February 11, 2019

Japan allows beef imports from Marfrig, Minerva's Uruguayan plants

Japan has allowed the import of fresh beef from all seven Uruguay-based plants of Marfrig Global Foods SA and Minerva SA, the Brazilian food processors said.

The approval is the result of an agreement signed between Uruguay and Japan in December last year, putting to end the nearly two decades of hiatus in fresh beef trade between both countries. In a statement, Miguel Gularte, chief executive of Marfirg's South American operation, described the latest development as "a great opportunity for the company."

Now that its Uruguayan plants are able to access Japan - currently the third biggest beef importer in the world according to the USDA - Marfrig could leverage the knowledge and experience of its commercial teams in Chicago, US, and Tokyo to push the business.

The company is the top beef supplier in Uruguay, with capacity to slaughter 700,000 head of cattle per year, Marfrig said. Minerva revealed that its three plants in Uruguay have the capacity to process 3,200 head per day.

- Reuters