Founding and Early Years Hazeldene’s Chicken is a well-known Australian poultry producer with a history that dates back to 1938. The company was founded by Dick and Gladys Hazeldene in Bendigo, Victoria. What began as a small family operation, with the Hazeldenes selling eggs and chickens from their farm, gradually expanded into a larger poultry business. The couple’s commitment to quality and customer service helped the business grow steadily.
Growth and Development In the 1950s and 1960s, Hazeldene’s continued to grow as demand for chicken increased in Australia. The company transitioned from egg production to focus more on broiler chickens, responding to changing consumer preferences. As the business grew, the Hazeldene family invested in modern farming techniques and infrastructure to increase production capacity while maintaining high standards of animal welfare.
Modernization and Expansion The 1980s and 1990s were a period of significant modernization for Hazeldene’s. The company invested in state-of-the-art processing facilities, which allowed it to scale up production and meet the growing demand for fresh and frozen chicken products. Hazeldene’s also expanded its product range to include a variety of cuts and prepared chicken items, catering to both retail and food service markets.
Throughout these decades, Hazeldene’s remained a family-owned and operated business, with the founders’ descendants continuing to play key roles in the company. This strong family involvement helped maintain the company’s focus on quality, sustainability, and community engagement.
Sustainability and Innovation In recent years, Hazeldene’s has placed a strong emphasis on sustainability and innovation. The company has implemented environmentally friendly practices in its farming and processing operations, such as reducing water and energy use and minimizing waste. Hazeldene’s also focuses on animal welfare, ensuring that its chickens are raised in a humane and stress-free environment.
The company has embraced new technologies and methods to improve efficiency and product quality. This includes the adoption of advanced processing techniques and the development of new products that meet the changing needs of consumers, such as free-range and organic chicken options.
Hazeldene’s Today Today, Hazeldene’s Chicken is one of Australia’s leading poultry producers, supplying high-quality chicken products to supermarkets, restaurants, and food service providers across the country. Despite its growth and success, Hazeldene’s remains committed to its roots as a family-owned business with a strong focus on quality, innovation, and sustainability.
The company continues to play an important role in the local community, providing jobs and supporting regional agriculture in Victoria. Hazeldene’s reputation for excellence in poultry production has made it a trusted name in Australian households, and its ongoing commitment to innovation and sustainability ensures that it will remain a leader in the industry for years to come.
