Tyson and Jacob Stern & Sons launch fats and oils joint venture

Tyson Fresh Meats – the beef and pork subsidiary of Tyson Foods – and Jacob Stern & Sons have launched a new joint venture company called JST Global, which will serve the global fats & oils market.

Jacob Stern & Sons is one of the largest processors of animal fats in the US, and is one of Tyson’s biggest customers for animal by-products from the meat producer’s production sites. Tyson Fresh Meats operates six beef plants and six pork plants in the US.

Following an initial transition period, the marketing of all animal fats generated by Tyson Fresh Meats will be conducted by JST Global. Jay Van Valen, the former president of Jacob Stern & Sons’ Texas division, will serve as the CEO of JST Global.

According to a statement from Tyson, fats and oils derived from animal by-products can be used in a wide variety of applications from animal nutrition to pharmaceuticals and biofuels.

Steve Stouffer, group president of Tyson Fresh Meats, said: “We maximise the value of every animal we harvest so that no part of the animal goes to waste.

“Responsibly processing fats and oils are a key part of our business and our commitment to sustainability. This joint venture gives us the opportunity to continue to value-up our beef and pork production, enabling us to innovate in new untapped markets while continuing to work directly with existing animal fat customers and the emerging renewable energy market.”

Phil Bernstein, chairman of Jacob Stern & Sons, added: “Jacob Stern and Tyson Fresh Meats have enjoyed a strong relationship for over 50 years.

“Combining Tyson’s vast supply of animal fats with Jacob Stern’s Texas operations is a natural evolution and positions JST Global to meet growing worldwide demand.”