BRF, a leading global food corporation known for brands like Sadia, Perdigão, Qualy, and Banvit, has partnered with the Halal Products Development Company (HPDC), a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, to launch a cutting-edge innovation center at their Jeddah processing facility.

Innovation Center Design and Capabilities

State-of-the-Art Laboratory Complex

The new facility is being developed with emphasis on innovation, safety standards, and premium quality control to meet rigorous regulatory standards while addressing local market preferences. This initiative follows the April 2025 announcement of a new food processing plant construction and demonstrates both organizations’ dedication to advancing the Kingdom’s domestic halal food production and research capabilities in alignment with Vision 2030 objectives.

Specialized Research Areas

The innovation hub will house three distinct laboratory divisions

• Physicochemical Laboratory: Dedicated to technical specification analysis and quality assurance
• Microbiological Laboratory: Focused on biosafety measures and contamination prevention
• Sensory Laboratory: Designed to assess flavor profiles, aromatics, texture, and visual presentation to match local consumer preferences

Alongside the innovation center, BRF and HPDC have formalized the creation of a Center of Excellence focused on information systems and data analytics. This facility will be responsible for connecting various operations, adapting industry best practices, and implementing optimized processes to enhance operational efficiency.

Economic Impact 

Job Creation Initiative

The Jeddah facility is projected to create more than 500 direct employment opportunities in the region, including specialized positions within the innovation center. These professionals will focus on standardizing manufacturing procedures, optimizing production processes, and ensuring adherence to stringent food safety regulations. This workforce development aligns with national employment priorities and supports the localization of high-skill positions within the Kingdom.

Investment and Production Capacity

The new processing plant, announced earlier this year, represents a $160 million investment in its initial development phase. The facility will have an estimated annual output capacity of 40,000 tons, primarily serving the Saudi domestic market with potential for regional export expansion. Commercial operations are scheduled to commence in mid-2026.

Strategic Market Position

Regional Presence and Experience

BRF has maintained operations in the Middle East for more than five decades, establishing market leadership through its Sadia brand across 14+ regional countries. In 2025, through BRF Arabia – the joint venture with HPDC – the company expanded into Saudi Arabia’s halal poultry production sector by acquiring a 26% ownership stake in Addoha Poultry Company, an established local market player. This acquisition enables local production of Sadia products at Addoha’s existing facilities.

Vision 2030 Alignment

According to Marquinhos Molina, CEO of BRF Arabia, the innovation center investment represents a strategic move to strengthen local market presence by integrating research capabilities, advanced technology, and regional talent to enhance operational efficiency and better serve local consumer needs.

Fahad Alnuhait, CEO of HPDC, emphasized that the innovation center advances HPDC’s mission to develop a world-class halal ecosystem and establish Saudi Arabia as a global halal industry leader. The facility supports local manufacturing capabilities, promotes self-sufficiency, and creates valuable employment opportunities, all contributing to the sustainability and economic diversification goals of Vision 2030.

Company Background

BRF Arabia Partnership

BRF Arabia was established in December 2023 as a joint venture following an August 2023 announcement. The partnership structure consists of BRF holding a 70% stake and HPDC maintaining the remaining 30% ownership.

HPDC Mission and Focus

Founded in October 2022, the Halal Products Development Company operates as a Public Investment Fund entity dedicated to advancing Saudi Arabia’s halal products industry. The company focuses on key sectors including food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, working to develop a globally competitive halal ecosystem through strategic investments, innovation initiatives, and international partnerships. HPDC’s objectives align with Saudi Vision 2030 goals to position the Kingdom as a global halal hub while enhancing food security, supporting economic diversification, and promoting high-quality halal product exports to international markets.

Original Article:

Al Arabiya English. (2025, August 20). BRF and HPDC announce creation of halal food innovation center at Jeddah plant. HalalFocus.com. https://halalfocus.com/brf-and-hpdc-announce-creation-of-halal-food-innovation-center-at-jeddah-plant/