Tyson Foods launches major project in Kazakhstan

Tyson Fresh Meats, a subsidiary of Tyson Foods, has signed an agreement with the Republic of Kazakhstan and the private holding company Kusto Group (headquartered in Singapore but with a longstanding presence in Kazakhstan) to collaborate on a project that could initially lead to the construction of a modern beef processing plant in Kazakhstan with a capacity of 2,000 head per day and an impact on the Kazakh economy in excess of US $1 billion.

The agreement with Tyson and Kusto Group is part of a broader initiative by the Kazakhstan government to expand and modernize agriculture, beginning with meat production.

According to Tyson’s CEO Noel White, around 98% of world growth in protein demand will be generated outside the United States, particularly in Asia. Kazakhstan is the ninth largest country in the world by geographic area and ranks 63rd in terms of population with 18.5 million inhabitants.

It is strategically located close to China, Russia and the Middle East with transport infrastructures capable of reaching the markets of Central Europe. Tyson Fresh Meats operates beef plants in Nebraska, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Texas and Washington. The company’s beef business generated $15.8 billion in sales in fiscal year 2019.