Post by : Bianca Suleiman
Solico Group, a frontrunner in Middle Eastern food production, has made a significant advancement with the inauguration of SoFood, a state-of-the-art AED 130 million ($35.4 million) facility in the Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza). This facility will act as Solico’s hub for GCC innovation and international production, marking the largest investment the company has made in the UAE so far.
Situated on a 5,000 m² plot, SoFood is built for adaptability, allowing swift entry into diverse food categories. It boasts an initial production capacity of 40 tons per day, supported by advanced European manufacturing technologies.
Gholamali Soleimani, the Founder and Group Chairman of Solico Group, remarked, “The UAE hosts one of the most vibrant food manufacturing ecosystems. This investment not only solidifies our presence in the region but also reinforces food security while adhering to the principles my family instilled in this company over five decades ago.”
Solico Group, recognized for establishing the first milk refinery in Central Asia, is set to leverage its manufacturing expertise in the UAE. The facility is pivotal for enhancing the nation’s industrial landscape, boosting local production capabilities, and transitioning from traditional trading structures to value-added manufacturing.
Initially, SoFood’s operations will concentrate on meat and protein products under Solico’s flagship brand, Pemina, with plans to distribute across the GCC and beyond. Subsequent phases will extend into cheese, dairy, premixes, sauces, and solutions tailored for hotels and the food service industry, strategically chosen for their export potential and relevance to the local market.
Moreover, SoFood will act as a regional innovation center, customizing products to suit Middle Eastern preferences, enhancing product freshness through quicker supply chains, and fostering local employment, skill enhancement, and knowledge transfer.
His Excellency Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, commented, “Solico’s significant investment at Jafza underscores Dubai’s robust manufacturing ecosystem and is set to amplify food security, generate high-quality jobs, and encourage value-added production in the UAE.”
The facility integrates sustainable practices, featuring energy- and water-saving systems, waste reduction processes, and holds various certifications including ISO 22000 and HACCP, Halal, and Dubai Municipality Grade A.
Located within the DP World-managed Jebel Ali ecosystem, SoFood benefits from immediate access to global logistics networks, allowing Solico to tap into a market of over 3 billion consumers and supporting the UAE’s “Make it in the Emirates” initiative for manufacturing.
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