JBS USA
JBS USA is the United States-based meat-processing subsidiary of Brazilian multinational JBS S.A.
Last updated November 2, 2026
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Overview
JBS USA Holdings, Inc. is a meat-processing company headquartered in Greeley, Colorado, and the principal United States operating subsidiary of Brazilian meat group JBS S.A. The business was established in its present corporate form after JBS entered the United States in 2007 through the acquisition of Swift & Company. That transaction brought a large, established American beef-processing network into the Brazilian group and created what was then called the JBS Swift Group. The company’s activities center on the processing, packaging, distribution, and marketing of beef, pork, and related animal-protein products. Its operations have also included poultry through JBS’s ownership of Pilgrim’s Pride and have extended into livestock procurement, feedyards, transportation, food-service supply, and branded and private-label meat products. JBS USA supplies retail, restaurant, institutional, and food-service customers, while its production footprint has included facilities in multiple U.S. states and Canada. The company competes with Tyson Foods, Cargill, Smithfield Foods, Hormel Foods, and National Beef, among others. JBS USA inherited much of the historical infrastructure and commercial identity associated with Swift & Company. Swift’s origins reach back to Gustavus Franklin Swift’s butchering business in Massachusetts in 1855. The company later became a major Chicago meatpacker, developed large-scale slaughter and processing operations, and helped popularize refrigerated rail transportation. Over time, Swift’s business was absorbed into broader corporate structures. Its fresh-meat operations were separated as Swift Independent Packing Company, later combined with Monfort under ConAgra, and renamed Swift & Company in 1995. Private-equity ownership preceded JBS’s 2007 acquisition. After acquiring Swift, JBS expanded its North American position through additional transactions. In 2008 it purchased Smithfield Foods’ beef operations and announced an intended acquisition of National Beef, although that deal was abandoned after antitrust objections from the U.S. Department of Justice. In 2009 JBS USA acquired a controlling interest in Pilgrim’s Pride, eventually raising its ownership to approximately three-quarters. It later took over Canadian beef assets associated with XL Foods and bought Cargill Meat Solutions’ U.S. pork-processing business in 2015. The company operates in a highly regulated and politically sensitive sector. Its history has included food-safety recalls, animal-welfare controversies, environmental litigation, labor and immigration disputes, antitrust allegations, and scrutiny of government support and industry influence. A ransomware attack against parent company JBS in 2021 temporarily disrupted North American processing and led to an $11 million ransom payment. JBS USA has also faced criticism over greenhouse-gas claims, supply-chain deforestation, antibiotic labeling, workplace safety, and alleged manipulation of pork and beef prices. JBS USA remains active as a major North American protein processor and part of JBS S.A.’s global operating network. Because it is a subsidiary rather than an independently listed public company, corporate ownership and strategic decisions are generally reported through JBS S.A. and its operating businesses.
History
The history of JBS USA combines the development of Swift & Company’s American meat business with JBS S.A.’s international expansion. Swift’s origins date to 1855, when Gustavus Franklin Swift established a butchering operation in Eastham, Massachusetts. The business later expanded to Brighton, Albany, and Buffalo, and Swift & Company was incorporated in Chicago in 1875. The company became one of the large American meatpackers during the industrialization of the food system, using centralized slaughtering, large processing plants, and refrigerated railcars to connect livestock markets with distant consumers. Swift and Armour acquired a controlling interest in the Fort Worth Stockyards in 1902. That year also brought an antitrust action alleging coordination among meat companies. The dispute contributed to the 1905 Supreme Court decision Swift & Co. v. United States, an important early American competition case. By the 1920s, Swift operated a major plant in South St. Paul, Minnesota, processing cattle, hogs, and sheep. Its product range extended beyond fresh meat to smoked and canned products, baby food, soap, lard, shortening, adhesives, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, fertilizer, hides, and animal feed. Swift introduced frozen turkeys under the Butterball name in 1954 and maintained a broad grocery and dairy portfolio. Swift’s corporate history became increasingly complex in the second half of the twentieth century. Its parent structure expanded into insurance and petroleum and formed Esmark in 1973. In 1980 the fresh-meat business was separated as Swift Independent Packing Company, or SIPCO. ConAgra acquired a stake in SIPCO in 1987 and the remainder in 1989, while also acquiring Monfort. The two businesses were combined, and the operation was renamed Swift & Company in 1995. ConAgra later sold a majority stake to Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst and Booth Creek Management in 2002; Hicks Muse acquired the remaining stake in 2004. JBS S.A. purchased Swift & Company on July 12, 2007, for approximately $1.5 billion in cash. The acquisition marked JBS’s entry into the U.S. market and created the JBS Swift Group, substantially increasing the Brazilian company’s global beef-processing scale. Swift’s operations were subsequently integrated into JBS USA, headquartered in Greeley, Colorado. Expansion followed quickly. In 2008 JBS acquired Smithfield Foods’ beef operations and proposed buying National Beef, although the National Beef transaction was abandoned after the U.S. Department of Justice raised antitrust concerns. In 2009 JBS USA acquired 63 percent of Pilgrim’s Pride and later increased its interest to approximately 75.3 percent. A proposed JBS USA initial public offering was withdrawn after an accounting-related filing issue involving unaudited statements. JBS expanded into Canada in 2012–2013 through temporary management and then acquisition of XL Foods’ relevant assets, including beef plants and a feedyard. In 2015 it acquired Cargill Meat Solutions’ U.S. pork-processing business for approximately $1.45 billion. These transactions broadened JBS USA from a predominantly beef-centered operation into a larger multi-protein platform. The company’s later history has been marked by operational disruption and regulatory scrutiny. A 2021 ransomware attack against JBS S.A. disrupted meat-processing operations in the United States and elsewhere; JBS paid an $11 million ransom in Bitcoin. The company and affiliated businesses have also faced food recalls, labor and immigration controversies, workplace-safety criticism, animal-welfare allegations, environmental litigation, deforestation concerns, claims involving sustainability advertising, and lawsuits alleging pork and beef price coordination. JBS USA continues to operate as part of JBS S.A.’s global meat and poultry network.
- 2021
Ransomware attack disrupts operations
[1]A cyberattack temporarily disrupted JBS processing operations, and the company paid an $11 million ransom.
- 2015
Cargill U.S. pork business acquired
[1]JBS USA bought Cargill Meat Solutions’ U.S. pork-processing business.
- 2013
XL Foods acquisition completed
[1]JBS completed the acquisition of selected XL Foods beef assets in Canada.
- 2009
JBS acquires control of Pilgrim’s Pride
[1]JBS USA acquired a 63 percent stake in Pilgrim’s Pride and later increased its ownership.
- 2008
JBS acquires Smithfield beef operations
[1]JBS purchased Smithfield Foods’ beef operations for approximately $565 million.
- 2007
JBS enters the U.S. market
[1]JBS S.A. acquired Swift & Company for approximately $1.5 billion, forming the basis of JBS USA.
- 1995
SIPCO and Monfort operations use the Swift & Company name
[1]ConAgra combined the relevant meat operations and renamed the division Swift & Company.
- 1954
Swift begins selling frozen turkeys under Butterball
[1]Swift introduced frozen turkeys under the Butterball brand.
- 1905
Swift & Co. v. United States
[1]The U.S. Supreme Court decided a major antitrust case involving Swift and other meatpacking companies.
- 1875
Swift & Company is incorporated
[1]Swift & Company was incorporated in Chicago and developed into a major American meatpacker.
Products and positioning
Large-scale, vertically coordinated protein processor serving retail, food-service, restaurant, and institutional buyers. The company’s positioning emphasizes production scale, supply reliability, broad animal-protein coverage, and access to JBS S.A.’s international network, while its public profile is also shaped by scrutiny of sustainability, labor, animal welfare, food safety, and competition issues.
Fresh and processed beef
Beef
Beef is the core historical product category of JBS USA. The company processes cattle into fresh, frozen, boxed, ground, portion-controlled, and food-service products sold under company, acquired, customer, and private-label identities. Its beef network includes slaughter, fabrication, packaging, distribution, and related livestock and feed operations.
Fresh and processed pork · 2015
Pork
JBS USA expanded substantially into pork through the 2015 acquisition of Cargill Meat Solutions’ U.S. pork-processing business. Products include fresh cuts, ground pork, packaged pork, and offerings for retail, restaurant, and institutional customers.
Chicken and poultry products · 2009
Poultry
Poultry is represented in the JBS group primarily through Pilgrim’s Pride, in which JBS USA acquired a controlling interest in 2009. The business supplies chicken products to retail, food-service, and institutional markets.
Branded meat
Swift branded meats
Swift is the legacy brand most directly associated with the business acquired by JBS. Its portfolio has historically included beef, pork, packaged meats, and food-service products, with the brand’s identity rooted in Swift & Company’s long American meatpacking history.
Controversies
2024
Net-zero advertising lawsuit
New York’s attorney general sued JBS USA over alleged deceptive environmental marketing connected to the company’s Net Zero by 2040 claims.
2024
Antibiotic-free labeling concerns
The USDA reportedly identified the use of human-grade antibiotics in beef labeled as free from antibiotics, raising food-labeling and antimicrobial-resistance concerns.
2022
Pork price-fixing settlement
JBS agreed to pay $20 million to settle litigation alleging coordination among pork producers to inflate prices.
2022
Beef price-fixing settlement
JBS agreed to a $52.5 million settlement in litigation alleging coordination among major beef processors.
2021
Ransomware attack
A ransomware attack temporarily interrupted JBS processing operations across the United States and other markets. JBS paid an $11 million ransom in Bitcoin.
2021
JBS USA fined after worker loses arm at Colorado plant
JBS USA received five citations and fines totaling nearly $175,000 after a worker's arm was amputated at its Colorado beef plant. OSHA determined that the conveyor belt was not properly guarded and that employees did not know to wear a device securing sleeves. The citations and fines followed the agency's investigation of the incident at the Colorado facility.
2021
JBS USA reports cyberattack affecting IT systems
JBS USA said it was targeted in an organized cyberattack that affected IT systems in North America and Australia. The company said it suspended affected systems, notified authorities, and activated staff and third-party experts to resolve the situation; it said it was not aware of evidence that customer, supplier, or employee data had been compromised or misused.
2021
JBS USA reaches proposed settlement in pork antitrust lawsuit
Indirect commercial and institutional purchaser plaintiffs asked a Minnesota court to approve a proposed $12.75 million settlement with JBS USA in a pork antitrust lawsuit. The settlement was pending court approval; plaintiffs alleged that JBS and other processors exchanged nonpublic pricing and demand information and that purchasers paid artificially inflated prices.
2019
Clean Water Act lawsuit
Environmental groups alleged that JBS violated the Clean Water Act through toxic discharges into a Colorado river.
2018
Supplier animal-welfare allegations
Undercover footage from a Kentucky supplier allegedly showed workers abusing pigs and indicated continued use of gestation crates.
Brand decisions
2021
Pay ransomware demand after cyberattackOtherBackground
A ransomware attack temporarily disrupted meat-processing operations across JBS’s North American network.
Action taken
JBS paid the attackers an $11 million ransom in Bitcoin.
Aftermath
The incident became a prominent example of cyber risk in critical food-production infrastructure.
Ransom payment. $11 million (2021 cyberattack)
2015
Acquire Cargill’s U.S. pork-processing businessM&ABackground
JBS aimed to enlarge its presence in pork and create a broader multi-protein North American platform.
Action taken
JBS USA purchased Cargill Meat Solutions’ U.S. pork-processing business.
Aftermath
The deal significantly expanded JBS USA’s pork-processing capacity and market reach.
Acquisition value. $1.45 billion (2015 transaction)
2012
Assume temporary management of XL Foods plantStrategyBackground
XL Foods faced operational difficulties, and JBS sought an option to expand its Canadian beef presence.
Action taken
JBS USA agreed to manage the Lakeside plant in Brooks, Alberta, under a 60-day arrangement containing an exclusive purchase option.
Aftermath
JBS completed the related acquisition in January 2013.
2009
Acquire control of Pilgrim’s PrideM&ABackground
JBS sought to diversify beyond beef into poultry.
Action taken
JBS USA acquired 63 percent of Pilgrim’s Pride and subsequently increased its ownership to approximately 75.3 percent.
Aftermath
Poultry became part of JBS’s broader North American protein portfolio.
2008
Acquire Smithfield beef operationsM&ABackground
JBS continued consolidating its U.S. beef-processing footprint after entering the market.
Action taken
JBS acquired Smithfield Foods’ beef operations.
Aftermath
The transaction expanded JBS’s U.S. beef operations.
Acquisition value. $565 million (2008 transaction)
2008
Abandon National Beef acquisitionM&ABackground
JBS announced a proposed purchase of National Beef as part of its North American consolidation strategy.
Action taken
JBS canceled the proposed transaction after the U.S. Department of Justice raised antitrust concerns.
Aftermath
National Beef remained outside the JBS group, illustrating the competition limits on further meatpacking consolidation.
Announced transaction value. $560 million (2008 proposed transaction)
2007
Acquire Swift & CompanyM&ABackground
JBS sought a major entry into the U.S. meat market and greater international beef-processing scale.
Action taken
JBS S.A. purchased Swift & Company for approximately $1.5 billion in cash and established the operating foundation of JBS USA.
Aftermath
The acquisition made JBS a major North American beef processor and was followed by further U.S. and Canadian expansion.
Acquisition value. $1.5 billion (2007 transaction)
Recent events
- Unconfirmed
JBS USA fined after worker loses arm at Colorado plant[2]
Reported:
JBS USA was issued five citations and fines totaling nearly $175,000 after a worker’s arm was amputated at its Colorado beef plant. OSHA determined that the conveyor belt was not properly guarded and employees did not know to wear a device securing sleeves.
- Unconfirmed
JBS processing operations disrupted by cyberattack[5]
Reported:
JBS USA shut down processing plants in North America and Australia following an organized cyberattack on its IT servers; the article reports that the Plainwell plant was partially reopening.
JBS USA reports cyberattack affecting IT systems[3]
Reported:
JBS USA said it was targeted in an organized cyberattack that affected IT systems in North America and Australia. The company said it suspended affected systems, notified authorities, and activated staff and third-party experts to resolve the situation; it said it was not aware of evidence that customer, supplier, or employee data had been compromised or misused.
Cyberattack disrupts JBS meat production in Australia[6]
Reported:
A cyberattack affecting JBS servers supporting its North American and Australian IT systems disrupted Australian meat production, leaving thousands of workers without work. JBS said it was working with an incident-response firm to restore its systems; the source did not establish who was responsible for the attack.
JBS USA prices $500 million senior notes offering[7]
Reported:
JBS USA Lux S.A. announced that it and two affiliates had priced a $500 million senior notes offering at par. The offering was expected to close on May 28, 2021, subject to customary conditions.
JBS USA reaches proposed settlement in pork antitrust lawsuit[4]
Reported:
Indirect commercial and institutional purchaser plaintiffs asked a Minnesota court to approve a proposed $12.75 million settlement with JBS USA in a pork antitrust lawsuit. The settlement was pending court approval; plaintiffs alleged that JBS and other processors exchanged nonpublic pricing and demand information and that purchasers paid artificially inflated prices.
JBS USA to idle Worthington pork plant amid COVID-19 outbreak[8]
Reported:
JBS USA said it would indefinitely idle its Worthington pork plant after a COVID-19 outbreak spread among workers. The facility was to wind down operations over the following two days with a diminished staff so existing product could be used to support the food supply.
JBS announces temporary closure of Greeley beef plant[9]
Reported:
JBS USA announced that it was temporarily closing its Greeley beef packing plant after two employees died from COVID-19 and several dozen others tested positive. The reported closure was expected to last until April 24.
Sources9 sources
- 1JBS USAen.wikipedia.org
- 2JBS USA fined after worker loses arm at Colorado plantdenver7.com
- 3JBS USA reports cyberattack affecting IT systemsyahoo.com
- 4JBS USA reaches proposed settlement in pork antitrust lawsuitlawstreetmedia.com
- 5网络攻击导致JBS加工业务中断freep.com
- 6网络攻击扰乱JBS在澳大利亚的肉类生产halifax.citynews.ca
- 7JBS USA为5亿美元优先票据发行定价prnewswire.com
- 8JBS USA因新冠疫情暴发暂停沃辛顿猪肉工厂运营sctimes.com
- 9JBS宣布暂时关闭格里利牛肉工厂bizwest.com
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