Nestlé Saudi Arabia and KAUST team up to advance research and innovation in food and agriculture

Nestlé Saudi Arabia has signed an agreement with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) to establish a joint framework for collaboration in packaging, agriculture, and food technology.

The agreement aims to advance research and innovation in food and agriculture. The deal will see innovative and sustainable solutions developed to bolster food safety standards and foster innovation that promotes a healthy lifestyle and environmental sustainability.

Advanced research in food and nutrition sciences

The agreement, which was signed during a ceremony earlier this week, is part of Nestlé’s long-term commitment to investment in the Kingdom. 

In November 2022, the F&B giant invested SAR 7 billion (US$ over ten years to establish an advanced manufacturing facility and launch several research and development projects. 

The deal aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which addresses scientific challenges in food and health, supports local agricultural production, improves crop efficiency, and contributes to the development of a knowledge-based economy that enhances quality of life. 

“This partnership builds on Nestlé’s long-standing investment in Saudi Arabia and contributes to improving quality of life and public health through research and solutions that support sustainable food supply chains and meet the evolving aspirations of the Saudi market, in alignment with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030,” says the chairman and CEO of Nestlé Middle East and North Africa, Robert Helou.

Dr. Ian Campbell, senior VP of the National Transformation Institute at KAUST, adds: “This agreement with Nestlé Saudi Arabia marks an important step in advancing national priorities through science and innovation. By combining [KAUST’s] research expertise with Nestlé’s industrial leadership, we aim to deliver solutions in food, health, and agriculture that improve quality of life and promote sustainable development.”