Hilton Food Group has entered into a joint venture with the National Agricultural Development Company (Nadec) in Saudi Arabia, in a first move into the Middle East for the company.
The partnership is initially for 10 years and combines Hilton’s expertise in meat processing and packaging with Nadec’s local cattle operations.
Hilton will establish new state-of-the-art facilities in the country, while Nadec will supply the venture and integrate its red meat products into its distribution network.
It is expected that this venture will improve food security and market growth in Saudi Arabia, aligned with the Kingdom Vision 2030.
Hilton Foods will hold a 49% stake and contribute 49%, approximately £6.5m, of the SAR 60m (£13m) investment in the new facility.
Nadec currently supplies the Saudi Arabian retail market and is aiming to develop its red meat product ranges, to support the transition from in-store butchery to packaged local meat. It supplies retailers and trade customers with products under the Nadec brand, alongside local and imported products under its customers’ brands in Saudi Arabia and surrounding countries.
“This is a JV which takes Hilton Foods into the Middle East for the very first time, and it brings together Nadec’s wide retail distribution network with our market-leading processing and packaging capabilities, underpinned by our shared consumer-led approach to innovation,” said Steve Murrells, Hilton Foods Group CEO.
“Long-term, Hilton sees significant growth potential in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, leveraging its expertise and scalable technology to support local partners in these emerging growth markets.”
The venture plans to commence operations in H2 2026 and will operate within the framework of the Hilton Foods’ Sustainable Protein Plan.
The joint venture is subject to regulatory approvals from the authorities in Saudi Arabia and other customary conditions to completion.
“This partnership represents a significant milestone for Nadec as we expand our portfolio to include high-quality packaged red meat products,” said Solaiman Al-Twaijri, Nadec CEO. “By combining Hilton Foods’ global expertise with our strong presence in the Saudi market, we aim to deliver exceptional value to our consumers while supporting Vision 2030’s goals of food security and local production.”
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