Almarai signs SAR 276 mln in contracts at SIMEC to expand seafood facilities at KAEC

ALMARAI

Riyadh, Jan 27 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Saudi food producer Almarai announced the signing of five strategic contracts worth a combined 276 million riyals ($73.6 million) as it expands investments in seafood, targeting new production facilities, wider product offerings and the adoption of new technologies.

The announcement was made during the fifth Saudi International Marine Exhibition and Conference (SIMEC) in Riyadh, which Almarai sponsored, according to the company.

The contracts were signed with Creet International Contracting Company, Coldstores Group of Saudi Arabia, Laitram Machinery Inc, ION Exchange Limited, and Marel Stovring A/S.

The agreements are designed to establish industrial facilities and production lines at Almarai’s seafood facilities in King Abdullah Economic City (Rabigh), with the company linking the plan to faster access to local markets and consumers and to raising product quality.

“Almarai’s participation in this important event and the strategic agreements we signed form part of our expansion plans in the seafood sector and our contribution to national objectives related to economic diversification and food security,” Almarai Chief Executive Fawaz Al-Jasser said. He also cited efforts to increase sector output and lift local seafood consumption in line with global benchmarks, while strengthening partnerships, operational efficiency and long-term growth.

SIMEC is positioned as a specialised platform bringing together government and private-sector stakeholders across aquaculture, fisheries and seafood, with the event backed by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and the National Livestock & Fisheries Development Program, the company added.

Almarai described seafood as one of its protein categories aligned with Saudi Arabia’s food security objectives, alongside poultry and red meat, as part of a broader strategy focused on domestic self-sufficiency, supply chain efficiency and sustainable operational technologies.