Prime Highlights: 

Hilton Foods has formed a long-term joint venture with The National Agricultural Development Company (NADEC) to expand meat production in Saudi Arabia. 

Hilton Foods will hold a 49% stake and invest £6.5 million in an initial SAR 60 million for a new meat processing facility. 

Key Background: 

Hilton Foods has formed a strategic long-term joint venture (JV) with The National Agricultural Development Company (NADEC) to enhance its presence in the Middle East, specifically targeting the Saudi Arabian market. The partnership, which is set for a duration of ten years, combines Hilton Foods’ expertise in meat processing and packaging with NADEC’s established cattle operations in the region. 

Hilton Foods will hold a 49% stake in the JV, committing £6.5 million to an initial investment of SAR 60 million (approximately £13 million). The primary objective of this collaboration is to establish a state-of-the-art meat processing facility in Saudi Arabia, designed to meet the growing demand for high-quality, packaged red meat products. NADEC will supply the JV and integrate its products into its extensive distribution network, ensuring local availability and supporting market expansion. 

This JV aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, focusing on enhancing food security and driving economic growth through increased local production. NADEC’s involvement in the partnership will allow it to expand its product offerings and adapt to the market shift from in-store butchery to packaged meat. The company already supplies retailers and trade customers across Saudi Arabia and neighboring regions under its NADEC brand and others. 

Steve Murrells, CEO of Hilton Foods, expressed enthusiasm about the venture, noting that it marks the company’s first foray into the Middle East. He highlighted the value of combining NADEC’s strong retail distribution network with Hilton’s advanced processing and packaging capabilities, creating a consumer-driven approach to innovation in the region. 

Solaiman Al-Twaijri, CEO of NADEC, emphasized that the JV marks a significant step in the company’s strategy to diversify its product portfolio and support national objectives related to food security and local production. Operations are expected to commence in the second half of 2026, contingent upon regulatory approvals and other customary conditions. This collaboration is part of Hilton Foods’ broader Sustainable Protein Plan, with long-term growth prospects in the Middle East.