May 27, 2020

Brazil's meatpackers get green light for beef export to Thailand

JBS SA, Marfrig Global Foods, Minerva Foods and two other Brazilian meatpackers have won approval to allow entry of beef into Thailand, Reuters reported.

On Monday, Thailand's decision to allow beef imports from Brazil was announced by Brazil's ministry of agriculture without identifying which companies or when imports will start.

Minerva said its unit in Palmeiras de Goiás, its largest in Brazil with a daily slaughtering capacity of 2,000 head, received approval.

"With a population of approximately 70 million, Thailand ranks among the main markets in Southeast Asia, and its opening up to Brazilian beef which is yet another opportunity for the growth of our exports," Minerva said.

Marfrig's Ji-Paraná plant also received the export authorisation, the company said.

JBS, the world's largest meat producer, will also be able to sell beef to Thailand from its Campo Grande facility, according to a source who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The two other unlisted food companies, Frialto and Masterboi, also won the export approvals, according to a document seen by Reuters.