Tracing its rise from a São Paulo slaughterhouse to the world’s largest meatpacker—amid sustainability challenges, global expansion, and high-stakes controversies
How a Local Slaughterhouse Became a Global Force
Few companies embody the scale, ambition, and complexity of Brazil’s agribusiness as much as JBS S.A.. Founded in 1953 as a modest family-run slaughterhouse called Casa de Carnes Mineira, in Anápolis city, in Goiás, JBS has grown into the world’s largest meat processor, with operations spanning beef, poultry, pork, salmon, and by-products across five continents. With annual revenues exceeding USD 75 billion and a global workforce of more than 250,000, JBS is not only a cornerstone of the Brazilian economy but also a decisive force in the global meat supply chain. Yet, alongside its meteoric rise, the company faces persistent scrutiny over its environmental impact, business practices, and legal controversies.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Power
The story of JBS begins with José Batista Sobrinho, who established a small beef slaughterhouse in Anápolis, Brazil, in 1953. Over the decades, under the leadership of his sons, the company embarked on an aggressive acquisition strategy, especially during the 2000s. This expansion included major takeovers such as Swift & Company in the U.S. (2007), Pilgrim’s Pride (2009), and various regional processors worldwide.
These moves catapulted JBS from a national beef processor into a diversified protein empire, making it a key supplier for supermarkets, foodservice companies, and fast-food giants around the globe. Today, JBS’s influence extends far beyond cattle ranching, reaching deeply into processed foods, logistics, and retail.
Today’s Operation: Scale, Brands, and Strategy
JBS operates a highly diversified portfolio. Its beef segment is the largest globally, complemented by pork and poultry operations under Pilgrim’s Pride, as well as the growing aquaculture business through Huon Aquaculture in Australia. The company also controls renowned consumer brands such as Friboi, Seara, Swift, Moy Park, Primo, and Pilgrim’s.
One of JBS’s most ambitious consumer-facing initiatives is the Swift retail model, a chain of specialized stores present in Brazil with hundreds of outlets. Swift operates as a complete food ecosystem, offering not only beef, poultry, and pork but also ready-to-eat meals, frozen sides, sauces, and everyday solutions for consumers. Supported by digital channels, apps, and delivery services, Swift has allowed JBS to connect directly with households, moving beyond wholesale operations into a closer relationship with end consumers.
This strategy reflects the company’s intent to consolidate a farm-to-fork approach, combining massive industrial production with a consumer-driven retail presence.
ESG, Sustainability, and Market Position
As the world’s largest meatpacker, JBS faces mounting pressure to prove its commitment to sustainability. The company has pledged to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, investing in renewable energy, carbon sequestration programs, and supply chain monitoring.
Notably, JBS has announced initiatives to implement satellite monitoring systems capable of tracking cattle suppliers across the Amazon to avoid illegal deforestation. It has also promoted transparency reports and partnerships with NGOs to strengthen its ESG credibility. Still, many organizations argue that implementation gaps remain, and the company’s vast size makes total supply-chain control a monumental challenge.
Controversies and Legal Challenges
JBS’s trajectory has also been marked by scandals and disputes that continue to shadow its global reputation:
- Corruption scandals: The Batista brothers, controlling shareholders of JBS, admitted to involvement in the “Operation Car Wash” investigation and signed plea bargain deals in 2017. The fallout included heavy fines and political turbulence in Brazil (The Rio Times, Wikipedia).
- Environmental allegations: JBS has repeatedly been accused of indirectly sourcing cattle from areas linked to illegal deforestation in the Amazon. Brazil’s Federal Prosecutor’s Office (MPF) and NGOs have flagged inconsistencies in supply chain monitoring (Wikipedia – Controversies).
- Antitrust and price-fixing: JBS subsidiaries, including Pilgrim’s Pride, faced lawsuits over alleged price-fixing in the U.S. poultry market. Settlements were reached with major buyers, including McDonald’s (Reddit summary of lawsuits).
- Environmental pushback to NYSE listing: In 2025, when JBS sought a New York Stock Exchange listing, several groups, including The Guardian and Greenpeace, opposed the move, citing Amazon deforestation risks and climate concerns (The Guardian, AP News, Financial Times).
- Cyberattack: In 2021, JBS was hit by a ransomware attack that temporarily disrupted global meat supplies, leading to an $11 million ransom payment (Wikipedia).
These episodes highlight the paradox of JBS: a company central to global food security but also entangled in ongoing debates about ethics, governance, and environmental responsibility.
In all the major legal and ethical challenges—ranging from corruption investigations to environmental scrutiny—JBS’s corporate governance has actively engaged with justice authorities and taken concrete steps to resolve the issues. In 2017, the company’s holding firm, J&F, agreed to a landmark $3.2 billion leniency settlement, while simultaneously restructuring its board, installing dedicated governance and compliance committees, and launching a global compliance program named “Always Do It Right”. JBS then signed Brazil’s Business Integrity and Anti-Corruption Pact, committing to higher ethical standards and transparency. It also reinforced oversight by establishing a Global Compliance Committee, bolstering internal audit functions, and adopting a global Code of Conduct with layered risk management and training protocols. These measures reflect a persistent effort by JBS’s leadership to rebuild trust, improve corporate governance, and comply with judicial and regulatory requirements.
Financial Performance and Global Expansion
Despite controversies, JBS continues to expand. The company’s long-anticipated NYSE debut in June 2025 marked a milestone, aiming to access cheaper capital and broaden investor exposure (Wall Street Journal). With consolidated net revenues above USD 75 billion and operations in more than 20 countries, JBS remains unmatched in scale.
Its growth strategy hinges on diversification: spreading risk across proteins and geographies while strengthening its presence in value-added products and consumer markets.
Looking Ahead
JBS’s future will be defined by its ability to reconcile growth with responsibility. Its ambition to lead on sustainability, expand retail initiatives like Swift, and solidify investor confidence through global capital markets must be balanced against the reputational challenges of its past.
Whether the company can truly deliver on its ESG commitments and address persistent concerns about transparency remains to be seen. But what is undeniable is JBS’s central role in the future of global meat production and its enduring influence over the direction of Brazilian agribusiness.
What Lies Ahead for the Global Meat Giant
From a small slaughterhouse in Anápolis to a global behemoth, JBS exemplifies both the promise and the pitfalls of large-scale agribusiness. Its story is one of ambition, controversy, and transformation — a narrative that continues to evolve as the company navigates the demands of global consumers, investors, and regulators alike.
