Gross sales were R$ 7.8 billion (US$ 7.6 million), a rise of 27.6 per cent.

The company said the results were boosted by good performance in the domestic and export markets, gains in scale and productivity and a 53 per cent increase in processed products as a percentage of the company´s total net sales.

Gross profits rose by 39.4 per cent, to reach R$ 1.9 billion (US$ 1.1 billion). E.B.I.T.D.A. for the period reached R$ 802.7 million (US$ 470.3 million), an increase of 76.1 per cent.

Combined with the full integration of Batavia´s dairy-processed products and the margarine and beef businesses acquired during the year, the company achieved a 27.3 per cent growth in net sales to R$ 6.6 billion (US$ 3.9 billion) in 2007.

Exports were 47.5 per cent of net sales with a growth in export revenue of 30 per cent, reflecting stronger international demand that increased sales volumes of meats by 18.6 per cent and other processed products by 67.3 per cent.

The company said it achieved the success in the face of the appreciation of the Real in relation to the US dollar and an increase in grain prices.