Latest news with #HassanSafi
The National
23-06-2025
- Business
- The National
Leading UAE food producer aims to cut energy and water use under high-tech partnership
A leading UAE food producer is embracing innovation in agriculture after joining forces with an enterprising Finnish technology company in an effort to slash energy and water consumption in its operations and create more nutritious meals. Al Ain Farms Group (AAFG) - which was founded in 1981 and offers everything from dairy and poultry to juices and eggs - is working with Food1Q to introduce an eco-friendly system which allows for large-scale food production in an area only the size of a large office and eliminates the need for preservatives. The deal is centred around FoodIQ's patented multilayer cooker (MLC), a food processing system that reduces energy and water use and supports the production of additive-free dairy and plant-based products. The agreement marks the first time the system has been put to use outside Finland. Responding to a hotter, hungrier future A recent paper published in Nature science journal highlighted that agriculture yields globally are expected to fall sharply by mid-century because of rising temperatures and water scarcity. In this context, Hassan Safi, group chief executive, Al Ain Farms Group, said the UAE's ability to produce food locally, using less water, energy, and land, is critical. He described the deal as a response to both national food security priorities, and the country's climate targets, including Net Zero 2050. The MLC, developed over 10 years by FoodIQ in Finland, allows for flexible production of foods such as yoghurt, smoothies, milks and cheeses – without the typical infrastructure of industrial plants. Mr Safi said that the system would allow the dairy maker to 'produce high-quality products with no additives, no preservatives,' adding that he expects a 20 to 30 per cent increase in operational speed over conventional methods. Commenting independently on the partnership, Aseel Takshe, acting dean, School of Health Sciences and Psychology at Canadian University Dubai, said that the deal directly supports the UAE's strategic priorities in food security and climate action. 'The UAE's National System for Sustainable Agriculture aims to boost local food production, reduce dependency on imports, and enhance resilience to climate change by leveraging modern agricultural technologies.' According to Dr Takshe, modern systems like the MLC are critical to making agriculture in arid environments viable. 'Such innovations are essential for building food systems that can withstand climate-induced shocks, ensuring food security in a warming world,' she told The National. A factory that can fit in an office room Unlike traditional dairy plants that rely on sprawling infrastructure and kilometres of pipework, the MLC compresses multiple production stages – mixing, pasteurising, homogenising, and cooling – into a single modular unit that can fit inside a large office room. 'Think about it, just washing the 20 kilometres of piping in a typical dairy plant requires vast amounts of water,' Robert Savikko, chief executive of FoodIQ told The National when asked about the water and energy savings 'With our system, you're looking at maybe 10 metres. It's simpler and faster, and far more resource-efficient,' he said. The gentler process also preserves more nutritional content, allowing foods to achieve longer shelf lives without chemical preservatives. 'In conventional production, you often get yoghurt with banana flavour – but no banana,' Mr Savikko said. 'We can make it with real banana, or oats, or dates. That's what clean label means.' FoodIQ and Al Ain Farms expect the first wave of new products – still under wraps – to be on UAE shelves by the end of 2025. The MLC will be installed in a facility in Al Ain and integrated into the company's ecosystem. A model for climate resilience For the UAE, the shift towards low-footprint, modular production represents more than technological advancement, it's a strategy for resilience. During the coronavirus pandemic, the vulnerability of international supply chains was clear. Mr Safi said technologies like MLC would help AAFG future-proof its operations by enabling the use of local ingredients, reducing dependence on imports, and shrinking environmental impact. 'Smaller set-ups mean less energy consumption, less water consumption,' he said. 'That contributes directly to our sustainability objectives.' While Mr Safi declined to give precise figures on expected resource savings, he said the company is already working towards eight of the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals – through water recycling, animal welfare initiatives, and transitioning to recyclable material for plastic packaging. Local tech for global systems FoodIQ, which operates an MLC-based plant in Finland, sees the UAE as an important testbed for global expansion. The company is in negotiations to launch similar partnerships in the US, Asia, and across Europe. The MLC is also being designed to integrate AI and machine learning capabilities to adapt recipes to local conditions – such as variations in water quality or air temperature. 'We saw with Covid, food security became a huge issue. This addresses food security head on, because you can produce locally with local ingredients,' Mr Savikko said. With installation under way and first products expected within months, both partners describe the initiative as a milestone in redefining what sustainable food manufacturing can look like in a resource-scarce world. As the UAE races to future-proof its food systems, the success of this partnership could serve as proof that the future of food may not lie in size, but in smartness.
Gulf Business
17-06-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
Al Ain Farms Group, Finland's FoodIQ to bring advanced food tech to region
Image: AI generated/ For illustrative purposes only Al Ain Farms Group ( Under the agreement, AAFG will become the first company globally to industrially adopt FoodIQ's patented multi-layer cooker (MLC) technology outside of Finland. The move positions the UAE as a pioneer in clean-label food production using smart, modular systems that enable the local manufacture of high-protein, natural dairy and plant-based products without additives or preservatives. Read: Al Ain Farms Group empowered to meet growing consumer demand 'This collaboration not only puts the UAE on the global map for food-tech adoption — it also empowers us to rapidly meet growing consumer demand for healthier choices while using local ingredients,' said Hassan Safi, Group CEO of AAFG. 'It is a milestone moment for our Group.' The MLC platform allows for seamless, flexible-batch production of high-viscosity food products including yogurt, cheese, protein smoothies, and plant-based milks. It preserves the nutritional value of real ingredients while significantly reducing energy and water usage, as well as production waste. Image: Supplied FoodIQ's tech being rolled out globally Founded in 2015, FoodIQ has been working with leading Nordic companies and operates an industrial-scale factory and R&D centre in Finland. Its technology is now being rolled out globally. AAFG's adoption of the MLC platform will result in three clean-label product ranges being launched in the UAE within six months, with broader expansion into dairy and plant-based categories to follow. 'We're proud to bring our MLC platform to the UAE with a partner that truly shares our values,' said Robert Savikko, CEO of FoodIQ. 'Together with AAFG, we're setting a new benchmark for clean-label, sustainable food manufacturing built on quality, transparency, and innovation.' The agreement was signed at AAFG's Marmum Dairy facilities in Al Ain, with senior representatives from AAFG, FoodIQ, and Business Finland in attendance. The ceremony included a guided tour, MLC technology demonstration, and product tasting session. The partnership supports the UAE's broader Food Security Strategy 2051, National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology, and Net Zero 2050 goals. It also strengthens AAFG's position as a regional R&D leader and advances the country's emergence as a global hub for sustainable food-tech innovation.
Mid East Info
16-06-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Al Ain Farms Group and Finland's FoodIQ Join Forces to Bring First-of-its-Kind Food-Tech to MENA - Middle East Business News and Information
UAE becomes first country after Finland to industrially adopt breakthrough MLC technology for high-quality dairy and plant-based production. • Agreement introduces MLC technology for clean-label manufacturing — enabling efficient, sustainable, and consumer-friendly food production. • The partnership boosts AAFG's innovation and R&D capacity to accelerate product development, support local manufacturing, and drive rapid market growth. Al Ain, UAE,June 2025 – Al Ain Farms Group (AAFG), the UAE's largest national provider of protein and beverages,has signed a strategic joint development agreement with Finnish food-tech innovator FoodIQ to bring cutting-edge food manufacturing technology to the region for the first time. This partnership marks the first major public milestone for AAFG since its recent formation, signaling a bold new chapter in local food innovation. Under the agreement, AAFG will be the first company in the world to implement FoodIQ's patented Multi-Layer Cooker (MLC) technology on an industrial scale outside Finland, enabling the UAE to locally produce a new generation of clean-label, natural, and high-protein foods. 'At Al Ain Farms Group, our mission is to deliver quality, innovation, and sustainability for the future of food,' said Hassan Safi, Group CEO of AAFG. 'This collaboration not only puts the UAE on the global map for food-tech adoption – it also empowers us to rapidly meet growing consumer demand for healthier choices while using local ingredients. It is a milestone moment for our Group' The MLC is a smart, modular food manufacturing system designed for flexible-batch production that can seamlessly switch between different high-viscosity recipes – from yogurt to plant-based milk, cheese, and protein smoothies – all while preserving the nutritional value of real ingredients with no additives, no preservatives, and with significantly reduced energy use, water consumption, and minimal production waste. Founded in 2015, FoodIQ is a pioneer in flexible food production for health-conscious markets. Its MLC machine is already in use at its global R&D center in Finland and trusted by leading Nordic food companies for flexible-scale productions. The AAFG collaboration now brings this innovative technology to the UAE with three product ranges expected within six months, followed by broader scale-up into both dairy and plant-based categories. 'We're proud to bring our MLC platform to the UAE with a partner that truly shares our values,' said Robert Savikko, CEO of FoodIQ. 'Together with AAFG, we're not just introducing new technology – we're setting a new benchmark for clean-label, sustainable food manufacturing, built on quality, transparency, and innovation.' The signing took place at one of Al Ain Farms Group site location, Marmum Dairy's facilities in Al Ain. The event was attended by senior leadership from AAFG and FoodIQ, and representatives from Business Finland, underscoring the strong bilateral ties between the UAE and Finland. The ceremony included a guided tour of the facilities, a presentation of the MLC technology, and a tasting session of clean-label products made possible through the new platform. The agreement directly supports the UAE's Food Security Strategy 2051, the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology, and Net Zero 2050 – advancing scalable, efficient, and sustainable local food manufacturing aligned with national goals. This partnership reinforces AAFG's growing role as a regional R&D leader in functional, natural foods, and contributes to the UAE's emergence as a global hub for sustainable food-tech innovation.
Zawya
16-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Al Ain Farms Group and Finland's FoodIQ join forces to bring first-of-its-kind food-tech to MENA
Agreement introduces MLC technology for clean-label manufacturing — enabling efficient, sustainable, and consumer-friendly food production. The partnership boosts AAFG's innovation and R&D capacity to accelerate product development, support local manufacturing, and drive rapid market growth. Al Ain, UAE – Al Ain Farms Group (AAFG), the UAE's largest national provider of protein and beverages, has signed a strategic joint development agreement with Finnish food-tech innovator FoodIQ to bring cutting-edge food manufacturing technology to the region for the first time. This partnership marks the first major public milestone for AAFG since its recent formation, signaling a bold new chapter in local food innovation. Under the agreement, AAFG will be the first company in the world to implement FoodIQ's patented Multi-Layer Cooker (MLC) technology on an industrial scale outside Finland, enabling the UAE to locally produce a new generation of clean-label, natural, and high-protein foods. 'At Al Ain Farms Group, our mission is to deliver quality, innovation, and sustainability for the future of food,' said Hassan Safi, Group CEO of AAFG. 'This collaboration not only puts the UAE on the global map for food-tech adoption - it also empowers us to rapidly meet growing consumer demand for healthier choices while using local ingredients. It is a milestone moment for our Group' The MLC is a smart, modular food manufacturing system designed for flexible-batch production that can seamlessly switch between different high-viscosity recipes - from yogurt to plant-based milk, cheese, and protein smoothies - all while preserving the nutritional value of real ingredients with no additives, no preservatives, and with significantly reduced energy use, water consumption, and minimal production waste. Founded in 2015, FoodIQ is a pioneer in flexible food production for health-conscious markets. Its MLC machine is already in use at its global R&D center in Finland and trusted by leading Nordic food companies for flexible-scale productions. The AAFG collaboration now brings this innovative technology to the UAE with three product ranges expected within six months, followed by broader scale-up into both dairy and plant-based categories. 'We're proud to bring our MLC platform to the UAE with a partner that truly shares our values,' said Robert Savikko, CEO of FoodIQ. 'Together with AAFG, we're not just introducing new technology - we're setting a new benchmark for clean-label, sustainable food manufacturing, built on quality, transparency, and innovation.' The signing took place at one of Al Ain Farms Group site location, Marmum Dairy's facilities in Al Ain. The event was attended by senior leadership from AAFG and FoodIQ, and representatives from Business Finland, underscoring the strong bilateral ties between the UAE and Finland. The ceremony included a guided tour of the facilities, a presentation of the MLC technology, and a tasting session of clean-label products made possible through the new platform. The agreement directly supports the UAE's Food Security Strategy 2051, the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology, and Net Zero 2050 - advancing scalable, efficient, and sustainable local food manufacturing aligned with national goals. This partnership reinforces AAFG's growing role as a regional R&D leader in functional, natural foods, and contributes to the UAE's emergence as a global hub for sustainable food-tech innovation. About Al Ain Farms Group Al Ain Farms Group (AAFG) is a national protein and beverages brand, delivering wholesome, high-quality, and accessible nutrition across fresh dairy, poultry, juice, and eggs. Operating across a fully integrated farm-to-shelf model, AAFG ensures freshness within 24 hours — supporting the UAE's food security goals with products made locally and trusted regionally. The Group brings together five of the UAE's most trusted names in food production: Al Ain Farms – Founded by the late H.H. Sheikh Zayed, a pioneer in the UAE dairy industry and one of the largest integrated dairy and poultry companies in UAE Marmum Dairy – One of best-known brands in dairy, especially with its yoghurt category Al Ajban Chicken – One of the UAE's first and most technologically advanced fresh poultry producers Al Jazira Poultry Farm Golden Eggs – Home of the iconic Golden Eggs, known for traceability and innovation Saha Arabian Farms – A regional egg producer with operations across the UAE and Saudi Arabia AAFG is part of Ghitha Holding PJSC, and backed by Yas Holding LLC, two UAE-based investment groups driving national self-sufficiency and sustainable food systems. About FoodIQ FoodIQ is a 2015-founded, Finland-based food-tech company disrupting the global food industry with its proprietary Multi-Layer Cooker (MLC), an advanced next-gen technology, enabling flexible, local, clean-label (additive-free) production of virtually any high-viscosity product with rapid recipe changeover. FoodIQ is currently rolling out the technology globally, and operates its Finland-based global headquarters and industrial-scale factory and R&D centre, that also serves some of the most prominent Nordic food companies, under contract manufacturing arrangements. To clients globally, FoodIQ's offering includes both the world-leading MLC technology and ongoing product development and R&D support, including access to 10+ years of R&D and clean-label product recipe development expertise utilising the MLC. FoodIQ's MLC technology, in brief: The technology enables local production using local ingredients, and with a gentle, precise process that preserves the nutritional value of whole food ingredients and eliminates the need for using additives, producing healthy, tasty and wholesome food products Rapid switchover time between products, enables removing large-plant bottlenecks with unprecedented flexibility and efficiency Compact system: able to homogenise, pasteurise, mix, cut, heat, cool, all in one unit, with less waste, and longer product shelf life Optimised for flexible-batch (300-1,000kg/batch and up to 20,000kg/day, and scalable by multiples of this by adding units), pumpable high-viscosity product including dairy, plant-based, and hybrid Base ingredients can be any natural proteins, fats, and fibres interchangeably: milk, cocos, oats, fruit, oils, peas, rice, etc., to create products like sauces, mayonnaise, yoghurt, smoothies, cheese, etc., fermented or non-fermented FoodIQ provides ongoing support, including recipe development and operational and maintenance (on-site and remote). Media Contact: Noura Charaf | Dina Jdaa | alainfarmsgroup@
Gulf Business
04-06-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
The making of a ‘National Champion': How Al Ain Farms Group is nurturing the UAE's food future
Image: Supplied Al Ain Farms began not as a commercial venture, but as a visionary response to a national need. In 1981, with just 200 cows, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan — the UAE's Founding Father — planted the seeds of what would become the country's modern food security movement. Sheikh Zayed's vision was clear: to build a homegrown source of 'nourishment' for the people of the UAE, ensuring access to fresh, local food and dairy in a land where little grew naturally. What started as a small dairy farm has since evolved into a symbol of resilience, innovation, and national pride. Going beyond just milk production, Al Ain Farms now a diverse food group that encompasses poultry, juices, eggs, and even camel farming, delivering sustainable, healthy, and affordable food to everyone in the UAE. A total of five farms, including three large dairy farms that are home to over 20,000 heads of cattle and 1,000 camels, are part of this complete food production powerhouse, handling everything from farming to manufacturing and distribution. Its driving force: An efficient system that gets products from farm to shelf within 24 hours, ensuring they're incredibly fresh. In fact, the company has never missed a day of delivery not even during Covid. Last month, As Hassan Safi, the group CEO of AAFG, notes, their mission 'has evolved into a larger vision', with the goal to to become the top producer of high-quality protein and drinks in the region. 'This is the start of something new,' Safi adds. 'It blends great operations, brand trust, and decades of know-how to deliver high-quality, affordable food to every home in the country.' Safi explains why now was the right time for this big step: 'After Covid, food security became a top national focus. This merging helps us meet that goal by making more food, sourcing more locally, and running things more smoothly. It also makes us stronger in supporting local farmers — through long-term commitments and technical assistance. 'We're also pushing for sustainability and cutting down on food waste throughout our whole system.' Signing ceremony marking the launch of AAFG at Make it in the Emirates 2025. Image: Supplied Al Ain Farms Group: Strong backing in place This bold plan is strongly supported by Ghitha Holding and Yas Holding — two powerful investment groups from the UAE, both deeply committed to farming independence and industry breakthroughs. Their involvement injects critical capital strength and operational acumen, strategically aligning AAFG's path with the UAE's big National Food Security Strategy for 2051. The move signals long-term confidence in local food systems, transforming the group into a national platform equipped to meet rising demand across the UAE and the wider region. It also reflects the UAE's ambition to lead the region in quality, sustainability, and innovation, building integrated, future-ready platforms. Smarter systems, sustainable practices AAFG is also rethinking how food is made and moved — with AI as the game-changer. From smarter product R&D to dynamic store stocking, the group is investing heavily in tech that keeps shelves filled without overloading them. 'We're using AI to improve everything — from understanding microbiotic data for better recipes, to predicting exactly what each store needs each day,' says Safi. 'It's helping us cut waste, speed up innovation, and build a food system that's actually built for the future.' This smart approach goes hand-in-hand with sustainability. Whether it's turning cow manure into nutrient-rich soil with help from Australian partners, recycling water on-site, or switching to in-house recycled PET packaging, AAFG is actively closing the loop. Even its convenience foods — like microwave-ready, cook-in-the-bag chicken — come with sustainability in mind. Every day, AAFG supplies 22,000 outlets around the country. 'The challenge is simple: the right product, in the right amount, at the right time. That's where AI really shines,' Safi says. 'Less guesswork means less waste.' While the company has already rolled out organic dairy products, going fully organic will take time. 'Right now, we're focused on making food secure, accessible, and healthy — for everyone,' he adds. The next chapter AAFG has mapped out a bold five-year plan to scale up production, drive innovation, and deepen its sustainability agenda. At the core of this strategy are three key pillars: Scale: AAFG aims to become the GCC's largest table egg producer, targeting an output of 800 million eggs annually. Product innovation : The group is expanding into long shelf-life goods, value-added products, and exploring alternative proteins to meet shifting consumer demand. Regional growth : Strategic partnerships and investments are underway to grow AAFG's footprint across the region and build export-ready capabilities. While rooted in national food security priorities, AAFG is also shaping a model for regional collaboration in agri-food manufacturing. 'As the UAE doubles down on food independence,' says Safi, 'we see ourselves as a blueprint — advancing AAFG stands as one of the UAE's clearest examples of how food security, innovation, and economic ambition can converge into a scalable model.
