Diana Food recently announced it has completed the successful launch of an ultramodern chicken processing plant located in Banks County, Ga. The site is now operational, with the first commercial quantities expected to ship before the end of the year, the company said.

“This new plant represents a significant milestone for Diana’s operations in America,” Diana Food president Yannick Riou said. “With more than 100,000 sq. ft. of space on 40 acres of land and an investment of over $60 million, we are able to apply a kitchen-like, gentle process to chicken on a massive scale. The result is that we can provide our customers with the best that fresh chicken has to offer.”

The grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony took place under the theme “Authenticity Happens Here,” which reflects the company’s commitment to providing the industry with the full experience of authentic chicken. Adhering to the concept of “the closer, the fresher, the better,” Diana Food and its parent company, Symrise, made a significant investment right in the heart of the chicken belt, with direct access to fresh, sustainably raised birds that are carefully selected and processed by their farmers, the announcement said.

Responsible sourcing was a cornerstone in the selection of the Banks County site, the company said, adding that proximity to premium local sources ensures a supply of raw materials, meets the highest standards of animal welfare and addresses consumer demand for cleaner and clearer products, including no antibiotic use and organic ranges.

“Our supply chain will operate according to the highest quality standards and food safety criteria, deploying high animal welfare with ‘to the farm’ traceability,” Riou noted.

The grand opening event demonstrated the integration of Diana Food as a member of the community, benefiting from close relationships with local partners and government officials, the announcement said. Representatives of city, county and state governments were on hand, as were partners from local utilities and contractors. Attendees were taken on a guided tour of the plant to discover each step of the process, where they were shown how Diana Food remains true to the raw material. Likewise, Diana Food’s new chicken solutions were included in a selection of southern-accented foods, demonstrating how the company remains true to taste in consumer applications.

The company said significant commercial opportunities are expected to be generated by the new plant’s capabilities.

“Because of the gentle and kitchen-like processing used at this facility, we are able to provide our customers with very high-quality chicken products that are consistent, safe, ambient stable and cost effective,” said Thomas Couepel, customer development manager for Diana Food. “Regardless of application, these products will set a new standard in chicken quality.”

The celebration also underlined the importance of the investment not only for Diana Food but also for Diana Pet Food and Symrise Flavors. In addition to providing chicken broth, chicken powder and chicken fat, Diana will manufacture products for the pet food and flavor business units, giving rise to synergistic projects that are unique in the industry.