The food production sector in the Abu Dhabi has enjoyed continued growth in recent years, due to flourishing internal markets and growing export markets. The Emirate’s ability to produce high-quality, competitive and value-added goods, accompanied by a strong logistics network and its strategic geographic location has seen it emerge as one of the most important regional food production and processing centres.
As such, ZonesCorp plays an important role in the development of this sector, currently housing 24 food production facilities that produce a wide range of products for the local and regional export markets in its dedicated Food Zones. The enlarged Food Zone encompasses a total area of 2,287,434 sqm and features a wide range of plot sizes in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain designed to accommodate businesses of all sizes from SME’s upwards.
ZonesCorp is planning to unveil its dedicated new Food & Beverage Zones in the Industrial city of Abu Dhabi (ICAD) and Al Ain during SIAL ME (stand G013 / Hall 7). Interest in the land has been high with nearly a 3rd of the available acreage already earmarked for development. There are a large number of F&B companies located in the Food Zones that demonstrate how the food sector in Abu Dhabi has diversified and flourished in recent years.
The food zone supports a number of large international companies such as Nestle Waters which is building AED100m, 43,000 sqm bottling plant and Ittihad International Investment which operates a sizable Feed & Flour Production & Marketing facility.
HE Saeed Eisa Mohammed Al Khyeli, Director General of ZonesCorp commented, “Our Food Zone accommodates an excellent mix of international household names such as Nestle Waters and quality local companies such as Emirates AquaTech. Both companies highlight how the F&B manufacturing and processing industry is developing in Abu Dhabi through a combination of advanced technology and sustainable production techniques. The further expansion of our current food zones in ICAD and Al Ain is part of a continuing drive to support SMEs and to contribute to the thriving food production and processing sector in the Emirate.”
Walid Zamamiri, Managing Director at Nestlé Waters for the Lower Gulf, said, “Abu Dhabi is the perfect location to establish a new water plant, as it offers many advantages for the smooth running of the facility, and a strategic location for distribution within the UAE and lower gulf countries,”
Amer Kakish, Chief Executive Officer of Ittihad International Investment said, “I take this opportunity to thank ZonesCorp for their valuable business partnership with Ittihad. This collaboration has paved the way and facilitated the growth of our subsidiaries. Their contribution to our success is remarkable. With their continued commitment and support, we are certain that our expansion ventures will be equally successful. We at Ittihad, are proud to be associated with ZonesCorp and we hope to continue this esteemed affiliation and look forward for mutual success.”
The Food Zone also supports numerous local food producers such as Emirates AquaTech. Although at first glance Abu Dhabi may appear to be an unlikely location for a caviar farm, the company is the largest and most advanced aquaculture farm in the world with the capacity to produce 35 tons of premium caviar and 700 tons of sturgeon per year.
Using a combination of advanced technology and sustainable production techniques the company operates a unique recirculation system that simulates the sturgeon’s natural environment. This system ensures that production can continue throughout the year without the limitations typically caused by the seasons, weather or disease. This patented and sustainable process not only eliminates harmful substances but also keeps water consumption at minimal levels.
As a result, it is one of the few producers globally that has the ability to produce fresh, organic caviar (without any additives) all year round. Its flagship brand of caviar called YASA Caviar (CITES Registered) which has been endorsed Michelin Star chefs such as Alain Ducasse, can be found in 5-Star hotels across the globe as well as the Residence Apartments inside the A380 Etihad Flights.
Based in ICADI in the ZonesCorp food zone, the US$150m Emirates AquaTech facility is split into 11 plots and covers a total area of 60,000sqm. Abu Dhabi’s strategic location and transport allows Emirates AquaTech to export its product to markets all over the world including Australia, China, Japan, Canada and USA and is one of only 2 caviar companies exporting to Russia.
Chief Executive Officer of Emirates AquaTech said, “ICAD is the ideal location for our facility, there are excellent transport links in close proximity to the airports/ ports allowing us to export our product with ease. We also benefit from competitive lease rates and utilities such as power and water. On top of this ZonesCorp adds significant value by fast tracking Government approvals and providing us with marketing opportunities at events both locally and internationally.”
