Jun 23, 2005 9:02 AM, from staff and wire reports

Pilgrim’s Pride Corp, the nation’s second-largest poultry company, was recently honored by the world’s largest casual dining restaurant company with its top supplier award.

Darden Restaurants Inc, which owns and operates more than 1,370 Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Bahama Breeze, Smokey Bones Barbeque & Grill, and Seasons 52 restaurants, recognized the Pittsburg TX-based poultry producer for helping develop new marinated jerk-flavored chicken breasts for Bahama Breeze. Pilgrim’s Pride was one of only nine of Darden’s 2,000 suppliers to win the award.

Darden’s Distinguished Supplier Awards, in their ninth year, are presented annually to suppliers whose innovations contributed to Darden’s growth during the previous year and provided outstanding dining experiences. The award is named for the company’s late founder, William B Darden.