DAKOTA DUNES, S.D. — In an effort to serve the growing global demand for the byproducts of Tyson Fresh Meats Inc.’s pork and beef processing operations, the company announced a partnership with its longtime customer, Jacob Stern & Sons Inc., to form a joint venture, JST Global LLC. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

A subsidiary of Tyson Foods Inc., Tyson Fresh Meats has supplied Jacob Stern & Sons with beef-and pork-derived fats and oils for more than 50 years, serving industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to animal nutrition and the expanding renewable foods market.  

With an industry-wide focus on sustainability and minimizing waste in meat processing, the partnership fits into both companies’ strategies for the future.

“We maximize the value of every animal we harvest so that no part of the animal goes to waste,” said Steve Stouffer, group president of Tyson Fresh Meats, which operates six beef plants and six pork plants in the US. “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.”

Jay Van Valen will serve as CEO of JST Global, having formerly worked as president of Jacob Stern & Sons’ Texas Division. The new company will be based in Houston. The companies said there will be a brief transition period and then the marketing of all animal fats generated by Tyson Fresh Meats will be handled by JST teams in Houston, Dakota Dunes, and Omaha.

“With a secured supply, JST Global is strongly positioned to address the global demand for commodity and value-added animal fat,” Van Valen said. “JST Global’s scale and broad capabilities are key differentiators that will allow us to deliver customized solutions, particularly in highly specialized markets such as renewable energy.”