Saudia Dairy and Foodstuff Company (SADAFCO) welcomed Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar bin Ibrahim Alkhorayef, on May 14, 2026, for an inspection of the company’s facilities in Jeddah’s First Industrial City. The visit focused on SADAFCO Hajj production capabilities and the company’s operational readiness to supply food products during the 1447H Hajj season.
The minister toured SADAFCO’s production lines and reviewed manufacturing capabilities designed to handle increased seasonal demand. During the Hajj season, the facility produces more than 1.7 million liters of dairy products and ice cream daily. The company operates 24 sales and distribution locations across Saudi Arabia and also serves markets in Gulf Cooperation Council countries and select regions in the Middle East and North Africa.
Production Scale and Regional Role
SADAFCO Hajj production operations serve multiple segments of the pilgrimage infrastructure, including catering centers, Hajj campaigns, pilgrim service companies, and hotels in Mecca and the sacred sites. The facility maintains quality, health, and safety standards throughout its operations.
The visit underscored the importance of national food manufacturers in supporting Saudi Arabia’s Hajj logistics. Moreover, the inspection reflected ongoing government efforts to assess readiness across key industrial sectors that sustain the pilgrimage season.
Strategic Food Manufacturing Sector Support
Patrick Stillhart, Chief Executive Officer of SADAFCO, said the facility remains committed to operational excellence and supply reliability. He noted that the visit reflected the Kingdom’s continued support for the national industrial sector and the role food manufacturers play in supporting Hajj operations and national food security priorities.
The minister’s tour included attendees such as Majed Al-Argoubi, Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON), and Saied Basamah, Vice-Chairman of SADAFCO. The visit was part of the Ministry’s broader assessment of national industries supporting the Hajj season.
Broader Food Industry Growth
The inspection reflects momentum in Saudi Arabia’s food manufacturing sector. The Kingdom launched the Jeddah Food Cluster in 2024 to strengthen the national food industries ecosystem and enhance production capabilities. SADAFCO, a publicly listed company, has operated since 1976 under the Saudia brand, producing dairy products, ice cream, and tomato paste for local and regional distribution.
Company Background and Operations
SADAFCO ranks among the leading producers in Saudi Arabia for tomato paste, ice cream, and milk products. The company maintains its headquarters in Jeddah and manages distribution through 24 locations within the Kingdom. International expansion includes presence in GCC countries and exports to select markets across the Middle East and North Africa region.
