The internationalization of industrial meat business in Brazil

Abstract

The internationalization of business has occurred in many ways and in many industrial sectors. There are aggregate data that shows a apparently positive condition for export activity of the meat sector in Brazil. However, there are still few studies analyzing the determinants of international competitiveness. This paper aims to study the process of internationalization of the leading meat processors of beef from Brazil, using data available at IBGE and SECEX. From the analysis, it is emphasized that the meat industry and food distribution segment are increasing their market share through the acquisition of other companies. Likewise, the growth of beef exports has contributed to the modernization and professionalization of the Brazilian meat industry, supporting the legalization of the activity as well the adoption of more efficient technologies and management systems. We conclude that all movement of market internationalization (such as acquisitions) require a profound reorganization of companies. These changes occur in the same order to prepare these companies to face the competitive environment of the market, which tends to change considerably in next years.