Marfrig Global Foods takes minority stake in Brazilian meat peer BRF

Brazilian meat giant Marfrig Global Foods is to acquire a minority stake in local peer BRF.

Publicity-listed Marfrig announced on Friday (May 21) it had acquired a 24,23% interest in BRF through the purchase of more than 196 million shares, explaining its aims through the transaction are to diversify “investments in a segment that has complementaries with its sector of activity”.

Marfrig, headquartered in Sao Paolo, said it has no plan to elect members to the BRF board nor to “exert influence over the activities” of its Brazilian peer.

BRF, which mainly processes chicken and pork , acknowledged the deal via its own statement at the weekend, adding that Marfrig also has no plan to “promote changes in the control or in the administrative structure “ of the company.

Marfrig and BRF had entered discussions in 2019 over a possible collaboration. However, that never materialized.

At the time, Marfrig said a merger would result in “the creation of a world leader in the protein market with wide geographical and product diversification” and it would reduce risk and “exploit operational and financial synergies due to the balance and complementarità of products, services and geographical diversification”.

Last year, Marfrig and another Brazil-based meat group, Minerva Foods, both denied they had opened merger talks.

Meanwhile, sources for news agency Reuters said the minority deal between Marfrig and BRF amounts to US$800m.

In 2020, Marfrig generated net revenues of BRL 67.84bn (US$12.58bn). BRF posted sales of BRL 39.5bn

World Pork Expo’s Seminars Educate on Latest Pork Insights

DES MOINES, Iowa, May 6, 2021 — Professionals in the pork industry will be the first to have access to the latest production and management strategies at this year’s World Pork Expo. This year’s line-up of PORK Academy and Business Seminars gives producers the opportunity to learn more about topics such as sustainability, data, industry collaborations, nutrition and more.

Visitors can find these seminars, networking opportunities, the world’s largest pork trade show and more at the 2021 World Pork Expo, presented by the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), taking place June 9-11 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa.

“These seminars provide a fantastic opportunity for all pork professionals to stay up-to-date on the latest information and insights available,” said NPPC President Jen Sorenson, communications director for Iowa Select Farms in West Des Moines, Iowa. “The Expo is truly a can’t miss event for those who are interested in how they can improve their own operations with the newest technology.”

More than 10 Business Seminars to Choose From

This year’s line-up includes a variety of sessions including multi-part panel discussions and Q&A opportunities. All Business Seminars take place in the Varied Industries Building. Here’s the schedule of events:

Wednesday, June 9:

8:00 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. — The evolution and revolution of the swine tech ecosystem. Driving business and production results with a software platform via connections, collaboration, and analytic insights, sponsored by MetaFarms.
9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. — Learn firsthand how MetaFarms and Industry Affiliates are helping producers get the upper edge through the MetaFarms Production Gateway highlighting our AgView integration with the National Pork Board.
10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. — How to use analytics to control costs, uncover opportunities, and create a successful data culture within your organization — sponsored by MetaFarms.
11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. — Understand how the technology of today and tomorrow has practical uses in production systems. MetaFarms asks some of our forward-thinking customers to share how they are leveraging technology to identify issues using analytics, formulate plans to fix these issues and lastly, determine if their solution was successful.

Cost Effective Strategies for Sustainability in Pork Production: A four-part panel discussion for producers, sponsored by the National Pork Board and IFF Danisco Animal Nutrition.

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. — Understanding Sustainability. What are the Benchmarks for Producers Outlined by the National Pork Board and the USDA? Land use, water consumption, energy consumption, carbon emissions and more; what’s been accomplished and what lies ahead?
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. — Tools for Producers: What You Feed Your Pigs Can Impact Manure Management. Listen as our panelists discuss manure management practices that influence quality, application, environmental footprint and more.
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. — Nutrition and Sustainability: Driving feed strategies to meet environmental stewardship and cost efficiency goals; options to put you in the driver’s seat.
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. — Sustainability: Effectively Communicating Your Story. Science and soundbites for producers.

Big Ideas In Pork: Whether it’s big ideas or innovative thinking you’re looking for at this year’s World Pork Expo, Cargill-Provimi is pleased to bring you topics and experts to tackle the big challenges and the solutions needed to help pork producers, and our communities, thrive.

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. — Rethinking Methane: Animal Agriculture’s Path to Climate Neutrality
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. — Disruption: Technology and the Pork Systems of the Future

Thursday, June 10: Learn the latest about sow health, performance and care presented and sponsored by Zoetis.

10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. — Becoming Vaccinologists: Critical Vaccination Training for Caregivers
1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. — Successful Sow Health Through Individual Sow Care
3:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. — Improve Treatment Outcomes With Individual Pig Care Training

And don’t forget this year’s can’t miss PORK Academy events. Included with admission, attendees can participate in 6 free sessions. Presented by the National Pork Board and Pork Checkoff, the PORK Academy seminars give producers a deeper understanding of their checkoff investments.

There’s still time to register to join thousands of pork industry professionals at this summer’s hottest event. Learn more about the 2021 World Pork Expo by visiting our website. All the details including registration, daily event schedules, hotel availability and more are available online.

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[Save the Date] Healthy Aging Sponsored Intensive

Each month, the SupplySide Sponsored Intensives focus on a specific industry topic, highlighting ingredient suppliers or service providers from the SupplySide community, what makes them unique, the stories behind what they do, and why they’re relevant to your product development goals.

Join us next month to participate in live Q&A's and networking for the May session on Healthy Aging!

Wednesday, May 12, 2021 | 11:30am-1:45pm ET

Overview:
Today’s consumers are not merely interested in addressing the conditions associated with the aging process, they are interested in aging well, maintaining mobility, mental health, eye health. And overall wellbeing.

During this intensive on healthy aging, we’ll provide a forum for discussing strategies for conditions related to the normal aging process and how to support structure, and function, for optimal health and vitality. Learn more about this session here.

[Important!] This Sponsored Intensive webinar will be held within the SupplySide Network 365 platform. Registration for SupplySide Network 365 is simple and free and can be completed through the SupplySide Network 365 registration website.*

Danone CEO search "home in on shortlist"

Danone is reported to be focusing on a shortlist of at least four candidates to succeed Emmanuel Faber as its chief executive.

Reuters, siting an unnamed sourse, said the french giant is considering four to five alternatives for the top job at the Activia maker.

French newspaper Le Monde has claimed Danone is mulling four options: Unilever`s Hanneke Faber, McCain CEO Max Coeune, former L`Oreal executive Nathalie Roos and Antoine de Saint-Affrique, who is set to leave B2B chocolate maker Barry Callebaut.

Approached by just-food, Danone declined to comment.

Last month, Emmanuel Faber stood down as Danone chairman and CEO after criticism among some investors of the company`s performance during his tenure.

Kemin Food Technologies – Asia Expands Distribution Partnership with DKSH to Philippines and Indonesia Global ingredient manufacturer strengthens distributor network in Asia to drive market growth

SINGAPORE (April 23, 2021) – Kemin Industries, a global ingredient manufacturer that strives to sustainably transform the quality of life every day for 80 percent of the world with its products and services, has grown its distribution agreement with Diethelm Keller Siber Hegner (DKSH) to include distribution for Kemin Food Technologies – Asia in the Philippines and Indonesia.

Kemin Food Technologies – Asia first partnered with DKSH as its distributor in Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia and Singapore in July 2020, and the result of this strategic relationship has proven successful. Recent world events have brought the critical nature of supply chain to the forefront for customers, and as a company focused on service, Kemin’s expanded partnership with DKSH further strengthens its distribution network in Asia, increasing accessibility and reliability in the Philippines and Indonesia’s meat and seafood markets.

“Kemin’s initial partnership with DKSH in Vietnam proved fruitful, as the DKSH team executed the transition seamlessly and has grown the Vietnam market for Kemin Food Technologies. Through this partnership, we have witnessed the professionalism and dedication of DKSH to growing Kemin’s footprint within the market,” said Michelle Lim, President, Kemin Food Technologies – Asia.

The Philippines is home to DKSH, and its facility there is equipped with a state-of-the-art food innovation center supported by a team of food scientists and subject matter experts. Kemin customers in the country will benefit from the availability of these facilities and the DKSH team’s expertise, as it will increase the speed to market of products and gain a competitive edge within foods and beverages – an imperative in the ever-changing industry.

“Our customers and those they serve are at the heart of what we do in Kemin Food Technologies. In recent years, we have seen an increase in demand for natural ingredients as consumers aspire to embrace healthier lifestyles,” said Lim. “Kemin’s range of natural food ingredient solutions, such as natural antioxidants and natural antimicrobials, are able to help local food manufacturers maintain the quality of their food products while meeting consumer needs. This expanded collaboration with DKSH reaffirms Kemin’s commitment to local food industries.”

Adding DKSH to its distribution network demonstrates Kemin Food Technologies – Asia’s commitment to the regional food industry, bringing Kemin’s global expertise to local markets and offering technical support to customers.

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About Kemin Industries

Kemin Industries (www.kemin.com) is a global ingredient manufacturer that strives to sustainably transform the quality of life every day for 80 percent of the world with its products and services. The company supplies over 500 specialty ingredients for human and animal health and nutrition, pet food, aquaculture, nutraceutical, food technologies, crop technologies, textile, biofuels and animal vaccine industries.

For over half a century, Kemin has been dedicated to using applied science to address industry challenges and offer product solutions to customers in more than 120 countries. Kemin provides ingredients to feed a growing population with its commitment to the quality, safety and efficacy of food, feed and health-related products.

Established in 1961, Kemin is a privately held, family-owned-and-operated company with more than 2,800 global employees and operations in 90 countries, including manufacturing facilities in Belgium, Brazil, China, India, Italy, Russia, San Marino, Singapore, South Africa and the United States.