The food manufacturing industry in the UAE is growing fast and is expected to reach USD 23.21 billion by 2025. Big companies like Almarai, Agthia, and Al Ain lead the way with quality and new ideas, but there are also great chances for smaller businesses.
New trends like plant-based food, organic items, and eco-friendly packaging are becoming popular. The UAE government is helping small businesses with tax benefits, full foreign ownership in free zones, and plans like the National Food Security Strategy 2051 and Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy 2031.
In this blog, we’ll share the top 16 food manufacturing companies in the UAE and how new businesses can join this growing market.
Top 16 Food Manufacturing Companies in UAE
Agthia Group
Agthia is one of the leading food product and beverage company in the UAE, known for its bottled water, juices, dairy products, and packaged foods. Al Ain Water is one of their flagship products, widely consumed across the UAE.
Key Products: Al Ain Water, Yoghurt, Capri-Sun, Fresh Fruit Juices
Contact: +971 2 618 0000
Email: info@agthia.com
Website: https://www.agthia.com/
Almarai
Almarai is a leading name in the UAE’s dairy sector, offering a wide variety of milk, yogurt, cheese, and juices. The company is also a major player in poultry production.
Key Products: Fresh Dairy, Juice, Poultry, Cheese, and Bakery Products
Contact: +971 4 236 5121
Email: info@almarai.com
Website: https://www.almarai.com/en
Al Ain Food & Beverages
Al Ain manufactures a wide range of beverages and dairy products, focusing on local production to ensure freshness and product quality.
Key Products: Al Ain Water, Juices, Dairy Products
Contact: +971 2 410 6600
Email: info@alainfnb.com
Website: https://www.agthia.com/brands/al-ain-food/
Nestlé Waters
Part of the global Nestlé Group, Nestlé Waters is a leader in the bottled water industry in the UAE, with popular brands like Pure Life.
Key Products: Pure Life, Nestlé Pure Life Sparkling, and Nestlé Aquarel
Contact: +971 4 880 2000
Email: nestlewaters@ae.nestle.com
Website: https://www.buyonline.nestlewaters.ae/
PepsiCo
A global food and beverage company, PepsiCo manufactures a wide variety of beverages and snacks, including Pepsi, Mountain Dew, and Lay’s chips.
Key Products: Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Lay’s, Doritos
Contact:+971 4 811 1444
Email: info@pepsico.com
Website: https://www.middleeast.pepsico.com/where-we-work/united-arab-emirates
Coca-Cola Al Ahlia Beverages
As the UAE bottling partner for Coca-Cola, this company produces a wide range of carbonated and non-carbonated drinks, including Coca-Cola, Sprite, and Minute Maid Juices.
Key Products: Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite, Minute Maid Juices
Contact: +971 4 885 0000
Email: info@cokecapital.com
Website: https://www.alahliagroup.com/
Dubai Refreshment (Pepsi)
Dubai Refreshment is the UAE bottling partner for PepsiCo, distributing Pepsi products and snacks such as Lay’s across the region.
Key Products: Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Lay’s
Contact: +971 4 347 4777
Email: info@drinksuae.com
Website: https://pepsidrc.com/
Barakat Quality Plus
Specializing in fresh juices, Barakat is known for its cold-pressed juices and also offers a range of pre-packaged salads, catering to the growing demand for health-conscious products.
Key Products: Cold-Pressed Juices, Fresh Juices, Pre-packaged Salads
Contact: +971 4 289 7755
Email: info@barakat.ae
Website: https://pepsidrc.com/
Al Khaleej Sugar
One of the largest sugar refineries in the region, Al Khaleej Sugar processes raw sugar into refined sugar, supporting the UAE’s food manufacturing sector.
Key Products: Refined Sugar, White Sugar, Bulk Sugar for Food Manufacturing
Contact: +971 4 324 4577
Email: info@alkhaleej.com
Website: https://alkhaleejsugar.ae/en
Al Islami Foods
A leader in the frozen food sector, Al Islami manufactures a variety of halal frozen meats, vegetables, and ready-to-eat meals.
Key Products: Frozen Poultry, Frozen Vegetables, Ready-to-Eat Meals
Contact: +971 4 214 2100
Email: info@alislamifoods.com
Website: https://alkhaleejsugar.ae/en
Agri-Food Products (UAE)
Agri-Food manufactures a variety of dried fruits, snacks, and spices, and is known for supporting local agriculture.
Key Products: Dried Fruits, Snacks, Spices, and Nuts
Contact: +971 4 299 8484
Email: info@agrifooduae.com
Website: https://www.ihcuae.com/businesses/agriculture-food
Al Rawabi Dairy Company
Known for dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese, Al Rawabi has built a reputation for high-quality products and is committed to sustainable farming practices.
Key Products: Milk, Yoghurt, Cheese, Dairy-based Beverages
Contact: +971 4 800 600
Email: info@alrawabi.com
Website: https://www.alrawabidairy.com/
Fine Food Company
Fine Food Company is known for its high-quality products, specializing in premium packaged foods and beverages. Their product range includes juices, snacks, and dairy products, catering to both retail and foodservice sectors.
Key Products: Juices, Dairy Products, Snacks
Contact: +971 4 881 8880
Email: info@finefooduae.com
Website: https://www.classicfinefoods.ae/
Al Ain Poultry Farms
Al Ain Poultry Farms specializes in producing fresh poultry products. The company provides high-quality chicken, both fresh and frozen, with a commitment to ensuring food safety and sustainability in their farming practices.
Key Products: Fresh Poultry, Frozen Chicken, Processed Meat
Contact: +971 3 721 7070
Email: poultry@alainpoultry.com
Website: https://alainfarms.com/our_farms/poultry-products-in-uae/
Emirates Macaroni Factory
Emirates Macaroni Factory produces a variety of pasta products, catering to the UAE’s growing demand for high-quality food products. They supply both local markets and export destinations across the Middle East.
Key Products: Pasta, Macaroni, Vermicelli
Contact: +971 4 340 6060
Email: info@emiratesmacaroni.com
Website: https://emiratesmacaroni.com/
National Food Products Company (NFPC)
National Food Products Company (NFPC) is one of the largest food items and beverage manufacturers in the UAE, known for its vast range of products, including juices, dairy, and packaged foods. They are the producers of popular brands like Lifco and Almarai.
Key Products: Juices, Dairy Products, Packaged Foods
Contact: +971 4 347 2444
Email: sales@nfpcgroup.com
Website: https://www.nfpcgroup.com/
Want to Start Your Own Manufacturing Company in UAE?
Why Entrepreneurs Should Consider the UAE for Food Manufacturing
The UAE is an attractive destination for food manufacturing businesses, thanks to its strategic location, government support, and growing market demand. These factors make it a prime opportunity for entrepreneurs:
Opportunities for Small Food Businesses: Identifying Gaps Left by Mega Companies
Big food companies lead the market, but small, flexible businesses still have chances to grow. By focusing on areas big brands miss or can’t change fast enough, small businesses can find success. Here are some challenges and chances for new entrepreneurs.
Essential Food Safety Regulations for Food Manufacturers in Dubai, UAE
For investors entering the UAE's food manufacturing sector, complying with food safety regulations is crucial to ensure legal operation and product quality. Key regulations include:
| Topic | Description |
|---|---|
| UAE Food Safety Policy | Comprehensive guidelines for food production, processing, packaging, and labeling, aligned with international standards. |
| Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA) | Enforces quality standards and certifications, including Halal compliance. Now part of MoIAT |
| Dubai Municipality Food Safety Department | DMFSD regulates food handling, storage, and preparation, focusing on hygiene and traceability. |
| HACCP Certification | Requires implementation of a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plan to manage food safety risks during production. |
| Food Labeling Requirements | Mandates clear labeling with ingredients, nutritional information, and allergens, provided in Arabic. |
| Health and Hygiene Standards | Ensures sanitation through regular inspections and mandates employee training in food safety practices. |
| Temperature and Storage Regulations | Sets standards for cold storage and transportation to prevent spoilage and contamination. |
How to Start a Food Manufacturing Business in the UAE?
Starting a food manufacturing business in the UAE involves several key steps;
Success Stories: How Small Businesses Have Thrived in the UAE’s Food Manufacturing Sector
Several small businesses in the UAE have successfully identified gaps in the food manufacturing market and turned them into profitable ventures. Below are a few inspiring examples:
1. Barakat Quality Plus
Barakat saw a demand for healthy food options and focused on cold-pressed juices and fresh salads. By offering preservative-free, nutritious products, Barakat became a leader in the health food market.
Contact: +971 4 289 7755
Email: info@barakat.ae
Website: www.barakat.ae
2. The Food Crowd
The Food Crowd connects local farmers with consumers looking for fresh, organic food. By tapping into the demand for locally sourced, sustainable products, it created a platform for health-conscious consumers.
Contact: +971 4 246 4294
Email: info@thefoodcrowd.com
Website: www.thefoodcrowd.com
3. JustFresh
JustFresh filled the gap for convenient, healthy meal kits by offering ready-to-cook meals using locally sourced ingredients. It quickly gained popularity among busy professionals who wanted nutritious meals without the hassle.
Contact: +971 4 222 4645
Email: info@justfresh.com
Website: www.justfresh.com
4. Healthy Farm
As more people turn to plant-based diets, Healthy Farm focused on vegan dairy alternatives and meat substitutes. Their commitment to sustainability and quality allowed them to capitalize on the growing demand for ethical food choices.
Contact: +971 4 340 1200
Email: info@healthyfarm.com
Website: www.healthyfarm.com
5. Bateel
Starting with premium dates, Bateel grew into a luxury food brand, offering gourmet products with high-end packaging. Their focus on quality and branding helped them succeed in a niche market.
Contact: +971 4 703 2600
Email: info@bateel.com
Website: www.bateel.com
6. Ripe Organic
Ripe Organic met the demand for fresh, locally sourced produce by offering organic fruits and vegetables delivered directly to consumers. Their focus on sustainability and convenience made them a trusted choice for health-conscious buyers.
Contact: +971 4 380 9600
Email: info@ripeorganic.com
Website: www.ripeorganic.com
FAQS (Frequently Asked Questions)
What specific licenses are required to start a food manufacturing business in the UAE?
To operate legally, you’ll need:
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Trade License from the Department of Economic Development (DED) or a relevant Free Zone Authority.
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Food License issued by the Food Safety Department, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards.
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No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Civil Defence and Environmental Department, depending on your facility’s nature.
What are the costs involved in starting a food manufacturing business in the UAE?
Startup costs typically range between AED 50,000 to AED 500,000, influenced by factors like:
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Location (Mainland vs. Free Zone).
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Facility size and equipment.
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Licensing fees.
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Staffing and operational expenses.
Can a foreign national own a food manufacturing business in the UAE?
Yes, in designated Free Zones, foreign entrepreneurs can enjoy 100% ownership without the need for a local sponsor.
What are the key food safety regulations I must comply with?
Food manufacturers must comply with:
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UAE Food Code for production and labeling.
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Dubai Municipality’s Food Safety Department guidelines.
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ESMA standards for product quality.
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Halal certification, if targeting Islamic markets.
What are the most profitable food manufacturing sectors to consider in the UAE?
The most profitable sectors include packaged foods, beverages, health foods, and plant-based products. The growing demand for organic and sustainable food options also creates profitable opportunities for niche businesses.
How can I access the UAE market for food products as a new entrepreneur?
Leverage free zones for tax advantages, and partner with local distributors. Tap into the market through food events, social media marketing, and retail partnerships to build brand presence.
Can I set up a food manufacturing business as a foreigner in the UAE?
Yes, many free zones allow 100% foreign ownership, and they offer ease of setup and tax incentives. Some areas like KIZAD also provide logistical support and export benefits.
What are the logistics challenges in the UAE's food manufacturing sector?
Challenges include sourcing raw materials and managing import/export logistics. However, the UAE’s world-class ports and access to air and sea transport facilities make it easier to manage distribution and keep supply chains running smoothly.
How can I build a brand in the UAE’s competitive food industry?
Focus on quality, localization, and authenticity in your branding. Use social media, collaborate with local influencers, and engage consumers with customized products to create a unique presence in the market.
