The UAE’s date palm oases may be formally recognised by the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation as of global agricultural importance, the FAO announced this month.
Egypt’s food and agriculture sector saw a boost in foreign investment at the Egypt Economic Development Conference (EEDC) this month, with billions of dollars pledged and dozens of projects announced.
Al Ain Dairy, the largest dairy processor in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has launched what it claims are the world's first camel milk ice cream and milk powder products available on the mass market.
Inadequate logistics facilities in the Middle East are affecting the region’s food supply chain and will cause long-term problems, according to an investment analyst.
French chocolate maker Valrhona is launching two new milk chocolate blends in the Middle East, as it counts on high service levels and exclusivity to maintain growth.
Brazil’s poultry producers don’t expect significant benefits from having a single global Halal standard, as proposed by Dubai, according to a trade association executive.
A newly-implemented free trade agreement between the GCC and Singapore will boost their US$291m food trade, according to Singapore’s international trade body.
Americana made a profit of US$175m in 2014, despite a sharp fall in Q4 income, while one of its potential buyers is reported to have dropped out of the race.
The UN Food and Agriculture Organisation says it is committed to supporting Yemeni agriculture and will remain active in the country, despite growing instability.
UAE consumers are finally becoming wise to the attractions of high-quality coffee, thanks to an influx of knowledgeable roasters and baristas, according to a UAE-based roastmaster.
An Indonesian canned fish producer is aiming to make its entry into the Middle East food market, as Indonesia’s government aims to bolster its national fishing industry.
Two new sugar refinery projects launched in Saudi Arabia this month in Jizan and Yanbu, with a combined value of US$720m and projected capacity of more than 2m tonnes a year.
Growing numbers of American brands are entering the UAE, according to food distributor Farm Fresh, which is looking to make the most of the new influx.
Kellogg’s Europe president Chris Hood says the company is ‘excited’ by the growth potential of new Egyptian biscuit acquisition BiscoMisr, which he says can help drive sales of global brands including Pringles.
Tough government regulations on energy drinks means the Saudi Arabian market is a challenging one, but it’s also a land of opportunity for US and European brands, says Euromonitor International.
Dubai-made Signature Snacks have plenty of expansion potential in Europe thanks to favorable labor costs and a central global location, says distributor United Products.
The global Halal food trade is top of the agenda at Gulfood this week, as the show sees its 20th and biggest edition to date, with 4,800 exhibitors and 80,000 visitors expected.
Brazil’s trade agency is aiming to broaden the range of Brazilian food products coming in to the Middle East, with 72 specialist companies exhibiting at Gulfood.
Aujan Coca-Cola will spend US$500m on expanding its operations across the Middle East to take advantage of growing regional markets, the beverage firm announced at Gulfood.
The private equity arm of luxury brand powerhouse LVMH will buy a stake in Saudi date and confectionery producer Bateel, to fund the firm’s global expansion plans.
The GCC’s edible oils industry saw total investment more than double to US$646m in the last decade, according to a report from the Gulf Organisation for Industrial Consulting (GOIC).
Oman’s Sohar Port has unveiled a new agribusiness-focused strategy, with deals for flour and sugar mills and food processing facilities, and says it can cut GCC food costs.
Fresh Del Monte has partnered with the Walt Disney Company to release a range of branded fruit drinks in the region featuring some of the entertainment giant’s most popular characters.
Lebanese wheat and sugar storage facilities are “disastrous” and require massive improvements to be fit for use, according to health minister Wael Abou Faour.
Kellogg has triumphed in its battle to acquire Egyptian snack maker Bisco Misr, following the withdrawal of rival bidder Abraaj Capital at the end of last month.
A former manager at US meat producer Midamar has pleaded guilty to faking certificates on meat sold as Halal, and admitted using Kosher beef in place of Halal meat, in shipments to Muslim countries.
Lebanon’s Tannourine Water is upgrading its bottling facilities with a system from Sidel, which will boost its production capacity to 31,500 bottles per hour.
Kellogg has secured a gateway to introduce its own brands in the promising MEA region by acquiring a controlling stake in Egyptian biscuit maker BiscoMisr, says an analyst.
The GCC’s food supply chain and logistics industry is driving up food costs and stifling growth due to a lack of development and innovation, according to a new report.
The UAE government has officially opened a new agricultural research centre in Sharjah, aimed at promoting agricultural sustainability and the latest technological innovations.
British food ingredients manufacturer Ulrick & Short is planning its entry to the Middle East market this year, to take advantage of the growing demand for fat and sugar replacers.
Authorities in Saudi Arabia and the UAE say they are increasing inspections of organic products, both imported and home-grown, in order to protect consumers.
Saudi billionaire Mohammed Al Amoudi has revealed plans to pump US$100m into his stalled 15,000-hecatare Ethiopian rice farm project, as part of a US$500m investment plan.
The World Food Programme (WFP) has restarted its support for 1.7m Syrian refugees following a US$52m donation from Saudi Arabia, along with funds from other governments and donors.
Egypt is revamping 93 of its regional wheat storage facilities to cut wastage and improve efficiency, as part of an estimated US$350m development plan.
Chocolate maker Mars has invested a total of US$140m in new manufacturing facilities in Saudi Arabia and the UAE to increase production of its Galaxy and Snickers lines.
UAE poultry producer Al Rawdah is investing US$46m in 500 hectares of farmland in Liwa, and is also rolling out a “contract growing” operation with small farmers.
