McDonald’s and Cargill have reached a resolution in an antitrust lawsuit related to allegations of a broad price-fixing scheme in the U.S. beef industry.
The settlement stems from a lawsuit filed in October 2024 against Cargill, JBS, Swift Beef Co., National Beef Packing Co. and Tyson Foods claiming they conspired to fix beef prices at artificially high levels by limiting supplies, in violation of the Sherman Act.
The lawsuit alleges the companies worked together to “exploit their pivotal role” in cattle procurement and beef distribution, leading to what McDonald’s described as artificially high market prices. McDonald’s also suggested certain suppliers sought to offset narrowing profit margins — caused in part by prolonged drought conditions — by manipulating beef pricing practices.
The settlement results in a dismissal of McDonald’s claims only as to Cargill, as the case continues against the other defendants.
“We are pleased to put this matter behind us on terms that strengthen and grow our partnership with McDonald’s,” said Pete Richter, chief customer officer of Cargill. “McDonald’s is a valued customer, and we look forward to continuing to work together to nourish the world.”
As for the remaining lawsuits against Cargill brought by others, “we stand by our conduct and we will continue to aggressively defend against those claims,” Richter said.
