The Paraguayan pork industry has announced an ambitious strategic plan to increase its current export volume by twelve times by the year 2033. Industry leaders presented the growth projections to the President of the Republic, Santiago Peña, during a meeting in Naranjal in the Paraguayan department of Alto Paraná.
Producers outlined the significant growth opportunities available to the pork sector. They also detailed the government support required to facilitate and sustain this planned expansion. The meeting highlighted the industry’s readiness to scale up its operations significantly over the next decade, transforming Paraguay’s position in the global pork market.
Paraguayan pork industry: A strategic plan for growth
During the meeting, Hugo Schaffrath, president of Granja San Bernardo, provided a clear overview of the industry’s current output and future targets. He noted that in 2023, Paraguay slaughtered one million pigs, which resulted in the export of over 21,000 tonnes of pork meat and related products. The industry’s new goal is to elevate this export figure to more than 250,000 tonnes by 2033.
Schaffrath expressed strong confidence in the sector’s ability to achieve this objective. He emphasised that the target is based on concrete potential and planned investments rather than speculation. This substantial increase in production and exports is projected to have a major positive impact on the national economy.
“This number is not something we dreamed of, this is a fact, we are going to reach that,” Schaffrath stated, underscoring the determination behind the plan.
Overcoming barriers to premium markets
A central topic of discussion was the necessity for Paraguay to end vaccination against foot-and-mouth disease within its pig population. This measure is a critical requirement for gaining access to lucrative premium international markets. Many high-value importing nations mandate that pork must originate from countries declared free of the disease without the use of vaccination.
Achieving this status would unlock substantial new revenue streams for Paraguayan producers. Schaffrath projected that within seven years, the pork value chain will represent approximately US$1.4 billion for Paraguay. However, he also pointed out the significant additional value that could be captured by meeting the standards of top-tier markets.
“If we manage to lift the vaccination against foot-and-mouth disease to enter the premium markets, that is another 600 million dollars that we can bring in,” he explained.
Government commits to supporting expansion
In response to the presentation, President Peña affirmed his government’s commitment to supporting the private sector’s growth ambitions. He stated a clear decision to accelerate the pace of state investment needed to complement the industry’s expansion efforts. Peña also assured producers that public banking would increasingly serve as a tool to promote and finance production across the sector.
The president highlighted the country’s inherent advantages for agricultural development, which provide a solid foundation for the industry’s goals. He expressed his administration’s resolve to drive the nation’s economic progress through such strategic initiatives.
“There is no doubt that what the pork sector can do in generating income and well-being for Paraguay is tremendous and we have the conditions, we have the land, the water, the electrical energy, the ideal tax environment,”said President Peña. “We are determined to advance in this process of development, growth and industrialisation of Paraguay.”
A look at a leading producer
As part of his visit to Alto Paraná, the president also toured Granja San Bernardo in Naranjal. The facility serves as a prime example of the modern capabilities driving the sector’s growth. It features state-of-the-art infrastructure, advanced genetics, and cutting-edge technology, positioning it as a leading producer in the region.
The scale of the farm’s operations demonstrates the industry’s capacity for large-scale production. Granja San Bernardo is set to produce nearly 1.5 million pigs annually. This will be accomplished through a network of 500 fattening sheds located within a 150-kilometre radius, showcasing a highly organised and efficient production model. This level of investment and modernisation is crucial to realising the ambitious export targets set for 2033.
Figures from the Paraguayan pork industry presented to the president
- In Paraguay, there are more than 30,000 farms that raise pigs in small quantities, another 1,400 farms that have between 20 and 99 pigs, and 204 industrial-level farms that raise and slaughter hundreds of these animals.
- The evolution of the sector can be seen in the fact that in 2007 13,000 tons of meat were produced, with 148,000 pigs slaughtered, while in 2025 it reached 90,000 tons, with one million pigs slaughtered.
- Per capita pork consumption in Paraguay also increased over the last decade, rising from 3 to 11 kilos per person per year. However, the sector still faces the challenge of reaching the regional average of approximately 20 kilos per capita.
- In 2025, pork production in Paraguay had a gross value of US$466 million and an added value of over US$150 million, with a herd of fewer than 45,000 sows. The projection for 2035 is to reach 135,000 sows, three times more than today.
- US$500 million will be invested in Paraguayan siunoculture over the next 5 years, with all projects currently under development.
Also read: Paraguay’s Pork Exports Rise In Early 2026 As Market Dynamics Shift.
