Brazilian meatpacking giant JBS has agreed to invest US$150 million to acquire an 80% stake in a new meat processing hub in Oman, with local entity Oman Food Capital retaining the remaining 20% interest.
The facility is designed to process 1,000 cattle daily, targeting an annual production capacity of 300,000 tons.
The move signals a strategic pivot toward the Middle East as the company navigates regulatory headwinds in traditional export markets.
The acquisition comes as JBS faces mounting scrutiny from European regulators, complicating its access to the EU market.
By establishing a significant footprint in Oman, the company aims to leverage the region's trade agreements and logistical advantages to serve both local demand and re-export opportunities.
This diversification strategy reduces reliance on European channels, which have become increasingly difficult to navigate due to stringent import controls and political friction.