BRF has begun 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 started 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 the Halal Products Development Company (HPDC), a subsidiary of the sovereign wealth fund Public Investment Fund (PIF) — foresees investment of approximately 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 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 region, where the company has operated for more than half a century.
The project aims to meet the growing demand for quality processed products, in addition to strengthening the company's local operations with direct production 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 Directors of BRF and Marfrig.
Production capacity and job creation
Designed to produce up to 40 thousand tons per year, the factory will initially focus on serving the Saudi domestic market, with the future possibility of exporting to other countries in the region.
BRF is also already 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 use raw materials imported from Brazil, a country that already supplies several Middle Eastern markets with certified halal products.
Alignment with Saudi Vision 2030 goals
Saudi Arabia has invested heavily 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 several sectors — including the halal food market.
According to Fahad Alnuhait, CEO of HPDC, “The new facility represents an important step forward in building an integrated halal production ecosystem. In partnership with BRF, we aim to reduce dependence on imported products and meet the growing local demand with high-quality processed foods manufactured within the Kingdom.”
He adds that the new plant also contributes to generating qualified jobs, increasing the country's food self-sufficiency and promoting sustainability goals aligned with Vision 2030.
Investment will be made between 2025 and 2026
The project schedule calls for most of the disbursements to be made between 2025 and 2026, with about $63 million expected in the first year and $98 million in the second.
The expectation is that the operation will start operating in the second half of 2026, with production capacity adjustable according to market needs.
The location in Jeddah was chosen strategically, given the logistical importance of the city, which is one of the largest in Saudi Arabia and a gateway to several 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.
The company recently acquired 26% of Addoha Poultry Company, one of Saudi Arabia’s leading halal chicken producers, 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% participation by BRF and 30% by HPDC. The strategic alliance aims to strengthen the company's operations in Saudi Arabia and create its own production and distribution ecosystem in the region.
“We are very attentive to the opportunities in Saudi Arabia and Jeddah offers us a strategic logistical position to serve the market and our commercial 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 has more than 100 employees and around 9 integrated producers, and is a reference in offering practical and tasty foods — for both people and pets — with high added value.