Kerry opens major Saudi production facility targeting snacks and bakery markets
A major investment from taste and nutrition business Kerry has seen it open a new 21,500-square-foot advanced facility at its Jeddah operation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, reports Neill Barston.
According to the business, which has devised a number of solutions for the confectionery and bakery sectors, it has invested over €80m in the region within the past four years, as it enhances its presence in the region.
The company’s latest facility is officially its largest in the Middle East, North Africa and Turkey (MENAT) region, is one of the most modern and efficient in the world and will produce quality, nutritious and sustainable food ingredients.
As the business noted, its latest venture employs 130 people, and the company will use its global innovation technologies that are adapted to local tastes to help food and beverage companies meet the growing consumer demand in the region for healthier, tastier snacks, meat and bakery sectors.
Edmond Scanlon, Chief Executive of Kerry Group, welcomed the firm’s investment in the region. He said: “Today’s consumer-led food revolution and the world’s environmental challenges are driving accelerated change and reshaping the entire food industry. The opening of our new facility at our Jeddah site is part of our commitment to continuing to grow our presence across the Middle East where we have invested over €80m since 2018.
“Our continued growth and investment reflect the growing number of consumers in the region who are adopting a more proactive approach to their health and wellbeing and want to be able to consume food and beverage products that support their goals while also being respectful of our environment. This new facility is the first of its kind in the Middle East and is one of the most modern and efficient in the world offering top-in-class sustainable nutrition technology platforms, laboratories equipped with unique testing capabilities while also being sustainable.”
Peter Dillane, Vice President and General Manager, Kerry Middle East, India, Sub-Saharan Africa (MISA) added that its strong experience within the region enabled it to proved solutions for the foodservice sector and beyond, operating on the basis of global capabilities delivered locally
Furthermore, as part of Kerry’s Beyond the Horizon sustainability commitment, the new site is also making an important environmental difference. Since 2018, the factory carbon footprint has been reduced by 35% and there has been a 40% reduction in water usage. Food safety is paramount and the new facility was built on state-of-the-art Ready To Eat (RTE) standard of design and construction to uphold the strictest customer requirements for hygiene and food safety. Its stringent humidity and temperature-controlled environment ensures all materials are always fresh and ready to use anytime. The facility is FSSC 22000, HACCP, ISO 22000 and AIBI certified.