Cargill and Arasco announce Saudi JV
Cargill and Arasco have unveiled plans to create a new starches and sweeteners joint venture in Saudi Arabia.
The new company will acquire Arasco’s existing corn milling facility in Al Kharj and will produce starch-based products primarily for the Gulf Cooperation Council countries of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, as well as Yemen, Iraq and Jordan.
“The Middle East region represents the highest growth area for the food and drink industry in the world,” says Frank van Lierde, executive vice-president, Cargill. “The rapidly changing demographics in the region and the growth of consumer choice means that this joint venture will be well placed to help our customers meet this rapidly developing market.
“By partnering with Arasco and combining the strengths of both our companies, this joint venture will not only help us create enhanced solutions for our customers but most importantly local solutions.”
The plan is to triple production at the Al Kharj plant to meet the growing demand across the confectionery, juice, bakery and catering segments in the region.
