Tyson to buy BRF’s Thai and European operations
The purchase, subject to regulatory approval, includes four processing facilities in Thailand, one processing facility in the Netherlands and one processing facility in the UK.
The poultry operations in Thailand include a feed mill, hatchery, breeder farms and contract growing operations, supplying live birds for the four poultry processing facilities. These four plants produce a wide range of fresh and frozen, value-added raw and fully cooked poultry products, including highly specialised cuts for retail and foodservice customers throughout Asia and other export markets, including Europe.
The processing locations in the Netherlands and the UK are supported by in-house innovation capabilities for developing processed chicken products for retail and foodservice customers throughout Europe.
The deal is part of Tyson’s international expansion – a priority for the business.
“As noted when we acquired Keystone Foods on 30 November, we believe some of our biggest growth opportunities are in value-added foods and international markets,” said Noel White, president and CEO of Tyson Foods. “In addition to domestic benefits, the Keystone acquisition provided us with a scalable production platform in the Asian poultry market. The acquisition of these BRF facilities will help complement and strengthen our presence in Thailand, and provide new capabilities in Europe, enhancing our ability to serve growing global demand for value-added protein.”
Donnie King, group president of international for Tyson Foods, added: “It’s estimated that approximately 90% of global protein consumption growth will occur outside the US, with 60% of the volume growth coming from Asia over the next five years. Increasing our international footprint with in-country operations and export capabilities will help Tyson Foods strategically access new markets and better serve the growing global demand for our value-added protein.”
