which put its strategy to diversify risk, developed since the creation of the Corporation, to the test. The financial crisis that affected markets around the world required dedication and efficiency from everyone involved to see the Company through. It was a challenging year in which the Group reversed the operating loss reported in 2008 and overcame the obstacles of global economic instability in the period, which led to some marked changes in consumer habits and certain restrictions in terms of the availability of resources for importers, as well as an extremely volatile foreign exchange market, a decline exports and lower prices; and a reduction in consumer confidence levels. Gross sales revenue in 2009 rose 51.7%, reaching R$10.3 billion, compared with the R$6.8 billion registered in 2008. We managed to reverse the R$35.5 million loss posted in 2008, posting a record profit of R$679.1 million in 2009. The delivery of consistently solid results together with the strategic actions taken to expand and diversify has made Marfrig an even more recognized and respected company in the global market, consolidating it as one of the most diversified food producers in the meat segment.