Al Ain Farms Collaboration with FoodIQ Pioneers Food-Tech Innovation in MENA Region
June 18, 2025 | By the LG Content Team
In a significant advancement for the food manufacturing landscape in the Middle East, Al Ain Farms Group (AAFG), the premier national provider of protein and beverages in the United Arab Emirates, has announced a groundbreaking strategic partnership with the Finnish food technology innovator, FoodIQ. This collaboration marks a momentous occasion not only for AAFG but also for the broader MENA region, as it aims to introduce unparalleled innovations in food production and manufacturing technology.
The announcement of this joint development agreement signifies the first major initiative undertaken by AAFG since its recent establishment, positioning the company to spearhead a new era of food innovation in the region. This initiative underscores a concerted effort to enhance food quality and sustainability while addressing the growing consumer appetite for health-conscious dining options.
Central to this partnership is the implementation of FoodIQ’s patented Multi-Layer Cooker (MLC) technology, which will be deployed on an industrial scale at AAFG facilities, marking its inaugural application outside of Finland. This groundbreaking technology facilitates the production of a new wave of clean-label, natural, and high-protein foods, poised to transform consumers’ dining experiences across the UAE and beyond.
Hassan Safi, the Group CEO of AAFG, articulated the vision behind this collaboration, stating, “At Al Ain Farms Group, our mission is to deliver quality, innovation, and sustainability for the future of food. This collaboration empowers us to rapidly meet growing consumer demand for healthier choices while using local ingredients. It is a milestone moment for our Group.” His emphasis on local ingredient utilization reflects a broader trend toward regional sourcing, which not only supports local economies but also reduces carbon footprints associated with food transport.
The Multi-Layer Cooker technology represents a paradigm shift in food manufacturing processes. It is designed as a smart, modular system that supports flexible-batch production. This innovative apparatus can effortlessly transition between various high-viscosity recipes, which range from yogurt and plant-based milk to cheese and protein smoothies. Notably, the MLC preserves the nutritional integrity of real ingredients by eliminating the need for artificial additives and preservatives. Furthermore, it stands out for its eco-friendly attributes, significantly minimizing energy consumption, water usage, and production waste.
Robert Savikko, CEO of FoodIQ, emphasized the wider implications of this partnership by stating, “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.” This statement underscores the potential transformative impact this partnership could have as it strives to set new industry standards.
The formal signing ceremony took place at the Marmum Dairy facilities in Al Ain, a location synonymous with Al Ain Farms Group’s agricultural prowess. The event was attended by key executives from both AAFG and FoodIQ, as well as representatives from Business Finland, which lent formal diplomatic support to the collaboration. Their presence highlights the importance of bilateral agreements in advancing technological capabilities and food security in the region.
As consumer trends lean increasingly towards health and sustainability, AAFG’s strategic move to incorporate advanced technologies into its production model is not only timely but necessary. The food-tech landscape is evolving rapidly, with consumers demanding more transparency in food production processes and a greater emphasis on nutritional content. This initiative is poised to align seamlessly with these evolving consumer preferences, especially within the increasingly health-conscious societies of the MENA region.
Moreover, the partnership signifies a consequential step toward bolstering local food production capacity, advancing food security, and reducing dependency on imported food products which have historically characterized the region. As the initiative takes root, it will likely galvanize further investment in the food-tech sector and spur additional collaborations between local and international firms, setting a precedent for enhanced food industry dynamism in the UAE and the broader Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
In summary, this strategic partnership between Al Ain Farms Group and FoodIQ not only paves the way for innovative food manufacturing practices but also symbolizes a commitment to health, sustainability, and community empowerment in food production. As the region braces for these transformative changes, the ripple effects of this collaboration are anticipated to extend well beyond the immediate market, impacting the lifestyle and health choices of consumers throughout the MENA region.
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