Thryve™️ Plant-Based Meat Factory Launches in Dubai, Boosting Sustainability and Food Security in the Region!

Dubai witnessed the opening of the first fully plant-based meat processing plant in the Middle East today, operated under the "Thryve" brand. Situated in the Dubai Industrial City of Tecom Group, the factory aims to pave the way for plant-based food production and consumption in the UAE and the wider region.

The launch of the latest facility is part of Dubai's food security strategy. This seeks to strengthen local production, food safety, and nutrition systems while enhancing sector resilience in times of crisis. The Thryve brand aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the National Food Security Strategy 2051. These goals aim to diversify and innovate the food security system.

The factory is the first of its kind in the region to manufacture fully plant-based meat, representing a pioneering and innovative project. The facility will produce sustainable and healthy plant-based meat in a variety of flavors inspired by the Middle East's diverse and nutritious cuisine, providing locally-made options for consumers.

During the opening of the first fully plant-based meat processing plant in Dubai

Strategic direction

Maryam bint Mohammed Al Muhairi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, emphasized the UAE's strategic direction towards food security. This is in the face of challenges such as limited agricultural land and water scarcity, leading to food import dependence. The National Strategy for Food Security was launched to increase local food production, develop infrastructure, attract investment in the food sector, and adopt modern agricultural technologies. It aims to transform the UAE into a global center for food security based on innovation.

In the context of the Year of Sustainability and the upcoming Conference of the Parties (COP28) in the UAE, the country is taking tangible steps to address climate change, promote food diversity, and support sustainable food production processes. The opening of the first fully plant-based meat processing plant in the region by the IFFCO group in the UAE is a significant step towards strengthening the industry, promoting food diversity, and achieving sustainable production within the country.

Minister Al Muhairi highlighted the impact of the food industry, which sources food from animal sources, especially red meat and dairy products, on emitting intense greenhouse gases. The UAE's commitment to enhancing food security and addressing climate change will be presented at COP28. This will demonstrate its vision and determination to create a more sustainable future for the country and the world. The UAE will continue to work with various partners to achieve common goals in this regard.

Sustainable solutions

Hadi Badri, Executive Director of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation, highlighted the significance of the updated fully plant-based meat processing plant in contributing to a dynamic industry that enhances trade between countries in the region. This reflects the UAE's commitment to investing in technology and innovative solutions to meet global challenges. It is also diversifying its economy in line with Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to become one of the top three economic cities in the world.

Badri emphasized that advanced food technology is driving the economy towards environmentally friendly practices and shaping the future of sustainable manufacturing. The new facility by IFFCO Group is a testament to Dubai's pivotal role in establishing sound environmental practices and contributing to reducing climate change effects while accelerating the pace of creating a green and sustainable economy by providing opportunities for the private sector to invest in environmentally friendly technologies.

He noted that such initiatives will enhance the emirate's environment, attract more companies and investors, and provide new job opportunities. This will reflect on economic growth in general. By focusing on sustainable manufacturing, the UAE and Dubai, in particular, will continue to cooperate with various partners to maintain their distinguished position and leadership in innovation and a sustainable economy, based on the inspiring and ambitious vision of wise leadership to provide a better future for all.

Leading Destination

Saud Abu Al-Shawareb, Executive Vice President of TECOM Group - Industrial Sector, emphasized the importance of food security for the UAE and how it aligns with the National Strategy for Food Security 2051 and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. He noted that as a leading destination for manufacturing and logistics companies from around the world, it is exciting to witness the expansion of the global "IFCO" group in the Dubai Industrial City area dedicated to the food and beverage sector. The launch of their brand-new plant-based meat factory under the "Thryve" brand will enhance food security and self-sufficiency for the UAE while also achieving resource sustainability.

Al-Shawareb further explained that the launch of the "Thryve" plant-based food project aligns with the global vision of the "IFFCO" group, which aims to invest in the future by adopting the latest food production technologies that benefit the UAE and contribute to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including good health and well-being, responsible production and consumption, and climate action.

Innovative Solutions

In response to the opening of the new plant-based meat factory, Shiraz Alana, a supervising member of the board of directors of the international "IFCO" group, stated that innovation has been a driving force for the company since its inception, enabling it to lead in changing consumer habits towards healthy and diverse food options. Alana also highlighted that the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted individuals and organizations to search for innovative methods to localize value and supply chains. This factory opening reflects IFFCO's commitment to developing innovative solutions that benefit current and future generations and support a more sustainable future.

Thryve is the first plant-based meat factory in the Middle East. It uses advanced food technologies to provide healthy, sustainable food options suitable for the region's tastes and culture. IFFCO works closely with the government to define and set standards that regulate plant-based foods production.

www.ResearchAndMarkets.com estimates that the global plant-based meat market will be valued at $7.9 billion in 2022 and reach $15.7 billion by 2027. The Thryve plant-based meat factory is equipped to meet the needs of approximately 30% of the Gulf countries' population, which is expected to feature strongly as components of a flexible plant-based diet in the future.

Thryve is an innovative plant-based food platform that combines ancient agricultural knowledge and experience with modern food research and technologies, preserving plant main and micronutrients, and celebrating the different flavors of local cuisine.

Dubai Industrial City is one of the specialized business parks of the TECOM Group. It also includes Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, Dubai Studio City, Dubai Production City, Dubai Science Park, Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai International Academic City, and Dubai Design District.