May 10, 2011

 

 

Mexican meat processor SuKarne inaugurated on May 7 a large-scale, intensive cattle fattening enterprise in Nicaragua, its first investment in livestock outside Mexico. 

 

In the initial phase of Unidad Industrial de Ganaderia Integral Nicaragua, SA (GINSA), SuKarne's investment includes 10 feed storage centres strategically located for direct feeding of livestock, and as part of its infrastructure, it will be equipped with fattening corrals for a permanent inventory of 50,000 head of cattle. 

 

Grupo Viz/SuKarne's investment in GINSA of US$100 million includes a slaughterhouse and boning plant that will operate under the same strict quality standards as all its plants in Mexico do, guaranteeing food safety and product harmlessness. 

 

Chairman of Grupo Viz/SuKarne Jesus Vizcarra Calderon explained that "this project has been financed from its initial phases by the world's largest livestock bank, Rabobank of Holland, in collaboration with the Corporacion Latinoamericana de Desarrollo de Agronegocios (LAAD), and for its future growth it has already secured additional pre-authorised lines of credit from the Inter-American Development Bank and the Mexican bank, Inbursa."

 

Calderon, who emphasised the contribution of Mexican investment in the development and growth of Nicaragua's livestock sector, noted that "today we visualise for the next 10 years a vigorous resurgence of Nicaraguan livestock activity," and expressed the commitment that "we will make every effort to help get it started," together with the Nicaraguans. 

 

He underscored the importance of genetic improvement of the national herd, getting better revenues for cattle growers, strengthening the productive chain, fostering production of grains and fodder, and contributing to job creation.  

 

Local news reports state that in Nicaraguan government circles it has been divulged that this enterprise constitutes the largest investment ever made in the country's livestock sector; that it has thus become one of the country's largest employers creating 1,000 direct jobs in Nicaragua, and it is also estimated that 20,000 local cattle farmers will benefit by having a local purchaser, while participating in an extensive programme of grain and fodder production.  

 

Calderon also affirmed that SuKarne will have nearly US$2 billion in billing this year; that "we are one of the main producers of animal protein in Mexico, and we export to more than 10 countries, consolidating our position as leaders of the beef production chain, and with a growing share of the pork and chicken markets." 

 

SuKarne, founded more than 40 years ago, is now one of the largest companies in Mexico, and one of the most outstanding in the production and sale of animal protein at the global level.  At present, the companies of Jesus Vizcarra Calderon (Grupo Viz/SuKarne and Agrovizion), generate more than 6,000 direct jobs, reaching some 40,000 customers, and have operations with companies in 18 countries, while their productive chain includes more than 80,000 agricultural and livestock suppliers. 

 

In addition to being the biggest producer, importer and seller in Mexico, at the same time SuKarne accounts for 76% of all meat exports coming from Mexico, and is the main provider of self-service stores.