Nov 16, 2005 10:00 AM, from staff and wire reports

Pilgrim's Pride, the Pittsburg TX-based poultry company, has earned the Innovation Award from Wendy's International Inc.

Wendy's, one of the world's largest restaurant operating and franchising companies, presented the Innovation Award to Pilgrim's Pride in recognition of its longstanding customer support, introduction of new products, and partnership in reducing cost.

Pilgrim's Pride earned Wendy's Quality Supplier of the Year Award in 2003, the year the awards program first began. Wendy's presents its Quality Supplier of the Year Award and Innovation Award every two years to only two of its outstanding business partners.