Al Watania Poultry takes part in Saudi-Chinese export forum to expand export strategy

SAUDI ARABIA – Al Watania Poultry has taken part in the Saudi-Chinese Forum for the Export of Saudi Products and the Sustainability of the Agricultural Sector, held in Beijing in May 2025.

The forum, organised by the Saudi-Chinese Business Council and attended by the Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, focused on strengthening agricultural trade between the two countries.

The event aimed to introduce Saudi agricultural goods to international buyers and facilitate new routes into China’s market for Saudi producers.

Al Watania’s involvement in the forum follows a recent announcement of a strategic partnership with Halal Products Development Company (HPDC), aimed at expanding operations in the Middle East.

According to public statements, the partnership is expected to support improvements in halal product development and supply chain efficiency across regional and international markets.

Headquartered in Qassim, Al Watania Poultry operates one of the largest vertically integrated poultry businesses in the region, producing over one million chickens and 1.5 million eggs daily.

The company, established in 1977 by Sheikh Suleiman Al Rajhi, employs more than 7,500 workers and holds around 30% of Saudi Arabia’s domestic poultry market share.

In addition to its operations in Saudi Arabia, the company also distributes its products across the Gulf, supplying approximately 40% of the regional market, based on available industry estimates.

The recent agreement with HPDC comes shortly after Al Watania signed a Memorandum of Understanding with global research firm Kantar at the Gulfood Exhibition 2025 in Dubai.

Through this MoU, the poultry producer plans to use consumer data, market research, and industry analysis to better understand demand and adapt its product strategies.

Expanding through partnerships

Both the Kantar and HPDC agreements signal a broader shift by Al Watania Poultry to pursue data-led and collaborative growth across markets beyond its home base.

While the value of the partnerships has not been disclosed, the company has indicated that aligning its halal production with international compliance standards is part of its long-term strategy.

Although financial details remain limited, previous investments by Al Watania have seen multi-million dollar projects implemented across production and logistics, with comparable initiatives reaching up to US$50 million.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.