Jafza sees 24% higher food, agriculture trade in 2019

The business and logistics hub has a dedicated food and agriculture sector with over 550 companies from 70 countries and more than 6,000 employees, according to a press release on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Jafza is home to some of the region’s top companies in the industry, including Bayara, Al Khaleej Sugar, Alokozay, Nestle, Heinz, Unilever, and Hunter Foods.

The growth in Jafza's food and agriculture industry demonstrates that the hub is a preferred destination for many importing countries such as Brazil, the US, Pakistan, and South Africa.

In addition, Iraq, India, and Saudi Arabia are among the top export destinations, exporting coffee, tea, fruits, spices, and dairy products.

In the first half (H1), the total value of Dubai's external food trade reached AED 32 billion, with AED 22 billion food imports.

The CEO and Managing Director of DP World UAE Region and CEO of Jafza, Mohammed Al Muallem, said: "Our mandate is to prioritise the needs of citizens and residents, and we have worked towards sustainability, ensuring sufficient food is available."

Al Muallem added: "In line with the newly launched UAE Sustainable Agriculture System, we aim to support the increase of self-sufficiency from agricultural production and workforce in the agricultural sector."