JBS’s Australian division is set to establish a new B2B ingredients processing facility in Melbourne, marking a significant investment in the food and beverage industry. This initiative reflects JBS’s commitment to driving advancements in the food and drink business.
The Brazil-based meat titan revealed to Just Food that this upcoming “Protein Recovery Facility” aims to produce tallow, oil, and high-protein meal utilizing porcine by-products through a state-of-the-art continuous dry rendering process. Such innovations are vital in responding to food and drink consumer trends that prioritize sustainability and efficient resource use.
According to JBS, the facility will have a processing capacity of 15 tons per hour, which equates to approximately 200 tons per day. The construction timeline is presently under review, with confirmations pending the completion of necessary regulatory approvals. The company will also announce production start dates once these approvals are secured and construction planning is finalized.
Strategically, the facility is designed to complement JBS’s existing pork operations located at Laverton. It will employ about five full-time staff, with additional services supported by the current pork plant.
This investment is twofold: it seeks to enhance supply chain efficiency while simultaneously serving as an environmental upgrade for the region. The facility aims to adhere to contemporary standards regarding odor and wastewater management. JBS emphasizes that the facility will be engineered to meet rigorous odor, wastewater, and environmental performance criteria.
Moreover, JBS plans to minimize raw material transportation by road, reducing air exposure. The site will incorporate enclosed transfer systems, including a sealed pipeline connecting to the adjacent abattoir, thereby decreasing truck movements and limiting raw material exposure.
Beyond its operational benefits, this facility is intended to foster efficient, vertically-integrated processing, which is essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability of the pork supply chain. The proposed facility adds to JBS’s extensive portfolio of investments and operational developments in the region and globally.
In July 2024, the company previously committed A$110 million ($73.6 million at that time) to Huon Aquaculture for its land-based Whale Point farm in Tasmania, which includes plans for a hatchery capable of nurturing seven million fish. More recently, JBS launched its first beef consignment to Vietnam in July 2025, further expanding its market presence.
Additionally, JBS is actively developing its footprint in the Middle East through a joint venture in Oman with Oman Food Capital, under the auspices of the Oman Investment Authority. In the US, the company made headlines by closing the Swift Beef Company facility in Riverside on February 2, impacting over 300 jobs.
In Australia, JBS proudly holds the title of the country’s largest meat and food processor, employing around 17,000 individuals. Its operations encompass 19 meat processing facilities, six cattle feedlots, 19 piggeries, nine salmon hatcheries, and three salmon farming regions.
By investing strategically in its facilities, JBS is positioning itself at the forefront of food and beverage industry trends, ensuring it meets both consumer demands and environmental responsibilities.
