Brazilian food giant, BRF Sadia has inaugurated its new “Al Joody” plant in Saudi Arabia after acquiring it in 2021 and investing US$18 million in it, increasing the company’s food production capacity to 1,200 metric tons per month.

“The expansion of BRF Sadia in the Saudi market to manufacture its products locally is a landmark step which will play an integral role in the growth and development of the poultry industry locally, in the interest of the Saudi consumer,” says Abdulhamid Bin Mohammed Al-Shawan, engineer and regional director, Investment Advisory & Relations, BRF Sadia.

Strategic investment
The Middle Eastern halal market plays a strategic role in BRF Sadia’s plans for growth as the products produced in the halal region are exported to 14 countries, and there are plans to expand further in the coming years. 

In addition to Saudi Arabia, BRF Sadia is present in all the key countries in the Middle East and has production units, such as its Al Wafi factory in the United Arab Emirates and three Banvit plants in Turkey.BRF Sadia is expanding its halal market.

“The opening of the new factory comes after a careful analysis and study of the Saudi market. It aligns with the Saudi Vision 2030, which encourages foreign companies to invest in the local market,” says Lorival Luz, global CEO, BRF Sadia.

This year, Saudi Arabia has attracted other industry giants including Kerry, which opened a 21,500-square-foot facility at its Jeddah operation in January to produce sustainable meat, snack and bakery ingredients.

Industry news
Among previous business highlights, BRF struck a deal with cell-based meat cultivator Aleph Farms, which aims to introduce cultured meat to the Brazilian market using its patented production platform BioFarm. 

The deal was significant as it saw a traditionally meat protein company like BRF – one of the largest producers of animal protein and key exporter of poultry – turn to the future of cellular agriculture in its business model.