Al Ain Farms Group, Foodiq partnership to strengthen dairy

UAE – Al Ain Farms Group has partnered with Finnish company Foodiq to bring a new food processing technology, known as MLC, to the United Arab Emirates for the first time.

The move introduces an advanced food manufacturing platform that is designed to reduce energy use and waste while enabling the production of clean-label and additive-free recipes.

The MLC system, originally developed in Finland, supports the creation of dairy, plant-based, and hybrid food products through a more delicate process that helps retain nutritional value.

This development is aligned with Al Ain Farms’ broader strategy to adapt to shifting consumer preferences and diversify its product offerings using new technology.

The partnership comes shortly after Al Ain Farms was consolidated into a newly formed entity, the Al Ain Farms Group (AAFG), which was officially announced during the “Make it in the Emirates” Forum 2025.

AAFG brings together five local food production brands — Al Ain Farms, Marmum Dairy, Al Ajban Chicken, Al Jazira Poultry Farm’s Golden Eggs, and Saha Arabian Farms — into one company.

By combining these brands, the new group creates a unified platform focused on dairy, poultry, eggs, and juices across the UAE.

AAFG is jointly backed by Ghitha Holding, a listed company in the agricultural and food logistics sector, and Yas Holding, a multi-sector investment firm based in Abu Dhabi.

The aim is to strengthen domestic food production capabilities while positioning the group to respond to wider regional demand.

Al Ain Farms was originally established in 1981 by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, starting with a herd of 200 cows to supply fresh milk locally.

Over the years, the operation has expanded in line with population growth and changing dietary habits, becoming one of the key players in the country’s food supply efforts.

The newly integrated group says it will contribute to national objectives such as the UAE Food Security Strategy 2051 and industrial development initiatives targeting local production.

According to AAFG Chairman HE Tareq Abdulraheem Al Hosani, the company expects to focus on technological integration and local industry expertise to support the country’s long-term food goals.

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