BRF, HPDC Establish Halal Innovation Hub at Jeddah Manufacturing Facility
Strategic Investment Aligns with Vision 2030 Food Security, Localization Goals
As another step toward consolidating its strategic presence in Saudi Arabia, BRF, one of the world’s largest food companies, owner of the brands Sadia, Perdigão, Qualy, Banvit, alongside Halal Products Development Company (HPDC), a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company, has announced the creation of an innovation center at their processed food plant in Jeddah, the Kingdom’s second-largest city.
The laboratory complex is being designed with a focus on innovation, safety, excellence in quality, meeting strict regulatory requirements while catering to the expectations of the local market. Following the construction of a new processed food plant announced in April this year, this investment reflects the commitment of both companies to invest in the Kingdom’s local halal food supply with innovation, aligned with Vision 2030.
In parallel, BRF with HPDC have officialized the establishment of a Center of Excellence responsible for information with data management, connecting, adapting, implementing best practices to optimize the processes while maximizing the operations.
Three Specialized Laboratory Areas Target Local Market Needs
“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 while better adapting 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 with quality control; a Microbiological Laboratory ensuring biosafety while preventing food contamination; a Sensory Laboratory that evaluates whether the flavor, aroma, texture, 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 with strict compliance with food safety protocols. This aligns with national workforce development priorities while reinforcing the localization of knowledge-intensive jobs in the Kingdom.
HPDC Positions Kingdom as Global Halal Reference Point
“The innovation center marks a significant step forward in HPDC’s mission to build a world-class halal ecosystem while positioning the Kingdom as a global halal hub. It underscores our commitment to strengthening local manufacturing capabilities, promoting self-sufficiency, creating high-value job opportunities, all of which are essential to achieving the sustainability with 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,” emphasized Fahad Alnuhait, CEO of HPDC.
Announced in April of this year, the new plant dedicated to processed foods will have an estimated annual production capacity of 40,000 tons with 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.
Five-Decade Middle East Presence Expands Through Local Production
BRF has been operating in the Middle East for over 50 years, leading 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.
Original Article:
Al Arabiya. (2025). BRF and HPDC announce creation of halal food innovation center at Jeddah plant. https://english.alarabiya.net/amp/News/saudi-arabia/2025/08/18/brf-and-hpdc-announce-creation-of-halal-food-innovation-center-at-jeddah-plant
