JBS begins construction of the world's largest cultivated beef protein factory
JBS, one of the world's largest food companies, has started construction on the world's largest cultivated beef protein factory in San Sebastián, Spain. With an investment of US$ 41 million, equivalent to more than R$ 200 million, the first industrial plant on a commercial scale by BioTech Foods is expected to be completed in mid-2024. JBS is the majority shareholder of the Spanish company, leader in Europe in the cultured protein sector, with a 51% share.
The investment is a milestone in this sector, since the plant, when completed, will be able to produce more than a thousand tons of cultivated protein per year, with the possibility of expanding its capacity to 4 thousand tons per year in the medium term, a movement that contributes to further diversify the JBS product portfolio. Cultured protein is expected to help meet the 135% increase in global demand for protein by 2050, according to an estimate by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
“As the world's largest protein producer, it is our responsibility to be at the forefront of initiatives at the intersection of food and technology. The new BioTech plant places JBS in a unique position to lead the segment and ride this wave of innovation. The new hub in San Sebastián will allow BioTech Foods to offer cultured protein as an innovative product that will meet consumer demand for healthy, tasty and sustainable food products,” says Eduardo Noronha, Director of the Added Value Business Unit at JBS USA and one of those responsible for the cultured protein strategy at JBS.
The new plant will be built on a plot of 20,000 square meters, which will allow for expansion and adaptability of the facility to the needs of a constantly evolving market. BioTech Foods plans to gradually increase its production capacity to meet growing consumer demand. The company has already identified key markets such as Australia, Brazil, the European Union, Japan, Singapore and the United States.
With patented bioreactors and state-of-the-art technology adapted specifically for the production of cultured protein, the plant will be equipped with the necessary resources to succeed in this competitive and innovative market. In addition to the economic impact, the new plant will also bring social benefits. It is estimated that around 150 people will be employed, including professionals qualified in research and development.
"BioTech Foods has the technology and capacity to produce protein on a large scale, in a more sustainable and innovative way, meeting commercial needs around the world. With the challenges posed to global supply chains, cultured protein offers the potential to stabilize food security and global protein production", says Iñigo Charola, co-founder and CEO of BioTech Foods.
In addition to the venture in Spain, JBS will build a state-of-the-art center for research and development of biotechnology and cultured protein in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina. The complex, called the JBS Biotech Innovation Center, will receive an estimated investment of US$ 60 million. The objective is to develop 100% Brazilian state-of-the-art technology to produce alternative proteins.
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