Source:  Michael Fielding, MEATINGPLACE, 12/13/11

Sukarne S.A. de C.V., the largest beef packer and exporter in Mexico, has hired several senior executives in sales and marketing through its wholly owned U.S. subisidiary, Viz Cattle Corp.

Erik Prince, formerly the vice president of business development for National Beef Co., is now vice president of sales for the United States. Edwin Botero, a former international vice president at JBS/Swift, is now vice president of business development. Jim Carmignani, formerly regional sales manager for Malcom Meats (a Sysco Specialty Meats Co.) is the new territory manager for the North East.

The Mexican Cattle Feeders Association is estimating that Mexico will export 121,000 metric tons of beef and beef offal in 2011 compared to 68,000 metric tons in 2010. Approximately half of those exports will come to the United States. It is estimated that Mexico is now the fourth largest supplier of beef to the U.S. after Canada, New Zealand and Australia.

Sukarne, based in Sinaloa, Mexico, with annual sales of $1.7 billion, represents 76 percent of Mexico’s total beef exports. The company has an annual slaughter capacity of 1.1 million head of cattle and an annual feeding capacity of 700 thousand head, including operations in Nicaragua. It currently employs 7,000 people worldwide.

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