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World's largest meat supplier JBS USA shuts two plants
New York Post • • business
Key Points:
- JBS USA is closing its meat-processing plants in Philadelphia and Memphis, resulting in the loss of 2,000 jobs as part of a consolidation strategy to improve efficiency and productivity.
- The company, which controls about 20% of US cattle and hog slaughtering capacity, plans to absorb the shuttered beef operations into other facilities amid ongoing industry challenges like a shrinking herd and rising production costs.
- Despite rising beef prices—up about 16% from March 2025 to March 2026—consumer demand remains strong, with spending and volume of beef sold both increasing in 2025.
- JBS reported significant financial losses in early 2026, with a net loss of $279 million in Q1, intensifying pressure to modernize and streamline operations.
- In poultry, JBS’s Pilgrim Pride is shifting some chicken production from Tennessee to Georgia, investing $75 million but cutting 348 jobs, focusing on efficiency and growth in boneless chicken products.
