Hilton Foods, NADEC form joint venture to expand meat production in Saudi Arabia

SAUDI ARABIA – Hilton Foods is entering the Saudi Arabian market through a long-term joint venture with The National Agricultural Development Company (NADEC).

The UK-based meat processing company will hold a 49% stake in the partnership and invest US$8.3 million (SAR 31 million) as part of an initial US$16.6 million (SAR 60 million) funding for the project.

The agreement, set to run for ten years, brings together Hilton Foods’ expertise in meat processing and packaging with NADEC’s established cattle operations in the country.

As part of the deal, Hilton Foods will establish modern meat processing facilities in Saudi Arabia, while NADEC will supply the operation with red meat and integrate the products into its distribution network.

The collaboration is in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which seeks to improve food security and expand local production to meet growing demand.

NADEC aims to widen its red meat offerings as the market shifts from traditional in-store butchery to pre-packaged meat.

The company supplies retail and trade customers with locally produced meat under its own label and other brands in Saudi Arabia and nearby markets.

Hilton Foods CEO Steve Murrells said the partnership with NADEC marks the company’s entry into the Middle East, combining NADEC’s retail distribution network with Hilton’s processing and packaging capabilities.

He emphasized that the collaboration is based on consumer-driven innovation and long-term growth opportunities in Saudi Arabia and the wider region.

NADEC CEO Solaiman Al-Twaijri described the joint venture as a major step in expanding the company’s product portfolio to include packaged red meat.

He noted that the partnership aligns with NADEC’s goal of providing high-quality, locally produced options while contributing to national economic and food security objectives.

The venture is part of Hilton Foods’ Sustainable Protein Plan and is subject to regulatory approval from Saudi authorities.

Operations are expected to begin in the second half of 2026.

Saudi Arabia’s meat consumption trends

Saudi Arabia is one of the largest meat consumers in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), with an average per capita consumption of 50 kilograms annually.

Beef is the most popular type of meat in the country, accounting for approximately 45% of the market in 2024.

In 2022, Saudi Arabia consumed around 142,000 metric tons of beef and veal, with fresh beef preferred over frozen or processed options.

Poultry remains the primary source of protein for Saudi consumers, with the country recording the highest per capita chicken consumption in the world at 50 kilograms per year.

Red meat, which includes beef, lamb, mutton, goat, and camel, accounted for approximately 11 kilograms of total meat consumption per person in 2023.

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