Based on its five-year annualised total return of 26.3 per cent, the company placed fifth on Forbes' list of 19 food, drink and tobacco companies.

Pilgrim's Pride also ranked 148th in five-year total return. It is the sixth time that Pilgrim's Pride has appeared on the Platinum 400 list.

To be named to the Platinum 400, firms must pass Forbes' benchmarks for financial growth rates and returns, and must meet Forbes' approval for corporate governance, accounting standards and background checks.

"We are pleased to be included in Forbes' annual ranking of America's best big companies, particularly since it recognises companies that have done the best job in generating long-term value for shareholders," said Ken Pilgrim, chairman and interim president of Pilgrim's Pride.

"It's a tremendous honour and reflects our employees' continued focus on building our business and taking care of our customers."

Pilgrim's Pride Corporation is the largest chicken producer in the United States and Puerto Rico and the second-largest producer and seller of chicken in Mexico.