First Mills boasts 30% market share in flour production, exports to regional markets: CEO

Abdullah Ababtain, CEO of First Milling Co. (First Mills)

First Milling Co. (First Mills) dominates a 30% market share in the Saudi flour market, positioning the company as the sector’s largest producer, per the latest data issued by General Food Security Authority (GFSA), CEO Abdullah Ababtain told Argaam in an interview.

Ababtain added that the Saudi-listed company has started exporting to regional markets, including Iraq, Qatar and the UAE. Extending coverage across the local market will remain the company's top priority, with an eye to also expanding globally.

The top executive also indicated that the 2% revenue growth during the first quarter of 2025 was driven by continued strong demand for First Mills’ flour, feed and wheat derivatives products. Further, operational efficiency improved to exceed 94%, along with expanding the customer base.

Flour sales represent 60% of the company’s overall topline, followed by feed sales at nearly 30%. This in turn reinforces its financial strength by diversifying income sources while also widening its customer base, he added.

Separately, First Mills, according to the CEO, is putting special focus on the bran product as it enters the feed industry. This product is being recycled within the production lines or sold raw, depending on market needs and seasonality.

"The company focuses on research and development to produce diverse flour types that meet the changing consumer preferences, hence enhancing its competitiveness locally and globally moving forward," said Ababtain.

He pointed out that work on the Qassim-based new flour milling unit Mill C, which is set to boast a daily production capacity of 600 tons, is proceeding on track.

Mill C’s actual start of operation is scheduled in the second quarter of 2026, as part of the company's plans to strengthen its presence in promising high-growth markets, especially in Central Province and Riyadh, according to the CEO.

Ababtain also touched on the successful privatization of the Saudi milling sector, highlighting its smooth completion with no impact on market stability or the quality of marketed flour products.

According to Argaam's data, First Mills' profits rose 2% to SAR 79.7 million by the end of Q1 2025, compared to SAR 77.7 million during the same period in 2024.