Moy Park, the Northern Ireland chicken producer that is part of U.S. poultry group Pilgrim's Pride, sent £143 million ($189 million) to its parent company in 2025.
That number was about 45% more than in 2024 while the company cut more than 1,000 jobs across Europe, most of them in the U.K.
Here's what to know
According to newly filed accounts, the Craigavon-headquartered chicken producer raised its dividend to Pilgrim's Pride from £98.3 million (or $130 million) in 2024, The Irish Times reported.
The same accounts show operating profit increasing to £134.5 million ($177.9 million) from £102.7 million ($135.8 million), while turnover rose 9% to more than £2.1 billion ($2.7 billion).
Moy Park averaged 7,960 employees across the U.K. and France in 2025, 1,092 fewer than in 2024.
Employee-related costs still rose to £321.6 million ($425.3 million) despite the lower headcount. Directors said in the filings that redundancy payments were responsible for the increase.
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More background
The company said its branded and own-label poultry products are sold to retailers and food-service customers across the U.K., Ireland, and Europe. In the filings, it described itself as "the industry-leading manufacturer of organic, free-range and higher welfare chicken."
Beyond poultry, it also produces beef products, vegetarian dishes, and desserts. The company says it works with 700 farms globally, has 35 million chickens on the ground at any given time, and is one of Northern Ireland's largest companies.
Higher labor costs were partly offset by commodity deflation later in 2025, the directors said, during a year when global poultry prices increased 2% to 3%.
The directors said a move from a seven-day production schedule to a five-day one would "reduce wages" in future years.
Where can I learn more?
Moy Park's payout increase and job cuts fit into a broader debate over how companies balance profits, public commitments, and accountability.
• Across industries, corporate sustainability initiatives are shaping how businesses influence climate policy.
• At many companies, environmental commitments affect employees as much as operating costs.
• Major banks reportedly used deceptive fossil-fuel financing tactics to keep income flowing higher.
• In the U.S. and EU, greenwashing rules may tighten as scrutiny grows.
• Brands can rely on misleading green marketing claims that can fool shoppers.
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