SALIC, Minerva ink MoU to set up meat processing JV in Australia

Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Co. (SALIC), which is owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Brazil's Minerva Foods Co. to establish a joint venture (JV) in Australia for processing and exporting red meat, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The move is part of SALIC’s contribution to the food security system in the Kingdom by creating a series of sustainable agricultural investments in several geographic regions.

In addition, the deal comes as part of SALIC's strategy to focus on two basic commodities, which are grains and red meat in Australia.

SALIC's fully-owned subsidiary, Australian Meridian Farms, complements Minerva Foods’ plan to expand its investments by increasing its sales opportunities and reducing risks to its operations in the field of red meat.

Australia has one of the largest volumes of livestock, and is the largest exporter of processed meat to the Middle East and Saudi Arabia.

In September 2020, SALIC announced increasing its stake in Brazil's Minerva Foods from 25.5% to 33.83%, according to data compiled by Agraam.

Minerva Foods is one of the largest companies for producing meat in South America and the second-largest exporter in Brazil, as it produces more than a million tons of livestock and exports to more than 100 countries around the world.