Alison: “Uruguay should have the highest price in the region because of the quality of its beef”

With an integrated structure across the region, a strong focus on added value, and a diversified commercial strategy, MBRF seeks to consolidate its leadership as the largest protein group in the Southern Cone, taking advantage of the historic moment for beef in international markets. In an interview with WBR at Anuga, Alison Navarro, head of the company’s Beef division, shared his views on market expectations and the positioning of the region’s countries.

How do you see the current situation of the beef market?

We are at a time of record prices, with high selling values across the region and elevated cattle prices, supported by steady demand. We are entering a stage of greater supply, which will likely lead to a natural balance between prices.

Brazil has been recording record export volumes. Will it be able to sustain them in the medium term?

I believe so. International demand remains strong, and in addition, Brazil’s domestic consumption is very high in the last quarter of the year —the highest of the year. What we will see in the coming months is a balance between exports and the domestic market. On top of that, new destinations such as Indonesia and Mexico are already buying, and the Middle East is beginning to prepare for the Ramadan period.

Are there expectations that Brazil will achieve a reduction of the additional 40% tariff applied by the United States?

Brazil continues in discussions with the United States to remove that surcharge —which brings the total tariff to around 50%. I believe that at some point there will be a negotiation and that rate will come down.

If that happens, could it affect other exporters in the region?

I don’t think so. The U.S. market will remain firm, with strong demand. If the tariff is lowered, part of the volume currently going to China could be redirected to the U.S., leading to a better balance in global trade flows.

Uruguay currently has the highest price in the region. Is that reasonable?

Yes, absolutely. Uruguay should have the highest price for several reasons: its beef is of excellent quality, it reaches specific channels, and it can compete with premium beef from Australia or the United States. Uruguay gains access to high-value niche markets that are often out of reach for Brazil or Argentina. That’s why its cattle prices are naturally higher.

With your current position within the MBRF structure, do you oversee all beef production in the Southern Cone?

Yes, all the beef operations in the south —Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. North America has an independent structure. In Uruguay specifically, Marcelo Seco will continue as CEO, in charge of all operations including poultry, pork, and processed products. I work above Marcelo, alongside him in Uruguay, but also overseeing operations in Argentina and beef exports from Brazil.

What is the strategy for Uruguay, where the operation will maintain its four slaughter plants, in addition to the thermoprocessing facility in Fray Bentos?

We have always invested heavily in Uruguay and will continue to do so. We have a very close relationship with final customers in Uruguay, with producers, and the idea is to continue as we always have, but with greater emphasis on value-added businesses.

At one point, Marfrig had considered selling three of its plants. In the end, MBRF kept them all. What does that represent today?

Today we have a single, fully integrated structure. We are going to be much closer to our customers, not only with beef, but also with poultry and pork. The idea is to provide a broader portfolio covering the three proteins, which gives us a clear competitive advantage.