Latest news with #readytoeat
Khaleej Times
a day ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Coming soon to UAE: Firm creates meals that can be consumed for up to 25 years
A UAE-based company is set to introduce ready-to-eat meals that can remain consumable for up to 25 years, thanks to advanced freeze-drying technology. Red Planet, the company behind this innovation, uses a process that removes more than 95 per cent of moisture from food while preserving its taste, nutritional value, and safety — without the need for artificial preservatives. "We start by removing moisture from the food in a controlled environment, which helps retain its original taste, texture, and, most importantly, nutritional value," said Jassim Al Nowais, CEO of Red Planet. "From there, we seal it in multi-layered, oxygen-absorbing packaging that protects against light, air, and moisture. This ensures the product stays safe, fresh, and nutritious for up to 25 years — without refrigeration or preservatives." Although Red Planet hasn't launched its products in retail stores yet, Al Nowais said the fully developed menu is ready to serve a range of critical sectors including humanitarian aid organisations, armed forces, space agencies, and government bodies. "We don't just focus on extending shelf life. For us, food security is about more than storing something for emergencies — it's about having access to reliable, nutritious food that people would actually want to eat, whether it's five, ten, or even twenty-five years from now," he added. Al Nowais also confirmed that retail is part of the company's long-term strategy. Red Planet recently participated in the Saudi Food Show 2025, held from May 12 to 14 in Riyadh, where it showcased how its long-life meals can support food sustainability, emergency preparedness, and long-term nourishment across the region. Diverse, halal-certified menu The company offers a wide variety of meals, including local favourites such as chicken biryani, meat machboos, balaleet with eggs, and scrambled eggs, as well as international options like pasta with minced meat and vegetable rice. All meals meet halal standards. 'We're not just offering variety for the sake of it. Every dish is carefully crafted to retain its flavour, texture, and nutritional content — even in the harshest environments,' said Al Nowais. 'To us, food is more than fuel — it's a source of comfort, a reminder of home, and a key element of resilience.' As a UAE-based firm, Red Planet sees its first responsibility as supporting life-saving sectors and contributing to regional stability. 'We are currently in the final stages of obtaining regulatory approvals in the UAE,' Al Nowais noted. 'This isn't just a formality — it's a core part of our promise to deliver food that's not only safe and high-quality, but also trusted by the communities and institutions we serve. I personally oversee this part of the process because it matters deeply to us.' He expressed confidence that once the final approvals are secured, consumers will soon see Red Planet meals on store shelves.
Associated Press
14-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Verde Valle Foods Acquires A Dozen Cousins
DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 14, 2025-- A Dozen Cousins, the brand specializing in ready-to-eat beans, rice and seasoning sauces inspired by traditional Creole, Caribbean, and Latin American recipes, is being acquired by Verde Valle Foods. With more than 16 years in the US, Verde Valle Foods manufactures, sells, and distributes rice and beans and is also home to Isadora, a pioneer in ready-to-eat beans and authentic Mexican meals and the first brand to introduce beans in a pouch. Ibraheem Basir, Founder and CEO of A Dozen Cousins, will continue as General Manager, leading the brand and its growth. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: 'I couldn't be more excited to partner with the team at Verde Valle,' said A Dozen Cousins Founder and CEO, Ibraheem Basir. 'They are trailblazers in the world of pouched meals, and they are going to dramatically strengthen the supply chain and make it easier to share our products with more people. At the same time, we will be able to invest more in innovation and marketing to continue building a brand that people love.' Verde Valle Foods is the US subsidiary of Verde Valle. Founded in 1967, Verde Valle is a third-generation family-owned and operated manufacturer of rice, beans, grains, ingredients, and ready-to-eat meals in a pouch. Verde Valle Foods, based in Dallas, Texas, is committed to fresh, high-quality, and authentic ingredients, which makes it a natural fit for A Dozen Cousins. Verde Valle Foods has been at the forefront of innovation in ready-to-eat meals for the last decade. A Dozen Cousins, launched in 2019, was born from the comforting, flavorful recipes Basir grew up eating with his family after he noticed a gap in the market for authentic cultural foods that were also nutritious. The brand's flagship seasoned beans have built a loyal following over the years, and their innovative line of rice cooked in bone broth recorded double-digit growth over the last year, while sales in the prepared rice category were flat during that same period. 'A Dozen Cousins fits right into our growth strategy for ready-to-eat meals in a pouch and will allow Verde Valle to further expand into the natural products segment,' said Germán Rosales, Jr., US CEO of Verde Valle Foods. 'We are thrilled to have Ibraheem join our business, we can't wait to work collaboratively and continue to bring delicious, natural products to consumers across the country.' Following the transaction, A Dozen Cousins will preserve its high ingredient standards, and consumers can expect exciting innovation coming in the next year. A Dozen Cousins' line of beans, bone broth rices, and seasoning sauces can be found at retailers nationwide including Whole Foods Market, Sprouts, Fresh Market, Publix, Meijer, Target, Walmart, Kroger, Thrive Market, Wegmans and more. To learn more, visit and follow @adozencousins. About A Dozen Cousins A Dozen Cousins offers a line of ready-to-eat products and seasoning sauces inspired by traditional Creole, Caribbean and Latin American recipes. Founded by Ibraheem Basir, A Dozen Cousins believes in the power of culture to make life richer and bring people together. The brand's unique products are made with wholesome, easy-to-recognize ingredients like beans, vegetables, and nutrient-dense avocado oil while avoiding GMOs and artificial flavors. A Dozen Cousins makes it possible to enjoy traditional foods without compromising taste, health or convenience. About Verde Valle Since 1967 Verde Valle has been dedicated to delighting consumers with healthy and nutritious beans, rice, and grains. The company selects the highest quality ingredients from the US, Mexico and the world to transform dishes into a delicious and authentic experience. Verde Valle's portfolio of leading brands includes Verde Valle, the #1 selling brand of rice and beans in Mexico, Isadora the #1 selling brand of beans in a pouch in Mexico and the fastest growing refried beans brand in the US in 2024. STS Rice All Products $ Sales Change = +0.4% ADC $ Sales Change = +16.0% View source version on CONTACT: Media Contact Power Digital [email protected] KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA TEXAS INDUSTRY KEYWORD: RETAIL SUPERMARKET AGRICULTURE SPECIALTY NATURAL RESOURCES FOOD/BEVERAGE SOURCE: A Dozen Cousins Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 05/14/2025 10:00 AM/DISC: 05/14/2025 09:59 AM
