This led to major conquests in terms of share of the young cattle market in Europe, soon supplemented by a few major markets in other countries (outside the European Community). The cattle slaughtering and cutting activity was launched 5 to 7 years later, also on an industrial scale, on a relatively small client portfolio (3 to 4 major distribution chains). The production of fresh and frozen processed products (burgers, kebabs) started gradually.

SOVIBA began to expand more quickly, taking over the Chemillé (Maine et Loire) site in 1989 and the Saint Maixent (Deux Sèvres) site in 1992. Pork was added to the -St Maixent- range. Following the BSE (Bovine Spongiform Encephalitis) crisis, it was necessary to redeploy SOVIBA on the French and Community markets. Hence SOVIBA took over the Villers Bocage plant in 1997 with two main objectives:

1. To boost its opportunities with the PROMODES market (Continent, Champion, Shopi, 8 à Huit)

2. To improve its expertise and increase its market share for the processed product market.

Consolidation of volumes at Villers Bocage and Lion d'Angers enabled the company to reach the minimum threshold for existence and processed products recognition in France. In 1999, SOVIBA took over the PROMODES plant at Hazebrouck (Nord). This new facility provided it with a presence in a major livestock production area and enabled it to confirm its position in a region with a high consumer potential.

Today, it has found great success. SOVIBA has affirmed itself as a specialist in industry initiatives (Elevage de France, Veau sur paille, Filière Carrefour, Boeuf sélection Auchan, Charolux and Tutto il sapore della carne for export, etc.). SOVIBA is also applying itself to developing its sales team and making the most of the advantages provided by its cooperative status through "industry" initiatives.

We are currently the 3rd largest company in France on the consumer meats market.