Revolutionizing Poultry Farming in Extreme Climates
In a recent episode of the Future Foodcast, Zulfiqar Hamadani, CEO of Tanmiah Food Company, shared insights on transforming poultry production in the challenging climates of Saudi Arabia. This discussion sheds light on overcoming environmental hurdles and emphasizes sustainable practices and innovative growth strategies that have propelled the company forward.
From Accounting to Pioneering in the Food Industry
Zulfiqar Hamadani’s journey is not that of a typical food industry CEO. Originally an accountant with PWC, his career trajectory shifted dramatically when he joined the Tanmiah Food Company. Starting as CFO in 2008 and eventually becoming CEO in 2018, Zulfiqar Hamadani has been instrumental in navigating the company through significant growth — achieving a tenfold increase since 2013.
Overcoming Environmental Challenges
One of the most significant challenges faced by Tanmiah Foods was adapting poultry farming to Saudi Arabia’s extreme temperatures, which can plunge below zero in winter and soar above 50 degrees Celsius in summer. The solution involved innovative climate-controlled poultry houses and empowering farm managers with ownership and responsibility for their operations. This approach not only improved survival rates and productivity but also set new standards within the region for poultry production.
Empowering Teams for Success
Zulfiqar credits much of Tanmiah Food Company’s success to its people-centric approach. By incentivizing farm managers based on achievable outcomes and fostering a culture of ownership and pride, Tanmiah has cultivated a motivated workforce that excels in its respective roles. This strategy has been crucial for maintaining operational excellence across scattered farms throughout Saudi Arabia.
Leveraging Government Initiatives and Global Partnerships
The announcement of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which includes food security initiatives, provided additional momentum for Tanmiah Food. The alignment with national goals helped accelerate growth further. Partnerships with global giants like Tyson Foods have expanded their reach beyond local markets, positioning Tanmiah as a leader in sustainable Halal protein production.
Innovation at the Core of Operations
Innovation remains at the heart of Tanmiah Food Company operations. From developing biodegradable plastics from poultry waste to planting half a million trees using recycled water and organic waste from their operations, these initiatives underscore a commitment to sustainability that complements their business model economically and environmentally.
Future Directions and Global Impact
The company is not resting on its laurels, it continues to push boundaries by hosting challenges like the Homepreneur Sustainability Challenge. This initiative invites innovators worldwide to propose solutions that could further revolutionize agriculture practices suited to arid environments.
The success story of Tanmiah Food Company provides valuable lessons on resilience, innovation, and strategic growth. It exemplifies how businesses can thrive by aligning with ecological needs and leveraging human resource potential effectively.
