Oman-Brazil Pact: How 300,000 Tonnes of Meat Production Could Create 3,000+ Jobs for Investors and Entrepreneurs
MUSCAT: Oman Food Capital, a subsidiary of the Oman Investment Authority (OIA), has entered into a strategic partnership with JBS SA, one of the world’s largest food companies, in a deal valued at $150 million (approximately RO 57.7 million). This collaboration will enable JBS SA to establish facilities in Oman dedicated to the local production of red meat and poultry, while also creating a regional export hub aimed at global markets.
The agreement is part of OIA’s broader strategy to develop an integrated national food sector ecosystem and maximize value across agricultural and food-related value chains. By partnering with an internationally recognized entity like JBS, the deal aims to bring advanced knowledge and technology to Oman, thereby enhancing local manufacturing industries and increasing the added value of Omani products.
As part of this partnership, JBS will initiate its largest investment in the Middle East within the meat and poultry sector. This includes the completion of an integrated poultry plant operated by A’Namaa Poultry Company in Ibri, alongside a slaughter and processing facility for cattle and sheep managed by Al Bashayer Meat Company in Thamrait. Once operational, the facilities are projected to achieve an annual production capacity of approximately 300,000 tonnes, comprising 77,000 tonnes of beef, 20,000 tonnes of mutton, and 208,000 tonnes of poultry.
This initiative is expected to bolster food security in Oman while further establishing the country as a hub for producing halal food products for regional and global markets. Additionally, it is projected to generate over 3,000 direct jobs in the Sultanate over the next five years, supporting local economic development and enhancing workforce capabilities within the agricultural sector.
Muneer bin Ali al Muneeri, Deputy President of OIA for Operations and Chairman of the Board of Oman Food Capital, emphasized that this partnership aligns with OIA’s objectives to ensure sustainable investment assets through the National Development Fund. It aims to attract strategic partnerships that enhance the economy, create employment opportunities, and strengthen supply chains, all in line with the objectives outlined in Oman’s Eleventh Five-Year Plan under Oman Vision 2040.
Gilberto Tomazoni, Global CEO of JBS, remarked that establishing supply chains in the region has become a strategic necessity due to its rapidly expanding market. He noted that this robust foundation in Oman will allow the company to access neighboring regional markets while reinforcing its presence. Tomazoni acknowledged the OIA as a trusted partner and highlighted Oman’s stable and attractive investment environment.
Abdullah bin Mohammed al Rashdi, CEO of Oman Food Capital, stated that the partnership is a significant milestone in the mission to build an integrated and sustainable food sector driven by innovation and international collaboration. He underscored that this agreement marks a transformative phase for Oman’s food industry, setting an effective model for strategic partnerships that convert investment opportunities into impactful production platforms.
This collaboration represents JBS’s first endeavor in primary production in the Middle East. The company boasts a diverse portfolio of high-quality offerings, including poultry, beef, mutton, fish, and plant-based proteins. With over 282,000 employees and operations in more than 20 countries, JBS products reach consumers in approximately 180 countries. The company also invests in related sectors such as leather, biodiesel, collagen, fertilizers, waste management, and recycling, emphasizing principles of the circular economy.
Oman Food Capital serves as a specialized investment entity within the Oman Investment Authority, managing a diverse portfolio of impactful investments aimed at enhancing national food security. With over 15 subsidiaries, it plays a crucial role in the development of major food projects that strengthen economic resilience in line with Oman Vision 2040.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The $150 million partnership between Oman Food Capital and JBS SA signals a transformative shift in Oman’s food sector, aiming to enhance local production and establish a regional export hub. This collaboration opens up significant opportunities for local businesses to engage in a growing market while simultaneously mitigating food security risks through increased domestic production capacity. Smart investors should consider positioning themselves in related sectors, as this investment will likely enhance supply chains and create over 3,000 jobs, fostering a more robust economic landscape in Oman.
