JBS opens new plant in Saudi Arabia and consolidates the Seara brand in the region
JBS, one of the world's largest food companies, announced a major expansion of its operations in Saudi Arabia, reinforcing its long-term commitment to the local market and its goal of positioning the country as a center for the production and export of halal food, serving the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and other global markets.
The investment is part of a broader capital injection of US$85 million in Saudi Arabia, encompassing the Company's operations in Jeddah and Dammam. JBS operates locally through Seara, manufacturing, distributing, and selling products to retail, foodservice, and wholesale customers throughout the country.
The expansion includes a strategic partnership with the Arabian Company for Agricultural and Industrial Investment (Entaj) to launch a line of whole chickens and other poultry cuts in Saudi Arabia. This new step represents a key milestone in JBS's growth strategy.
The new factory, which has been operational since 2025, already exports to other countries in the region, such as Kuwait, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. With the ongoing expansion, it will double its production this year. The project is aligned with the objectives of the Saudi Vision 2030 program, the country's plan for local production, food security, and growth in non-oil exports.
The expansion in Jeddah has a direct impact on the job market, generating 500 direct jobs, bringing JBS's total workforce in Saudi Arabia to approximately 950 employees.
JBS has been operating in the country for over 30 years, exporting poultry that meets rigorous quality requirements and halal standards. With recent investments, the company is building an integrated production ecosystem in Saudi Arabia. While Dammam offers a wide range of products and focuses on beef, sausages and chicken sausages, mortadella, and poultry breast, the Jeddah complex expands the portfolio into several categories, especially value-added chicken products.
“Saudi Arabia is a priority growth market for Seara, and this expansion reflects our long-term commitment to the country and the MENA region in general”, stated Gilberto Tomazoni, Global CEO of JBS. “By investing in local production in Jeddah, we strengthen food security, expand halal capacity, and support Vision 2030 through resilient supply chains and the development of local talent”.
“The expansion and partnership we announced today with Entaj [an Arabian Company for Agricultural and Industrial Investment] are strategic steps to strengthen JBS’s global production and supply network”, said João Campos, president of Seara. “Saudi Arabia allows us to rely on a scalable halal center that increases supply chain resilience and supports growth in the Middle East and North Africa, in other countries on the continent, and in Asia, while reinforcing our commitment to sustainable food security worldwide”.
With the expansion of operations in Saudi Arabia, JBS holds third place in market share for frozen chicken, with 93% brand awareness in the frozen category in the GCC region, including prepared foods, cuts, and whole chickens.
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