Almarai Company Announces Five-year Business Plan
Almarai Company, the world’s largest vertically integrated dairy company, has announced a five-year plan for the period 2017-2021. This plan reflects the recent global and regional economic developments, as well as the implications of the Saudi Arabia Vision 2030 program.
The board of directors has approved the plan that is designed to allow Almarai to reinforce its position as the consumers’ preferred choice for superior, nutritious food and beverage products in the Arab world.
Almarai will continue to execute its defined strategies and action plans, building on the strength in its core businesses and growing returns in its Poultry and Infant Nutrition categories, as well as the Dairy and Juice businesses in Egypt and Jordan (managed through the Joint-Venture International Dairy and Juice- IDJ). The plan forecasts a compound annual growth rate for sales of approximately 10%.
The distinctive characteristics of this plan are the focus on operating cost control and the optimal usage of available funds. As a result, the capital investment foreseen during the period 2017-2021 is estimated to be SAR14.5 billion (EUR3.48 billion) and will be focused on replacement of existing assets; improvement of production capacities and capabilities in farms and manufacturing facilities; distribution and transportation facilities; extension of geographical footprint; the enhancement of innovation and product development capabilities. This investment program will be financed from operating cash flow, as well as taking advantage of finance resources available at banks, the SIDF, the ADF and Sukuk programs.
The plan will also create, between now and the end of 2021, 4,500 jobs for Saudi nationals, out of which 20% will be for females, further confirming the important economic and social role of Almarai within the food industry in the Kingdom.
