farms, Florida Cattle Ranchers, and Force of Nature brand products. All of these companies also put an emphasis on sustainability and grass-fed beef. While we aren't certain who exactly supplies Publix's store brand beef, we hope the chain upholds these same standards.

Who supplies Publix's chicken remains unclear, as is typical with white label products. However, it wouldn't be surprising if the poultry producers it partners with are of a similar sustainable spirit. This is especially true considering Publix's commitment to sustainable practices and its ongoing partnerships with E&E Foods and Pacific Seafood. Whether or not more of Publix's suppliers are revealed, it's certainly reassuring to know that its commitment to an overall superior shopping experience is one of the many reasons Publix has become a Southern staple for many.