Spring Valley to establish agro-commodity hub at Jafza, driving regional food security
Spring Valley, a home-grown agro-commodity supplier, is investing AED184 million to develop a new distribution hub at Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), supporting regional food security.
Spanning more than 106,000 sq. ft, the facility will feature advanced processing and storage capabilities, including consumer packaging, roasting and grinding operations.
The first phase will be completed within two years, with the hub expected to process more than 65,000 metric tonnes of staple food ingredients -- such as pulses, spices and nuts – generating over AED440 million in annual turnover once fully operational.
Abdulla Al Hashmi, COO, Parks & Zones, DP World GCC, said, 'We are pleased to welcome Spring Valley to Jafza. With 80% of the region's food supply being imported and global demand set to soar for two billion more people by 2050, ensuring food security is more critical than ever. Dubai plays a vital role as a hub for the UAE's food trade, handling 75% of the nation's food and beverage imports. Jafza's dedicated F&B terminal, advanced logistics network, and vibrant business community continue to drive innovation, and we're committed to investing in solutions to secure the future of the global food supply.'
The global agricultural commodity market is projected to grow from $220 billion in 2024 to $277 billion in 2028, driven by rising demand for healthier diets and a growing global population.
Toms Mathew, Executive Director, Spring Valley Food Industries, said, 'As a home-grown brand, this new hub in Jafza strengthens our role in regional food security. Our strategic location next to a world-class port ensures efficient logistics, enhancing the UAE's position as a leading hub for essential food.'
The facility will operate with 100% sustainable and carbon-neutral processing, featuring a solar power plant in line with Dubai's renewable energy goals. It will also adhere to the highest international food safety standards, with HACCP and BRCGS certifications.
Jafza, a key driver of the UAE's food trade, continues to see robust growth, hosting over 770 F&B businesses operating within the zone, up 14% year-on-year. In 2023, its F&B sector facilitated trade worth AED23.2 billion, representing 26% of Dubai's total F&B trade value.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arabian Business
29-05-2025
- Arabian Business
Dubai real estate developers look to parks to enhance project appeal
Dubai real estate developers could look to projects near parks as a way to boost investor interest. Proximity to a park can add up to 8 per cent of real estate value, studies say and developers are being invited to collaborate with public sector to enhance green space in the city. Dubai Municipality, in collaboration with the Dubai Land Department, hosted the Developers Parks Collaboration Workshop, a strategic gathering aimed at accelerating partnerships with the private sector to deliver inclusive and high-quality parks across the emirate. Dubai real estate near parks The initiative aims to strengthen the social, health, and recreational aspects of public spaces by integrating daily activities and needs as a core part of residents' lives. The workshop welcomed senior executives from prominent real estate development companies to review new operational models that aim to develop and activate green public spaces, while opening new avenues of collaboration with the private sector. The workshop reflects Dubai Municipality's broader commitment to expanding cooperation with the private sector to enhance well-being and quality of life in the city, in line with its strategic objectives to make Dubai more beautiful, sustainable, and liveable every day. It also reflects the Dubai Land Department's efforts to deepen private-sector partnerships in support of the Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033, which aims to make Dubai more sustainable and develop high-quality projects that enhance quality of life. Bader Anwahi, CEO of the Public Facilities Agency at Dubai Municipality, said: 'Dubai Municipality's vision is to be a pioneering municipality for a global city. Realising that vision means creating public spaces that reflect our ambition and meet the needs of our people. 'Today's workshop marks an important step toward co-creating a new generation of parks that are accessible, inclusive, dynamic, and sustainable, contributing to an elevated experience of well-being for all. 'Developers are key to the future of Dubai's urban experience. We are here not to prescribe, but to listen, to build mutual understanding and form strong partnerships with developers in public spaces, including parks and beaches, in ways that serve the city and its residents and generate mutual value for the private sector.' Anwahi also noted that Dubai Municipality is launching a new partnership-driven operating model that places community needs at the centre, relies on smart technologies, and provides broad opportunities for private-sector engagement across all phases of park development, emphasising content and diverse activities. Mohammed Ali Al Badwawi, Acting CEO of the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA), said: 'This initiative reflects the spirit of collaboration that defines Dubai's development journey. Developers are not only investors — they are strategic partners in shaping the city's future. 'Through this workshop, we aim to build a shared platform where public and private sectors can work together to advance the goals of the Dubai Urban Master Plan 2040. 'At RERA and Dubai Land Department, we are committed to enabling this partnership through clear frameworks, supportive policies, and a unified vision for a more sustainable, inclusive, and liveable Dubai.' Workshop participants explored a series of adaptable collaboration frameworks, including Operate and Maintain (OM) agreements, Design–Build–Operate–Transfer (DBOT) structures, and event-based activations. Each model is designed to align with private-sector capabilities while unlocking long-term public value. In addition, Dubai Municipality presented a new set of defined park archetypes tailored to various urban contexts and community uses. These include: Destination parks Beach parks Residential parks Nature parks Linear parks It looks to form a strategic blueprint for future green space development in line with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and the city's Greenery Strategy. Parks are an essential component of Dubai's long-term strategy to increase environmental sustainability, support biodiversity, and strengthen the city's public realm. Studies indicate that proximity to green space can increase real estate value by up to eight per cent, with the potential to generate more than AED400bn ($109bn) in long-term value appreciation. The workshop concluded with a panel discussion exploring areas of alignment between municipal goals and developer ambitions, laying the foundation for future co-investment opportunities that contribute to a thriving public realm.
Sharjah 24
06-05-2025
- Sharjah 24
SSEF organises "Food Production Projects" workshop
The workshop addressed the concept of a production project as an economic activity aimed at producing goods or services based on available resources. It focused on projects that specialise in converting food raw materials into ready-to-consumer products according to the highest quality and safety the workshop, the importance of producing safe food that is produced, stored, and transported in a manner that prevents contamination and preserves consumer health was addressed. Food safety systems such as the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) system were also addition to the tools and skills required to succeed in this Al Hamdi, Director of the Social Welfare Department, stated: 'At the Foundation, we are committed to promoting a culture of work and productivity among our members, and providing a supportive environment for them to acquire the skills and knowledge that will enable them to launch viable and sustainable workshop witnessed remarkable interaction from the participating children, who showed great interest in the content presented and posed numerous questions related to food projects and the mechanisms for their success, reflecting their enthusiasm and readiness to enter this promising field. This introductory workshop on food production projects was a first step towards building cadres capable of effectively contributing to sustainable work of social value through their work, and providing them with skills in entrepreneurship and industry.'The workshop also addressed the qualities of a successful entrepreneur, such as discipline, personal and professional hygiene, and the ability to work within a team. It also emphasised the importance of market research, selecting a unique product, effective marketing, and continuous evaluation as vital steps toward worth noting that the Sharjah Social Empowerment Foundation continues to organise unique programs and initiatives aimed at building the capacity of its members and qualifying them professionally and economically, as part of its strategy to empower beneficiaries and achieve sustainable development in society.
Arabian Business
25-04-2025
- Arabian Business
Indian biotech firm Ayu Life Sciences to build $9mn Dubai facility for artificial skin
Ayu Life Sciences, an India-based medical devices and cell therapy company, announced plans to establish a new AED33 million ($9 million) advanced manufacturing facility at Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza). The new facility is billed as the first of its kind in the region. The 13,500 square metre facility will focus on the production of next-generation wound care solutions and surgical treatments, designed to meet the growing global demand for high-quality, sustainable healthcare products. India's Ayu expands globally Dr. Rajan Datt, Managing Director of Ayu Life Sciences, said the company is excited to announce the new facility in Jafza, marking a major milestone for it. 'We look forward to breaking ground on this new facility and extending the reach of our flagship products like Velgraft, Velvert, and VelNez to more patients in the Middle East and around the globe,' he said. Abdulla Al Hashmi, Chief Operating Officer Parks & Zones, DP World GCC, said Jafza's manufacturing infrastructure and strategic connectivity make it the ideal launchpad for innovators like Ayu Life Sciences. 'This facility reinforces Dubai's growing role as a global hub for the healthcare and advanced medical manufacturing sectors,' he said. The launch comes amid a surge in demand for artificial skin, with the market projected to grow from $3.1 billion in 2024 to $5.3 billion by 2032. The facility will be developed in two phases, with Phase 1 set to go live by late-2025, and full completion by 2027. It will produce Ayu Life Sciences' flagship products, including Velgraft, an artificial skin substitute designed for scar-free healing and tissue regeneration, Velvert, a natural antimicrobial wound care dressing formulated to accelerate healing and prevent infections, and VelNez, a nasal and ear dressing that enhances patient comfort and post-surgical recovery. These solutions are backed by a portfolio of 22 global patents and developed using eco-friendly materials and natural components to minimise environmental impact. The company currently exports from its Delhi facility to over 20 markets across North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, and the Middle East. In addition to advanced wound care, Ayu Life Sciences is progressing in the field of regenerative medicine. Clinical trials are underway for a novel therapy using cells similar to those in the pancreas to regulate blood sugar for patients with Type 1 diabetes, and for Velnerve, a solution for peripheral nerve injuries. With Jafza already home to over 800 manufacturing companies from 75 countries, Ayu Life Sciences joins a thriving ecosystem of global innovators.
