With a substantial USD100m (SAR375m) investment in a Greenfield Frozen French Fries production facility in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the Agricultural Growth and Processing Company, a division of Americana Holding for Food Ltd, plans to broaden its business operations.

After a solid three-decade partnership in Egypt with Farm Frites, a world leader in potato farming and frozen French fry production, the new processing facility will be built in Sudair Industrial and Business City, further solidifying our partnership with Farm Frites.

The Agricultural Growth and Processing Company (Americana and Farm Frites) celebrated this important milestone by hosting a groundbreaking ceremony in Sudair Industrial and Business City on November 25, 2024, to mark the start of construction for the new Frozen French Fries processing plant, and holding a lease-signing ceremony with the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones in MODON Headquarters, in Riyadh, on November 20, 2024, in front of MODON’s CEO.

Distinguished government and ministerial representatives, as well as important stakeholders like local potato farmers, prominent local, regional, and international clients, and important strategic partners, attended the event.

The USD100m investment is a calculated move in line with Saudi Vision 2030’s aims to diversify the Kingdom’s economy and advance its food security agenda by increasing domestic output and generating jobs for Saudi citizens, local farmers, and potato growers. The Agricultural Growth and Processing Company’s investment will allow Americana, which has been in business for over 20 years and has two plants in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to increase its presence in the Kingdom.

“We are excited to start the construction of our new Frozen French Fries plant in Saudi Arabia. Our partnership with Farm Frites dates back over three decades having been partners in Egypt since 1988. We are delighted to renew our long-standing relationship with a trusted partner, this time in Saudi Arabia. We are proud to be contributing to KSA’s Vision 2030 and championing efforts to increase local production in KSA. This was made possible through the vital support and collaboration of key government and institutional partners including but not limited to the Ministry of Investment, the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, and MODON, each playing a crucial role in our business expansion journey,” Mohamed Ali Rashid Alabbar, Chairman of the Kuwait Food Company (Americana) KSCC, commented.

“We are thrilled to join hands with Americana once again, building on a 30-year partnership of mutual growth and shared success. Among the 100 countries where Farm Frites is present in the world, KSA stands as the 5th largest market globally, reinforcing our commitment to the MENA region and KSA’s growth and economic diversification. We remain dedicated to advancing the industry holistically, from agriculture and logistics to delivering superior value directly to our customers,” Piet de Bruijne, Owner and Chairman of Farm Frites, added.

The new factory will use state-of-the-art machinery and cutting-edge technology to create frozen French fries and other specialty potato products. It will be built on a block of land larger than 100,000 square meters. With plans for future growth, the factory is scheduled to be inaugurated in Q1 2026 and will have a total annual production capacity of 70,000 MT during phase one. With operations starting, this will be Americana and Farm Frites’ second joint venture. With the new facility under construction in Sudair Industrial and Business City, we will be the biggest makers of frozen French fries in the MENA area.

“I am proud and deeply honored to kick off this landmark new development in KSA. With a commitment to delivering excellence, we aim to establish a world-class facility right here on Saudi soil. I am looking forward to the opportunity to serve some of the most renowned customers, both globally and regionally, with a superior range of French Fries products, proudly made in KSA. This new facility reinforces our dedication to quality, innovation, and the Kingdom’s potential,” Mohamed Safwat Moustafa, Managing Director of the Agricultural Growth and Processing Company, concluded.