McDonald’s to facilitate large broiler production in Saudi Arabia
McDonald’s has signed a partnership agreement with the Saudi Development Authority and Al Tanmiah Food Company aimed at supporting the quality of local poultry production and advancing the poultry sector in the Kingdom.
As part of the agreement, McDonald’s and Tanmiah Food Company have united to expand large broiler production in Saudi Arabia. Tanmiah, as the sole poultry company with the capability to produce large broilers in the region, is uniquely positioned for this task, as stated in their press release on 24 July.
Under the agreement, Tanmiah will ramp up its poultry supply to McDonald’s restaurants in Saudi Arabia. With approximately 412 restaurants across the country, McDonald’s is one of the largest fast-food chains in Saudi Arabia.
Size matters
Raising large broilers is a well-known challenge due to the harsh climate and difficult agricultural conditions of Saudi Arabia, the Saudi company admitted. Saudi poultry farmers typically raise relatively small broiler chickens, with an average live weight of approximately 1.4 kg and an average carcass weight of around 1 kg. The growing cycle for these broilers typically ranges from 28 to 35 days. Broilers in Saudi Arabia gain an average of 48-54g per day.
Several factors have historically led Saudi poultry farmers to prefer growing smaller birds. For instance, smaller broilers require less space per bird, potentially allowing for higher stocking density and maximising production in available facilities. In addition, consumers in Saudi Arabia tend to opt for smaller birds.
To grow large broilers, Tanmiah said it relies on its expertise in poultry farming, feed, animal health and nutrition.
Additional capacities
The new partnership is signed as part of Saudi Vision 2030, an economic development programme aimed at bolstering the kingdom’s self-sufficiency in food products, among other things.
“Our partnership with Tanmiah reflects our shared vision to localise poultry production in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, and our constant commitment to ensuring the highest standards of quality, safety, and sustainability at every stage of the supply chain,” Prince Majed Fahad Al Saud, assistant CEO of McDonald’s Saudi Arabia was quoted in the statement as saying.
To support the growth resulting from this partnership with McDonald’s, Tanmiah is currently drafting new expansion plans in Saudi Arabia, the company added.
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