By annual sales figures, Brazil-based JBS is one of the largest food companies in the world. The multinational is the world’s largest processor of beef, chicken and lamb and is No. 3 in pork. “Despite numbering among the world’s food giants, JBS has stayed largely out of the spotlight while staying on your dinner table,” says Harvest Public Media. “But even JBS, which so often eschews media scrutiny, is now joining the chorus of large food makers caving to consumer demand for more information about how food goes from field to plate.”
The change is driven in part by growth. JBS has acquired companies that produce packaged foods and products sold directly to consumers, who often want details about their food, says Harvest Public Media. JBS entered the U.S. market with the purchase of Swift and Co. in 2007. Since then, it has purchased Pilgrims Pride, a poultry processor. Last year, it tried to buy Hillshire Brands but was unsuccessful. “JBS USA is currently exploring the possibility of going public, according to the company’s spokesman, which would add an infusion of cash, and layer on more scrutiny,” says Harvest Public Media.