www.foodpackautomation.com
13
'26
Written on Modified on
Advanced fish processing lines boost Almarai’s seafood operations
Almarai contracts JBT Marel for three processing lines to support local seafood production and strategic expansion.
www.jbtc.com
Almarai, a leading multinational food producer headquartered in Saudi Arabia, sought to expand its food processing operations beyond traditional dairy and poultry into the seafood sector. The company’s strategic objectives included diversifying its product portfolio, improving food quality, reducing reliance on imported seafood, and supporting Saudi Vision 2030 food security goals. To achieve these operational improvements, Almarai required advanced processing technology capable of handling multiple species and reducing raw material and natural resource waste.
Challenge and Goals
The core challenge facing Almarai was establishing a processing infrastructure that could deliver high-quality seafood products locally while adapting to future market demands. Key goals included:
- Enhancing processing efficiency for a wide range of fish species.
- Maximizing product quality and minimizing waste of raw materials.
- Supporting national food security initiatives by localising seafood processing.
Technical Solution and Selection
To address these challenges, Almarai selected JBT Marel to design and supply three integrated fish processing lines. The chosen solution incorporates advanced food processing technologies tailored to Almarai’s operational needs. JBT Marel’s fish processing expertise including systems capable of processing salmon, white fish, and regional varieties aligned with Almarai’s goals for flexibility, product quality, and sustainability. The solution was developed through a three-year collaborative design process to ensure it met specific technical requirements and allowed adaptation to future demands.
Deployment and Collaboration
The agreement, formalised in January 2026, represents the first major partnership between Almarai and JBT Marel. Installation of the processing lines is scheduled to begin in late 2026 at Almarai’s newly constructed facility in King Abdullah Economic City, Saudi Arabia. This facility is intended to serve as a key processing centre for locally produced seafood. Throughout the engagement, JBT Marel’s fish team worked closely with Almarai, combining industry knowledge with shared priorities on innovation, sustainability, and quality to shape the final solution.
Operational Impact
Although specific performance figures were not disclosed, the implementation of state-of-the-art processing lines is expected to deliver several operational benefits:
To address these challenges, Almarai selected JBT Marel to design and supply three integrated fish processing lines. The chosen solution incorporates advanced food processing technologies tailored to Almarai’s operational needs. JBT Marel’s fish processing expertise including systems capable of processing salmon, white fish, and regional varieties aligned with Almarai’s goals for flexibility, product quality, and sustainability. The solution was developed through a three-year collaborative design process to ensure it met specific technical requirements and allowed adaptation to future demands.
Deployment and Collaboration
The agreement, formalised in January 2026, represents the first major partnership between Almarai and JBT Marel. Installation of the processing lines is scheduled to begin in late 2026 at Almarai’s newly constructed facility in King Abdullah Economic City, Saudi Arabia. This facility is intended to serve as a key processing centre for locally produced seafood. Throughout the engagement, JBT Marel’s fish team worked closely with Almarai, combining industry knowledge with shared priorities on innovation, sustainability, and quality to shape the final solution.
Operational Impact
Although specific performance figures were not disclosed, the implementation of state-of-the-art processing lines is expected to deliver several operational benefits:
- Improved product quality through advanced processing technologies for diverse species.
- Reduced raw material and resource waste, supporting efficiency and sustainability targets.
- Enhanced local production capability, decreasing reliance on imports and fostering growth of the domestic fishing industry.
- Flexibility for future expansion as market demands evolve.
Strategic Alignment and Future Outlook
Almarai’s expansion into seafood processing marks a significant step in its diversification strategy, aligned with national objectives to strengthen food self-sufficiency. Partnering with JBT Marel enables the company to adopt technology that supports long-term operational objectives, including quality enhancement and resource optimisation. “This milestone agreement reflects strong collaboration, professionalism and a shared commitment to excellence,” said Skúli Sigurðsson, VP & General Manager Fish EMEA at JBT Marel, underlining the technical and operational value of the deployed solution.
In supporting Almarai’s strategic expansion, the deployment of these processing lines lays the foundation for scalable seafood production and reinforces the company’s role in meeting evolving consumer needs within the Middle East.
www.jbtmarel.com
Almarai’s expansion into seafood processing marks a significant step in its diversification strategy, aligned with national objectives to strengthen food self-sufficiency. Partnering with JBT Marel enables the company to adopt technology that supports long-term operational objectives, including quality enhancement and resource optimisation. “This milestone agreement reflects strong collaboration, professionalism and a shared commitment to excellence,” said Skúli Sigurðsson, VP & General Manager Fish EMEA at JBT Marel, underlining the technical and operational value of the deployed solution.
In supporting Almarai’s strategic expansion, the deployment of these processing lines lays the foundation for scalable seafood production and reinforces the company’s role in meeting evolving consumer needs within the Middle East.
www.jbtmarel.com
