Outlines a three-part strategy aimed at strengthening local manufacturing and supporting customers
Al Ghurair Foods has announced a series of strategic developments on the opening day of Gulfood 2026 (26–30 January), outlining its next phase of growth, focused on value-added ingredients, supply chain resilience, and international expansion.
The announcements include the launch of PURL, a new food ingredients brand, and a US$ 20mn investment in a UAE-based meat coating systems plant, reinforcing the company’s shift from commodity processing to integrated ingredient solutions for regional and international food manufacturers.
“By investing in advanced ingredients, integrated manufacturing and launching PURL, we are strengthening local supply chains while responding to the evolving needs of food producers across the region and international markets,” stated Turgut Yegenaga, CEO, Al Ghurair Foods.
Three-part strategy
At Gulfood, Al Ghurair Foods outlined a three-part strategy aimed at strengthening local manufacturing and supporting customers across bakery, snacks, convenience foods and protein categories.
The first pillar focuses on converting core inputs, such as flour, oats, oils, and corn, into advanced ingredient systems. These capabilities support cleaner formulations while reducing dependence on imports.
The second pillar centres on moving further up the value chain through integrated manufacturing. Key investments include a US$ 130mn non-GMO corn milling facility in KEZAD with capacity of 1,000 tons per day, alongside the newly announced US$ 20mn meat coating plant.
Expansion
The third pillar targets expansion beyond the GCC. Al Ghurair Foods confirmed plans to grow its presence in Southeast Asia and North Africa, supported by its non-GMO and infant-grade portfolio. They are also exploring acquisition opportunities to strengthen their asset base and customer reach in these markets.
Al Ghurair Foods also announced the launch of PURL, a dedicated ingredients brand developed for food manufacturers across the GCC. PURL covers a portfolio of starches, sweeteners, speciality flours, edible oils, oats, liquid egg and meat coating systems, designed to deliver consistent performance across multiple applications.
A key announcement at Gulfood is Al Ghurair Foods’ US$ 20mn investment in a new meat coating systems plant, marking a move into higher-value protein ingredients.
The facility includes breadcrumb, extrusion and blending lines with capacity exceeding 60,000 tons per year, delivering consistent coating performance and improved yields for nuggets, fillets and snack products. Integrated with Al Ghurair Foods’ starches and specialty flours, the plant supports halal-certified, clean-label solutions and reduces lead times by up to 50 percent.
