USA – AlaTrade has initiated a new chicken paw heat-treating project at its Phenix City plant in Alabama, with production officially commencing on September 2024.
This expansion is anticipated to boost the company’s growth while providing significant economic benefits at both the regional and national levels.
Since the project’s inception on May 3, 2024, AlaTrade has allocated approximately US$2.8 million towards the development of the facility.
This investment is part of a broader strategy to penetrate the growing international market for chicken paws, particularly in China.
The new heat-treating line is set to position AlaTrade as a key player in the U.S. poultry industry’s effort to meet China’s increasing demand for chicken paws.
The Phenix City facility has been upgraded with advanced technology to comply with stringent USDA and international food safety regulations.
The modifications enable the thermal treatment of chicken paws to a standard acceptable for export, aligning with Chinese market requirements and broadening the reach of U.S. poultry products.
The launch of this heat-treating operation is a collaborative effort between AlaTrade, Sure Good Foods, and Spice Lady.
AlaTrade is responsible for the thermal treatment process, while Sure Good Foods provides expertise in international food trade, ensuring compliance with safety standards.
Spice Lady will manage the sale and distribution of the finished product in China.
The expansion of the Phenix City facility is expected to not only enhance AlaTrade’s product offerings but also generate substantial economic benefits for the local community and Alabama’s poultry industry.
Whitley, a representative from AlaTrade, expressed gratitude to Shaun Culligan, Phenix City’s Economic Development Manager, for his role in securing tax abatement assistance that facilitated the project.
The company has set its sights on the rapidly expanding chicken feet market, particularly in China, where demand has surged.
In 2020, the United States exported over 201,000 metric tons of chicken paws to China, generating approximately US$460 million in revenue.
This trend persisted into 2021, with the U.S. solidifying its position as the leading supplier, commanding a 44.8% share of the Chinese market that year.
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