Innovation
Innovation is at the heart of everything we do, present in the daily work of our more than 90,000 employees worldwide, and most importantly, in the way we bring our brands from the farm to the table.
Innovation from farm to table
At BRF, we believe that innovation is more than a strategy; it is a fundamental commitment to improving people’s lives through quality food.
With nearly 90 years of history and recognition as one of the largest food companies in the world, our mission is to meet the ever-changing demands of consumers by providing solutions that make daily life more practical, flavorful, and healthy.
Our innovation is driven by the evolving needs of consumers. Each new product we develop originates from a market-identified demand, reflecting our passion for staying ahead of our time. To ensure the delivery of these solutions, innovation permeates our entire chain, from the traceability of the grains that feed our chickens and pigs, the selection of ingredients, through the preparation phases, to continuous investment in industrial technologies that maintain our high-quality standards.
Open innovation and new business
HUB BRF
Responsible for bridging BRF and the open innovation ecosystem in Brazil and worldwide, connects us with startups and universities, working to link BRF’s internal challenges with the new technologies offered by startups for quality, safety, and management, such as food biotechnology, information technology, artificial intelligence, among others, through a robust challenge program.
Garage BRF
An innovation cell that acts as an experimentation center, is dedicated to innovative projects through the test and learn model. We constantly seek new business models, insights, and knowledge to strengthen our core and brands. Additionally, we encourage intrapreneurship, giving voice to the ideas and proposals of our employees through initiatives like the Innovation Scouts program.
Investment in innovation
In recent years, we have invested resources in research, development, and product innovation, contributing to the global presence of our brands.
In 2023, we launched 138 new products for consumers, with 72 launched in the national market and 66 in the international market (five in the Halal market). We also introduced 34 products in the Pet segment*. By doing so, we embrace consumer trends, directing and meeting the constantly evolving needs of consumers. Our passion for research and studies drives us to explore new horizons, shaping the future of our products and strengthening our brands.
*Data obtained from the 20-F form, 2024, BRF S.A.
Our innovations
After decades of history, we have established ourselves as one of the largest food companies in the world. Throughout this journey, we have undergone various transformations and continually strive to evolve, always attentive to the needs of our consumers. Our history not only teaches us but also motivates us to look to the future with confidence. We are committed to remaining a part of people’s lives, innovating and nourishing stories every day.
1934 – The Birth of Perdigão
Perdigão is founded in the city of Videira (SC) by the Brandalise and Ponzoni families.
1944 – Foundation of Sadia
Sadia is established by Attilio Fontana in the city of Concórdia (SC), with the first industrial unit and pork slaughterhouse.
1974 – More Convenience for Your Christmas: The Seasoned Sadia Turkey
One of the company’s most successful products. The following year, it featured a thermometer to simplify the preparation of Christmas dinner.
1980 – Perdigão Introduces a New Concept for Christmas Poultry: The Chester Line
A pioneering product in processed foods with lower fat content and more meat.
1993 – Sadia Launches Brazil’s First Category of Ready Meals
To bring more convenience to consumers’ lives, Sadia pioneered the launch of ready-to-eat complete meals.
1995 – Sadia Bets on a Healthy Line
Sadia invests in the Sabor e Equilíbrio line with light products and reduced sodium.
1998 – Pizza at Home
Perdigão launches frozen pizza.
2005 – A New Option for Your Hunger
The Sadia brand launches the Hot Pocket line, consisting of frozen sandwiches and pizzas.
2010 – Your Meal in the Right Measure
Perdigão launches Meu Menu, the first line of ready meals developed for single consumption.
2015 – Satisfy Your Hunger Anywhere
Sadia bets on the on-the-go segment in the snack category with the launch of Salamitos.
2016 – Qualy Brings More Benefits to Your Daily Diet
Qualy launches two products: Qualy QMix, featuring added nutrients such as omega-3 and selenium, and Qualy Multigrains, combining six whole grains.
2017 – Innovation in Packaging (update the photo we have today)
BRF innovates and launches the Pack Revolution, flexible packaging that better protects the product and facilitates storage.
2020 – New Habits and Preferences
Our team is dedicated to studying new consumer interests, preferences, and habits, allowing us to develop innovative products. An example of this is our plant-based line, which includes vegetable-based burgers. In 2020, we launched over 280 new products globally, with 139 in Brazil and 149 in the international market. Highlights include the Veg&Tal line with pies, burgers, and breaded products; new formats of Sadia potatoes; Sadia organic chickens with nine options of in-natura cuts; and the extension of the Qualy line, now including butter, cream cheese, and cheese bread.
2021 – Commemorative Editions for Various Consumption Occasions
In 2021, BRF launched new products for various consumption occasions and audiences, reinforcing the Frozen Foods, Well-being, Veg & Tal, and Livre Lev lines.
2022 Ease and Sustainability
In 2022 alone, around 106 new products were made available to consumers. These include the return of Sadia brand bulk sausages, the launch of hot bowl lines in flavors such as Carbonara, Minialmôndega, Broccoli & Bacon, and the Sadia Bio Assa Fácil line, which combines sustainability, traceability, and certifications with convenience.
Discover the creation process of HotBowls!
Curious to know how we create HotBowls? Come and learn about our innovative process, from the concept to the final product.
Find out how we combine ingredients and advanced techniques to create a practical and delicious meal clicking here.
Recognition in innovation
We are recognized by various awards and rankings that consider the innovative potential of companies and businesses. Notable achievements include:
1st place
in the Food and Beverages category at the 2023 Innovation Champions Award by Grupo Amanhã.
3rd place
in the Consumer Goods and Food category at the 2023 TOP Open Corps Award by 100 Open Corps.
4th place
in the Food, Beverages, and Ingredients segment at the 2023 Valor Inovação Brasil Award by Jornal Valor Econômico.
1st and 2nd places
in the Most Innovative Product category at the 2023 Fi Innovation Awards, with the Cauliflower Wings from the Sadia Veg&Tal line and the Sadia Hot Bowls, respectively.
Research and development
Continuous investment in research and development, where we listen to and understand the main pain points and needs of consumers.
This effort is endorsed by the numerous innovation awards we receive, recognizing our commitment to valuing innovation and excellence in our products.
The grandeur of BRF goes beyond our global presence; it is rooted in a culture that transforms without losing sight of our purpose: to offer increasingly better, sustainable, and responsible foods.
BRF Innovation Center (BIC)
The BRF Innovation Center (BIC) is filled with laboratories conducting constant research and studies, developing new products and solutions that support sustainable growth, improve business efficiency, and provide high-quality food to consumers.
Digital Journey
We are also advancing in our Digital Journey and innovation, making our company more digital and efficient.
These are part of our growth strategy, acting as the levers that move and drive us. Our goal is to be digital throughout our value chain, from farm to table, from the beginning of our production chain, through various production processes to the development of innovative products, reaching the shelves of our consumers.
By being innovative and focusing on addressing consumer needs, we have built a solid base of loyal and passionate customers for our brands. After all, at BRF, we are committed to transforming the global food experience, keeping alive the legacy of an unwavering passion for working with food and writing, every day, a story of success and excellence.