Find the right poultry production company to meet your needs

Whether you're in the market for whole chickens, eggs or frozen products, there are quite a few suppliers to choose from, many of which may be local to you. Choosing someone close to home gives you the opportunity to check up on production, and you have a local contact in case of problems or questions. This may also be beneficial if you want to help stimulate the local economy or offer some organically grown products to your customers.

I recommend: Find a local poultry supplier. Most states have a poultry board or association, such as the Alabama Poultry Producers, which can assist you in finding a local poultry supplier to suit your needs. The American Pastured Poultry Producers Association is another great resource if you're looking for free-range chicken producers in your area.

Choose a well-known chicken processor for your frozen goods

When you're choosing frozen chickens and poultry products for your store, a name brand does make a difference. Stock your grocery store with a variety of well-known chicken brands to keep sales up and thriving. Many producers offer convenience items such as stuffed chicken breasts or breaded tenders, while others focus on products like kosher chickens and specialty items.

I recommend: Go with the tried and true. Companies like Foster Farms, Barber Foods and Empire Kosher have been around for quite a while, and for good reason. You should also pay close attention to your store's sales to see what brands are selling and which ones are sitting in the freezer.

Keep up with poultry industry news

Chicken processors have to stay on top of the industry; as a grocery store owner you should do the same. Things like avian flu and contamination issues could have a huge impact on your business overnight, so it's important to stay on top of current events in the poultry industry.

I recommend: Subscribe to various poultry company newsletters and some third-party sites to stay abreast of developments in the industry. Check out poultry-specific websites, such as The Poultry Site and Poultry and Egg News, for the latest news and greatest developments.