Latest news with #SwitchFoods
Al Etihad
18-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
UAE's first plant-based meat producer sets sights on global expansion
18 May 2025 22:07 MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)Switch Foods is breaking new ground as the UAE's first and only homegrown plant-based meat producer, offering allergen-free alternatives that support the nation's food security goals. The Hub71-backed startup is eyeing global expansion under the banner of food made in Abu Dhabi. Founded in 2022 by Edward Hamod – following a family health crisis and nearly two decades in the food industry – the company was born out of a growing awareness of the health risks associated with conventional meat consumption."I realised I should stop looking at what I do for a living as just profit and loss, but as a way to create impact," he told Aletihad in a recent noted that traditional meat is linked to serious health risks like cancer, heart disease, and obesity. Processed meats are considered "carcinogenic to humans", according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). Around 34,000 cancer deaths per year worldwide can be attributed to processed meat, based on 2015 estimates by the Global Burden of Disease Project, an independent academic research organisation. Switch Foods' products are 100% plant-based, allergen-free, and designed to fit Middle Eastern tastes, Hamod said, pointing to a key differentiator in a market where global competitors often miss the mark. Instead of Western-style burgers and sausages, the company focuses on regional staples like kebab, kafta, and shawarma. "We wanted to create products that fit local diets at price points people can afford," Hamod Foods launched its first products in the UAE in June 2023 and has quickly become a market leader, capturing 35% of the plant-based meat market in the UAE and up to 65% in other regional markets like Lebanon. How the Products are Made The company's approach to production involves sticking to a short list of ingredients, like parsley, tomato, and onion, with no artificial additives or primary ingredient, pea protein, is processed through a clean, proprietary method that involves fractionation and extrusion to create the desired texture. The result is a product free from cholesterol, antibiotics, hormones, and GMOs."We're not trying to turn everyone vegan," Hamod said. "We simply want to offer an alternative with the same savoury taste without the harm or guilt." Homegrown Protein for a Food-Secure Future By strengthening local food production capabilities, Switch Foods aims to advance the UAE's food security goals. "We believe that producing protein locally is a major food security advantage," said Hamod. A 2024 release by report by the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) outlines how alternative proteins could enhance food security in the "Mission possible food security – A role for alternative proteins", the report cites data showing that 374 million tonnes of meat will be needed to meet global demand by 2030 because of rising average income and a growing global to the report, the market share of the plant-based meat sector has been steadily increasing, with a projected compound annual growth rate of 20.6% globally by 2030. The global plant-based meat market was valued at $19 billion in 2019, with the MENA region accounting for $176.5 million. This figure is expected to grow in the next few years in the region, with some analysts estimating it will reach around $380 National Food Security Strategy 2051 aims to establish the UAE as a world-leading hub in innovation-driven food security."Given its harsh desert climate, large-scale agriculture doesn't work in this region," Hamod said. "We've managed to produce leafy greens and vegetables using hydroponics and vertical farms, but never really protein - until now."Switch Foods has gained significant traction in the UAE, partnering with major retailers like Carrefour, Spinney's, Lulu and Grandiose, along with many local restaurants. The company seeks to become a key player in the global plant-based protein market, leveraging Abu Dhabi as a launchpad for global exports.
Arabian Business
10-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Malak Al Tawouk launches all new plant-based chicken range with switch foods
Malak Al Tawouk, a fast-casual restaurant chain, has partnered with UAE-based Switch Foods to launch a line of plant-based chicken menu items across their UAE locations, the companies announced on May 5, 2025. The collaboration introduces what they describe as the region's first plant-based chicken shawarma sandwich, alongside a Mexican chicken salad and a teriyaki chicken rice bowl. The new offerings feature Switch Foods' pea-based plant chicken, which is produced in Abu Dhabi and aims to replicate the texture and taste of chicken while being plant-based, allergen-free, gluten-free, and soy-free. Malak Al Tawouk launches region's first plant-based chicken shawarma in UAE 'Our partnership with Switch marks a significant step toward catering to evolving consumer preferences. We've carefully selected some of our best-selling items to feature this new option, making it easier — and more appealing — for customers to make the shift, all at very competitive prices,' Mahmoud Harb, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Yummy Junction, UAE franchise owner of Malak Al Tawouk said. 'Whether it's health-conscious, environmental concerns, or simply a desire to reduce meat consumption, more people, especially the younger generation, are leaning toward flexitarian lifestyles. We believe it's the right time for a leading brand like ours to introduce a plant-based chicken alternative that delivers on both taste and quality,' Harb added. According to the company, Malak Al Tawouk has seen its healthy items grow to approximately 50 per cent of its sales in the UAE, reflecting a shift in consumer preferences. 'Our goal at Switch Foods is to make plant-based eating exciting, accessible, and rooted in regional culinary culture. This launch with Malak Al Tawouk shows that plant-based chicken can deliver on both flavor and satisfaction across a variety of meals, from shawarma to salads to rice bowls,' Edward Hamod, Founder & CEO of Switch Foods added. The new menu items are now available at all seven Malak Al Tawouk locations across the UAE and can be ordered through food delivery platforms Talabat, Careem, and Deliveroo. Malak Al Tawouk, established in 1996, has expanded from Lebanon to 65 locations internationally, including Canada, Saudi Arabia, France, Iraq, Qatar, and the UAE. The brand is known for its marinated chicken wrapped in Lebanese bread, but has diversified its menu to include burgers, platters, and healthy options. Switch Foods produces plant-based meat alternatives that are GMO-free, soy-free, allergen-free, gluten-free, vegan, and halal-certified. Their product range includes kabab, kafta, soujuk, minced meat, burger patties, and the newly launched chicken range featuring shawarma, nuggets, tenders, and chunks. Switch Foods products are available at retailers including Spinneys, Carrefour, Click Cuisine, LuLu Hypermarket and Kibsons, as well as through delivery services Deliveroo, Careem and Talabat.
Mid East Info
10-02-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Hub71 Strengthens Abu Dhabi's Thriving Tech Ecosystem with Its Latest Cohort - Middle East Business News and Information
Cohort 16 startups have raised over USD 145 million (AED 532 million), with 63 per cent of selected startups headquartered outside the UAE, reinforcing Hub71's success in attracting high-growth international startups. Abu Dhabi, UAE – February , 2024: Hub71, Abu Dhabi's global tech ecosystem, has welcomed 27 startups as part of Cohort 16 across Hub71's three programs, Access, Hub71+ ClimateTech and Hub71+ Digital Assets. This new addition increases the total number of ventures supported by Hub71 to 357. The latest cohort includes startups across key priority sectors, reinforcing Hub71's commitment to diversifying Abu Dhabi's economy through technology and innovation. Collectively, Cohort 16 startups have raised over USD 145 million (AED 532 million) in funding, averaging USD 4.9 (AED 18 million) million per startup. This achievement reflects Hub71's track record in attracting high-potential companies that advance technological innovation across Abu Dhabi's priority sectors. By joining Hub71, these startups are establishing their operations in Abu Dhabi, gaining access to a robust network of capital, mentorship, and resources to scale their businesses and drive impactful growth. Cohort 16 was selected from over 1,300 applications, with 63% of chosen startups headquartered in leading technology markets such as the USA, UK and Germany. Among the notable additions to Hub71's Access program is Vivan Therapeutics, a UK-based precision medicine company pioneering cancer research, using AI and fruit fly models to identify personalized treatments, that has raised USD 10 million (AED 36 million) in funding. Meanwhile, Theion, a German startup developing sustainable sulfur-based batteries that store up to three times more energy than traditional batteries will join the Hub71+ ClimateTech program. South Korean startup Redbrick, a cloud-based 3D creation engine that uses AI and blockchain, has raised USD 16.3 million (AED 59.8 million) in funding and will join the Hub71+ Digital Assets program. Furthermore, one in three startups in the cohort is based in the UAE, showcasing the nation's growing status as a global entrepreneurship hub. Notable homegrown startups include Qashio, an award-winning spend management platform that has raised USD 10 million (AED 36 million), and Switch Foods, a FoodTech company offering locally produced, affordable plant-based meats. Switch Foods has raised USD 12.5 million (AED 45.9 million) and launched Abu Dhabi's first plant-based meat production facility, setting a new standard for sustainable food innovation. Ahmad Ali Alwan, CEO of Hub71, said: 'Cohort 16 reinforces the global confidence in Hub71 as a launchpad for transformative ideas from Abu Dhabi. The selection process is highly competitive, reflecting the exceptional caliber of startups in our ecosystem. These companies are advancing innovation across key tech sectors while strengthening Abu Dhabi's position as a global tech hub.' Additionally, more than half of Cohort 16 consists of Seed and Series A startups. The selected startups operate in nine sectors including FinTech, ClimateTech, HealthTech, EdTech, and Mobility & Logistics, and will play a crucial role in driving the growth of Abu Dhabi's economy. By joining Hub71 'Access' and Hub71+ programs, startups will be able to tap into a vibrant community of mentors, partners, and investors within Abu Dhabi's technology ecosystem. Gaining access to market opportunities, top talent, and capital significantly enhances startups' prospects of securing commercial deals, attracting investment, and driving market growth. The 27 startups selected to join Hub71's Cohort 16 include: Access Program: Aurem is a central operating system for workplace saving and wealth providers —optimising operations and innovating products in a single configurable platform. Cambio ML provides the 'AI data science agent' for enterprises, aggregating and cleaning messy data from data silos. Desert Farms is a science-backed D2C product using camel milk proteins to make a near-identical baby formula to breastmilk. Esports XO connects gamers with tournaments and new games while helping publishers distribute games and telecoms build engaged communities. Fundbot Technologies is a B2B supply chain financing solution that enables banks, buyers, and sellers to connect automating lending and payments. Hotdesk is the Airbnb for Offices, with 2,000+ spaces in 73+ countries. They provide an all-in-one platform offering workspace optimization and hybrid work management software to help coworking spaces and corporates navigate the future of work. Mithryl's AI platform helps industrial companies automate processes by unifying fragmented systems into context-aware workflows that drive faster, smarter decisions. Nodeshift is a decentralized, no-code AI cloud platform that enables one-click deployment of AI agents and LLMs, providing secure, private, and affordable compute without centralized control or complexity. Onloop an applied AI lab, obsesses over team productivity – powering effortless goal alignment and feedback systems for managers while augmenting human capabilities through mobile-native, agentic workflows. Qashio is a B2B financial management platform offering advanced expense management, customizable SaaS tools, and reward program. Raintech is an operating room voice assistant that improves the quality of care and surgical outcomes by enabling clinicians to focus on patients rather than documentation and admin tasks. Simpleem is Behavior-Analysis AI that predicts human actions with unmatched accuracy and provides tailored guidance on leveraging behavior to improve concrete business outcomes. Skipr is a sovereign agent-centric VPN that delivers the next generation of privacy and security in the age of AI. Taxo integrates with electronic health records (EHRs) to automate medical billing and coding. Its AI-powered solution reduces the time and cost of claims processing by >90%, enabling providers to focus on patient care rather than administrative tasks. Vivan Therapeutics' TuMatch software leverages a proprietary data set and AI/ML to enable rapid, personalized cancer treatment direction. Watermelon Ecosystem is an all-in-one platform that connects F&B suppliers with outlets through a marketplace and procurement system. xMap is a platform that uses AI to transform geospatial data, such as maps, satellite images, and GPS information, into real-time insights for businesses. Hub71+ ClimateTech: Airmo delivers actionable, accurate, real-time methane insights and environmental intelligence to the energy sector, regulators, and impact investors. New Path Bio uses precision fermentation to produce nutritious, health-promoting proteins from microbes, eliminating the need for animals, land, water, or climate dependence. Orbillion Bio is a B2B cultivated beef company making tasty, non-GMO beef at commercial scale and cost parity by leveraging advanced computational models and strategic partners. SwitchFoods is a FoodTech startup focused on innovating and producing deliciously healthy, nutritious, and sustainable plant-based meat alternatives tailored to regional tastes and cooking habits. Theion is a company that develops sustainable sulfur-based batteries that are eco-friendly, cost-effective, and store up to three times more energy than traditional batteries. Hub71+ Digital Assets InvoiceMate is a Blockchain & AI powered platform bridging conventional businesses with crypto liquidity. Redbrick is a cloud-based game and metaverse engine using blockchain and AI to streamline creation and distribution for all skill levels. Rilla Network is a decentralized infrastructure that unlocks the hidden potential of live streaming ecosystems while delivering exponential savings. Sustainable Bitcoin Protocol enables institutional investors to embed verifiable clean energy into their Bitcoin holdings—transforming Bitcoin's distributed energy demand into a catalyst for the global energy transition. 1Money is developing the world's first payment network exclusively designed for stablecoins, and specifically engineered to be the fastest, cheapest, and most compliant. About Hub71: Hub71 is Abu Dhabi's global tech ecosystem that enables founders to build globally enduring homegrown tech companies in any sector by providing access to global markets, a capital ecosystem, a global network of partners, and a vibrant community filled with highly skilled talent governed by forward-thinking regulation. Backed by the Government of Abu Dhabi and Mubadala Investment Company, Hub71 is growing its vibrant community of tech startups, investors, government, and corporate partners to ensure the availability of investment, commercial activities, and incentives from the public and private sectors. Through Hub71's entrepreneurial infrastructure, value-add programs, enabling services and support packages, founders can build, and scale widely adopted technologies with purpose and impact. Hub71 is on a mission to introduce new minds and technologies to Abu Dhabi, finding new ways to build globally enduring technology companies and sustain the nation's continuous economic development.
Zawya
10-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Hub71 strengthens Abu Dhabi's thriving tech ecosystem with its latest cohort
Cohort 16 startups have raised over USD 145 million (AED 532 million), with 63 per cent of selected startups headquartered outside the UAE, reinforcing Hub71's success in attracting high-growth international startups Abu Dhabi, UAE – Hub71, Abu Dhabi's global tech ecosystem, has welcomed 27 startups as part of Cohort 16 across Hub71's three programs, Access, Hub71+ ClimateTech and Hub71+ Digital Assets. This new addition increases the total number of ventures supported by Hub71 to 357. The latest cohort includes startups across key priority sectors, reinforcing Hub71's commitment to diversifying Abu Dhabi's economy through technology and innovation. Collectively, Cohort 16 startups have raised over USD 145 million (AED 532 million) in funding, averaging USD 4.9 (AED 18 million) million per startup. This achievement reflects Hub71's track record in attracting high-potential companies that advance technological innovation across Abu Dhabi's priority sectors. By joining Hub71, these startups are establishing their operations in Abu Dhabi, gaining access to a robust network of capital, mentorship, and resources to scale their businesses and drive impactful growth. Cohort 16 was selected from over 1,300 applications, with 63% of chosen startups headquartered in leading technology markets such as the USA, UK and Germany. Among the notable additions to Hub71's Access program is Vivan Therapeutics, a UK-based precision medicine company pioneering cancer research, using AI and fruit fly models to identify personalized treatments, that has raised USD 10 million (AED 36 million) in funding. Meanwhile, Theion, a German startup developing sustainable sulfur-based batteries that store up to three times more energy than traditional batteries will join the Hub71+ ClimateTech program. South Korean startup Redbrick, a cloud-based 3D creation engine that uses AI and blockchain, has raised USD 16.3 million (AED 59.8 million) in funding and will join the Hub71+ Digital Assets program. Furthermore, one in three startups in the cohort is based in the UAE, showcasing the nation's growing status as a global entrepreneurship hub. Notable homegrown startups include Qashio, an award-winning spend management platform that has raised USD 10 million (AED 36 million), and Switch Foods, a FoodTech company offering locally produced, affordable plant-based meats. Switch Foods has raised USD 12.5 million (AED 45.9 million) and launched Abu Dhabi's first plant-based meat production facility, setting a new standard for sustainable food innovation. Ahmad Ali Alwan, CEO of Hub71, said: 'Cohort 16 reinforces the global confidence in Hub71 as a launchpad for transformative ideas from Abu Dhabi. The selection process is highly competitive, reflecting the exceptional caliber of startups in our ecosystem. These companies are advancing innovation across key tech sectors while strengthening Abu Dhabi's position as a global tech hub.' Additionally, more than half of Cohort 16 consists of Seed and Series A startups. The selected startups operate in nine sectors including FinTech, ClimateTech, HealthTech, EdTech, and Mobility & Logistics, and will play a crucial role in driving the growth of Abu Dhabi's economy. By joining Hub71 'Access' and Hub71+ programs, startups will be able to tap into a vibrant community of mentors, partners, and investors within Abu Dhabi's technology ecosystem. Gaining access to market opportunities, top talent, and capital significantly enhances startups' prospects of securing commercial deals, attracting investment, and driving market growth. The 27 startups selected to join Hub71's Cohort 16 include: Access Program Aurem is a central operating system for workplace saving and wealth providers —optimising operations and innovating products in a single configurable platform. Cambio ML provides the "AI data science agent" for enterprises, aggregating and cleaning messy data from data silos. Desert Farms is a science-backed D2C product using camel milk proteins to make a near-identical baby formula to breastmilk. Esports XO connects gamers with tournaments and new games while helping publishers distribute games and telecoms build engaged communities. Fundbot Technologies is a B2B supply chain financing solution that enables banks, buyers, and sellers to connect automating lending and payments. Hotdesk is the Airbnb for Offices, with 2,000+ spaces in 73+ countries. They provide an all-in-one platform offering workspace optimization and hybrid work management software to help coworking spaces and corporates navigate the future of work. Mithryl's AI platform helps industrial companies automate processes by unifying fragmented systems into context-aware workflows that drive faster, smarter decisions. Nodeshift is a decentralized, no-code AI cloud platform that enables one-click deployment of AI agents and LLMs, providing secure, private, and affordable compute without centralized control or complexity. Onloop an applied AI lab, obsesses over team productivity - powering effortless goal alignment and feedback systems for managers while augmenting human capabilities through mobile-native, agentic workflows. Qashio is a B2B financial management platform offering advanced expense management, customizable SaaS tools, and reward program. Raintech is an operating room voice assistant that improves the quality of care and surgical outcomes by enabling clinicians to focus on patients rather than documentation and admin tasks. Simpleem is Behavior-Analysis AI that predicts human actions with unmatched accuracy and provides tailored guidance on leveraging behavior to improve concrete business outcomes. Skipr is a sovereign agent-centric VPN that delivers the next generation of privacy and security in the age of AI. Taxo integrates with electronic health records (EHRs) to automate medical billing and coding. Its AI-powered solution reduces the time and cost of claims processing by >90%, enabling providers to focus on patient care rather than administrative tasks. Vivan Therapeutics' TuMatch software leverages a proprietary data set and AI/ML to enable rapid, personalized cancer treatment direction. Watermelon Ecosystem is an all-in-one platform that connects F&B suppliers with outlets through a marketplace and procurement system. xMap is a platform that uses AI to transform geospatial data, such as maps, satellite images, and GPS information, into real-time insights for businesses. Hub71+ ClimateTech Airmo delivers actionable, accurate, real-time methane insights and environmental intelligence to the energy sector, regulators, and impact investors. New Path Bio uses precision fermentation to produce nutritious, health-promoting proteins from microbes, eliminating the need for animals, land, water, or climate dependence. Orbillion Bio is a B2B cultivated beef company making tasty, non-GMO beef at commercial scale and cost parity by leveraging advanced computational models and strategic partners. SwitchFoods is a FoodTech startup focused on innovating and producing deliciously healthy, nutritious, and sustainable plant-based meat alternatives tailored to regional tastes and cooking habits. Theion is a company that develops sustainable sulfur-based batteries that are eco-friendly, cost-effective, and store up to three times more energy than traditional batteries. Hub71+ Digital Assets InvoiceMate is a Blockchain & AI powered platform bridging conventional businesses with crypto liquidity. Redbrick is a cloud-based game and metaverse engine using blockchain and AI to streamline creation and distribution for all skill levels. Rilla Network is a decentralized infrastructure that unlocks the hidden potential of live streaming ecosystems while delivering exponential savings. Sustainable Bitcoin Protocol enables institutional investors to embed verifiable clean energy into their Bitcoin holdings—transforming Bitcoin's distributed energy demand into a catalyst for the global energy transition. 1Money is developing the world's first payment network exclusively designed for stablecoins, and specifically engineered to be the fastest, cheapest, and most compliant. About Hub71: Hub71 is Abu Dhabi's global tech ecosystem that enables founders to build globally enduring homegrown tech companies in any sector by providing access to global markets, a capital ecosystem, a global network of partners, and a vibrant community filled with highly skilled talent governed by forward-thinking regulation. Backed by the Government of Abu Dhabi and Mubadala Investment Company, Hub71 is growing its vibrant community of tech startups, investors, government, and corporate partners to ensure the availability of investment, commercial activities, and incentives from the public and private sectors. Through Hub71's entrepreneurial infrastructure, value-add programs, enabling services and support packages, founders can build, and scale widely adopted technologies with purpose and impact. Hub71 is on a mission to introduce new minds and technologies to Abu Dhabi, finding new ways to build globally enduring technology companies and sustain the nation's continuous economic development. For more information visit and follow us on @Hub71AD #Hub71. Media contacts: Raneem Khatib, TechHubEdelman@
