Nongshim, a leading South Korean food company widely recognized globally for its popular instant noodles (like Shin Ramyun) and snacks, is expanding its horizons into the cutting-edge field of smart farming. This strategic diversification is marked by the official commencement of construction on a pilot greenhouse project in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This initiative is aimed at establishing a K-Smart Farm export base for the Middle East.
The groundbreaking ceremony took place on April 21 (local time) at the National Agricultural Research Center in Riyadh. The project is part of the “Smart Farm Export Promotion Project,” which Nongshim joined through an agreement with the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) in July 2024.
The Smart Farm Export Promotion Project is hosted by South Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and organized by aT. It aims to introduce and operate Korean-style smart farm models in Saudi Arabia, thereby accelerating the entry of South Korean smart farming technologies into the Middle Eastern market. Nongshim was selected to lead the project on behalf of South Korea, in collaboration with a consortium of three small and medium-sized enterprises.
The Nongshim smart farm will cover approximately 21,528 square feet (about 2,000 square meters) and is scheduled for completion by December this year. It will showcase a range of cutting-edge agricultural technologies, including advanced farming robots and environmental control systems.
The farm will feature two models: a vertical farm to cultivate leafy greens such as frilled iceberg lettuce and kale, and a glass greenhouse for growing fruiting vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers. The crops have been carefully selected to align with the preferences of Middle Eastern consumers, who tend to favor sweeter flavors—specifically varieties with reduced bitterness and enhanced natural sweetness.
Initially, the harvested crops will be distributed through local Saudi partner networks. Nongshim also plans to expand sales through major retail chains such as Carrefour and LuLu Hypermarket, as well as e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Noon.
Through this initiative, Nongshim aims to showcase the excellence of Korean smart farming technologies in the Middle East and promote industrial expansion. By operating a localized smart farm package, the company intends to secure a competitive edge and eventually establish a smart farm cluster that integrates crop research, processing, and distribution—laying the groundwork for global expansion.
A Nongshim representative stated, “We aim to promote the excellence of Korean K-Smart Farm technology in Saudi Arabia as a representative of South Korea,” adding, “This groundbreaking marks a major step forward in Nongshim’s efforts to expand globally in the smart farming sector.”
