Saudi minister targets food production localization and aviation cooperation during Brazil visit

RIYADH: Food production localization and aviation were areas of focus as a senior Saudi minister met with leading Brazilian companies during a trip to the South American country.

The Kingdom’s Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar AlKhorayef, held talks with executives from Minerva Foods and JBS, which are prominent in the red meat and poultry sectors. 

The discussions aimed to explore opportunities for localizing food production within Saudi Arabia, transferring knowledge and innovations, and examining the latest advancements in modern manufacturing technologies. 

In a separate meeting, AlKhorayef spoke with a top official from Brazilian aviation company Embraer.

The visits highlight Saudi Arabia’s strategic effort to enhance production capabilities by fostering international partnerships and utilizing advanced manufacturing technologies.

It aligns with the Kingdom’s broader vision to diversify its economy and develop robust, sustainable industries in collaboration with global leaders. 

During the visit to Minerva Foods’ facilities, the minister reviewed advanced manufacturing technologies and discussed potential investment opportunities with company officials, according to the Saudi Press Agency. 

Minerva Foods is a notable player in the Saudi market, where imports, particularly red meat, account for 25 percent of the industry. The Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Co., also known as SALIC, is a major investor in Minerva, holding a 33.8 percent stake. 

SALIC acquired a 19.5 percent stake in 2016 for $210 million, increasing its investment through additional purchases in 2018 and 2020, totaling $204 million. 

The minister also met with Gilberto Tomazoni, CEO of JBS, one of the world’s largest meat and poultry producers known for developing cultivation and production technologies.

JBS is currently establishing a food factory in Jeddah under the Seara brand, with an investment of up to SR500 million ($133.29 million). The facility is expected to start operations by the end of this year, aiming to address the food needs of the Saudi market. 

The partnerships with Minerva Foods and JBS underscore the Kingdom’s dedication to ensuring a stable food supply while attracting foreign investment and expertise to its growing food industry, the SPA report added. 

The minister’s visit to meat production facilities came after he met with leading Brazilian pharma companies to discuss enhancing the localization of vaccines and pharmaceuticals, leveraging the country’s expertise. 

During his discussions, AlKhorayef emphasized the potential for collaboration, highlighting the sector’s importance to Saudi Arabia’s National Industrial Strategy.

AlKhorayef also engaged in discussions with Dimas Douglas Tomlin, executive vice president of strategy and innovation at Brazilian aviation company Embraer.

The dialogue was centered on enhancing cooperation in the sector and localizing its operations within the Kingdom, a release by the ministry said. 

They further explored ways to strengthen collaboration between Saudi Arabia and Embraer, leveraging the Brazilian company’s expertise in aircraft manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance. 

This initiative is part of the Kingdom’s broader efforts to diversify its economy and develop new, advanced industries, aligning with the national strategy that targets 12 sectors, including aviation.

During his visit, the minister toured several of Embraer’s key facilities, including the Ozires Silva, Eugenio de Melo, and Gavião Peixoto sites. 

Interaction between the Kingdom and the Brazilian company began during the Saudi-Brazilian Aviation Forum in 2023. 

In May 2024, Embraer, the Kingdom’s National Industrial Development Center, and business conglomerate AHQ Group signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance the aviation ecosystem in Saudi Arabia. 

This partnership aims to adopt Embraer aircraft, foster technological cooperation, and develop the supply chain.