When it comes to global meat trade, Brazil isn’t just a big player, it’s a protein powerhouse. The country ranks as the world’s second-largest beef producer and the largest beef exporter. Today, about a quarter of all Brazilian exports move in refrigerated containers, and 90% of that volume is made up of animal protein.
From Local Farms to Global Tables
Brazil’s main meat exports reach markets across Asia, the Mediterranean, the US, Canada, and across the Americas. Approximately 90% of its total animal protein moves through this segment, with:
- 45% headed to the Far East
- 7% to the Mediterranean
- 7% to the US and Mexico Gulf, with 20% reaching Houston and the remaining 80% to Mexico
Mexico, in particular, continues to show a strong appetite due to high local meat consumption, making Brazil its primary supplier, especially during the busy June-September peak season.
Behind Brazil’s Export Network
Since the launch of ZIM Gulf Toucan (ZGT), meat export volumes have more than doubled annually. This service offers direct and fast transit to Altamira and Veracruz in Mexico from Brazil’s three major ports, crucial for meeting the year-long demand.
Brazil’s strategic port infrastructure is a powerhouse in itself. ZGT operates through key southern ports such as Itapoa and Paranagua as well as Santos, the largest port in Latin America. Producers and factories located near these hubs benefit from efficient access to export routes as well as quicker inland transit. And with multiple major ports available, customers across the region gain more flexibility and wider service coverage when planning shipments.
Did You Know?
Brazil’s strategic ports in Santos and Itapoa help maintain its position as the world’s leading meat exporter. These ports are among the busiest in the world for refrigerated cargo, making Brazil’s meat exports reliable and accessible to markets worldwide.
Even with strong infrastructure, shipping pork, beef, or poultry across long distances remains a delicate task. Meat requires a consistently cool environment, and any temperature fluctuations, improper packaging or mishandling can trigger contamination risks and major quality loss.
Chilled, Controlled and Confident with ZIMonitorTM
While meat isn’t classified as sensitive cargo, the high cost of potential spoilage and strict compliance in various destinations, makes data transparency crucial. “Being able to verify the cargo’s condition before its delivery offers peace of mind that many shippers find extremely valuable, and that’s where ZIMonitor makes a real difference,” notes Layla Lazarri, ZIM South America District Sales Manager.
Equipped in all ZIM’s reefers, ZIMonitor supports both chilled and frozen meat shipments by providing real-time data to ensure cargo integrity throughout the journey. This service is also backed by a 24/7 global service center monitoring all alerts.
And behind it all is a specialized reefer desk staffed with experts who know the unique challenges of the local meat export industry, providing a direct point of contact in Brazil for booking, documentation, or any other request to keep the process smooth and stress-free from start to finish.
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