Seven Brazilian companies working in the animal protein chain are now members of the newly formed Brazilian Food Industry Collaboration for Animal Welfare (COBEA).
Said to a first of its kind pre-competitive collaboration in the global south, COBEA has been established to promote animal welfare in Brazil and, in the long-term, throughout South America.
COBEA’s goal is to collectively address systemic barriers to improving animal welfare and to accelerate progress on key issues through better dialogue in the animal protein chain. The initiative, the establishment of which was facilitated by certification body Produtor do Bem, will function as a platform/interface to enable this dialogue with organizations in Brazil and beyond, facilitating national and international collaboration.
Its members are:
- JBS Brasil - the world’s largest poultry producer and major multinational food producer;
- Mantiqueira - Brazil’s and South America’s largest egg producer;
- Planalto Ovos - a major producer of free range eggs;
- IMC Group - one of the largest food service platforms in Brazil with brands including Pizza Hut and KFC;
- Special Dog Company - a prominent petfood producer in Brazil;
- Minerva Foods - a beef producer; and
- Danone Brazil - a leading dairy producer.
COBEA has been set up as an independent non-profit organization and, in addition to the seven initial members, other participants will gradually be included. The idea emerged to create the organization in 2023 when, its founders say, it became clear that there was an appetite for greater dialogue and collaboration in the sector, involving all the relevant links in the value chain.
Cross industry collaboration
According to the Director of Planalto Ovos, Daniel Mohallem, COBEA offers companies the opportunity to work across industries to continue improving their practices and to remain at the forefront of animal welfare.
Commenting on the benefits of the grouping, he said: “The opportunity to express our opinion on relevant issues and ensure representation with official bodies is essential for the company. We believe that sharing learnings and good practices will generate and disseminate knowledge, raising the level of welfare in the production sector as well as increasing consumer awareness.”
Industry collaboration, the members believe, will make the food sector more sustainable and through COBEA it will be possible to share progress and contribute to global conversations about the sustainable future of animal production.
COBEA Executive Director Elisa Tjarnstrom explains: “Animal welfare is a complex issue that requires an approach that addresses the needs and expectations of a broad group of stakeholders. COBEA offers an opportunity for the entire value chain to join forces and work together”.