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BRF Begins Construction of a Factory in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with an Investment of US$ 160 Million. The Unit Will Produce Halal Food, Strengthening Its Presence in the Middle East.
BRF, a global giant in the food sector and owner of brands such as Sadia, Perdigão, Qualy, and Banvit, has launched the construction of a new processed food factory in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The project, which will be developed through the joint venture BRF Arabia Holding Company — formed in partnership with Halal Products Development Company (HPDC), a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) — anticipates an investment of around US$ 160 million.
The new plant represents a strategic step in consolidating BRF’s international presence and strengthens its positioning in the halal market, which is becoming increasingly relevant to the company’s expansion plans.
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New Factory Expands BRF’s Operations in the Middle East
The factory under construction will be BRF’s third production unit in Saudi Arabia and the seventh in the Middle East, where the company has been operating for more than half a century.
The venture aims to meet the growing demand for quality processed products, as well as reinforce the company’s local operations by producing directly within Saudi territory, reducing dependence on imports and increasing regional competitiveness.
“The expansion reinforces our global presence and consolidates the partnership with the Saudi government in its food security strategy,” said Marcos Molina, chairman of the boards of BRF and Marfrig.
Production Capacity and Job Creation
Designed to produce up to 40,000 tons per year, the factory will initially focus on serving the Saudi domestic market, with potential future exports to other countries in the region.
BRF is also planning to expand its installed capacity, with the potential to double as demand grows.
The new unit is expected to generate more than 500 direct jobs, reinforcing the company’s commitment to local economic development.
Production will initially rely on raw materials imported from Brazil, a country that already supplies various Middle Eastern markets with certified halal products.
Alignment with Saudi Vision 2030 Goals
Saudi Arabia has heavily invested in diversifying its economy and strengthening its national industry through Vision 2030, a government strategic plan that seeks to reduce dependence on oil and position the country as a global hub in various sectors — including the halal food market.
According to Fahad Alnuhait, CEO of HPDC, “the new facility represents an important advance in building an integrated halal production ecosystem. In partnership with BRF, our goal is to reduce dependence on imported products and meet the growing local demand for high-quality processed foods produced within the Kingdom.”
He adds that the new plant also helps generate skilled jobs, increase the country’s food self-sufficiency, and promote sustainability goals aligned with Vision 2030.
Investment Will Be Made Between 2025 and 2026
The project timeline anticipates most of the disbursements between 2025 and 2026, with approximately US$ 63 million expected in the first year and US$ 98 million in the second.
It is expected that operations will commence in the second half of 2026, with production capacity adjustable according to market needs.
The location in Jeddah was strategically chosen due to the city’s logistical importance, being one of the largest in Saudi Arabia and a gateway to various trade routes in the Gulf region.
Consolidated Presence and Strengthened Halal Ecosystem
BRF has sought to strengthen its presence in the halal segment not only with the construction of the new factory but also through relevant acquisitions.
Recently, the company purchased a 26% stake in Addoha Poultry Company, one of the leading halal chicken producers in Saudi Arabia, expanding its reach in the sector and consolidating its local competitiveness.
“Our investments in new production units allow us to offer a more robust portfolio of value-added foods, aligned with the demands of the halal market,” explained Igor Marti, BRF’s vice president for the Halal segment.
Meet BRF Arabia
The joint venture BRF Arabia Holding Company was created in December 2023, with 70% ownership by BRF and 30% by HPDC. The strategic alliance aims to strengthen the company’s operations in Saudi territory and create a proprietary ecosystem for production and distribution in the region.
“We are very attentive to opportunities in Saudi Arabia, and Jeddah offers us a strategic logistical position to serve the market and our business partners more efficiently,” highlighted Marquinhos Molina, CEO of BRF Arabia.
About BRF
Present in more than 120 countries, BRF is one of the largest food exporters in the world. With a diversified portfolio and globally recognized brands, the company focuses on quality, safety, and sustainability.
BRF employs over 100,000 people and has around 9,000 integrated producers, being a reference in offering practical and tasty foods — both for people and pets — with high added value.
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