Sunnybrand Chickens as it trades today commenced business in 1972 when Arthur (Sam) Gilmore and Ron Lang purchased the Sunnybrand name, and commenced processing and marketing chickens in the local Byron Bay area.
Initially livebirds were purchased from a competitor, processed by Sunnybrand and marketed using the Sunnybrand name. However, it quickly became clear that this business had the potential for substantial growth and the development of Sunnybrand commenced.
Since 1972 Sunnybrand has progressed from being dependent on the supply of livestock and eggs from other poultry producing competitors, and the marketing pressure this created, to total integration at all levels of the production process.
In this time, Sunnybrand has implemented its own meat breeder operation (producing fertile eggs), its own hatchery (producing day- old broiler chicks) and its own broiler growing facilities. In addition, Sunnybrand has an expanding group of contract broiler operators, together with its own poultry processing facility at Byron Bay, currently producing an average of 250,000 fresh chickens per week.
Sunnybrand contiues reinvesting in technology to maintain its sustainable competitive advantage in the market place:-
1998: A substantial upgrading and expansion of both the breeder and hatchery facilities was undertaken involving the installation and use of the latest international equipment and technology designed to increase capacity and improve performance:-
1999: Sunnybrand upgraded and expanded its processing plant installing the latest technology state -of- the- art processing equipment:-
Sunnybrand continually upgrades the plant to ensure we remain competitive.
2003: Sunnybrand received a Federal Government Grant from the Far North Coast Sustainable Regions Program to assist in the expansion of its McKees Hill Hatchery. The development led to a doubling of the company's hatching capacity and thus provided benefits to the surrounding shires of Richmond Valley, Kyogle, Lismore and Byron Bay.
2004: The Honourable Ian Causley MP, conducted the official Hatchery Expansion Opening on 4th May, 2004 at the Hatchery.(Photo below)
Sunnybrand has employed, "industry best practices" for management, hygiene and quarantine at all levels of its operation. This involves strict control of personnel entering any premises, with showering facilities on both the breeder and hatchery operations, for all staff and visitors.
Sunnybrand’s supply of stock feed for both breeder and broiler production is sourced from Riverina Stockfeeds new mill in Casino, with Sunnybrand having substantial control over raw material purchasing and nutrition through its own consultant animal feeds nutritionist.
Sunnybrand has developed an enviable reputation for the quality of its chicken products, through its desire to provide to the market, the highest quality product possible. This quality ethos has enabled Sunnybrand to become a fully accredited supplier to major national chains including Coles/Myer, Woolworths, Bi-Lo, Action, Red Rooster and Lenards.
Sunnybrand has also achieved Halal accreditation granted by the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils Inc.
Geographically Sunnybrand is able to take advantage of increases in natural population and per capita chicken meat consumption. This combined with Sunnybrand's reputation for quality and service in the market place, both in New South Wales and Queensland, hasl lead to the company's continued market growth.
The owners of Sunnybrand Chickens Pty Ltd are commited to the Company's growth and expansion and, with the continued strong efforts of a capable and motivated management team; Sunnybrand looks froward to a prosperous future.
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