Brazilian meat giant JBS’s Australian subsidiary Rivalea has invested A$20m ($13.7m) in upgrading its facility, demonstrating its commitment to growth and improvement in the food and beverage industry. The investment focuses on enhancing its Corowa pork processing site in New South Wales, aiming to improve operations and strengthen the supply of fresh and value-added pork products to Australian consumers as well as key export partners.
Acquired by JBS in January last year, Rivalea acknowledges the importance of continuously improving its facilities to remain competitive. As part of the upgrade, Rivalea plans to enhance pig rearing sheds and implement advanced biosecurity systems, minimizing disease risks and ensuring product safety.
In addition to the Corowa site, Rivalea operates pork facilities at Diamond Valley Pork in Melbourne and Seven Point Pork at Port Wakefield in South Australia, contributing to the regional growth and employment opportunities in the food and beverage industry.
Edison Alvares, JBS Australia’s Chief Operating Officer for the pork division, states, “Through this A$20m investment programme, we will significantly enhance our operational productivity, thereby securing jobs for the Corowa community. We are committed to the sustainable growth of our operations and the development of our employees.”
With over 600 employees, Rivalea’s Corowa site comprises five farms, a processing facility, feed milling, and research and administration departments. The site prioritizes sustainability by utilizing biogas technology, harnessing methane to generate 85% of the farming and processing operations’ peak power needs. Additionally, the site repurposes the biogas nutrients to sustain crop growth, further contributing to its eco-friendly practices.
JBS Australia, a leading player in the food and beverage industry, employs 15,000 individuals across Australia and New Zealand. The company operates in beef, lamb, pork, and salmon processing, offering a range of value-added branded products.
In May, JBS faced challenges worldwide, as stated by its Brazilian parent company. The first quarter results showed a loss of 1.5bn reais ($304.7m), compared to the net income of 4.6bn reais in the same period of the previous year. Despite these adversities, JBS remains committed to delivering high-quality products to its customers and maintaining its position in the global food and beverage market.
