JBS is expanding its manufacturing operations in Saudi Arabia with an US$85 million investment, increasing local production capacity and reinforcing its long-term commitment to the Kingdom. The expansion supports a scalable global halal hub.
JBS, one of the world’s largest food companies, has announced a major expansion of its manufacturing facility in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, reinforcing its long-term commitment to the local market and its strategy to develop the country as a halal production center. With an investment of US$ 85 million, the facility expansion will double production capacity by the end of 2026 and support Saudi Arabia’s positioning as a global halal export hub serving the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and other international markets.
Covering the company’s operations in Jeddah and Dammam, 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 is considered a key milestone in JBS’s growth strategy.
JBS operates locally through Seara, with manufacturing, distribution, and sales activities serving retail, foodservice, and wholesale customers across the country.
“Saudi Arabia is a priority growth market for Seara, and this expansion reflects our long-term commitment to the Kingdom and the wider MENA region,” said Gilberto Tomazoni, Global CEO of JBS. “By investing in local production in Jeddah, we are strengthening food security, expanding halal capacity, and supporting Vision 2030 through resilient supply chains and local talent development.”
A SCALABLE HALAL HUB
“The expansion and the partnership we announced today with Arabian Company for Agricultural and Industrial Investment (ENTAJ) are strategic steps in strengthening JBS’s global production and supply network,” said João Campos, CEO of Seara. “Saudi Arabia enables us to build a scalable halal hub that enhances supply chain resilience and supports growth across MENA, Africa, and Asia, while advancing our commitment to sustainable food security worldwide.”
The new facility, which has been operating since 2025, already exports to other countries in the region, including Kuwait, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. With the expansion underway, production capacity will be doubled by the end of 2026. The project is aligned with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, the country’s program focused on local production, food security, and the growth of non-oil exports.
The expansion in Jeddah has a direct impact on the labor market, generating 500 direct jobs and bringing JBS’s total workforce in Saudi Arabia to approximately 950 employees.
JBS has operated in the country for more than 30 years through poultry exports that comply with strict quality requirements and halal standards. With recent investments, the Company has been building an integrated production ecosystem in Saudi Arabia. While Dammam offers a broad product portfolio and focuses on beef, chicken sausages and frankfurters, mortadella, and poultry breast, the Jeddah complex expands the portfolio across several categories, particularly value-added poultry products.
With the expansion of its operations in Saudi Arabia, JBS ranks third in frozen chicken market share, with 93% brand awareness in the frozen category across the GCC region, including prepared foods, cuts, and whole chickens.
