How Marfrig and BRF Joined Forces to Create a Multi-Protein Giant Shaping the Global Meat Industry
Brazil is recognized worldwide as a powerhouse in food production, and especially in animal protein. Companies like JBS, Minerva Foods, Marfrig, and BRF have helped position the country at the center of the global beef, poultry, and pork supply.
Now, with the merger of Marfrig and BRF, a new company has been born: MBRF Global Foods Company. This consolidation is not just another corporate move — it is a landmark transformation that brings together two of the most respected names in Brazilian agribusiness. With combined expertise, scale, and global reach, MBRF joins the ranks of the world’s top food companies.union created one of the largest food companies in Latin America, with a strong presence not only in fresh meat but also in processed and branded products.
Marfrig: From Brazilian Roots to Global Beef Leadership
Founded in 2000, Marfrig Global Foods S.A. quickly became one of Brazil’s leading meat producers. Headquartered in São Paulo, the company expanded its operations across four continents, employing around 40,000 people and serving clients in over 100 countries (ri.marfrig.com.br).
Marfrig’s core strength lies in beef processing, and the company has consistently invested in advanced technologies, sustainable practices, and strategic acquisitions. By 2024, Marfrig reported a net revenue of USD 24.5 billion, reinforcing its position as a global player in the protein industry.
BRF: Tradition, Innovation, and Global Food Expertise
BRF S.A., formed in 2012 through the merger of Sadia and Perdigão, is a worldwide leader in poultry, pork, and processed foods. Headquartered in Itajaí, Santa Catarina, BRF operates in over 150 countries and employs more than 100,000 people (en.wikipedia.org).
BRF has a strong focus on food innovation, operational efficiency, and sustainability, producing high-quality ready meals, frozen products, and processed foods. In 2023, the company reached a net revenue of USD 10.8 billion, reflecting both domestic strength and global reach.
Brand Portfolios and Market Positioning
Marfrig operates a diversified portfolio of beef brands in Brazil, catering to different consumer segments. Key brands include Montana, targeting premium cuts with strong retail presence; Bassi, focused on the food service channel and known for superior quality; and Pampeano, offering high-standard products for discerning consumers. In the United States, Marfrig strengthens its presence through National Beef, one of the country’s largest beef processors, focusing on premium cuts and high-value products for both domestic and export markets.
BRF, on the other hand, maintains a robust brand portfolio in Brazil, including Sadia, Perdigão, Qualy, Paty, Dánica, and Bocatti, covering a wide range of products from processed meats and frozen foods to ready-to-eat items, serving multiple consumer profiles and distribution channels. In the U.S., BRF operates with the Sadia brand, offering frozen and ready-to-eat products designed for convenience and quality to meet growing consumer demand.
The Road to MBRF: From Early Attempts to a Successful Merger
The idea of merging Marfrig and BRF had been considered in the past, but initial attempts did not materialize due to regulatory and shareholder challenges. In 2025, the conditions aligned: both companies revisited the plan with refined synergies, strategic vision, and stronger governance frameworks.
In August 2025, shareholders approved the merger, with 86.7% of Marfrig’s votes and 78.4% of BRF’s votes in favor. The deal then received approval from Brazil’s Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE), following a careful review of competition concerns and market impacts.
The merger created MBRF Global Foods Company S.A., combining Marfrig’s expertise in beef with BRF’s poultry and pork operations. The new entity projects annual synergies of R$ 805 million, with R$ 500 million expected in the first year, creating a stronger, more diversified global protein company.
MBRF Today: Innovation, Sustainability, and Global Reach
MBRF is poised to become a global powerhouse, present in over 117 countries, offering a multi-protein portfolio that includes beef, pork, poultry, processed foods, ready meals, and pet food. Its mission is to balance growth with responsibility, integrating sustainable practices, modern technologies, and supply chain efficiency.
Key strategic priorities include:
- Sustainability: implementing environmentally responsible practices, monitoring deforestation, and reducing carbon emissions.
- Innovation: expanding high-value products, ready meals, and premium proteins to meet global consumer trends.
- Global Expansion: leveraging synergies to penetrate high-growth international markets.
- Operational Efficiency: optimizing integrated production, logistics, and cost structures.
The formation of MBRF marks a historic moment in Brazilian agribusiness, strengthening the country’s role in global food security while creating a platform ready to meet the evolving demands of international markets.
