BRF Sadia, the world’s largest exporter of poultry and a major manufacturer of value-added frozen products, has opened its new “Al Joody” factory in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. The unit was acquired from Hungry Bunny Ltd. in January of 2021 and received investments of around US $18 million, which has increased monthly production capacity to 1,200 tons.
Present at the ceremony were Marcos Molina, BRF Sadia chairman of the board; Lorival Luz, BRF Sadia Global chief executive officer; and Igor Marti, BRF Sadia vice president for the halal market, as well as representatives from the Ministries of Investment and Industry and Mineral Resources of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Eastern Region Municipality and Modon.
“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,” said Regional Director of Investment Advisory & Relations Abdulhamid Bin Mohammed Al-Shawan.
BRF Sadia’s history in Saudi Arabia began in the mid-1970s, when the Sao Paulo, Brazil-headqurtered company began packing frozen chicken products in the Kingdom for the Middle East market. It currently has more than 500 employees in the country.
The halal market plays a strategic role in BRF Sadia’s plans for sustainable growth. Products produced in the region are exported to 14 countries, and there are plans to reach even more in the coming years.
“It is a very positive time for markets in the Middle East and, with the great work from our local team, we are managing to achieve our goals while demonstrating our long-term commitment to the region and the local government’s strategy,” said Luz.
He added: “The opening of the new factory comes after a careful analysis and study of the Saudi market. It aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which encourages foreign companies to invest in the local market. We look forward to providing the citizens and residents in the Kingdom with products of the highest quality.”
In addition to Saudi Arabia, BRF Sadia is present in many countries within the Gulf region and elsewhere. It employs more than 7,500 people at a number of production locations, including the Al Wafi factory in the United Arab Emirates and three Banvit plants in Turkey.
