As one of the largest meat processing companies in the world JBS beef products have become ubiquitous across grocery stores restaurants, and other retailers in the United States. But many consumers may not realize just how widespread this Brazilian company’s reach has become. This article will provide an overview of JBS, where their beef is sold, the brand names they operate under, and their production statistics.
Overview of JBS
JBS S.A. is a multinational food processing company headquartered in Sao Paulo Brazil. Founded in 1953 they have grown into the largest meat processing firm globally, with facilities in 15 countries. Their operations include
- Processing of beef, pork, lamb, and chicken
- Cattle feeding at company feedlots
- Prepared foods manufacturing
- Leather processing from beef byproducts
- Biodiesel production
In the United States, JBS entered the market in 2007 and has expanded significantly through acquisitions of major brands like Swift, Pilgrim’s Pride, and Five Rivers Cattle Feeding. They now have over 45 brands and supply protein to 275,000 different customers in the restaurant, retail, wholesale, and food manufacturing industries
Where JBS Beef is Sold in the US
With dozens of processing facilities and distribution centers across the country, JBS beef makes its way to consumers through the following channels:
Grocery Stores
JBS sells their branded beef at major supermarket chains such as Kroger, Albertsons, Safeway, Publix, WinCo, Hy-Vee, and Meijer. Their products are also found at warehouse club stores like Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s Wholesale Club.
Wholesale and Foodservice
JBS supplies beef and other proteins to food distributors, manufacturers, and restaurant chains including McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, Subway, and Taco Bell.
Online Retailers
Online grocery delivery services that sell JBS beef products include Amazon Fresh, Walmart Grocery, Instacart, and Fresh Direct.
Specialty Retailers
JBS beef is also found at natural food stores like Whole Foods Market and Sprouts Farmers Market, as well as local butcher shops and ethnic grocers.
Popular JBS Beef Brands and Product Lines
JBS markets their beef under the following major brand names and product lines across retail locations:
- Swift Black Angus – Black Angus steaks, roasts, ground beef, and sausages
- Swift Premium – Chuck roasts, top sirloin steaks, ground beef, and hot dogs
- Certified Angus Beef – Angus steaks, roasts, and burgers
- 1855 – Wagyu-influenced premium steaks and roasts
- Blue Ribbon Beef – Brisket, short ribs, oxtails, stew meat, ground beef
Their other proteins are sold under brands like Pilgrim’s chicken, Swift pork, and Just Bare chicken. Prepared foods come under brands like Pier 33, Pilgrim’s, and Pillar’s Entrees.
JBS Beef Production Statistics
As one of the biggest beef suppliers globally, JBS has impressive production capabilities:
- 10 beef processing facilities in the United States
- Capacity to process 6,400 head of cattle per day in the US
- More than 2 million cattle fed per year at JBS feedlots
- 500,000 cow-calf breeder cows at JBS ranches
- Leather from beef byproducts used in car interiors and furniture
The company has come under scrutiny at times for issues like deforestation associated with cattle suppliers, recalls over contamination, and other controversies. However, JBS maintains that enacting proper controls remains a priority across its production chain.
The Scale and Reach of JBS Beef
While the company draws criticism for practices like intensive feedlot production, they also provide stable employment in rural towns and affordable beef to millions of American tables. So the next time you browse the meat department, check for the JBS family of brands to better understand the scale and source of what you eat.
Major stores from Walmart to Costco carry JBS brands
When the world’s largest meat processing company was disrupted by a cyberattack this week, it stoked fears of potential meat shortages.
Brazil’s JBS SA said late Tuesday that it had made “significant progress” in dealing with the hack and expected the “vast majority” of its plants to be operating on Wednesday.
JBS serves around 275,000 customers worldwide, ranging from supermarket chains to small retailers, wholesale clubs and foodservice companies, and it is also the second-largest producer of beef, pork and chicken in the U.S.
A shutdown for just one day would cause the U.S. to lose almost a quarter of its beef-processing capacity, or the equivalent of 20,000 beef cows, according to Trey Malone, an assistant professor of agriculture at Michigan State University.
The company has 45 brands in the United States. Some namesakes include Swift, Pilgrims, Blue Ribbon Beef and Certified Angus Beef – all of which are found in various retailers, supermarkets and restaurants.
For instance, its Swift brand can be found at wholesale retailers including Costco and BJs as well as grocers such as Food Lion, Weis Markets, WinCo and Stop & Shop, according to its retail locator.
Meanwhile, grocers such as Shoprite and Fairway Markets sell JBS Certified Angus Beef brand, according to the companys store locator. The beef is also used at chain restaurants such as The Cheesecake Factory and Johnny Rockets.
Walmart confirmed to FOX Business that it only regularly carries a small amount coming from JBS and wasnt affected by the recent events.
In its Annual and Sustainability 2017 Report, the company noted that its global customers included McDonald’s, Burger King, Subway, Outback, KFC, Pizza Hut and Wendy’s.
JBS, which is a majority shareholder of Pilgrim’s Pride, didn’t say which of its 84 U.S. facilities were closed Monday and Tuesday because of the attack. However, it said JBS USA and Pilgrim’s were still able to ship meat from nearly all of its facilities Tuesday.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
JBS Meat Producer Poised to Reopen Most Beef Plants Hobbled by Cyberattack
FAQ
What states have JBS?
- Cactus, TX.
- Greeley, CO.
- Green Bay, WI.
- Mt. Pleasant, TX.
- Oakwood, GA.
- Ottumwa, IA.
- Pittsburg, TX.
Who buys JBS meat?
JBS serves around 275,000 customers worldwide, ranging from supermarket chains to small retailers, wholesale clubs and foodservice companies, and it is also the second-largest producer of beef, pork and chicken in the U.S.
Does JBS supply Walmart?
Food giants Walmart, Costco and Kroger – which together totalled net sales worth more than half a trillion dollars last year – are selling Brazilian beef products imported from JBS, the world’s largest meat company, which has been linked to deforestation.
Where does JBS beef come from?
JBS produces and sells beef through two Business Units: Friboi, in Brazil, and JBS USA Beef, present in the United States, Canada and Australia. In Brazil, most of the livestock breeding is done extensively.
Where is JBS beef sold?
As one of the largest meat processing companies in the world, JBS beef products are sold at many major retailers and restaurants across the United States. But you may not realize just how ubiquitous this Brazilian company has become. Keep reading to learn all about JBS, where their beef is sold, and what popular brands they own.
Is JBS a good meat supplier?
JBS entered the US market in 2007 and has steadily grown into one of the top meat suppliers in the country through acquisitions of major brands like Pilgrim’s, Swift, and Five Rivers Cattle Feeding. JBS processes and packages their proteins under many well-known brand names: Beef Pork Prepared Foods
Who is JBS Foods USA?
JBS Foods USA We are a leading producer of beef with nine facilities in the U.S. We offer beef products to more than 44 countries on six continents and employ more than 26,000 people. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
Is JBS still shipping meat?
Despite the report,*,* JBS USA and Pilgrim’s were still able to ship meat from nearly all of its facilities Tuesday.*,* JBS serves around 275,000 customers worldwide, ranging from supermarket chains to small retailers, wholesale clubs and food service companies.
Does JBS have beef?
So when you’re browsing the meat department or steak offerings at your grocery store or favorite restaurant, check the packaging – there’s a good chance it could contain JBS beef! In addition to their meat processing plants, JBS also owns feedlots, cow-calf operations, and leather processing facilities.
Where can I buy JBS Angus beef?
JBS Angus beef can be found at various retailers. For instance, its Swift brand is sold at wholesale retailers including Costco and BJ’s, as well as grocers such as Food Lion, Weis Markets, WinCo, and Stop & Shop, according to its retail locator. Meanwhile, grocers such as Shoprite and Fairway Markets sell JBS’ Certified Angus Beef brand, according to the company’s store locator.