Brazil-JBS-Friboi

BRAZIL-JBS-FRIBOI.

After reducing by 31% its beef slaughtering volume in Brazil in the final quarter of 2008, JBS-Friboi has started to see a recovery - especially after several of its competitors have interrupted their operations due to the global crisis. JBS-Friboi’s slaughter volume rose by 3% in January and by a further 17% in February, following an interruption in Independência meat packer’’s operations. Other meat-packing groups have also taken advantage of the gaps left in the market by other companies, such as Bertin, which has resumed the recently interrupted second shift in its Campo Grande plant (Mato Grosso do Sul) and hired over 500 people.

In the final quarter of 2008, JBS-Friboi slaughtered 631,500 head of cattle, 31% less than in the third quarter. As part of its expansion plans in the domestic market, JBS announced Wednesday that its board of directors has approved the opening of two wholesale beef, pork and derivatives distribution centers in Minas Gerais and Santa Catarina states. The company also plans to hire up to 5,000 people in the first half...