The Kerry Group, an Ireland-headquartered multinational specialist manufacturer of food ingredients and flavors, has officially opened a 21,500-square-foot state of the art production unit at its Jeddah facility in Saudi Arabia. The company has invested over €80 million in the region over the past four years and this facility, which is its largest in the Middle East, North Africa and Turkey (MENAT) region, is one of the most modern and efficient operations of its kind in the world and will produce nutritious and sustainable food ingredients for distribution across the Middle East.
Currently employing 130 people, the facility utilizes global innovation technologies that are adapted to local tastes to help food and beverage companies meet the growing consumer demand in the region for healthier, tastier and more sustainable food and beverage products, particularly in snack, meat and bakery sectors.
Commenting on the announcement, Kerry Group CEO Edmond Scanlon said: “Today’s consumer-led food revolution and the world’s environmental challenges are driving accelerated change and reshaping the entire food industry. The opening of the new facility at our Jeddah site is part of our commitment to continuing to grow our presence across the Middle East where we have invested significantly since 2018. Our continued growth and investment reflect the growing number of consumers in the region who are adopting a more proactive approach to their health and wellbeing and want to be able to consume food and beverage products that support their goals while also being respectful of our environment.”
Peter Dillane, vice president and general manager for Kerry operations in the Middle East, India, Sub-Saharan Africa (MISA), added: “Our customers are our priority, and our commitment is to bring local solutions to the Saudi market. We believe in global capability, executed locally, as seen in our local insight and team backed by Kerry’s global technical and operational expertise. Our deep understanding of retail and foodservice channels enhances our ability to partner customers with greater success and make it easier and more valuable for them to do business with us.”
