JBS expands Middle East operations investing $150 million in Oman
JBS plans to buy cattle and lamb from farmers in Oman and North Africa
10 February 2026
1 minute read
By: Global food producer JBS has acquired an 80% stake in a new food holding company in Oman, it said on Sunday, expanding its footprint in a fast-growing market that has historically relied heavily on food imports.
JBS, the world's largest meat firm, is investing $150 million to produce poultry, lamb and beef at two Oman facilities.
JBS CEO Gilberto Tomazoni told reporters the company needs to develop a supply chain in the Middle East, adding it will raise chickens itself and plans to buy cattle and lamb from farmers in Oman and North Africa. JBS's Oman beef and lamb facility already exists but has been idle for about a year, Tomazoni said.
Production is expected to begin within six months for beef and lamb, and in a year for poultry.
JBS partner Oman Food Capital (OFC) will retain a 20% stake in the joint venture. The companies expect to reach an annual production capacity of about 300,000 metric tons at the two plants. JBS's Oman factories will process approximately 1,000 head of cattle, 5,000 lambs, and 600,000 chickens daily.
Middle East food firm expansion
Major Brazilian food firms have been expanding in the Middle East, where food security became a central issue after the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global supply chains.
JBS already processes meat in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, while rival MBRF has strengthened partnerships in the region while planning a Riyadh stock listing.
JBS's move also mitigates potential fallout from global trade tensions by expanding production into new geographies while building integrated facilities in a region with high income and birth rates.
