Vegetarian meat | The first in the Middle East.. The opening of a fully vegetarian meat factory in Dubai
Today, Friday, Dubai witnessed the inauguration of the first factory of its kind to manufacture fully vegetarian meat in the Middle East under the "Thrive" brand.
The factory, which was established in the Dubai Industrial City of Tecom Group, contributes to paving the way for the development of production and consumption of this category of food products in the UAE and the region as a whole.
According to the Emirates News Agency, the opening of the new factory comes within the framework of Dubai's food security strategy aimed at enhancing local production, food safety and nutrition systems, and enhancing the sector's ability to face crises.
The new brand also supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the National Food Security Strategy 2051, which aims to strengthen the food security system through diversification and innovation.
The factory, the first of its kind to manufacture fully vegetarian meat, is a pioneering and innovative project in the region, as it will provide healthy and sustainable vegetarian meat, made locally with different flavors inspired by the healthy and diverse cuisine of the Middle East.
Mariam bint Mohammed Al Muhairi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said: "The UAE has a strategic direction towards enhancing its food security and facing all the challenges represented in the lack of agricultural land and water scarcity, which leads to a shortage of local food production and the UAE's import of large quantities from abroad."
She added: "The UAE launched the National Strategy for Food Security, and one of its most important goals is to increase local food production and develop infrastructure to enhance the entire food value chain, increase the UAE's attractiveness for investments in the food sector, and adopt the latest modern agricultural technologies in order to transform the UAE into a global center for security." innovation-based food.
She explained: "With the approach of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) in the UAE and in light of the Year of Sustainability, the UAE is taking concrete steps to confront the repercussions of climate change, enhance food diversity and support the development of sustainable food production processes. In this regard, the opening of the first factory of the IFFCO group is "In the region, fully vegetarian meat in the UAE is an important step towards strengthening this industry and promoting food diversity and sustainable production within the UAE."
And she continued: “The food industry from animal sources, especially red meat and dairy products, emits the most intense greenhouse gases. Therefore, COP28 represents an ideal platform for us to present our vision and commitment to enhancing our food security and fulfilling the UAE’s commitments on climate change. While we work towards creating A more sustainable future for the UAE and the world, we will continue our efforts in this regard in cooperation with our various partners to achieve our common goals.
For his part, Hadi Badri, Executive Director of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation, one of the institutions of the Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai, said: “The opening of this factory paves the way for a new dynamic industry that contributes to enhancing trade between the countries of the region, which reflects the UAE’s firm commitment to investing in technology and innovative technologies.” This step is also a milestone in Dubai's economic diversification process, in line with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, to enhance its position as one of the three best economic cities in the world."
Badri added: “At a time when advanced food technology is driving the change of the economy to become environmentally friendly and shaping the future of sustainable manufacturing, this new facility for the (IFCO) group is evidence of the pivotal role of Dubai in establishing sound environmental practices and ensuring its growth to contribute to reducing the effects of climate change.” And also accelerating the pace of creating a green and sustainable economy, by providing opportunities for the private sector to invest in sustainable technologies.
Badri stressed that such initiatives enhance the emirate's environment that attracts more companies and investors, and also contributes to providing new job opportunities, which is reflected in economic growth in general, noting that by focusing attention on sustainable manufacturing, the UAE in general and Dubai are on the In particular, it will continue to cooperate with various partners to maintain its distinguished position and leadership in innovation and sustainable economy, based on the inspiring and ambitious vision of our wise leadership to provide a better future for all.”
Saud Abu Al-Shawareb, Executive Vice President of TECOM Group – Industrial Sector, said: “Food security is at the top of the list of priorities for the UAE, in line with the National Strategy for Food Security 2051 and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. As a leading destination that attracts major manufacturing and logistics companies from all over the world, we are pleased Today, we are witnessing the expansion of the global "IFCO" group in the Dubai Industrial City area dedicated to the food and beverage sector, and the launch of its new factory for the manufacture of plant-based meat under the "Thrive™️" brand, which enhances the sustainability of food security and self-sufficiency for the UAE and the sustainability of its resources.
The launch of the “Thrive” vegetarian food project is in line with the global vision of the IFFCO Group, which aims to invest in the future by searching for the latest food production technologies that benefit the UAE and contribute to achieving the United Nations’ sustainable development goals, including good health and well-being. responsible consumption and production, and climate action.
For his part, Shiraz Alana, Supervising Member of the Board of Directors of the International IFFCO Group, said: “The IFFCO International Group has been distinguished since its inception by innovation in its various fields of work, which qualifies it to advance the radical change in consumers’ habits, in a way that reflects the continuous changes in their pursuit of rich options.” With healthy and more diverse nutrients, especially after the repercussions imposed by the Corona pandemic, which prompted many individuals and government agencies to search for innovative methods to localize value and supply chains.
He continued, saying: “The opening of this factory comes at the right time, as sustainability tops everyone’s priorities, especially since the UAE has declared that 2023 is the year of sustainability, and we are working according to the country’s directives to fulfill our commitments to develop innovative solutions that benefit the current and future generations in order to build a more sustainable future.”
As the first plant-based meat factory in the Middle East, Thrive uses advanced food technologies to provide healthy, sustainable food suitable for the tastes and culture of the region, to meet the needs of the local consumer. IFFCO International works closely with the government to set and define standards that regulate the production of plant foods.
Global research firm ResearchAndMarkets.com estimates that the global plant-based meat market will be valued at $7.9 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach $15.7 billion by 2027. Thrive plant-based meat plant is equipped to support the provision of These products meet the needs of approximately 30% of the total population of the Gulf countries, which research indicates will feature strongly as components of flexible vegetarian diets in the future.
Thrive is an innovative plant food platform that combines ancient agricultural knowledge and experience with modern food research and technologies while preserving the main and micronutrients of plants, and celebrating the different flavors of the local cuisine.
Dubai Industrial City is one of the specialized business parks of the TECOM Group, which includes Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, Dubai Studio City, Dubai Production City, Dubai Science Park, Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai International Academic City and Dubai Design District.
