JBS SA (JBSS3.SA), the world’s largest meatpacker, reported net income of 2.184 billion reais ($539 million) in the second quarter, beating analysts’ expectations as an outbreak of African swine fever in Asia boosted exports, said a Reuters report.

According to a securities filing, the São Paulo-based company’s earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortsation (EBITDA) totaled 5.099 billion reais, an all-time record and above analysts’ expectations of 4.535 billion reais.

JBS, which produces food in four continents, said net revenues grew by 12.5 percent in the quarter to 50.8 billion reais.

“The global protein market is expanding at an annual 2 percent as the world’s population is growing,” JBS said in its earnings statement.

“The outbreak of African swine fever in many countries has contributed to a rise in exports and represents an opportunity to grow our business,” the company said.

African swine fever, which has swept across China over the past year, is fatal to pigs but does not harm people.

At the Pilgrim’s Pride (PPC.O) chicken division, results also improved on the back of a better supply-demand balance, JBS said.

In its US pork division, the company said margins rose from the previous quarter despite higher raw materials costs.

In Brazil, JBS’ Seara processed foods division sales, which had struggled due to a recent downturn, rose by 24.3 percent to 5.081 billion, the company said.

In North America and in Australia, two key operating bases, the beef business stayed strong, driven by local demand and higher export volumes, the company said.