Brazilian meat giant BRF is still interested in doing a deal that would increase its global reach, despite merger talks with local peer Marfrig falling through earlier this month.

The Sao Paolo-based company’s CEO, Lorival Luz, told news agency Bloomberg BRF could engage in negotiations for non-cash mergers, strategic partnerships or long-term supply agreements to give it further access to beef supplies as a way to boost its foodservice and processed-food businesses.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

BRF is mainly a chicken and pork producer and it suggested to Bloomberg that any future partner would, like Marfrig, “ideally” be a beef provider to aid it in future product development.

“Bovines are on the map – the question is how, when,” Luz told the news agency.

BRF announced in May it was considering a merger with Marfrig but Luz said the talks ended as the companies could not agree on how a new company would be managed post-merger. Analysts covering the companies had given the potential transaction a mixed reaction when negotiations were announced.

Luz also told Bloomberg BRF is in advanced talks with more than one company on a partnership to produce chicken in Saudi Arabia.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Just Food Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Just Food Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact.

Excellence in Action
Winning five categories in the 2025 Just Food Excellence Awards, Centric Software is setting the pace for digital transformation in food and FMCG. Explore how its integrated PLM and PXM suite delivers faster launches, smarter compliance and data-driven growth for complex, multi-channel product portfolios.

Discover the Impact