How South America’s Largest Beef Exporter Builds Its Legacy Through Premium Brands, Sustainability, and Global Reach
From Family Beginnings to International Scale
The story of Minerva Foods begins in 1957, when the Vilela de Queiroz family started cattle ranching and providing logistics services, transporting animals from farms to slaughterhouses. These first steps in the cattle supply chain gave the family valuable expertise in livestock and distribution, laying the foundation for what would later become a global leader in protein.
Image: Minerva.
In 1992, the family formalized its business operations by acquiring a slaughterhouse in Barretos, São Paulo. This marked the official birth of Minerva Foods, transforming the company from a logistics and ranching activity into a structured beef processor. From that point onward, Minerva embarked on a growth journey that would position it among the most important meat companies in South America.
The company’s expansion accelerated in the 2000s and 2010s through a series of strategic acquisitions. In 2011, Minerva entered Uruguay by acquiring Frigorífico Pul, one of the country’s most traditional beef processors. The following year, it consolidated its position in Paraguay with the purchase of Frigomerc, a key player in the local market. These moves broadened Minerva’s operational footprint and established it as a regional powerhouse in South America.
The growth strategy continued, and in 2024 Minerva acquired 13 slaughter and deboning plants from Marfrig across Brazil, Argentina, and Chile. This single transaction significantly expanded the company’s slaughtering capacity and reinforced its leadership as the largest beef exporter in South America. Today, Minerva operates 26 industrial units with a daily capacity of over 26,000 head of cattle, supplying beef and lamb to more than 100 countries.
Brand Portfolio and Market Positioning
Minerva Foods has consolidated its portfolio into three core brands, each targeting different consumer profiles and occasions. Together, they form a robust strategy that ranges from everyday meals to the most premium dining experiences.
Cabaña Las Lilas
Positioned as Minerva’s most premium brand, Cabaña Las Lilas offers exclusive lines such as Black, Angus, Grain Fed, and Grass Fed. Known for excellence in tenderness, marbling, and flavor, it is designed for gourmet markets, upscale restaurants, and discerning consumers who seek the very best of South American beef.
Estância 92
Estância 92 is deeply connected to Brazil’s barbecue culture. It offers Regular and Angus lines, focusing on cuts that deliver juiciness and flavor for grilling occasions. With a strong identity tied to celebration and tradition, it is positioned as the brand of choice for churrasco lovers and family gatherings, combining quality with authenticity.
PUL
PUL is Minerva’s global mainstream brand, offering Regular, Selection, and Pro lines.
- PUL Regular targets everyday consumption, with reliable quality and value-for-money cuts.
- PUL Selection focuses on premium-quality beef for consumers who want elevated meals at home.
- PUL Pro is tailored for chefs and foodservice operators, providing consistent, standardized cuts that optimize performance in professional kitchens.
Lamb, Organic and Zero Carbon Lines
Beyond beef, Minerva also offers lamb sourced from Australia and Chile, positioned for gourmet markets and high-end foodservice. The company has also launched organic-certified beef lines and the Zero Carbon Impact program, aligning with global ESG commitments and consumer demand for sustainable protein solutions.
Strategic Growth and Global Presence
Minerva Foods’ strength lies not only in its brands but also in its geographic diversification. By operating across five South American countries, the company mitigates risks from regional fluctuations while maximizing export opportunities. Its supply network reaches Asia, the Middle East, North America, and Europe, positioning the company as a resilient and reliable partner in the global meat supply chain.
Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation
Sustainability is at the core of Minerva’s strategy. The company has advanced initiatives in carbon reduction, deforestation monitoring, animal welfare, and traceability, while also developing climate-resilient protein solutions. Its MyCarbon platform aims to offset emissions and create verifiable carbon credits, reinforcing its ambition to lead in sustainable meat production.
Recent Results and Outlook
In its latest Q2 2025 earnings report, Minerva highlighted strong performance in export markets, particularly in Asia and the Middle East, while also achieving margin improvements despite global market volatility. The company reinforced its leadership as South America’s largest beef exporter, supported by the expanded capacity from the Marfrig plants acquisition. Additionally, Minerva emphasized progress in its Zero Carbon and organic lines, showing resilience and growth even in a challenging economic environment. These results underline Minerva’s capacity to balance financial strength with its long-term commitment to sustainability and innovation.
