Initial SAR 375 million to establish a new manufacturing site
Nestlé will invest seven billion Saudi Riyals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the coming ten years in a strategic move to grow its longstanding business in the country, beginning with up to SAR 375 million to establish a cutting-edge manufacturing plant – which is set to open in 2025. The site will start by producing Nestlé infant nutrition products and the first regionally-manufactured ready to drink coffee, supplying the needs of the Kingdom and exporting to countries in the Middle East and North Africa.
“This strategic plan was developed together with the Saudi Ministry of Investment’s food department, reflecting solid investor confidence in the Kingdom and its long-term prospects,” said His Excellency Khalid Al-Falih, Minister of Investment in Saudi Arabia. “We more than welcome Nestlé’s investments which will contribute to food security and the development of local businesses, fuel local innovation, and create jobs for youth and professionals – all objectives of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 which the Kingdom is rapidly progressing with.”
Nestlé’s investments in Saudi Arabia over the next decade are slated to generate 3,500 direct and indirect employment opportunities in the Kingdom, and be implemented in collaboration and partnerships with local authorities and other entities. They also cover the establishment of the company’s first regional center with a research and development program, and its first business incubator for small and medium-sized companies and start-ups, as well as the expansion of the Nestlé Centre of Excellence which provides capability building and uplift programs for Saudi talent.
“Saudi Arabia is a sizeable market with major potential for growth,” said Yasser Abdul Malak, Nestlé Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Middle East and North Africa. “We look forward to further expanding our presence in the country in ways that align with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and create shared value for its people, communities, and our company.”
Nestlé in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia welcomed Nestlé as the first corporation to establish direct sales and distribution operations in the Kingdom in 2011, following more than 55 years of successful presence in the country. Nestlé Saudi Arabia is part of the company’s Middle East and North Africa region which encompasses 24 factories in 19 countries.
Nestlé currently has twelve offices and operates seven water factories across the Kingdom, employing more than 5,000 people. The company works locally with more than 2,800 suppliers and over 23,000 retail outlets.
The Nestlé portfolio in Saudi Arabia currently consists of a wide range of trusted brands in various categories: Dairy, Infant Nutrition, Coffee and Creamers, Confectionery, Bottled Water, Breakfast Cereals, Culinary products, Health Science, and Pet Care, among others. These include Nestlé NIDO, Nestlé CERELAC, NESCAFÉ, KITKAT, MAGGI, Nestlé NAN, S-26, PROGRESS, NESPRESSO, COFFEE-MATE, Nestlé FITNESS, Nestlé Pure Life, OPTIFAST, and PURINA Friskies.