JBS, one of the world's largest food companies, has announced a significant investment of R$ 216 million in four Seara units located in Santa Catarina. This announcement was made on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, by the president of Seara, João Campos, during an event with Governor Jorginho Mello, where they discussed the state’s industrial incentive policies.
The investment is expected to create 278 direct jobs in the state, reinforcing JBS's commitment to expanding its operations in this key region. The funds will be allocated for the modernization and expansion of production facilities in Itapiranga, Bom Retiro, Itaiópolis, and Nova Veneza.
The largest share of the investment, R$ 98 million, will go to the pig processing unit in Itapiranga, where the processing capacity will be increased by 600 pigs per day. In Bom Retiro, R$ 89 million will be invested in constructing a new farm dedicated to poultry matrix production. Meanwhile, the Itaiópolis unit will receive R$ 15 million for modernization efforts aimed at improving the production mix of its poultry plant. Lastly, the Nova Veneza unit will benefit from R$ 14 million, which will be used to enhance processing speed, increasing its capacity by an additional 38,000 birds per day.
Campos expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “It is a great pleasure to be here, to be part of the development, job creation, and an extremely important work. The state of Santa Catarina is already a significant area for Seara's operations, and this project helps us continue investing even more in the state.”
In addition to the investments in Seara units, JBS has also been focusing on sustainability efforts within its operations. The company has reported generating approximately 2,000 MWh of electricity from methane captured in its industrial processes, thanks to an investment of R$ 17 million. This amount of energy could supply around 18,000 households for a month.
The methane is converted into biogas, which powers generators at various Friboi units, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing operational costs. Since 2023, the production of about 50 million cubic meters of biogas has prevented the emission of 263,700 tons of CO2 equivalent, showcasing JBS's commitment to environmental sustainability.
Biogas-powered generators in Ituiutaba (MG) and Andradina (SP) have already produced 1.17 million kWh and 874,000 kWh of energy, respectively, resulting in savings of around R$ 1 million. Furthermore, the plants in Barra do Garças (MT) and Mozarlândia (GO) are expected to commence similar operations in the coming months, with the potential to generate an additional 1.1 million kWh.
Looking ahead, JBS is set to release its financial results for the first quarter of 2025 on May 13, after market closure. According to projections from BTG Pactual, the company is expected to report revenues of R$ 112 billion, reflecting a 26% increase compared to the same period in 2024, though a 4% decrease from the previous quarter. The projected EBITDA stands at R$ 9.2 billion, marking a significant annual growth of 59%, with an expected margin of 8.2%.
However, challenges lie ahead for JBS, particularly in its beef operations in the United States, which are projected to face a negative margin of -0.7% and an EBITDA loss of R$ 240 million due to adverse weather conditions and a reduced cattle supply. In contrast, the Australian operations are anticipated to see margin expansion to 9.7%, with an EBITDA of R$ 837 million.
Meanwhile, Pilgrim’s Pride in the U.S. is expected to report margins of 15.5% and an EBITDA of R$ 4.1 billion, supported by rising prices for chicken breast. The pork operations in the U.S. are also projected to show a margin of 11.3% and an EBITDA of R$ 1.3 billion. In Brazil, Seara is expected to achieve a 19% increase in revenue and an EBITDA of R$ 2.2 billion, despite a slight margin compression. The Brazilian beef division is projected to grow by 38% in revenue, reaching an EBITDA of R$ 1 billion.
In summary, JBS's substantial investment in Santa Catarina not only aims to enhance its operational capabilities and job creation but also underscores its commitment to sustainability and efficient energy use across its facilities. As the company navigates challenges in various markets, its strategic investments and focus on modernization may position it for continued growth in the competitive food industry.
