Where is JBS Beef Sold? A Guide to this Major Meat Producer

As one of the largest meat processing companies in the world, JBS beef products are sold at many major retailers and restaurants across the United States. But you may not realize just how ubiquitous this Brazilian company has become. Keep reading to learn all about JBS, where their beef is sold, and what popular brands they own.

Overview of JBS

JBS S.A. is a Brazilian company that is the largest meat processing company in the world. Their operations include:

• Processing beef, pork, lamb and chicken
• Feedlots and livestock production
• Prepared foods manufacturing
• Leather processing
• Biodiesel production

The multinational company has facilities in 15 countries and sells to over 300,000 customers in 150 nations. JBS entered the US market in 2007 and has steadily grown into one of the top meat suppliers in the country through acquisitions of major brands like Pilgrim’s, Swift, and Five Rivers Cattle Feeding.

JBS Brands and Products

JBS processes and packages their proteins under many well-known brand names:

Beef

• Swift
• 1855
• Blue Ribbon
• Swift Black Angus
• Certified Angus Beef

Pork

• Swift
• Pilgrim’s
• Just BARE Chicken
• Gold’n Plump
• Plumrose

Prepared Foods

• Pier 33
• Pilgrim’s
• Country Pride
• Clear River Farms
• Pillar’s Entrées

They offer a wide range of products including raw fresh meats, cooked/smoked meats, sausages, bacon, deli meats, ready-to-eat meals, and fully cooked entrées.

Where is JBS Beef Sold in the US?

With dozens of processing plants across the United States, JBS beef reaches consumers through many channels:

Grocery Stores

JBS sells their branded beef products at major supermarket chains like:

• Kroger
• Publix
• Safeway
• Albertsons
• WinCo
• Hy-Vee
• Meijer

Their beef is also found at warehouse clubs such as:

• Costco
• Sam’s Club
• BJ’s Wholesale Club

Wholesale and Foodservice

JBS provides beef to other wholesalers, distributors, food manufacturers, and foodservice operations. Their proteins are used at restaurants including:

• McDonald’s
• Burger King
• Wendy’s
• Subway
• Taco Bell
• Pizza Hut

Online Retailers

Many major online grocery delivery services sell JBS products such as:

• Amazon Fresh
• Walmart Grocery
• Instacart
• FreshDirect

Butcher Shops and Specialty Retailers

JBS has relationships with artisanal butchers, high-end retailers, natural food stores, and ethnic grocers. For example, JBS beef might be found at:

• Whole Foods Market
• Sprouts Farmers Market
• Local butcher shops
• Hispanic carnicerías

Popular JBS Beef Brands and Products

Within those retail channels, here are some of the specific JBS beef product lines you may see:

Swift Black Angus

• Black Angus steaks, roasts, and ground beef
• Marinated Black Angus steaks
• Black Angus hot dogs and sausages

Swift Premium

• Chuck roasts
• Top sirloin steaks
• 85% lean ground beef
• Beef hot dogs

Certified Angus Beef

• Angus steaks (ribeye, NY strip, filet mignon)
• Angus roasts (prime rib, tri-tip)
• Angus burgers

1855

• Wagyu-influenced premium steaks
• Specialty roast cuts like Tomahawk ribeyes

Blue Ribbon Beef

• Brisket
• Short ribs
• Oxtails
• Cubed stew meat
• Ground beef

So when you’re browsing the meat department or steak offerings at your grocery store or favorite restaurant, check the packaging – there’s a good chance it could contain JBS beef!

JBS Beef Production and Sustainability

In addition to their meat processing plants, JBS also owns feedlots, cow-calf operations, and leather processing facilities. Some key facts about their beef production include:

• More than 2 million cattle fed per year at JBS feedyards
• 500,000 cow-calf breeder cows at JBS ranches
• 10 US beef processing facilities
• Capacity to process 6,400 head of cattle per day
• Leather from beef processing used for car interiors and furniture

JBS has also committed to improving the sustainability of their beef supply chain. They aim to eliminate deforestation from their provider network and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

JBS Beef Recalls and Controversies

Like other major meat suppliers, JBS has dealt with their share of recalls and scrutiny around their practices including:

• 2018 recall of 6.5 million lbs of beef due to salmonella contamination
• Price fixing and bribery scandals among JBS executives in their native Brazil
• Accusations of poor working conditions in some beef plants
• Legal violations related to stock trading and financial transactions

However, JBS maintains they are committed to enacting protocols and controls to ensure product quality, safety, and ethical business practices.

Frequently Asked Questions About JBS Beef

What restaurants use JBS beef?

As one of the largest beef suppliers in the US, JBS provides beef to many major fast food chains like McDonald’s, Burger King, Taco Bell, and Wendy’s. They also supply beef to casual dining chains like Chili’s and The Cheesecake Factory.

What grocery stores sell JBS beef?

JBS beef is widely sold at major supermarket chains like Kroger, Safeway, Publix, Costco, Sam’s Club, and Walmart under brands like Swift, Pilgrim’s, and Certified Angus Beef.

Is JBS beef high quality?

JBS offers beef products at every price point – from low cost ground beef to premium Wagyu and dry-aged steaks. They own Certified Angus Beef, known for its quality and marbling.

Does JBS process organic or grass-fed beef?

While JBS does not have its own organic or grass-fed beef brands, they do contract process beef for other companies that market specialty products.

What happened with the JBS cyberattack?

In 2021, JBS plants across the US were forced to shut down for several days due to a ransomware attack on their computer systems. It disrupted beef production, but resumed shortly after.

The Verdict on JBS Beef

There is no denying JBS produces beef on a massive scale as one of the largest meat processors globally. Where some people see a food conglomerate pushing smaller producers out, others see a company delivering affordable, quality beef to billions.

There are valid concerns about worker rights, environmental impacts, and business ethics at a corporation this size. But JBS employs tens of thousands and produces staple proteins that society relies on.

Wherever you stand, it’s clear JBS has become a major force in the US beef industry. Checking the label for their brand names offers transparency into the meat supply chain.