Muscat : Oman Food Capital, a holding company under Oman Investment Authority, has signed a strategic partnership with JBS S.A. of Brazil, one of the largest food companies in the world. The US$150 million agreement (approximately OMR 57.7 million) will see JBS S.A. operate new facilities in the Sultanate of Oman for the local production of red meat and poultry, whilst establishing a regional export hub serving global markets.
The partnership advances OIA's strategy to build an integrated national food sector ecosystem and maximize value from agricultural and food value chains. By attracting a global partner of JBS's caliber and facilitating the transfer of advanced knowledge and technologies to the Omani market, the agreement will strengthen manufacturing industries and boost the added value of national products.
Under this strategic partnership, JBS S.A. will build its largest investment in the Middle East in the meat and poultry sector by completing the construction of the integrated poultry plant operated by A'Namaa Poultry Company in Ibri, in addition to the slaughter and processing facility for cattle and sheep operated by Al Bashayer Meat Company in Thumrait. Upon completion, the production capacity is expected to reach approximately 300,000 tons annually, comprising 77,000 tons of beef, 20,000 tons of mutton, and 208,000 tons of poultry.
The partnership will contribute to enhancing food security in the Sultanate of Oman on the one hand, whilst reinforcing Oman's position as a platform for producing halal food products ready for export to regional and global markets on the other. It is also expected to create more than 3000 direct jobs in the Sultanate of Oman over the next five years across various stages of the production chain, thereby supporting local economic development, improving workforce capabilities, and advancing the growth of the food and agricultural industries sector in the Sultanate of Oman.
His Excellency Muneer bin Ali Al Muneeri, Deputy President of Oman Investment Authority for Operations and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Oman Food Capital, stated that today's signing stems from OIA's efforts to ensure the sustainability and efficiency of its investment assets within the National Development Fund, enabling them to attract strategic partnerships that add value to the economy, create employment opportunities, strengthen supply chains, contribute to the global reach of products, and embody the priorities of the Eleventh Five-Year Plan under Oman Vision 2040.
For his part, Gilberto Tomazoni, Global Chief Executive Officer of JBS, stated that establishing the early stages of supply chains in the region has become a strategic imperative for the next phase, given the region's large and growing market. He added that this solid foundation in the Sultanate of Oman will enable the company to access nearby regional markets and strengthen its presence in the region, affirming that they have found in OIA a trusted and ideal partner, in addition to the investment enablers present in Oman, most notably stability and an attractive investment environment.
Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Rashdi, Chief Executive Officer of Oman Food Capital, affirmed that the partnership represents a pivotal step in the company's journey towards building an integrated and sustainable food sector based on innovation, international partnerships, and economic and social impact. It marks a new phase for Oman's food sector and establishes an effective model for strategic partnerships capable of transforming investment opportunities into integrated production platforms with tangible impact. It also demonstrates growing confidence from global companies in Oman's investment environment and its readiness to become a leading regional hub in advanced food value chains.
This marks JBS's debut into primary production in the Middle East. The global food company has a diverse portfolio of high-quality products including poultry, beef, mutton, fish, and plant-based proteins. It employs more than 282,000 people and operates in over 20 countries, with globally recognised brands reaching consumers in approximately 180 countries. JBS also invests in related activities including leather, biodiesel, collagen, fertilisers, solid waste management, recycling, and transport, with a strong focus on circular economy principles.
Oman Food Capital is the specialised investment arm in the food sector under Oman Investment Authority. It builds and manages a diverse portfolio of high-impact investments that enhance the national food security system and deliver sustainable value in line with Oman Vision 2040. The company has more than 15 subsidiaries, making it a strategic asset for developing major food projects that strengthen food security and economic resilience.
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