US pork processor Smithfield Foods has revealed it will build four meat processing plants in China.

Smithfield was acquired by Chinese meat giant Shuanghui International last year. Before the takeover, Smithfield had been exporting products to China. Those exports continue but, in a conference call discussing its results, the US firm outlined the group’s plans for a physical presence in the country.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

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

Find out more

Bo Manly, Smithfield’s chief synergy officer, said four plants were under construction. The first, in Jinzhou in northern China, would be a “Smithfield-only” plant, Manly said. Three others will “come online within the next 18-24 months” that would “produce Smithfield-branded products and soused baking products under the Smithfield brand”, he added.

“We’re very, very excited about that. We have put a number of marketing resources from this country against that project, as well as engineering activities and working with their counter parties in China.”

The announcement came alongside “record” first-quarter results for Smithfield. The company is a subsidiary of the now renamed WH Group but continues to publish numbers for bond holders.

For the three months to the end of March, operating profit more than tripled to US$196.4m. Sales grew 3% to $3.4bn.

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 - The Benefits of Entering

Gain the recognition you deserve! The Just Food Excellence Awards celebrate innovation, leadership, and impact. By entering, you showcase your achievements, elevate your industry profile, and position yourself among top leaders driving food industry advancements. Don’t miss your chance to stand out—submit your entry today!

Nominate Now