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Baladna Signs $635M Contracts and Launches Airlift of 30,000 Dairy Cows to Algeria
Baladna has reached a major milestone in its $3.5 billion Algeria dairy project, signing over $635 million in second-phase contracts and launching a 109-flight airlift carrying 30,000 Holstein cows from nine US states. This marks one of the largest coordinated livestock airlifts globally.The operation forms part of a long-term plan to establish a herd of 270,000 animals across 117,000 hectares, positioning the project as one of the largest integrated dairy developments in the world.Once operational, the facility is expected to supply up to 50% of Algeria's powdered milk demand. The project will also generate more than 15,000 jobs locally and around 1,200 in the United States, contributing to economic development across both markets."This milestone reflects Baladna’s ability to execute complex, large-scale dairy projects and deliver tangible impact on national food security," said Mr. Marek Warzywoda, Group CEO of Baladna. "Our investment in Algeria is designed to build a long-term, sustainable dairy ecosystem that supports local production, job creation, and supply stability."For Baladna, the Algeria venture represents a significant step in its international growth strategy, reinforcing its role as a global leader in large-scale dairy development and a strategic partner in advancing food security.
Baladna and IFC Formalize Advisory Engagement to Assess the Viability of Syria's Dairy Value Chain
Baladna Food Industries has signed an advisory agreement with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank Group, to assess the feasibility of rebuilding and scaling Syria's dairy sector.The engagement will focus on evaluating ground-level conditions, including milk production capacity, collection logistics, and transport constraints. It will also examine demand, processing requirements, and overall market viability to determine whether sustainable, large-scale dairy production can be restored."By grounding potential future investments in practical realities on the ground, we aim to help restore domestic dairy production in a way that supports nutrition, creates jobs, and delivers long-term value," said Mr. Marek Warzywoda, Group CEO of Baladna. "This engagement reflects our commitment to applying Baladna’s integrated dairy expertise to markets where rebuilding food systems is both urgent and impactful."Mr. Wagner Albuquerque, IFC Regional Industry Director for Manufacturing, Agribusiness and Services, said the initiative reflects the AgriConnect approach: "building direct, practical links between smallholder farmers, market infrastructure, and private sector investment, so that farmers are active participants in resilient, inclusive value chains."The advisory work will focus on reintegrating small and medium-sized dairy farmers into structured, commercially viable supply chains. It will be delivered in phases, beginning with analytical and field assessments before advancing toward practical, scalable supply-chain models tailored to Syria's current conditions.
Baladna Q.P.S.C signs an agreement with the Algerian Ministry of Agriculture
Baladna Q.P.S.C signs an agreement with the Algerian Ministry of Agricultureand Rural Development for the world’s largest integrated dairy farming andproduction project With a 3.5 billion USD investmentHerd to reach 270,000 with a production capacity of 1.7 billion liters of MilkyearlyBaladna Q.P.S.C. signed today a Framework Agreement with the Algerian Ministry of Agriculture and RuralDevelopment whereby Qatar will develop the world’s largest integrated project aimed at producing powdered milkin southern Algeria. The agreement that outlines a total investment of $3.5 billion was signed by Ms. Souad Assous,Director General of Agricultural Investment and Land at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, and Mr.Mohamad Moutaz Al-Khayyat, Chairman of Baladna. The signing ceremony was attended by HE Mr. Youcef Cherfa,Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development in Algeria; HE Mr. Laaziz Fayed Fayed, Minister of Finance in Algeria;and His Excellency Mr. Abdelaziz Ali Al-Nama, the Qatari Ambassador to Algeria, among other dignitaries.This venture, held 51% by Baladna and 49% by the Algerian State through the National Investment Fund, will developthe world’s large scale vertically integrated dairy operation in Algeria. This groundbreaking project will cover 117,000hectares and will be segregated into three hubs, each comprising of an arable farming operation, a dairy and beeffarming operation, and a powdered milk manufacturing facility.Mr. Mohamad Moutaz Al-Khayyat, Chairman of Baladna, commented on this agreement, saying: "We are delightedto formalize this partnership between Baladna and the Algerian Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Thisstrategic project is a cornerstone in fostering the growth of Algeria's agricultural sector, driving the nation towardself-sufficiency , and bolstering food security—a critical global challenge that commands concerted efforts fromcountries and international entities alike.“Baladna has a proven track-record of rapid and significant achievements in Qatar, having attained self-sufficiencywithin a mere 12 months, courtesy of employing foremost international technologies and leveraging a wealth ofexpertise in the agriculture industry. It is with great anticipation that we aim to replicate this success in Algeria,encapsulating these valuable experiences and technologies to implement exemplary, sustainable practices on aninternational scale.”Mr. Malcolm Jordan, CEO of Baladna added: “We are looking forward to working together with our Algerian partnersto build one of the world’s largest vertically integrated dairy companies. This strategic partnership not only alignswith our ambitious growth objectives but also promises significant returns and long-term value for ourshareholders.”The project aims to meet 50% of Algeria’s national demand for powdered milk, supplement the local market withred meat, create 5,000 direct local jobs, and contribute to the growth of the national cattle stock. It will also leveragemodern technology and best management practices to enhance dairy farming efficiency, reduce production coststhrough economies of scale, and improve control over the entire value chain.The "Baladna" project for powdered milk production is part of the Algerian state's strategy to produce widelyconsumed products in line with the national food security strategy.
Baladna partners with global cheese producer Bel Group to expand dairy offerings in Qatar
Qatar’s leading food and dairy producer, Baladna, has announced a strategic partnership with global cheese and snack giant, The Bel Group. The landmark collaboration brings new opportunities for both companies, starting with the production of The Laughing Cow® cheese jars in 2023. Baladna also aims to produce more of Bel Group’s products in the near future.Producing popular products by international brands such as Bel not only reduces imports and supply chain disruptions, but also provides a more responsible, environmentally conscious option for Qatari consumers.Commenting on the partnership, Malcolm Jordan, Chief Executive Officer of Baladna, said: “We are pleased to sign this partnership with Bel Group, who are world leaders in cheese products. This collaboration will allow us to expand the dairy offerings in Qatar and provide customers with even more high-quality products. As a leading dairy brand in Qatar, Baladna is committed to supporting food sustainability efforts in the country. We are excited to benefit from Bel Group’s unparalleled know-how as we look to expand our range of dairy products and make international brands more accessible in the Qatari market. We believe this partnership will have a positive impact on the dairy industry in Qatar and improve consumer choices.”Garo Matossian, Chief Executive Officer at BEL for Near & Middle East, said: “The Bel Group is deeply committed to making our products accessible to new consumers and building sustainable partnerships with local producers around the world. This strategic partnership with Baladna in Qatar is an exciting step forward in our presence in the Middle Eastern Gulf, in line with our mission to deliver healthier and responsible food for all. We are proud to partner with Baladna – they are Qatar’s homegrown company. By combining their expertise with our delicious cream cheese, and our knowledge of cheese products, this partnership will enable us to offer consumers, delicious, nutritious, and accessible cheese products, and become a leader in the region’s fast-growing dairy market.”The partnership with Bel Group is part of Baladna’s ongoing commitment to expanding its successful production model and ensuring self-sufficient dairy production in Qatar. As a homegrown Qatari brand, Baladna is dedicated to providing high-quality, locally-sourced products to the Qatari market and promoting sustainable food production with minimal impact on the environment. The company already exports its dairy and juice products to countries across the region, including Yemen, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Oman.
Baladna has announced its sponsorship of the 13th edition of HH The Amir’s Sword Showjumping and Dressage Championship
For the fourth consecutive year, Baladna has announced its sponsorship of the 13th edition of HH The Amir’s Sword Showjumping and Dressage Championship, which will be held at the Al-Rayyan Racecourse at the Racing and Equestrian Club in Qatar from February 20 – February 22. The aim is to contribute to the continuity and development of equestrian sport in the country and organize and host tournaments that support, develop, and encourage the birth of a new generation of promising Qatari equestrians.A partnership agreement was recently signed between Baladna and the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club in the presence of Mr. Moataz Al-Khayyat, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Baladna, and His Excellency Mr. Badr Muhammad Al Darwish, President of the Qatar Equestrian Federation.This is the fourth consecutive time Baladna sponsors this championship as preparations for the event are in full swing amid anticipation and excitement to see who will come out victorious during the race. The championship is expected to be the biggest race at the club this season.Regarding the partnership, Mr. Moataz Al-Khayyat said: “We at Baladna are pleased to cooperate with the Racing and Equestrian Club through the sponsorship of HH The Amir’s Sword Showjumping and Dressage Championship, which is considered to be the most expensive horse racing festival in Qatar and the region and one of the most prominent sporting events in the nation.”“Our sponsorship of this prominent sporting event stems from our constant commitment to serving the Qatari community and investing in the Qatar National Vision 2030. Baladna continuously seeks to support and sponsor major sporting events in the country and contribute to securing Qatar’s position in the global sports arena,” he added.“Good luck to all participants in HH The Amir’s Sword Showjumping and Dressage Championship. We hope fans and the wider public enjoy the show.”The championship will be held across three days at the Al-Rayyan Racecourse with a sizeable number of participants. Several races will be held daily with different race lengths and various types of horses.
Global Counsel conference puts the spotlight on tech solutions for MENA food crisis
Baladna joined Global Counsel’s panel on tech solutions for Food Security in MENA by sharing their expertise in water recycling. As part of its sustainability efforts, Baladna has made a 50% reduction in water consumption by investing in technology that recycles used wastewater.READ MORE
Baladna Joins One Tide Coalition committed to promoting recycling and diverting waste from Landfill
Baladna is a founding member of the One Tide Industry Coalition which was established by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change in December 2022. This coalition includes local, regional, and global organizations that will work towards leveraging Qatar’s hosting of the FIFA World Cup to promote awareness and positive action towards sustainable consumption.This will facilitate an ongoing regional commitment to the environment, with Qatari and regional organizations encouraged to develop innovative initiatives to boost sustainable consumption.Other founding members include MECC, SC, Al Rayyan Water, APEX Waste Management, Averda, Doha Plastics, Modern Cleaning and Trading MCC, Nestlé Middle East FZE, Unilever, Seashore, and the Coca-Cola Company.READ MORE
Baladna Signs as Humanitarian Partner with Qatar Charity
As a partner of Qatar Charity, and as part of its duty to give back to society, Baladna ensures that aid and support are provided to target groups within Qatari society and aims to participate in humanitarian work whenever possible. In response to tragic events, Baladna donated QAR 1 million to Qatar Charity for earthquake victims in Syria and Turkey.READ MORE