NADEC unveils US$1.3B investment plan for 2027-2031

SAUDI ARABIA – The National Agricultural Development Company (NADEC) has approved a five-year plan for 2027 to 2031, including planned capital investments of about US$1.3 billion (SAR 5 billion).

The plan aims to expand NADEC’s dairy, juice, and food processing business, accelerate growth in value-added red meat products, and develop technology-enabled agriculture, the company said.

NADEC said it will use the infrastructure, operational capabilities, and commercial relationships developed through recent investments and partnerships to drive commercial growth and develop higher-value products.

Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al-Rebdi, chairman of NADEC, said the plan reflects the company’s ambition to build a leading national food and agriculture company that is stronger and more resilient, in line with Saudi Vision 2030 and the Kingdom’s long-term food security priorities.

“Strengthening domestic production, securing supply chains, and increasing our resilience to external shocks are essential to ensuring that NADEC continues to play its role as a trusted provider of essential food products,” Al-Rebdi said.

NADEC plans to continue to strengthen its dairy, juice, and food processing business, which remains its foundation, it said.

Priorities include expanding product availability across retail outlets, foodservice, and e-commerce channels, growing the customer base, and introducing new products to respond to changing consumer preferences.

The company will also use investments in production lines and manufacturing technologies to improve productivity and product availability, it added. Recent initiatives include expanding its kefir range and introducing new juice flavors.

NADEC identified protein as a key growth priority, with a focus on expanding its red meat business and moving toward packaged products.

This expansion is supported by three developments, namely the commissioning of the Haradh slaughterhouse, the joint venture with UK-based meat processor Hilton Foods, and the acquisition of full ownership of Al Raie National Livestock Company, the company said.

The protein segment recorded year-on-year revenue growth of 100.2% in the third quarter of 2026 and 69.1% during the first nine months of the year.

NADEC said it is making progress toward launching branded, retail-ready packaged red meat products across major retail channels by the end of 2026, using its existing production capabilities, distribution networks, and cold-chain infrastructure.

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