JBS S.A. has announced the purchase of meat processing plants in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The company intends rebranding products and strengthening distribution in the region focusing on local demand and halal products as the primary focus.
JBS obviously recognizes difficulties in production and shipping from Brazil in the face of growing demand for domestic production. Outright ownership of production and processing facilities in the Middle East together with joint ventures denotes a more aggressive commitment and marketing strategy that will ultimately be to the disadvantage of the U.S. that is relying on leg quarters to maintain export volume.