Utilizes the potential of Jebel Ali and JAFZA to invigorate businesses
DP World, UAE Region in collaboration with the UAE Food & Beverage Manufacturers Group recently recently hosted ‘The Food & Beverages Manufacturing Industry 2021 Dialogue’ emphasizing the significance of the sector to the UAE’s economy.
The recently launched F&B Terminal will act as a catalyst for positive change and development in the F&B manufacturing industry.
Saleh Lootah, Chairman, UAE Food & Beverage Manufacturers Group (FBMG), under the auspices of Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, discussed the UAE Food & Beverage Manufacturers Group (FBMG) Annual Report 2020 that highlighted the core competencies of the F&B Manufacturing sector in the UAE that is home to 568 F&B factories with a maximum production capacity of 16,302 thousand tonnes.
With a high inflow of tourists and the presence of globally renowned food and beverage brands, the UAE has been at the forefront of the F&B sector in the region for years. Currently, with the investments already made, the local production has sufficient capacity and headroom for growth, which is testimony of the scope and potential in the sector.
Considering all the growth determinants, the FBMG Annual Report identified opportunities and underlined the significance of maintaining sustainability in the overall F&B sector with a focus on various sub-sectors – dairy products, poultry, seafood, fruits and vegetables, beverages and the snacking industry. It also shed light on production and consumption trends in 2020 and local initiatives that boost business in the sector.
Offering a world-class business environment
The F&B sector is one of the most important economic pillars in DP World, UAE Region’s Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA). This sector enjoys unique advantages that make establishing an F&B company an unparalleled opportunity for business growth with the highest operational efficiency and economic feasibility.
JAFZA features a dedicated food cluster spread over an area of 1.55 million sq. meters, supporting over 4,700 port customers and hosting over 550 companies from more than 70 countries. The port and free zone complex caters to all segments of the industry including food processing, grain/cereal processing, meat processing, edible oil processing, tea/coffee processing and sugar refining.
“Over the years, we have created an environment with facilities that can help F&B brands grow. Through our newly-launched F&B Terminal, our ultimate aim is to create a sustainable and diversified economy in the UAE,” affirmed Mohammed Al Muallem, CEO & Managing Director of DP World, UAE Region and CEO, JAFZA.
“With the help of partners like DP World, UAE Region, we hope to stimulate consistent progress in the sector, while also enlightening the industry about the various opportunities available in the country,” asserted Lootah.
Reinforcing the UAE’s leading status
The UAE is an incubator for large investment opportunities in food manufacturing that also go beyond, tapping into the halal food and innovative agriculture markets. The country has, over the years, become a major hub for F&B trade in the MENA region.
“This Annual Report is of considerable importance due to the valuable information it provides, which reinforces the sector’s position and its leading reputation locally and globally,” noted Hassan Al Hashemi, Vice President, International Relations, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
To ensure the progress of the F&B sector in the UAE, DP World, UAE Region has also continually supported and encouraged small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), launching three distinct incubation centres, each targeting different categories including halal food companies, Latin American companies, and Indian companies.
