Empire Packing is a service company operating that provides its clients with case ready meat solutions and custom food processing and packaging services. Empire also produces Ledbetter Foods branded products found in US grocery stores.
Subject to regulatory review and government approvals, the acquisition includes operations of five production facilities located in Cincinnati (Ohio), Denver (Colorado), Mason (Ohio), Memphis (Tennessee) and Olympia (Washington), along with Ledbetter branded retail products.
JBS USA CEO Andre Nogueira said: “Today's announcement highlights our ongoing commitment to diversifying our product offerings. Empire is a longstanding, respected family-owned company with strong leadership and quality assets in strategic locations across the US that fit well in our business model.”
Earlier this year, JBS and Chinese business WH Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the supply and distribution of fresh beef, poultry and pork to the Chinese market. Jointly JBS and WH Group will offer a portfolio of Friboi and Seara branded products in a deal that could reach R$3bn in business per year.