JBS Targets Major Poultry Expansion in Saudi Arabia
JBS Aims to Double Output at New Saudi Chicken Plant
JBS, the world’s largest meatpacker, plans to double production output at its new chicken processing facility in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, by the end of 2026, signalling a major expansion of capacity in the Middle East.
According to reporting by Reuters, the plant forms part of JBS’s broader strategy to position itself closer to high-growth consumption markets. Rising demand for poultry across the Gulf region, driven by population growth, foodservice expansion and food security priorities, has underpinned the investment.
The expansion will significantly increase local processing volumes, reducing reliance on imports and strengthening Saudi Arabia’s domestic protein supply chain. It also reflects a wider trend of global processors investing directly in regional capacity, rather than serving markets solely through exports.
Industry analysts note that the Middle East is becoming an increasingly strategic destination for protein investment, as governments seek to enhance self-sufficiency, halal-certified production and supply resilience.
Source: Reuters | 22 January 2026
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