Environment minister lays foundation stone for Riyadh agri-products plant

Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadley has laid the foundation stone for the agricultural products processing and marketing plant of Leen Alkhair Company in Riyadh.

The project aims to develop an integrated system for processing, manufacturing, and marketing fruits and vegetables, with a production capacity exceeding 500,000 tons annually. It seeks to maximize the use of local agricultural output and enhance the efficiency of food supply chains, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

The plant is being built on a 20,000-square-meter site, with a total operational area of 29,000 square meters spread over three floors, in addition to a standalone smart warehouse with a storage capacity of up to 7,000 pallets.

The project includes sorting, packing, and packaging lines, advanced food processing technologies, a smart cooling and storage system, as well as automation and water treatment to support operational efficiency and optimal resource use.

The project is currently 36% complete and is expected to be finished by September 30, 2027.

The plant aims to offer a comprehensive food basket, including fresh, prepared, and processed products such as ready-to-eat cut fruits, prepped vegetables for cooking, salads, juices, ready meals, soups, purees, sauces, and grilled vegetables. This will meet the needs of consumers and the food service sector, while expanding the use of local crops.

The project is expected to boost Leen Alkhair’s production capacity and competitiveness by expanding its product range, improving operational efficiency, and adopting modern technologies, supporting demand and enabling growth and expansion in the market.

The initiative focuses on diversifying the use of agricultural products, from fresh marketing to food manufacturing and proper recycling of organic waste, which will help reduce food loss and waste and promote the circular economy.

The project represents a move towards developing a diverse range of value-added food products by linking agriculture with manufacturing, technology, and logistics. This will expand marketing channels for farmers, strengthen supply chain resilience, and open up new investment and job opportunities in the agricultural and food industries.

Leen Alkhair Chairman Saud Mohammed Al-Shuraim said the project reflects the company’s commitment to building an integrated model that connects agricultural production with the food industry and maximizes the benefits of local crops.