The company
Minerva Foods is the leader in beef exports in South America and also operates in the processed segment, selling its products to more than 100 countries. In addition to Brazil, Minerva Foods is present in Paraguay, Argentina, Uruguay, Colombia, and has plants specializing in sheep in Australia.
The Company’s history is based on solid, disciplined, coherent and experienced management, which seeks to operate in the most profitable markets through the use of risk management instruments.
Minerva Foods invests daily in modernizing its industrial units, makes strategic acquisitions, maintains a broad and personalized portfolio of quality products, and has integrated and efficient distribution logistics.
With our 33 industrial units, we offer healthy and nutritious products, which are sold to customers around the world through our 14 distribution centers and 12 international offices.
Our purpose
Creating connections between people, food and nature.
Our values
Results orientation
Commitment
Sustainability
Innovation
Recognition
Timeline
Scroll down the page and check out some of the main milestones in our history.
1957
The Vilela de Queiroz Family begins raising livestock and providing logistics services, transporting animals from farms to slaughterhouses.
1992
“Frigorifico Minerva do Brasil S/A” is acquired by the Vilela de Queiroz Family, becoming our 1st industrial unit, located in the city of Barretos/SP, Brazil (where our headquarters are currently located).
1999
The lease and acquisition of an industrial unit in the city of José Bonifácio – SP, Brazil.
2003
We began live cattle export operations in the state of Pará, Brazil, starting Minerva Foods’ first related business, Minerva Live Cattle Exports.
2004
We inaugurated the new industrial unit in the city of Palmeiras de Goiás – GO, Brazil.
2006
A lease agreement is signed for an industrial unit in the city of Batayporã – MS, Brazil.
2007
The year is marked by our IPO. We are now listed on the Brazilian Stock Exchange.
In April we also acquired the industrial unit in Araguaína – TO, Brazil.
In addition, the Minerva Beef Shop is opened, a model store focused on retail, located in the city of Barretos – SP, Brazil.
2008
In February, we completed the acquisition of an industrial unit in the city of Goianésia – GO, Brazil, the former Lord Meat slaughterhouse.
In August, overcoming the global economic crisis, we acquired our first unit outside Brazil, arriving in the city of Asunción, Paraguay, to take control of the former Friasa SA
2009
In March 2009, the first industrialized unit was opened, Minerva Dawn Farms, the result of a joint venture between Minerva SA and the Irish company Dawn Farms Foods.
We started the activities of two more Distribution Centers in Brazil: in Viana – ES and Itajaí – SC, as well as the operations of the industrial unit in Rolim de Moura – RO, Brazil.
In the same year, Minerva Biodiesel was created, a related business of Minerva Foods, focused on the production of a renewable energy source with a social biofuel seal from beef tallow.
2010
Start of activities in two Distribution Centers in Brazil: one in Brasília – DF and the other in Araraquara – SP.
In May we started operations at the industrial unit in Campina Verde – MG, Brazil.
We also expanded our offices in South America, reaching Chile, and in Europe, starting activities in Italy.
2011
Opening of Minerva Leather, the Company’s leather division, in Barretos – SP, Brazil.
In 2011, we acquired the 1st unit in Uruguay, Frigorifico Pul, located in the city of Melo.
We also started the activities of the Distribution Center in Belo Horizonte – MG, Brazil.
2012
In 2012 we started using the Minerva Foods brand.
We acquired another industrial unit in Paraguay, the former Frigomerc SA meat processing plant
2013
We expanded our Distribution Centers in Brazil, with openings in the city of Uberlândia – MG and in Fortaleza – CE. In addition, we now have full control of the processed products unit, Minerva Dawn Farms, which is called Minerva Fine Foods.
In November we entered into an agreement to acquire two more industrial units, as a strategic move to expand our activities in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil, reaching the cities of Várzea Grande and Mirassol D’Oeste.
We also expanded beyond the Atlantic, starting activities in our offices in Lebanon and Algeria.
2014
We acquired another industrial unit in Brazil, located in Janaúba – MG and another in Uruguay, Frigorifico Carrasco, located in the city of Montevideo. In addition, we began operations in industrial units located in the cities of Várzea Grande and Mirassol D’Oeste, both in the state of Mato Grosso, in Brazil.
With the aim of adding value to bovine by-products, Minerva Casings was created, focused on the production and commercialization of natural casings intended for the manufacture of sausages for the most demanding markets in the world. Later this year, we started some operations in the United States and also opened an office in China.
2015
We purchased Frigorifico Red Cárnica SAS, located in Montería, Colombia, as well as 100% of the shares of Red Industrial Colombiana SAS
We signed a lease agreement for another industrial unit located in Asunción, Paraguay: Frigorifico Expacar, which years later was returned and replaced by an industrial unit owned by Minerva Foods.
2016
We opened two new Distribution Centers in South America: one in the city of Santiago, Chile, and another in Bogotá, Colombia.
We also acquired two trading companies: IMTP, in Australia (which then assumed the name Minerva Foods Asia) and Intermeat – Assessoria e Comércio Ltda., from Barueri – SP, in Brazil.
2016
We set up two businesses related to Minerva Foods: Minerva Energia, which operates with solutions for the Brazilian electricity market and Minerva Ingredients, responsible for the production and trade of ingredients, such as tallow, meat and bone meal and bovine blood meal, as well as bones for pet food.
2017
Based on our geographic diversification strategy, we expanded activities in South America, acquiring nine more industrial units, three in Paraguay, one in Uruguay and five in Argentina, where we also acquired two processed units and a Distribution Center.
Crossing the Atlantic Ocean, we created Minerva Foods Europe, in England, and opened a new office, in Singapore.
In Paraguay, we won the “Empleador del Año” award for the first time (an award that is repeated for another five consecutive years).
2017
We completed 10 years as a public company listed on the São Paulo Stock, Commodities and Futures Exchange (BM&FBovespa) and won Agribusiness Company of the Year in 2016, in the “Melhores & Maiores” yearbook, from EXAME magazine.
Still in 2017, we received the Award from “Prensa Económica” magazine, which chose our operations in Argentina as the beef industry that exported the most in the year
2018
Year of internationalization of our operations with the creation of Athena Foods, a Chilean company 100% controlled by Minerva Foods, comprising operations in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Paraguay and Uruguay.
In addition, we also inaugurated the company’s new buildings in Barretos – SP, with the headquarters being renamed Centro Corporativo Antonio Vilela de Queiroz, in honor of one of the founding partners.
2019
Minerva Foods enters into an asset exchange agreement, in which it takes over the Paranatinga industrial unit and, in return, stops operating at the industrial unit in Várzea Grande, both in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil.
That same year, we signed a memorandum to form a joint venture in China and became the first Brazilian company to distribute beef in the country.
And in Paraguay, we won the Exportador del Año Award, being recognized as one of the largest exporters in the beef category.
2020
Office activities begin in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
In May, Minerva Foods is selected to join the new Ibovespa theoretical portfolio.
Jul 2020
In July, an Innovation area was created to work directly on three initiatives: Advanced Data Analytics, E-commerce, Marketplace and Venture Capital (CVC).
In August, the industrial unit in Bucaramanga, in the department of Santander, in Colombia, comes into operation.
Oct 2020
With CVC, in October, we invested in Startup Clara Foods, based in San Francisco, in the United States.
Dec 2020
In December, we became part of the ISE, B3’s Corporate Sustainability Index.
Jan 2021
In January, the B2B online sales platform, Meu Minerva , was officially launched .
Jan 2021
We also became part of the new 2020/2021 portfolio of the B3 Efficient Carbon Index (ICO2 B3), demonstrating our commitment to emissions transparency and preparation for a low-carbon economy.
Mar 2021
New venture capital initiatives begin with investments in the Shopper e-commerce platform, focusing on B2C sales.
That same year, we also invested in fintech for the agricultural sector, Traive, which works to develop credit models to facilitate rural producers’ access to financial products.
Subsequently, at the end of the year, a new joint venture was signed with Amyris, with the aim of developing molecules for the sustainable production and distribution of animal protein around the world.
Jun 2021
We were the first Brazilian company to receive, globally, the Renewable Energy Seal, issued by the Totum Institute, in partnership with the Brazilian Wind Energy Association (ABEEólica) and the Brazilian Clean Energy Association (Abrangel), for all its units in Brazil.
Aug 2021
We acquired two industrial units focused on sheep production in the cities of Tammin and Esperance, in Australia, through a joint venture with Salic.
Continuing with the expansion movement, in August the joint venture with Greenland was also approved to explore the import and distribution of meat in China.
Oct 2021
In October, the SMGeo Prospec application was launched, developed by Niceplanet Geotecnologia, which allows rural producers throughout Brazil to carry out detailed geospatial research, with the aim of monitoring the supply chain.
In Paraguay, we won the “Premio Exportador del Año 2021” being recognized as one of the largest exporters in the beef category.
Dec 2021
In December, we were the only company in the beef sector selected to be part of the B3 Corporate Sustainability Index (ISE B3), for the second consecutive year.
Dec 2021
In Colombia, we won the “Premio Portafolio 2021”, in the “Esfuerzo Exportador” category.
Dec 2021
In December, the Minerva Foods brand was rebranded, along with the unification of the Athena Foods and Minerva Foods brands. A new brand manifesto is launched bringing the message of being one culture, one company, one team.
Feb 2022
We were selected among the five best companies in Brazil, according to the Forest 500 Sustainability Ranking .
The assessment is carried out annually by Global Canopy and indicates that we are one of the companies that presents the lowest risks of links to deforestation or potential exposure of commodity supply chains to forestry risk.
Mar 2022
Through the creation of a joint venture, we signed an agreement to work in partnership with Biofílica Ambipar Environmental Investments . The objective is to implement carbon and sustainable production projects in the supply chain.
Apr 2022
We have completed 30 years of a history marked by boldness and innovation. It was with this vision that we gained leadership in beef exports in South America, delivering our products to more than 100 countries, on 5 continents.
The path was full of learning, but with the certainty that we always want to go further. We are committed to sustainable development and our geographic diversification. All of this is only possible with so many people who build our company with us!
May 2022
We carried out the first shipment of a Carbon Neutral certified product from Uruguay. Certification was achieved through the Renove Program . To receive the CO2 Neutral seal, emissions generated throughout the entire production process were measured, from rural properties, through processing and transportation to the final destination – steps corresponding to scopes 1 and 3 of Minerva Foods, as the company It has been carbon neutral in scope 2 since 2020. The approval was granted by an independent certifying organization, present in more than 100 countries.
Jul 2022
We have entered into an exclusive supply partnership with Hilton Food Solutions , expanding our operations in the British market.
Jul 2022
We also won, for the sixth consecutive year, the “Empleador del Año” award, organized by the newspaper 5Días.
Aug 2022
We once again participated in the Festa do Peão de Barretos (SP), taking our Estância 92 brand as the official barbecue of the event.
Another novelty is that this time our participation was more sustainable: MyCarbon measured and compensated the emission of greenhouse gases generated during the event through carbon credits.
Aug 2022
This month, we also led the “Most Honored Company” ranking, promoted by Institutional Investor , in which we were evaluated in the Food & Beverages sector.
Sep 2022
Minerva Ingredients makes its first shipment of meat and bone meal to Sri Lanka.
Sep 2022
Furthermore, we won the ESG Reporting Awards – Best Sustainability Reporting 2022 , in the consumer goods category. It is the only award focused on the area of sustainability that evaluates companies listed on the Brazilian stock exchange.
Oct 2022
Our Sustainability Report won 2nd place in the Hallbars Awards 2022 , in the Beef category. We were one of the five Brazilian companies awarded.
We also received, for the second time in a row, the “Gold Seal” from our Corporate Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Inventory, maximum recognition from the Brazilian GHG Protocol Program .
Oct 2022
This same month, we celebrated 15 years of being publicly traded on the Brazilian stock exchange, B3.
Oct 2022
Subsequently, Minerva Fine Foods develops a new and exclusive product for the Subway chain: slices of ham for the launch of Sub Pernil.
Oct 2022
Also in October, through the corporate venture capital initiative, we invested in Liv Up, a Brazilian foodtech specialized in ready and healthy meals.
Oct 2022
We are the first carbon neutral e-commerce in the sector in Brazil: we announced the total compensation of greenhouse gas emissions through the subsidiary MyCarbon.
Oct 2022
In October, we were also responsible for selling 20% of all carbon credits traded in the inaugural auction of the voluntary carbon market in Saudi Arabia.
Oct 2022
Concluding the month’s actions, we expanded our presence in Australia with the acquisition of the Australian Lamb Company, carried out through the Joint Venture with SALIC.
Nov 2022
Our president Fernando Queiroz is part of the Forbes list of the 10 best CEOs in Brazil in 2022.
Nov 2022
We were also recognized as the largest exporters in Paraguay, winning the “Premio Exportador Del Año 2022”, where we employ more than 3,000 direct employees and take our products from Paraguay to the world.
Dec 2022
For the 4th consecutive year, we are part of the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) and are committed to transparency, disclosing the effectiveness of our actions in managing climate issues, traceability of the production chain and preservation of natural resources.
Feb 2023
Minerva Foods Shop receives a new visual identity: the establishment’s brand underwent a redesign, bringing contemporary typography and more robust features, reflecting modern and clear communication with all audiences.
May 2023
Company invests US$2 million in Bluebell Index, a Brazilian climate-tech specialized in the development of environmental assets (Bluebells), which encompass carbon, hydrology, soil and Biodiversity.
Jun 2023
Following our path of evolution, Minerva Fine Foods, a processed products unit in Brazil, began to incorporate industrial units and changed its name to Minerva Foods – Industrialized Products Unit (MFI)
Jun 2023
We won 2nd place in the European Sustainable Food Awards, in the Pioneering in Sustainability category. The Company becomes the first and only Brazilian company to receive this award, being recognized globally as a pioneer in sustainability, due to its important role in building a more sustainable food industry.
Jun 2023
In an unprecedented way, as the first company in the agricultural sector, we officially joined the Crop-Livestock-Forest Integration Network (ILPF). Integration is one of the most important practices of the ABC Plan for mitigating and adapting to climate change. Founded in 2012, ILPF is a strategy that aims to accelerate the broad adoption of technologies by rural producers, as part of an effort aimed at the sustainable intensification of Brazilian agriculture.
Aug 2023
In our largest transaction, we closed the purchase of 16 Marfrig slaughtering and deboning plants in South America and a distribution center for R$7.5 billion. There are 11 plants in Brazil, three in Uruguay, one in Argentina and one in Chile, the debut market for our company.
We completed the acquisition of Breeders and Packers Uruguay SA (BPU Meat), a subsidiary of NH Foods, with a total investment of US$40 million. BPU Meat is one of the most modern slaughterhouses in South America, located near Durazno, Uruguay, with a slaughter capacity of 1200 heads/day.
Still in 2023…
We have a lot ahead of us…