Food Tech Valley

Supporting UAE’s National Strategy for Food Security 2051 and ‘Plant the Emirates’

admin — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 10:44:30 +0000

Supporting UAE’s National Strategy for Food Security 2051 and ‘Plant the Emirates’

admin

Tue, 11/26/2024 - 11:44

Food Tech Valley successfully attracts investments,
strategic partnerships with major global investors

UAE, Dubai – 00 October 2024: Food Tech Valley, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has forged strategic partnerships with major international investors to support the UAE's National Food Security Strategy 2051 and the "Plant the Emirates" program. These partnerships will help enhance national and international food security, develop innovative agricultural technologies, and engage the private sector in ensuring sustainable food production.

International strategic partnerships

Food Tech Valley signed several key agreements with major international investors and leading agricultural and food production companies. Notable partnerships include ReFarm, Badia Farms, Spinneys, French Bakery, and Golden Leaf Farm, demonstrating strong investor confidence in the project's potential to drive growth in sustainable food production. Furthering public-private collaboration, reservation contracts were also signed with Fit Fresh and Imdaad to enhance food value chain and supply chain operations.

Embracing global tech advancements

Her Excellency Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, stated that the strategic partnerships forged within the Food Tech Valley project represent a turning point in the UAE's pursuit of sustainable food security. "By developing smart infrastructure that embraces global technological advancements and fostering collaborative partnerships for sustainable eco-solutions, we can protect our natural resources and mitigate the impact of climate change on agriculture,” she said.

She emphasized that the next phase requires strategic thinking focused on leveraging advanced technologies to create effective and innovative food production systems. "We are confident that Food Tech Valley will be a landmark achievement in our drive for food sustainability, empowering future generations with smart solutions that balance economic growth and environmental protection," she concluded.

Transforming the future of agriculture

His Excellency Hesham Abdulla Al Qassim, CEO of Wasl, said: “Food Tech Valley represents an ambitious vision that seeks to go beyond conventional solutions to food production challenges and towards building an agricultural ecosystem based on innovation and minimizing waste. It confirms that the UAE is not just a destination for investment, but a platform for pioneering models that can transform the future of agriculture both regionally and globally."

“These partnerships will empower farmers and entrepreneurs with access to the latest smart farming innovations, boosting productivity and promoting sustainability. Our commitment is to provide effective solutions that contribute to a robust and sustainable food system capable of meeting future demands while protecting our natural resources and the environment. “

Promoting the agritech ecosystem

Food Tech Valley is solidifying its position as a global innovation hub by forging strategic partnerships with international organizations and government entities to advance sustainable food security solutions. These collaborations, including partnerships with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, the World Food Programme (WFP), PepsiCo, the Emirates Development Bank (EBD), and others, are driving innovation and sustainability throughout the food value chain.

Food Tech Valley has been actively participating in major international events that act as a platform to sharing knowledge and showcasing latest smart farming innovations. Those included GVF (2023 and 2024), AgraME (2022 and 2023), Future Food (2022, 2023, and 2024) and Gulfood Green 2024. During COP28, key agreements to foster international cooperation in sustainable farming were signed, further establishing the UAE’s role as a global leader in sustainable food solutions.

Food Tech Valley, integral to the UAE's national food security vision and the "Plant the Emirates" initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, aims to transform agriculture through hydroponic, aeroponic and vertical farming technologies. By boosting local food production and reducing reliance on imports, the project now yields over 300 products, enhancing its capacity to meet growing demand within the UAE and internationally.

Strategic partnerships

Food Tech Valley has established several strategic partnerships to drive agricultural innovation. Stephen Anderson, WFP's Regional Representative for the GCC, emphasized the critical importance of such collaborations in addressing growing global food security challenges. "The partnership between WFP, Food Tech Valley, and the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment leverages innovation and technology to pioneer solutions for these challenges. By combining our strengths, we can develop scalable solutions that enhance food resilience, improve nutrition, and contribute to ending global hunger. We are proud to be part of this UAE-led initiative and confident in its potential for tangible progress,” he stated.

Ongoing Support to Foster Innovation

His Excellency Ahmed Mohamed Al Naqbi, CEO of the Emirates Development Bank, emphasized the bank’s commitment to leveraging all capabilities that contribute to sustainable development and meet the aspirations of the UAE’s wise leadership, which places the development and advancement of key sectors at the forefront of priorities due to their direct link to quality of life in society. He said, "Empowering food security and enhancing food production are priorities we are actively working on as part of our efforts to promote agricultural sector development."

His Excellency added, "Emirates Development Bank focuses on facilitating the adoption of advanced technologies and fostering innovation in the food sector. Our strategic partnership with 'Food Tech Valley,' a cornerstone in transforming the future of food, reaffirms our continuous efforts to provide financial solutions and harness expertise to support the achievement of the National Food Security Strategy 2051 and the national program 'Grow UAE.'"

Published Date

Fri, 11/15/2024 - 12:00

News Image

Sustainable Food production industry blooming in Dubai Food Tech Valley as GigaFarm Initiative Lays Foundations

admin — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 10:38:50 +0000

Sustainable Food production industry blooming in Dubai Food Tech Valley as GigaFarm Initiative Lays Foundations

admin

Tue, 11/26/2024 - 11:38

---GigaFarm construction begins at Dubai’s Food Tech Valley, heralding a new era in decarbonised food production, on a site capable of replacing 1% of the UAE's food imports from just 900,000 sq ft of land---

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – [8 November 2024] Project execution has officially commenced on an innovative decarbonised farm in Dubai Food Tech Valley, a master development launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and spearheaded by prominent Dubai property developer Wasl.

Groundbreaking took place at a ceremony attended by H.E. Dr. Amna bint Abdulla Aldahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, H.E. Dr. Mohammed Salman Al Hammadi, Assistant Undersecretary at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, Jonathan Reynolds, The British Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Edward Hobart, The British Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Oliver Christian, The British Consul General to Dubai and HM Trade Commissioner for the Middle East and Pakistan, Rashed Mohammad, Chief Real Estate Officer of Wasl, Omar Al Maydoor, General Manager Lands Asset Management at Wasl, Ahmed Al Shaibani, Head of Food Tech Valley, Saeed Al Marri, Chairman of ReFarm, Oliver Christof, Chief Executive Officer of ReFarm, Andrew Lloyd, Chief Executive Officer of Intelligent Growth Solutions (IGS).

Dubai-based group ReFarm Global (ReFarmTM) and Intelligent Growth Solutions (IGS) joined to initiate the “GigaFarm” project, which will collocate six complementary technologies, establishing a self-contained closed-loop ecosystem designed to maximise resource efficiency and prevent any waste going to landfill. The GigaFarm project is being developed on a 900,000 sq. ft. plot at Food Tech Valley, a UAE-government-led initiative designed to address food security locally, regionally, and globally, and is a partnership between the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and Wasl.

The site will begin food production in 2025 and will be capable of growing more than three million kilos of produce annually when complete, using IGS smart AI-driven vertical farming technology. In addition, by diverting more than 50,000 tonnes of food waste from landfills each year through integrated waste-to-value and regenerative farming technologies, the GigaFarm will significantly advance the UAE’s efforts to decarbonise food production, offsetting 1% of the country’s fresh produce imports.

This pioneering project places Dubai Food Tech Valley at the forefront of sustainable agriculture, establishing a new benchmark for innovative, technology-driven and cost effective food production in the region.

Her Excellency Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, stated: "The UAE is progressing in presenting a global model of food security based on innovation and strengthening efforts to build sustainable food and agricultural systems that drive development and build a better future for the nation and the world. The 'Food Tech Valley' initiative and its global partnerships supporting modern food and agriculture systems embody this direction."

She added: "The UAE believes in collaboration to lay the foundations for sustainable food security both locally and globally, aiming to exchange experiences, knowledge, and technologies to create solutions for the food and agricultural challenges faced by our nation and the world, particularly those related to limited water resources and arable land. 'Food Tech Valley' plays a vital role in these efforts, which seek to increase local production of food and strategic crops by employing eco-friendly, climate-smart agricultural technologies, enabling us to meet domestic demand and achieve the goals of the National Food Security Strategy 2051."

HE Hesham Abdulla Al Qassim, Group CEO, Wasl said: “Food Tech Valley is a transformative project designed to build a resilient food ecosystem, decarbonise food production and contribute to global food security. Wasl has been working closely with all stakeholders to pioneer innovation at the project to fulfil this mission – and we are a step closer to making it a success. The project has attracted top agritech minds and companies since it was launched, underlining a shared commitment to safeguard the UAE’s food ecosystem for generations to come, as well as becoming a model for other nations to follow.”

UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds said: “Food security and climate change are global challenges – the best way to tackle these is by working together. That’s why I’m proud to see a UK company provide its vertical farming technology for the UAE’s innovative GigaFarm project. This remarkable endeavour demonstrates the ingenuity of our British innovators, so we can support the UAE’s strong commitment to regenerative farming, food waste decarbonisation and local food production.”

Oliver Christof, Chief Executive Officer at ReFarm^TM , said: “Since we first unveiled the GigaFarm project during the COP28 conference last December, a huge amount of work has gone into transforming initial plans into a concrete, deliverable reality. Operating for more than one year from our initial facilities in Al Quoz, Dubai, we have showcased more than 60 varieties of crops, proven a variety of use cases for the various regenerative products, established regular supply of produce to key offtakers and diverted over 40 tonnes of food waste from landfills.

“None of this would have been possible without the proactive support of our local stakeholders, who have shown unwavering commitment, the Dubai and UAE governments, especially MOCCAE, the UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, and their dedication to shaping a legislative environment that allows for novel technology applications to be developed, adopted, and approved for use. We are thrilled to see the project take this significant step forwards as we work towards delivering a more sustainable future for the UAE’s food system and beyond.”

Andrew Lloyd, Chief Executive Officer of Intelligent Growth Solutions (IGS), commented: “This project is a global first. It’s not just a large-scale standalone vertical farm site: Our technology has been integrated into the heart of a revolutionary circular system to deliver genuine change to global regenerative food security.

“Together with the ReFarm team, we would like to extend our gratitude to both the UAE and UK governments for creating a supportive ecosystem which has ultimately enabled this project to move from a concept to breaking ground in less than a year, building on the legacy of COP28. The months ahead promise to be transformational for IGS as we embrace both the challenges and opportunities presented by deploying our tech at GigaFarm scale.”

For more information, please contact Georgia Lea, IGS, on georgia@igs.farm / +44 77483 361 630.

About Food Tech Valley

Food Tech Valley is a UAE-government-led initiative designed to address food security locally, regionally, and globally. It was announced in 2021 by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, as a partnership between the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and Wasl, and centers around food, innovation, knowledge, technology, and sustainability. Food Tech Valley will act as a catalyst for transforming the UAE into a global hub for tech-based food and agricultural solutions. In line with the UAE Food Security National Strategy 2051, Food Tech Valley is based on connectivity, innovation, and the facilitation of business growth in food tech. It will incorporate production zones, warehousing, logistics, and cold-storage facilities, an innovation and R&D center, an academy, a business park, a marketplace, a visitor center, and residential areas.

For more information, visit:

Website: https://www.foodtechvalley.ae/

About ReFarm Global (ReFarm^TM):

ReFarm Global (ReFarm^TM) group of companies, has been formed to own technologies and develop decarbonized food and horticulture security projects deploying its own technologies in combination with complementary third-party solutions.

The ReFarm^TM platform has been developed over the last 25 years within the Christof family Group of companies, a leading, privately owned, process engineering solutions group that has grown significantly through three generations of leadership by the Christof family.

Having delivered more than 4,500 international projects, gaining the requisite knowledge and experience, the ReFarm^TM team has leveraged this, and developed proprietary process engineering capabilities across more than 6 different decarbonized food and horticulture security technologies.

www.refarmtheworld.com

About IGS:

Founded in 2013 in Scotland, Intelligent Growth Solutions (IGS) is an award-winning global vertical farming technology provider with over a decade of industry experience. IGS partners with growers to address and overcome real-world challenges with science-backed, proven technology, enabling them to produce consistent, high-quality plants.

Headquartered in Scotland, IGS launched its Crop Research Centre in Invergowrie, Dundee, in 2018 and Engineering Innovation Centre in Inverkeithing, Fife, in 2021. The business has active customers in North America, Europe and the Middle East.

IGS holds more than 25 granted patents for its unique vertical farm technology, blending science and agriculture by using smart technology to automatically apply recipes to create the perfect environment for crop growth. Currently, more than 250 crops can be successfully grown inside an IGS vertical farm.

For more information visit www.intelligentgrowthsolutions.com or connect with us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Published Date

Fri, 11/08/2024 - 12:00

News Image

Food Tech Valley and Badia Farms partner to build advanced farms

admin — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 10:31:24 +0000

Food Tech Valley and Badia Farms partner to build advanced farms

admin

Tue, 11/26/2024 - 11:31

Partnership aims to foster innovation in farming
Reflects the UAE’s and Dubai’s commitment to strengthening food security and sustainability

Dubai, UAE – 22 October 2024: - Food Tech Valley, a UAE-government-led initiative aimed at building a sustainable food ecosystem, has announced a 27-year strategic agreement with Badia Farms to roll out hybrid models to grow premium fruits and vegetables year-round. The agreement was signed between Rashed Mohammad, Chief Real Estate Officer of Wasl, and Eng. Omar Al Jundi, Founder and CEO of Badia Farms, which is backed by Gulf Islamic Investments (GII).

Badia Farms will implement hybrid growing models across a 236k sq. ft. plot, spanning both vertical and horizontal farms, applying sustainable farming techniques that consume 90% less water compared to traditional farming, and use clean energy sources. Badia’s produce is grown in a carefully controlled indoor environment without any pesticides which ensures the produce is fresh and nutritious, and meets the highest quality standards.

Rashed Mohammad, Chief Real Estate Officer of Wasl, commented: “This long-term partnership with Badia Farms is a significant step towards achieving the UAE's ambitious food security goals. At Food Tech Valley, we are dedicated to fostering innovation and sustainable practices in agriculture. By supporting cutting-edge technologies and collaborating with industry leaders like Badia, we are creating a robust and resilient food ecosystem that will benefit the nation for generations to come.”

Eng. Omar Al Jundi, Founder & CEO of Badia Farms, said: “We are proud to be among FTV’s partners in advancing food security. Through our expertise in hydroponic farming, Badia will continue to provide fresh, nutritious produce safely and sustainably.”

This strategic partnership represents a crucial step towards achieving the UAE's and Dubai’s vision for a sustainable and innovative food ecosystem. Food Tech Valley, with its emphasis on cutting-edge technologies and collaborative projects, is attracting industry leaders and driving progress towards enhanced food security. As the UAE anticipates increased demand and aims to reduce its reliance on imports, such partnerships will be essential in fulfilling the nation's ambitious goals outlined in the National Food Security Strategy 2051.

About Food Tech Valley

Food Tech Valley is a UAE-government-led initiative designed to address food security locally, regionally, and globally. It was announced in 2021 by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, as a partnership between the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and wasl, and centers around food, innovation, knowledge, technology, and sustainability. Food Tech Valley will act as a catalyst for transforming the UAE into a global hub for tech-based food and agricultural solutions. In line with the UAE Food Security National Strategy 2051, Food Tech Valley is based on connectivity, innovation, and the facilitation of business growth in food tech. It will incorporate production zones, warehousing, logistics, and cold-storage facilities, an innovation and R&D center, an academy, a business park, a marketplace, a visitor center, and residential areas.

For more information, visit:

Website: https://www.foodtechvalley.ae/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/food-tech-valley/

Badia Farms

Badia Farms is a mission-driven sustainability company that focuses on the development and production of different varieties of fruits, vegetables, and plants, utilizing innovative farming technologies and techniques. Badia Farms is backed by Gulf Islamic Investment (GII), with its US$4.5 billion assets under management (AUM).

Website: https://www.badiafarms.com

Published Date

Tue, 10/22/2024 - 12:00

News Image

Food Tech Valley and Spinneys sign landmark 27-year partnership to build new food processing facility

admin — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 09:45:34 +0000

Food Tech Valley and Spinneys sign landmark 27-year partnership to build new food processing facility

admin

Tue, 11/26/2024 - 10:45

The partnership aims to foster innovation in food processing, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to strengthening food security and sustainability, and is aligned with Dubai's vision of becoming a global leader in sustainable and advanced food technologies.

Dubai, UAE – 03 October 2024: - Food Tech Valley, a UAE-government-led initiative aimed at building a sustainable food ecosystem, has announced a significant milestone in its expansion plans by signing an agreement with Spinneys, the market leading premium supermarket chain. The agreement was signed between Rashed Mohammad, Chief Real Estate Officer of Wasl, and Sunil Kumar, CEO of Spinneys.

Under the 27-year agreement, Spinneys will develop a 500,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art processing facility within Food Tech Valley, which is set to become operational in the near future. The partnership aims to foster innovation in food processing, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to strengthening food security and sustainability, and is aligned with Dubai's vision of becoming a global leader in sustainable and advanced food technologies.

Rashed Mohammad, Chief Real Estate Officer of Wasl, commented, “We welcome Spinneys to Food Tech Valley and look forward to working closely with them on their ambitious journey to provide UAE consumers with sustainably grown, high quality food supplies. The addition of the Spinneys facility further strengthens our commitment to transforming the food sector and positioning Dubai as a hub for food innovation, sustainability, and security. We look forward to supporting the UAE’s food security with partners who share the same commitment to growing in sustainable, future-focused ways.”

Sunil Kumar, CEO of Spinneys, said: “As a homegrown brand, we are committed to the well-being of our customers, our communities and the UAE ecosystem. Spinneys has always championed local farmers and food producers, hence our partnership with Food Tech Valley assumes greater importance. We are incredibly proud to be part of the visionary Food Tech Valley project, which is bringing world-leading innovation to Dubai's food sector. This partnership marks a significant step in our ambitious growth plans, enabling us to better serve our customers with cutting-edge food processing capabilities.”

Food Tech Valley, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, continues to attract key industry players and innovators to collaborate. This latest partnership with Spinneys underscores the role of Food Tech Valley in facilitating pioneering projects, while providing an ideal platform for industry leaders like Spinneys to innovate and scale their operations.

With over 90% of food in the UAE being imported and a projected 50% increase in demand for food by 2030, Food Tech Valley will play an integral role in developing a more sustainable and self-sufficient food ecosystem. This is aligned with the UAE government’s ambition to make the nation among the world’s leaders in the Global Food Security Index by 2051.

Food Tech Valley will act as a catalyst for transforming the UAE into a global hub for tech-based food and agricultural solutions. In line with the UAE Food Security National Strategy 2051, Food Tech Valley is based on connectivity, innovation, and the facilitation of business growth in food tech. It will incorporate production zones, warehousing, logistics, and cold-storage facilities, an innovation and R&D center, an academy, a business park, a marketplace, a visitor center, and residential areas.

About Food Tech Valley

Food Tech Valley is a UAE-government-led initiative designed to address food security locally, regionally, and globally. It was announced in 2021 by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, as a partnership between the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and wasl, and centers around food, innovation, knowledge, technology, and sustainability. Food Tech Valley will act as a catalyst for transforming the UAE into a global hub for tech-based food and agricultural solutions. In line with the UAE Food Security National Strategy 2051, Food Tech Valley is based on connectivity, innovation, and the facilitation of business growth in food tech. It will incorporate production zones, warehousing, logistics, and cold-storage facilities, an innovation and R&D center, an academy, a business park, a marketplace, a visitor center, and residential areas.

For more information, visit:

Website: https://www.foodtechvalley.ae/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/food-tech-valley/

About Spinneys:

Spinneys’ story started in 1961 when the first supermarket opened in Al Nasr Square. It has since grown to be one of the leading premium supermarket retailers in the UAE, with 79 stores (including Waitrose) across the UAE, Oman and Saudi Arabia. Much loved by expats and locals in the region, Spinneys enjoys a well-deserved reputation for forward thinking, keeping pace with changes in cooking trends and the emergence of new products worldwide. Today, Spinneys is majority owned by UAE national Mr. Ali Albwardy, has built a strong name for supplying top-quality produce and offering an elevated level of customer service. Food quality, safety and freshness have always been at the forefront of the company’s ethos – just one reason the Spinneys brand is defined as ‘The fresher experience’.Spinneys.com

Published Date

Thu, 10/03/2024 - 12:00

News Image

Emirates Development Bank to offer priority financing for Food Tech Valley startups

admin — Sun, 21 Jan 2024 10:19:28 +0000

Emirates Development Bank to offer priority financing for Food Tech Valley startups

admin

Sun, 01/21/2024 - 11:19

Published Date

Mon, 04/25/2022 - 12:00

News Link (If external)

https://gulfnews.com/business/banking/emirates-development-bank-to-offer-priori…

News Image

UAE delegation drives global food security agenda during visit to Netherlands

admin — Sun, 21 Jan 2024 10:17:36 +0000

UAE delegation drives global food security agenda during visit to Netherlands

admin

Sun, 01/21/2024 - 11:17

Published Date

Sun, 06/12/2022 - 12:00

News Link (If external)

https://gulfnews.com/uae/uae-delegation-drives-global-food-security-agenda-duri…

News Image

Food Tech Valley signs agreement with IFPA, consolidates food security efforts across IOFS countries

admin — Sun, 21 Jan 2024 10:14:36 +0000

Food Tech Valley signs agreement with IFPA, consolidates food security efforts across IOFS countries

admin

Sun, 01/21/2024 - 11:14

Food Tech Valley, being developed by wasl Asset Management Group and centring around food, innovation, knowledge, technology and sustainability, has announced the signing of an agreement with the International Islamic Food Processing Association (IFPA) to support its parent entity, Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS); step up food security efforts; and achieve a sustainable future for agriculture.

The agreement was signed during Gulfood Manufacturing 2022 by Ahmed AlShaibani, Food Tech Valley Project Lead, and HE Yerlan A. Baidulet, Chairman of International IFPA.

As part of the agreement, Food Tech Valley will empower IFPA members with best practices in AgriTech by exchanging expertise and operational excellence through industry training, conferences and events. The collaboration will enable IFPA to continue fostering robust relations between agricultural businesses across IOFS member states and empowering B2B cooperation among OIC private sectors.

A spokesperson from Food Tech Valley, said: “We are pleased to enter into a strategic partnership with IFPA in the consolidation of its mission to help its members distribute and promote agri-food products and champion top companies in the OIC/IOFS markets; it will also facilitate business connections and strategic partnerships in food-processing and the wider food supply chain. Our mandate at Food Tech Valley is to establish a collaborative network to lead regional transformation and export knowledge towards a sustainable food system.”

HE Yerlan A. Baidulet said: “International Islamic Food Processing Association (IFPA), a subsidiary of the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS), is an organization that can help enable food security for the OIC countries. Through close private sector collaboration, IFPA will assist OIC members in building food manufacturing capacity and expanding trade opportunities. With IFPA relocating to UAE, with Dubai as its headquarters, IFPA is in a geo-strategic location that has the infrastructure and track record to catalyze the improvement of the food manufacturing value chain. In this direction, today’s MOU with Food Tech Valley and our close collaboration with Gulfood Manufacturing are our first steps towards achieving food security within OIC nations”

International Islamic Food Processing Association is established under the auspices of the OIC-specialised institution of the Islamic Organisation for Food Security, as its subsidiary, at the Astana International Financial Centre. Its mandate is to enable and promote intra-OIC trade and investment between agri-food private-sector businesses across the entire ecosystem and food supply chain from gene to fork among OIC/IOFS member states.

Published Date

Fri, 11/11/2022 - 12:00

News Image

Food Tech Valley Partners with Tradeling to bolster UAE’s food ecosystem

admin — Sun, 21 Jan 2024 10:10:45 +0000

Food Tech Valley Partners with Tradeling to bolster UAE’s food ecosystem

admin

Sun, 01/21/2024 - 11:10

Over 200 million consumers have shifted to online shopping since 2020.
UAE food trade exceeds AED 100 billion every year.
The AgriTech market is expected to reach over AED 80 billion by 2026

Food Tech Valley, which is being developed by wasl Asset Management Group, is a UAE-government-led initiative that was announced in 2021 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, that seeks to triple the UAE’s food production and position the nation as a global destination for the industry, partners with Tradeling, the MENA’s e-marketplace focusing on B2B transactions. The aim is to ensure a number of benefits for both parties and B2B buyers and sellers, as well as to bolster the primary goal of growing the UAE’s self-sufficiency in food imports.

The agreement was signed at wasl Experience Center by Ahmed AlShaibani, Project Lead at Food Tech Valley, and Marius Ciavola, Chief Executive Officer at Tradeling, in the presence of senior officials from both entities.

Several key objectives were agreed upon to ensure that Food Tech Valley realises its potential of being a commercial hub for industry experts in the food ecosystem. Tradeling’s platform will grant business users access to food and agricultural technology products via easy payment solutions, logistics, warehousing solutions, and marketing and customer acquisition benefits. Food Tech Valley will establish a B2B marketplace powered by Tradeling to help support, connect and match buyers from across industries, including hospitality, which is host to F&B sellers who source local and international quality products and raw ingredients.

This collaboration will enable a digitalised trade experience that will support food producers by helping expand their businesses in the UAE. Tradeling will support local producers by accelerating their growth through the platform. Credit finance solutions will also be offered to select eligible companies, comprising flexible payment options for SMEs and start-ups.

A spokesperson from Food Tech Valley said: “It gives us immense pleasure to enter into this strategic partnership with Tradeling, the leading e-marketplace for MENA business buyers, to augment our proposition and consolidate our commitment to help develop and transform the UAE into a global hub for clean, tech-based food and agricultural solutions. As a result of this collaboration, we will enable local food producers to trade through a newly added section on Food Tech Valley’s website, FTV B2B Market, covering the value chain and target segment towards yielding substantial growth and results. Our combined efforts will eventually help empower the UAE’s food security plans, and we look forward to working closely with Tradeling to pioneer sustainable food production towards reimagining how the world produces and consumes food.”

Commenting on the agreement, Marius Ciavola said: “The UAE has been successfully diversifying away from its economy, and Food Tech Valley is yet another initiative that fits into the country’s plan of fostering a more sustainable future. Tradeling is thrilled to be a part of this journey, and we look forward to facilitating business opportunities for B2B buyers and sellers that contribute to the betterment of the country. More than 200 million consumers have shifted to online shopping since 2020, and through this partnership, we believe that we can collectively revolutionise the ecosystems of both e-commerce and AgriTech.”

UAE food trade exceeds AED 100 billion every year, and the AgriTech market is expected to grow from $13.5 billion to $22 billion over the next four years. The primary objectives include bolstering the UAE’s food security, helping the country achieve self-sufficiency, and further developing vertical farming and other advanced agriculture technologies, among other goals.

The MoU between Tradeling and Food Tech Valley has been formed to help expedite this process and boost both organisations’ offerings. As this strategic partnership progresses, Tradeling will contribute to strengthening Food Tech Valley’s market position while simultaneously becoming the preferred online channel for its technology providers.

Published Date

Thu, 11/17/2022 - 12:00

News Image