Emirates Food Industries - Comprehensive Analysis Report
Summary
Emirates Food Industries (EFI) is a prominent food, dairy, and agricultural company based in Abu Dhabi, UAE, operating under National Holding LLC. Established to align with the Abu Dhabi government's agricultural roadmap and food security initiatives, EFI is a critical contributor to the UAE's national food security agenda. The company's mission revolves around developing and producing a diverse portfolio of agro-related products, leveraging technical leadership, continuous improvement in production and product quality, and enhancing client satisfaction through optimized resource utilization. EFI envisions itself as a leading world-class organization, striving to strengthen its position as a significant force in the Middle Eastern agro-food sector by upholding the highest quality standards across its offerings. Its strategic focus encompasses sustainable food production, innovation in supply chains, and agricultural development.
1. Strategic Focus & Objectives
Core Objectives
Emirates Food Industries' core objectives are deeply rooted in achieving food security and sustainability within the UAE. The company aims to operate a fully integrated value chain to ensure an undisrupted and reliance-free supply of food products. Key goals include an uninterrupted, year-round supply of feed products, providing a competitively priced product range, and continuously innovating new products that meet specific customer demands.
Specialization Areas
EFI specializes in a fully integrated agro-food business model, encompassing agricultural development, animal feed production, dairy farming, and processing of various food products. Its unique value proposition lies in its vertical integration, controlling the entire process from importing raw grains and commodities to producing end dairy and food products, thereby enhancing quality control and supply chain resilience.
Target Markets
The primary target market for Emirates Food Industries is the UAE domestic market, directly supporting the nation's food security objectives. The company also aims to lead the broader Middle Eastern agro-food business. Its diverse portfolio caters to various segments, including livestock farmers (poultry, dairy, camel, sheep, goat), retail consumers (dairy and juice products under the Hayatna brand), and industrial clients requiring packaging solutions.
2. Financial Overview
Funding History
Emirates Food Industries is a private entity owned by National Holding LLC. While specific financial details are not publicly disclosed, the company's estimated annual revenue exceeds US $1 billion. EFI has articulated plans to potentially offer a portion of its shares on the Abu Dhabi Stock Exchange. This strategic move is intended to secure further capital to fuel its development plans, accelerate growth, and bolster its capacity to execute the UAE's food security agenda by expanding its production capabilities.
3. Product Pipeline
Key Products/Services
National Feed & Flour Production & Marketing Co. (NFFPM)
Description: A leading producer of animal feed and nutrition products.
Development Stage: Commercial production and marketing.
Target Market: Poultry, dairy, camel, sheep, and goat industries.
Key Features and Benefits: Annual production capacity of 600,000 to 700,000 metric tons across over 120 product categories and grades, ensuring diverse and high-quality feed solutions.
National Dairy Farms (NDF) and Masaken Dairy Farms (MDF)
Description: Two of the largest standalone dairy farms in the UAE, producing raw milk.
Development Stage: Commercial operation.
Target Market: Dairy processing sector and eventual consumers.
Key Features and Benefits: Combined annual milk production of over 30 to 40 million liters from approximately 5,000 to 7,000 cows, serving as a foundational source for dairy products.
National Bags (NB)
Description: Manufacturer of conventional polypropylene bags for packaging.
Development Stage: Commercial production.
Target Market: Industries requiring packaging for wheat flour, animal feed, sugar, cement, and other bulk products.
Key Features and Benefits: Provides essential packaging solutions for various industrial and agricultural products.
Hayatna Brand
Description: EFI's proprietary brand offering 100% UAE-produced dairy products and juices.
Development Stage: Commercial production and distribution.
Target Market: Retail consumers in the UAE.
Predicted Timeline: Ongoing market presence and expansion.
Key Features and Benefits: Extensive portfolio of fresh, local dairy and juice products, emphasizing local production and quality.
Al Rawdah Veterinary Clinic (RVC)
Description: The oldest small animal pet veterinary clinic in Al Ain.
Development Stage: Commercial operation.
Target Market: Pet owners in Al Ain.
Key Features and Benefits: Offers a wide spectrum of veterinary services for small animals.
Pipeline Projects
State-of-the-art Dairy Production and Processing Factory in Al Ain
Description: A new advanced facility for producing and processing dairy products, operated by subsidiary National Dairy Company.
Development Stage: Under establishment.
Target Market/Condition: Expansion of EFI's dairy product range, including Mediterranean cheeses like Labneh.
Key Features and Benefits: Will broaden dairy offerings and leverage a licensing agreement with Tnuva for new product development, enhancing local production capabilities.
Khalifa Port Silos and Grain Processing Plant
Description: Development of advanced silos at Khalifa Port's South Quay for strategic food commodity storage, with planned future phases including a grain processing plant.
Development Stage: Under development (silos project is substantial).
Target Market/Condition: Enhancing UAE's strategic food reserves and processing infrastructure.
Key Features and Benefits: Initial storage capacity of approximately 150,000 metric tons; ultimately, an integrated industrial complex for cutting-edge grain storage and processing, ensuring national food security.
4. Technology & Innovation
Technology Stack
Emirates Food Industries places advanced technologies at the core of its growth, diversification, and production processes. The company is committed to integrating the latest technological applications throughout its supply chain to optimize efficiency and enhance product quality.
Proprietary Developments
While no specific patents are publicly listed, EFI utilizes internal expertise and advanced operational processes developed through its vertically integrated business model. This integration, spanning from commodity importation to the production of animal feed, raw milk, and varied dairy products, embodies proprietary workflows and optimized practices for efficient local production.
Scientific Methodologies
EFI has pioneered the adoption of innovative scientific methods within the Middle East through its collaboration with Alltech. National Dairy Farms and Masaken Dairy Farms are the first in the region to implement Agolin, an advanced methane-reducing technology. This solution diminishes methane emissions by 10% and boosts farm profitability by improving feed efficiency and milk production. The partnership also incorporates leading-edge carbon footprint benchmarking technologies to thoroughly assess and mitigate environmental impact.
Technical Capabilities
The company's technical capabilities extend across several domains:
Advanced animal feed formulation and production (NFFPM).
High-volume dairy farming and raw milk production (NDF, MDF).
Modern dairy processing techniques for a diversified product range, including specialty cheeses through licensing agreements (National Dairy Company).
Large-scale commodity storage and upcoming grain processing at Khalifa Port.
Integration of sustainable farming technologies to reduce environmental impact.
5. Leadership & Management
Executive Team
Joseph Abdo
Position: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Professional Background: Over 30 years of experience in agribusiness, FMCG, manufacturing, logistics, and investment.
Key Contributions: Leads EFI in alignment with the Abu Dhabi government's food security agenda, focusing on sustainable food production, supply chain innovation, and agricultural development. He is a proponent of leveraging advanced technologies and strategic collaborations for growth.
Thaer Alhaddadin
Position: Group Director of People & Culture
Professional Background: Over 17 years of experience in human capital strategies across FMCG, waste management, sustainability, construction, automotive, and insurance sectors in the Middle East.
Key Contributions: Directs HR strategy, talent acquisition, performance management, employee engagement, workforce planning, employee relations, and total rewards to foster talent and sustainable growth.
Rami Bekdash
Position: Group General Counsel
Professional Background: Over 20 years of progressive leadership experience in legal roles across private practice, government, and in-house settings, predominantly in the UAE. He holds a Juris Doctor Degree and is a USA licensed attorney, with additional degrees and a Business Foundations Certificate from the University of Texas at Austin.
Key Contributions: Manages the strategic legal affairs and governance framework for the Emirates Food Industries group.
Mona Moneeb
Position: Human Resources Director
Mohsin Abrar
Position: Marketing Director
Brian Howarth
Position: Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Recent Leadership Changes
Mr. Rami Bekdash assumed the role of Group General Counsel for Emirates Food Industries in 2024. Prior to this, he served as the Group General Counsel for the Exeed Industries group.
6. Talent and Growth Indicators
Hiring Trends and Workforce
Emirates Food Industries exhibits ongoing growth and operational activity through active recruitment across various departments, including operations, sales, and administration. The company offers diverse career paths within the FMCG sector, seeking individuals committed to agriculture and sustainability goals.
Key roles currently being recruited include:
Warehouse Associate
Dishwasher
Camp Supervisor
Commis (2, 1)
Sales Executive (specializing in nuts, dry fruits, and food products; fluent in Arabic)
Store Supervisor
Waiter/Waitress
Food & Beverage Hostess
Administrative Assistant (preferably with food industry experience)
Assistant Production Supervisor
Storekeeper (Spareparts)
Company Size and Expansion Metrics
EFI employs between 501 and 1000 staff members. The continuous demand for roles across its integrated production cycle and various business units signifies a steady growth trajectory. The company's focus on developing sustainable food security initiatives and expanding production capacities, such as new dairy factories and port facilities, are clear indicators of sustained growth and expansion.
7. Social Media Presence and Engagement
Digital Footprint
Emirates Food Industries maintains an online presence primarily through its official website, which serves as a central hub for corporate communication. The company utilizes its digital platforms to articulate its mission, vision, and values, emphasizing its vital role in UAE food security and showcasing its diverse portfolio of businesses. The "Media Center" section on its website functions as a channel for news and updates. Additionally, its consumer-facing brand, Hayatna, is actively promoted online, recognized for its locally produced dairy products.
8. Competitive Analysis
Major Competitors
Emirates Food Industries operates within a dynamic and competitive food and beverage sector in the UAE. Given its broad interests in animal feed, dairy, and general food products, its competitors include:
Dairy Sector: Other established dairy producers and suppliers within the UAE market.
Animal Feed: Regional manufacturers and distributors specializing in animal nutrition and feed products.
* Broader Food and FMCG: Large domestic and international food conglomerates and brands with a significant presence in the UAE, involved in food manufacturing, distribution, and sustainability initiatives. This includes companies like Al-Amir Food Industries in food processing, and major players in the foodservice market such as Americana Restaurants International PLC, Apparel Group, M.H. Alshaya Co. WLL, The Emirates Group, and LuLu Group International.
9. Market Analysis
Market Overview
The UAE food industry is a structurally resilient and high-growth sector, contributing significantly to the national economy, with Abu Dhabi's food processing segment alone accounting for 36% of the UAE's total. The UAE food and grocery retail market was valued approximately at USD 38.8 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach around USD 56 billion by 2033, demonstrating a 4% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR). The food products market size is estimated at USD 16.3 billion in 2026 and is forecast to grow to USD 19.81 billion by 2031 with a CAGR of 3.96%. The foodservice market is also experiencing rapid expansion, driven by tourism, a prevalent dining-out culture, and robust food delivery platforms, estimated at USD 23.21 billion in 2025 and projected to reach USD 52.76 billion by 2030, at a striking CAGR of 17.84%. Online food delivery services are also showing substantial growth.
Growth Potential
The market's growth is fueled by a diverse expatriate population, increasing disposable incomes, and a heightened consumer awareness regarding high-quality, organic, and international cuisine. There is strong demand for imported, premium foods alongside a growing preference for convenience, healthy, functional, and organic food
