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A delicious meal has the power to uplift any mood! Everyone loves to indulge in delicious treats, and the UAE’s population is no exception. With over 2,000 cuisines to choose from, the food industry here is sizzling, offering an incredible variety that makes your taste buds dance. That is why the food industry in the UAE is one of the fastest growing and most vibrant sectors not just in the Emirates, but worldwide! As the demand for food continues to rise, so does the need for supply, creating abundant opportunities for businesses. You will find some of the world’s best food manufacturing companies in UAE thriving, with even more newcomers bringing fresh and exciting options to the table.
This article is dedicated to the remarkable food companies in Dubai and UAE and highlights their specialties. Plus, if you are an aspiring entrepreneur, we will share some trending food business ideas to consider in this dynamic market. So, let us dive in.
The UAE’s food and beverage industry is making waves across the globe. There are more than 2000 beverages and food manufacturing companies in UAE which are generating more than USD 7.63 billion annual revenue! Here, industry giants offer a wide range of products, including drinks, juices, savoury cuisines, snacks, convenience foods, sweeteners, sauces, spices, meat, fish, seafood, baby food, pet food, and more.
Here are the reasons behind this booming market:
The UAE’s wealth and affluence significantly contribute to the growth of its food industry. The GDP per capita was last recorded at $46,877 in 2024, which is 371% of the world’s average! People are willing to spend on quality food and experiences.
The health consciousness among the nation’s people is rising, creating an ever-increasing demand for healthy foods, drinks, and nutritious snacks. The high obesity rates further drive the demand for organic and healthier food options.
The UAE is a digital economy with a high internet penetration rate. The tech-savvy and educated population, combined with busy lifestyles, drives demand for convenient, frozen, and ready-to-eat food items, often delivered straight to their doorsteps.
What can we say about the nation’s tourism sector? It is expected to reach a whopping AED 236 billion in 2024! The continuous influx of tourists creates an unprecedented demand for diverse food items.
The UAE is a melting pot of diverse cultures, with over 2,000 cuisines represented. This cultural richness creates abundant opportunities and a booming market across various food segments.
Let us have a look at the list of food manufacturing companies in Dubai and UAE who are successful:
Emirates Food Industries, based in Abu Dhabi, is one of the leading food manufacturing companies in Abu Dhabi and across UAE managing two of the largest dairy farms in the Middle East. It plays a key role in supporting Abu Dhabi’s agricultural and food security goals.
With a strong range of products, the company benefits from large-scale production and efficient logistics. Its main subsidiaries are National Feed and Flour Production and Marketing Co. (NFFPM), National Dairy Farms (NDF) and Masaken Dairy Farms (MDF), National Bags (NB), and HAYATNA.
Products: Animal feed production, dairy production, and veterinary services.
Contact: +971 (2) 4996999 or info@efi.ae
Next on the list is Delta Food Industries, one of the leading beverage and food manufacturing companies in UAE, located in the Sharjah Airport Freezone. Established in 2012, the company has consistently delivered quality products, following strict regulations and production standards.
Delta Food is accredited by prominent bodies such as HALAL, ISO 22000, ISO 9001:2015, and HACCP, making it a trusted brand for private food labels in local and international markets.
Products: Tomato paste, tomato ketchup, evaporated milk, sterilized cream, hot sauce, oats, cornstarch, custard powder.
Contact: +971 (6) 557 1881 or marketing@deltafood.ae
With over 48 years of excellence, United Food Industries has become a leading provider of edible oils and fats in the UAE and GCC countries. Over the years, the brand has built a solid reputation for meeting the needs of the Middle East’s population.
Today, it offers well-known brands like Aseel, Nawar, Safi, Mumtaz, and Super Sun, delivering a wide variety of oils and fats to satisfy customers’ evolving tastes. Each product is safe, nutritious, healthy, and full of flavor.
Products: Ghee, edible oils, butter, margarine, culinary products, ice cream, and beverages under specialized brands.
Contact: +971 4 506 3800 or info@unitedfoods.ae
Established in 1959, Dubai Refreshment Company is the first soft drink manufacturing company in the UAE. Located in Dubai Investment Park, it operates as the UAE-based franchise for PepsiCo, producing Pepsi and 7Up products across Dubai, Sharjah, and the northern Emirates.
Today, the company has expanded its product offerings, providing high-quality and satisfying products to a large, diverse customer base and is well-regarded for its commitment to safety and quality.
Products: Pepsi bottling, beverages, FMCG, soft drinks, water, tea, 7Up, Mirinda, Lipton, Mountain Dew, Aquafina, and more.
Contact: +971 4 8025000 or info@pepsidrc.ae
Founded in 2004 in the city of glittering skyscrapers, Gulf Processing Industries was established by Sarag Group as a joint venture with MH Enterprises. Since then, the company has delivered purity and freshness in cans, jars, and bottles. From comfort foods to daily essentials, it provides products of the finest quality, operating in over 25 categories.
Gulf Processing Industries is the parent company of the popular brand Herman, which is certified for quality with HACCP, ISO 22000:2005, HALAL, and YUM accreditations.
Products: Sauces, spreads, mayonnaise, snacks, refreshments, cooking, and baking supplies, and more.
Contact: +971 4 313 0755 or info@hermanfoods.com
National Food Industries Company Ltd, established in 1977, is now one of the leading snack producers in the Middle East. The company is home to popular brands such as Mr. Pofak, Doodles, Emirates Pofaki, and Mr. Krisps, which are well-loved across the region.
NFI has become a part of everyday life for its customers, with a strong commitment to quality. It has earned many local and international awards, solidifying its status as a household name.
Products: Potato chips, corn curls, potato pellets, corn tortilla chips, and a variety of other snacks.
Contact: +971 4 347 1616 or info@nfidubai.com
Next on the list of top food manufacturing companies in UAE is Al Islami Foods. Established in 1981, Al Islami Foods has built a legacy of supplying superior halal meat and quality foods. With a dedicated team of over 400 employees and a top-notch facility in the Hamriyah Freezone, UAE, the company uses cutting-edge technology to deliver nutritious, high-quality food.
Al Islami Foods also offers a special brand, Aladdin, featuring a tasty range of frozen foods specifically for children.
Products: Chicken, convenient items like burgers, nuggets, franks, seafood, vegetables, French fries, fruits, and more.
Based in Dubai, the next company on the list of top food manufacturing companies in UAE is Hunter Foods, renowned for its innovative, delicious, and gourmet snacks. The company offers several brands, including Hunter’s Gourmet, Hunter’s Safari, Aladin, and Ali Baba.
Hunter Foods is a major distributor across all retail, wholesale, and food service sectors and exports to over 65 countries across five continents.
Products: hand-cooked potato chips, vegetable chips, quinoa chips, organic superfoods, and a variety of other snacks.
Contact: 800-486837823 or info@hunterfoods.com
Established in 1979, Best Food Company began as a single nuts processing plant and has since become a market leader in branded nuts across the UAE and the Middle East. Its top-notch manufacturing facilities span 128,600 square feet and employ over 600 skilled workers.
Today, it is a favoured brand for chocolate and nuts, enjoyed by many. Best Food Company is the recipient of prestigious ISO 9001:2008 and HACCP certifications, and its demand is increasing in more countries worldwide.
Products: Nuts, chocolate, and dates.
Bayara is another one from prominent food manufacturing companies in UAE, specializing in dried fruits, spices, and herbs, and is based in Dubai. It is a trusted supplier for grocery retailers, hotels, restaurants, airlines, and major airports.
In 2021, Bayara was acquired by Savola Group, the largest food conglomerate in the MENA region. The company aims to enrich families and people with genuine food flavoured with life and love, bringing diverse culinary experiences to tables globally.
Products: Nuts, dried fruits, spices, snacks, dates, olives, pulses, and Middle Eastern and international cuisine products.
Contact: +971 4 8857478 or info.bayara@savola.com
Global Food Industries was founded in 1992 in the Emirate of Sharjah as a specialist in frozen food manufacturing company in UAE. The company sets the highest standards in the frozen food industry and holds various local, global, and regional quality certifications, including ISO 9001, BRC, HALAL, AIB, HACCP, and ISO 22000.
Today, it offers multiple brands and services across various cuisines.
Products: Frozen meat, poultry, vegetables, seafood, and related products.
Established in 1989, Al Rawabi Dairy and Juice Company is a leading provider of dairy and juice products in the UAE. The company serves over one million customers daily, and its products are loved and recognized for proudly carrying the label “homemade in the UAE.”
Al Rawabi is committed to promoting the health of the nation, offering fresh products packed with health benefits.
Products: Dairy, juices, processed meat, functional products, bakery items, and more.
Contact: +971 4 704 3000 or sales@alrawabi.ae
Next on the list of remarkable food manufacturing companies in UAE is Balade Farms, known for its traditional roots and long heritage of handcrafted homemade dairy products. It is a well-known supplier to hypermarkets, deli stores, restaurants, schools, and hospitals, bringing the authentic taste of natural Lebanese, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean blends to the region and beyond.
Products: dairy and cheese products.
Contact: +971 4 885 1800 or info@baladefarms.com
Founded by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan in 1981, Al Ain Farms is the UAE’s pioneering dairy and poultry integrated company. With over 20 years of industry experience, it stands today as the largest dairy company in the nation, operating five massive farms.
They utilize state-of-the-art technology for feeding, milking, and processing, and have been committed to quality and customer needs while maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare since day one. That is why it is regarded as a beloved brand in the Emirates.
Deals in: Fresh juice, dairy products, poultry, camel milk, and more.
Contact: +971 3 711 4600 or customercare@alainfarms.com
The food industry in the UAE offers immense opportunities for entrepreneurs, whether for high- or low-investment ventures. You can turn your passion for food into a successful business. Here are some business ideas for the Dubai market:
Food trucks have become a popular alternative to traditional dining in the UAE, experiencing significant growth in recent years, partly due to rising tourism. With a minimum investment required, they offer an appealing option for aspiring entrepreneurs.
The nation’s love for their furry family members is unconditional. You can help pet owners take better care of their pets by opening an exclusive pet food shop that offers delicious food and high-quality treats.
A very low-cost business setup in UAE for the food industry is a cloud kitchen. This model allows you to operate without the need for a physical dining space, delivering food directly to customers’ doors.
As the health consciousness of the UAE population increases, there is a great opportunity to tap into this market by providing healthy food and snacks for those who want to satisfy their cravings with nutritious options. The demand for healthy food manufacturing companies in UAE is huge!
For such a diverse and vast food industries in Dubai and UAE, a proper regulatory system is essential to ensure food safety and quality. The UAE government has implemented a robust food safety framework, including Federal Law No. 10 of 2015 on Food Safety, approved by the late H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This law establishes standards and regulations for maintaining food safety and quality nationwide, which all food manufacturing companies in Dubai and UAE must strictly adhere to.
Some of the highlights of the law:
There are numerous top-tier food manufacturing companies in UAE that are making a significant impact by providing quality products. If you dream of bringing your food business to the UAE, it could be the best decision of your life. The market is booming, and profits are skyrocketing. For successful business setup in Dubai, you must follow the proper legal procedures, such as obtaining a business license and approvals from the food department.
That is why we recommend seeking assistance from professional business consultants in Dubai. Dubiz Business Setup can cover all your business formation needs in Dubai, from getting your name approved to securing business licenses, permits, business visas, bank accounts, and beyond. With our digital marketing services, you can ensure your food business in Dubai thrives and stands out.
Contact us to get the best business solutions and company formation services in Dubai!
Contact or WhatsApp us at +971563695485 or mail us at info@dubiz.co for any inquiries.
Several brands have established themselves as the largest food manufacturing companies in UAE across various categories. For example, Al Islami is prominent in halal food, Al Ain Farms leads in dairy products, and Bayara is well-known for snacks.
When it comes to food and beverages, the UAE can be considered one of the largest producers of dairy products, nuts, cooking oil, dates, poultry, tomatoes, and more.
The food industry in the UAE is massive, with more than 2,000 food and beverage companies in UAE generating billions in revenue annually. The food market is expected to grow by 4.86% from 2024 to 2029, resulting in a market volume of about USD 48.14 billion by 2029.
To start a food manufacturing business in Dubai, consider these steps:
Some of the top business food ideas in Dubai include cloud kitchens, organic food stores, food delivery services, cafes, pet food stores, food trucks, among others.
