New details have emerged of Saudi Arabia’s push to increase chicken production.
Saudi Arabia is a priority target for South African poultry exporters, who are hoping that an export agreement will soon be reached with the Saudi authorities.
However, the country is also seeking to ramp up local production to meet an increasing demand for chicken products.
Food & Agribusiness recently reported that Saudi Arabia plans to pump almost $700 million into its poultry industry. The report, which is behind a pay wall, said Saudi Arabia had signed 27 investment agreements worth a combined US$687 million aimed at giving an additional impetus to the development of its poultry industry.
Last month, FairPlay noted a report in WATTPoultry that said poultry production was rising in a number of Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It quoted research by Nan-Dirk Mulder of Rabobank.
“In Saudi Arabia, for example, poultry meat self-sufficiency has risen from 39% in 2019 to 68% today, driven by government strategy and industry support. Other governments have also launched programs to boost self-sufficiency. In the UAE, the National Food Security Strategy 2051 aims to ensure affordable access to safe, nutritious food,” Rabobank said.
South Africa is already exporting poultry products to the UAE and there are plans to increase sales there.
