BRF, Halal Products Development Company to launch innovation center in Jeddah

Arab News

3 hours ago

BRF, one of the world's largest food companies and owner of the brands Sadia, Perdigão, Qualy and Banvit, and Halal Products Development Company, a Public Investment Fund company, have announced the creation of an innovation center at their processed food plant in Jeddah.
The laboratory complex is being designed with a focus on innovation, safety, and excellence in quality, meeting strict regulatory requirements and catering to the expectations of the local market. Following the construction of a new processed food plant announced in April this year, this move reflects the commitment of both companies to investing in the Kingdom's local halal food supply and innovation, aligned with Vision 2030 goals.
In parallel, BRF and HPDC have finalized the establishment of a center of excellence responsible for information and data management, connecting, adapting, and implementing best practices to optimize the processes and maximize the operations.
'The investment in establishing an innovation center in Jeddah is a strategic step in consolidating our local presence in Saudi Arabia. The integration of research, cutting-edge technology, and local talent enables us to increase operational efficiency and better adapt to the specific needs of the local consumers,' said Marquinhos Molina, CEO of BRF Arabia.
The innovation center will feature a state-of-the-art laboratory divided into three specialized areas: a Physicochemical Laboratory focused on technical specifications and quality control; a Microbiological Laboratory ensuring biosafety and preventing food contamination; and a Sensory Laboratory that evaluates whether the flavor, aroma, texture, and appearance meet the specific demands of the local consumer market.
The Jeddah plant is expected to generate over 500 direct jobs in the region, including specialized professionals who will work in the innovation center. These professionals will be responsible for standardizing and optimizing manufacturing processes, ensuring excellence in quality and strict compliance with food safety protocols. This aligns with national workforce development priorities and reinforces the localization of knowledge-intensive jobs in the Kingdom.
'The innovation center marks a significant step forward in HPDC's mission to build a world-class halal ecosystem and position the Kingdom as a global halal hub. It underscores our commitment to strengthening local manufacturing capabilities, promoting self-sufficiency, and creating high-value job opportunities, all of which are essential to achieving the sustainability and economic diversification goals outlined in Vision 2030. The center will serve as a launchpad for future halal product innovations, positioning Saudi Arabia as a global reference point in this sector,' said Fahad Alnuhait, CEO of HPDC.
Announced in April this year, the new Jeddah plant dedicated to processed foods will have an estimated annual production capacity of 40,000 tonnes and an investment of $160 million in its initial phase. Production will serve the Saudi market, with the potential for exports to other countries in the region. Operations are scheduled to begin in mid-2026.
BRF has been operating in the Middle East for over 50 years and leads the market with its Sadia brand, exporting to more than 14 countries in the region. In 2025, the company, through BRF Arabia — its joint venture with HPDC — officially entered the halal poultry production sector in Saudi Arabia with the acquisition of a 26 percent stake in Addoha Poultry Company, a well-established player in the Saudi market, marking its official entry into the halal poultry production sector in the Kingdom. As a result of this acquisition, Sadia products are now also being produced locally at Addoha's facility.