With annual sales of more than $4 billion, Perdue is one of the largest poultry companies in the United States. It is a family-owned and operated, privately held company that provides food and agricultural products and related services to customers in over 50 countries. Founded in 1920, the company employs nearly 20,000 associates who work at facilities located throughout the eastern U.S. Perdue additionally has approximately 2,200 farm families who raise and care chickens and turkeys. It sells retail poultry products to grocery, club and warehouse stores in Maine and Florida. The company serves restaurant chains and commercial and institutional customers, as well as the U.S. military. Perdue offers edible oil, lecithin and other ingredients to several food manufacturers. In addition to purchasing grains for its own feed operations, the company sells agricultural products and commodities domestically and internationally. Venture Milling, a wholly owned subsidiary, creates custom-blended proteins for livestock, including PROVAAL for the dairy industry. Its subsidiary, Perdue BioEnergym, pursues strategic opportunities in the field of renewable energy. Perdue provides export services, as well as a loyalty program, Foodservice Rewards.