DP World, UAE Area, in partnership with the UAE Food & Beverage Manufacturers Group, recently launched ‘The Food & Beverages (F&B) Manufacturing Industry 2021 Dialogue,' highlighting the sector's importance to the UAE economy.

The entity's newly unveiled F&B Terminal will catalyze substantive transformation and growth in the F&B manufacturing sector.

Under the umbrella of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Saleh Lootah, Chairman, UAE Food & Beverage Manufacturers Group (FBMG), addressed the UAE Food & Beverage Manufacturers Group (FBMG) Annual Report 2020, which illuminated the core strengths of the F&B Manufacturing sector in the UAE, which is residence to 568 F&B factories with a manufacturing capacity of 16,302 thousand tonnes.

For years, the UAE has been at the frontline of the region's F&B market, thanks to a strong inflow of visitors and the inclusion of internationally renowned food and beverage companies. With the investments already done, local output has ample capacity and extra space for expansion, demonstrating the sector's reach and potential.

The FBMG Annual Report recognized prospects and emphasized the importance of providing sustainability in the entire F&B market, with an emphasis on various sub-sectors - dairy products, meat, fish, fruits and vegetables, drinks, and the junk food industry - taking into account all growth determinants. It also gives insight on 2020 demand and usage patterns, along with local projects aimed at boosting the industry by providing a first-rate market climate.

The food and beverage industry is among the most significant economic foundations in the DP World, UAE Region's Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza). This industry has distinct advantages that make developing an F&B enterprise an unrivaled prospect for business development with the greatest operating performance and economic viability.

Jafza has a designated food cluster distributed over 1.55 million square meters, serving over 4,700 port customers and housing over 550 businesses from over 70 countries. Food production, grain/cereal processing, meat processing, edible oil processing, tea/coffee processing, and sugar refining are the industries served by the port and free zone complex.

“The UAE has a well-developed food industry, propelled by its favorable investment ecosystem,” said Mohammed Al Muallem, CEO & Managing Director of DP World, UAE Region, and CEO of Jafza. It is a perfect location for F&B brands to prosper. The Emirates Food Security Council announced last year, in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, which 568 factories in the UAE manufacture 5.96 million tonnes of food and beverage goods annually, with 2.3 million tonnes consisting of vital food items. This demonstrates the country's talent and capability. Besides that, the country's numerous campaigns, such as 'Operation 300 billion' and the 'Make it in the Emirates' program have opened the path for the sector. We also built an ecosystem of amenities that will help F&B brands evolve over the years. Our aim with our recently opened F&B Terminal is to build a competitive and diverse economy in the UAE.”

“Looking at the figures, we are confident that there is space for growth in the sector, particularly given the ideal market climate,” said Saleh Lootah, Chairman of the UAE Food & Beverage Manufacturers Group (FBMG). FBMG's primary mission is to promote growth and quality in the F&B manufacturing sector, while also promoting creativity and adding to the industry and the nation.

We hope to promote steady development in the sector with the assistance of collaborators such as DP World, UAE Region, while also informing the industry about the multiple options available.” The UAE is a breeding ground for major investment prospects in food production, with a focus on halal food and advanced agriculture. Over time, the country has grown into a major hub for F&B trade in the Mena region.