Dubai opens 100% plant-based meat factory

The IFFCO Group, one of the UAE’s producers of food products, has opened the first 100-per cent plant-based meat factory in the region, in Dubai.

Located in Dubai Industrial City, the Thryve factory will catalyse the move towards a more sustainable and healthy food chain in the Middle East.

The factory is set to drive the adoption of a more sustainable and healthy food chain, by offering locally inspired plant-based meat products that are nourishing and good for health.

The innovative food technology used by Thryve supports at least three of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, including responsible production and consumption, climate action, and good health and well-being.

The factory will leverage advanced food technologies to produce tasty, healthy, sustainable and culturally relevant food that meets the needs of the local consumer.

In addition, IFFCO is working closely with the government to create regulatory standards for plant-based food products.

Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment, said: “The new 100-per cent plant-based meat factory supports the UAE’s Food Security Strategy and our mandate to mitigate the impact of climate change. The opening of this innovative new facility also supports our efforts to protect the country’s ecosystems and enhance its food and water security and diversify our food sources.

By fostering such robust research and development focused on producing innovative food products, we seek to raise the UAE’s ability to move up the global food industry value chain and achieve first place on the Global Food Security Index by 2051.

The new factory represents a significant contribution to sustainability in the food supply chain.”

Hadi Badri, CEO of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation at Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism stated: “The opening of this factory, which will pave the way for a dynamic new industry that will boost trade across the region, is a reflection of the UAE’s commitment to pioneer the use of innovative technologies to provide sustainable solutions to real world problems.

It contributes to Dubai’s economic diversification journey in line with the goal of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to consolidate the emirate’s status as one of the top three global cities.

The new facility is a testament to the pivotal role being played by Dubai in promoting the growth and evolution of environmentally sound practices that can alleviate the effects of climate change.

By providing opportunities for private companies to invest in sustainable technologies, Dubai is accelerating the creation of a robust and resilient green economy.

We are thrilled to announce the launch of Thryve, GCC’s first 100% plant-based meat venture in UAE that aims to develop, manufacture and market sustainable and healthy plant-based meat that is tailored to the region’s demand and flavours.

Register now: https://t.co/v5c38WcaBH pic.twitter.com/QBd9e2bq76

— Gulfood (@Gulfood) January 15, 2023

“Such initiatives also reflect Dubai’s success in creating a fertile environment for new businesses and investors to thrive and generating new job opportunities.

Dubai and the UAE will continue to work with stakeholders and partners to remain at the forefront of innovation and economic sustainability, inspired by the ambition of our visionary leadership to create a better future for all.”

Saud Abu Alshawareb, executive vice president, Industrial Leasing, Dubai Industrial City, commented: “DIC is an ideal location for initiatives like the IFFCO Group’s plant-based meat factory that underscore the importance of food security.

The Dubai Industrial City is home to a growing number of Dubai-based food manufacturers who are leading the way in introducing innovative food products. This new enterprise adds value to the industry while strengthening our reputation as facilitators of a self-reliant food programme.”

Global plant-based meat market

Meanwhile, the global plant-based meat market was estimated to be worth $7.9bn in 2022 and is forecast to reach $15.7bn by 2027, according to a report from ResearchAndMarkets.com.

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