The global protein landscape just shifted eastward. On February 12, 2026, JBS, the world’s largest meat processor, announced a massive US$150 million investment to establish a multi-protein hub in Oman.
Partnering with Oman Food Capital (OFC), JBS is taking an 80% stake in a new food holding company. This isn’t just another factory opening; it is the creation of a strategic export engine designed to dominate the global halal market—a sector serving nearly 2 billion consumers.
For food and beverage professionals, this move signals a new era of regional sourcing, protein diversification, and “upstream” supply chain security.
1. Scaling Capacity: Beef, Lamb, and Poultry
The investment targets two massive productive assets in Oman: the A’Namaa integrated poultry plant (near Dubai and Muscat) and the Al Bashayer beef and lamb processing unit.
Once fully operational, the scale is staggering:
- Annual Capacity: 300,000+ tons of animal protein.
- Daily Throughput: 1,000 cattle, 5,000 lambs, and 600,000 poultry.
- Speed to Market: Beef and lamb production begins in just 6 months, with poultry following in 12 months.
2. Strategic “Upstream” Presence
This marks JBS’s first upstream investment in the Middle East—meaning they aren’t just shipping finished goods; they are controlling the production at the source.
- The Advantage for Buyers: By producing locally in Oman, JBS reduces the logistical “noise” associated with long-haul international shipping. F&B procurement officers in the MENA (Middle East/North Africa) region can expect fresher products and more stable pricing.
3. The Halal Hub Strategy
Oman’s Vision 2040 aims to make the Sultanate a global leader in food security. By situating this hub in Oman, JBS is leveraging the country’s unique geography to export to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and beyond.
- The Impact: Professionals looking to expand their Halal-certified portfolios now have a massive, centralized partner that meets the highest industrial standards. This simplifies compliance and auditing for international restaurant chains and food manufacturers.
Key Investment Details at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
| Total Investment | US$150 Million |
| Partnership | JBS (80%) / Oman Food Capital (20%) |
| Locations | Ibri (Poultry) and Thumrait (Beef/Lamb), Oman |
| Job Creation | 3,000+ direct roles over 5 years |
| Export Focus | Global Halal Market (2B Consumers) |
Why This Matters for F&B Leaders
As JBS expands its footprint—now spanning 26 countries—they are essentially de-risking the protein supply chain. For a food executive, this geographic diversification means that if one region (like South America or the US) faces a climate or disease-related disruption, the Middle Eastern hub acts as a critical buffer.
“This move reinforces JBS’s strategy of geographic and protein diversification, placing them in direct proximity to strategic consumer markets.”
Source Directory & FAQ
Sources
| Source | Link | Context |
| JBS Newsroom | JBS Middle East Expansion | Official announcement of the Oman JV. |
| Oman Investment Authority | Oman Food Capital Initiatives | Background on Oman’s Vision 2040 and OFC. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: When will the products from this hub hit the market?
A: Beef and lamb production is slated to begin by August 2026, with poultry following by February 2027.
Q: Does this replace JBS’s current exports to the region?
A: No. It complements them. JBS already has plants in Saudi Arabia (Jeddah and Dammam) and the UAE. This hub adds raw production capacity to their existing value-added processing.
Q: What is the significance of the “Halal” designation here?
A: By controlling the entire chain—from slaughter to packaging—within a Muslim-majority country, JBS ensures 100% Halal integrity, which is essential for entry into high-growth markets in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
