Exploring UAE's Revolutionary Vegan Meat Factories: Meeting UAE's Changing Food Preferences
UAE's latest innovation in sustainable food production is sparking a culinary revolution in the Gulf region. With a growing emphasis on sustainability and an ever-increasing demand for vegan fare, the UAE's new plant-based meat factories have taken center stage just ahead of COP28.
Positioned as the Gulf region's inaugural, comprehensive plant-based meat production facilities, these factories are poised to spearhead the development of healthier and more resilient food systems. This mission has gained prominence in a post-pandemic world and now holds a prominent spot in global governmental strategies.
Notably, in the UAE, the sales of plant-based products have doubled in recent years, reflecting a notable shift among consumers towards more health-conscious choices. They prioritize general well-being and environmental sustainability. With the UAE's population expected to reach 11.05 million by 2030, the diverse mix of nationalities will undoubtedly spur even greater demand for diverse food options.
Dubai and Riyadh have witnessed an unprecedented surge in food delivery services, indicating a remarkable rise in vegan food options. Andrey Dribny, the CEO of IFFCO, the driving force behind this initiative, explained to Arabian Business, "Our goal is to introduce plant-based choices that nourish individuals, and also contribute positively to the environment." Dribny observes, "The pandemic has heightened awareness of the significance of a healthy lifestyle and diet in bolstering immune health. Many individuals are now resolutely committed to making healthier food choices, with plant-based options being perceived as inherently better for overall health."
Earlier this year, Abu Dhabi joined the plant-based meat production movement. Starting on May 1, the homegrown food-tech startup Switch Foods began producing products that are 100 percent free of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), soy, allergens, and gluten. Their offerings encompass kebabs, kafta, sujuk, minced meat, and burger patties, all of which are both halal-certified and vegan.
Operating under the banner of THRYVE, the Dubai-based factory employs cutting-edge technologies to craft plant-based meat alternatives that draw inspiration from local flavors. Dribny provides insight into THRYVE products, emphasizing their meticulous crafting process, which retains essential nutrients, as well as eliminates anti-nutrients. This approach enhances both digestibility and the bioavailability of nutrients, creating a seamless synergy between nature's wisdom and modern nutritional science.
The factory's launch in Dubai is impeccably timed to align with the surging demand for plant-based meat products. Dribny notes, "There's palpable momentum behind sustainable and health-conscious dietary choices in the region." Saudi Arabia, in close proximity, is experiencing a parallel surge in plant-based food demand. Consequently, the factory has ambitious plans for regional expansion to cater to these burgeoning populations. Dribny adds, "We've already introduced THRYVE to the Saudi market and are poised to further enhance sustainable food security and innovation across the GCC."
The Middle East is witnessing a significant rise in plant-based foods, mirroring trends seen in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.
IFFCO's THRYVE products are meticulously crafted from carefully selected crops, with nutrient-rich fava beans at the forefront. Dribny elaborates, "Their balanced profiles of macro and micronutrients enable us to create genuinely healthy substitutes." The production process emphasizes sustainability through resource efficiency, favorably contrasting with traditional livestock farming and completely eliminating artificial ingredients. IFFCO's crop selection process is rigorous, ensuring alignment with optimal nutritional standards and sustainability objectives. Dribny underscores the exceptional nutritional value of fava beans, boasting an impressive 26 percent protein content, encompassing eight of the nine essential amino acids, and a generous dietary fiber content of 26 percent. Moreover, fava beans are a natural source of B-group vitamins and essential minerals, including iron, potassium, and magnesium.
Dribny underscores the commitment to preserving the inherent nutritional value of the products while simultaneously eliminating antinutrients that could impede nutrient absorption. This meticulous process enhances bioavailability and digestibility, thus ensuring that THRYVE products are a harmonious blend of nature's wisdom and modern nutrition.
In a significant stride towards inclusivity, THRYVE products are intentionally designed to be gluten-free, catering to individuals with gluten intolerance. Dribny states, "Thryve is a 100 percent gluten-free plant-based meat substitute."
Dribny firmly believes that the new factory aligns seamlessly with the UAE's overarching vision, particularly the Food Security Strategy and climate mitigation initiatives. These considerations are especially pertinent as Dubai prepares to host the UN climate conference COP28 in November.
The production of plant-based meat is recognized as a more sustainable choice, with a significantly reduced environmental footprint compared to traditional livestock farming. This method consumes less land, water, and energy, resulting in fewer greenhouse gas emissions and a significant reduction in deforestation. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for animal farming, addressing growing concerns about animal welfare.