More Than SAR 15 Billion: Almarai Approves 2026-2031 Growth Strategy

Summary

• Almarai's board approved a new five-year growth strategy covering 2026 through 2031.
• The plan carries investment of more than SAR 15 billion, roughly USD 4 billion.
• Spending targets capacity expansion as Almarai converts recent investments into returns.

The latest

Almarai plans to deploy more than SAR 15 billion, about USD 4 billion, over a new five-year strategy its board approved for 2026-2031. The company said the plan supports capacity expansion, strengthens capabilities and enables what it calls the next phase of sustainable growth. Chairman Prince Naif bin Sultan bin Mohammed bin Saud Al Kabeer described the approval as an important milestone in the company's evolution.

Details

• The headline figure: Almarai said it plans to deploy more than SAR 15 billion over the strategy period, directed at capacity expansion and capability building. The company did not provide an annual breakdown of the spending, nor identify which categories or markets would absorb the largest share.
• The timeline: The strategy covers 2026 to 2031, a five-year horizon approved by the board and announced on 6 October 2026 from Riyadh. Almarai framed it as a clear framework for the next phase of growth and value creation for its stakeholders.
• Pillars one and two: The first growth pillar is accelerating growth in core categories, where Almarai says it holds leadership supported by trusted brands and operational excellence. The second is expanding selectively into attractive food categories, limited to areas where its existing capabilities position it to succeed rather than broad diversification.
• Pillar three: The third pillar is accelerating development of high-potential channels, with foodservice and e-commerce named specifically. The company did not disclose current revenue contribution from either channel or set a target share for them over the strategy period.
• Pillar four: The fourth pillar is strengthening Almarai's position in priority markets while pursuing new opportunities. The statement did not name which markets the company classifies as priority, nor which geographies it is examining for entry.
• The chairman: Prince Naif bin Sultan bin Mohammed bin Saud Al Kabeer said the company is "building from a position of strength, with market leadership supported by trusted brands, world-class capabilities, and a proven track record of achievements." He added that the strategy reflects confidence in significant opportunities ahead.
• The stated logic: Almarai said the strategy will translate recent significant investments and capacity expansions into sustainable value through disciplined execution, productivity improvement and capital allocation. That framing positions the SAR 15 billion as a continuation of spending already committed rather than a standalone program.
• The wider pitch: The company said the plan will broaden consumer choice, enhance supply chain resilience, strengthen local manufacturing and continue contributing to national economic priorities, tying the strategy to Saudi industrial localisation goals.
• Financial discipline: The chairman said the roadmap aims to accelerate value creation for consumers, customers, employees, shareholders and communities, centered on sustainable growth while maintaining financial discipline and resilience. No earnings, margin or dividend targets accompanied the announcement.

Background

Almarai is one of the Gulf's largest food and dairy producers, listed in Riyadh. The new plan follows what the company describes as recent significant investments and capacity expansions, which the 2026-2031 strategy is intended to convert into sustainable returns.

Between the lines

The announcement sets the investment number and the four pillars but withholds the operating detail investors price on: no annual phasing of the SAR 15 billion, no named priority markets, no targets for foodservice or e-commerce. Almarai said it looks forward to sharing detailed ambitions with investors, indicating the headline figure is a framework release ahead of a fuller presentation rather than the complete plan.

What's next

Watch for the detailed strategy presentation Almarai said it will share with investors and stakeholders, which should carry the market, channel and spending breakdowns absent from the board announcement.

Source: ZAWYA Press Release (Almarai company statement)