JBS moves to acquire cell-based meat startup Biotech Foods, underscoring the importance of protein diversification

March 04, 2022 | Case Study

JBS is one of the leading global meat processing companies, focusing on different traditional meat products, including poultry, pork, beef, and lamb. In November 2021, the company announced that it would acquire a majority stake in Spanish cell-based meat startup Biotech Foods, making it one of the first movers among major players to enter this space. By raising grants through the European Horizon 2020 program, the startup is one of the first European players to obtain governmental funding for emerging food technology categories like cell-based meat. Alongside this acquisition, JBS also announced its plans to set up a cell-based R&D center in Brazil. Through these two recent moves, JBS will invest about USD 100 million.