UAE: First plant-based meat production facility inaugurated in Abu Dhabi – News

Homegrown food tech startup Switch Food will produce 100% GMO, soy, allergen and gluten-free food, including vegan and halal-certified kebabs, kafta, sujukground meat and burger patties

Climate Change and Environment Minister Mariam bint Mohammed AlMheiri, together with AD Ports Group Economic Cities and Free Zones CEO Abdullah Al Hameli (right) and Edward Hamod clipped the inauguration of the Switch Foods factory in Kezad, Abu Dhabi, Switch Foods Founder and CEO. — Photo provided

Abu Dhabi’s first state-of-the-art plant-based meat production facility has opened at KEZAD. Beginning May 1, the facility will begin producing food that is 100 percent free of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), soy, allergens and gluten.

Produced items – including kebabs, kafta, sujukminced meat and burger patties – will be vegetarian and halal certified.

Homegrown food tech startup Switch Foods says it will offer a wholesome alternative to traditional meat products without compromising taste. The innovative facility on the 20,000-square-foot site will advance food safety, sustainability and climate action efforts, the company said.

The inauguration of the facility was attended by the Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Mariam bint Mohammed AlMheiri. Speaking about the impact of these facilities, she said: “The food and agriculture sector faces the daunting challenge of climate change. We must ensure a healthy and reliable food supply for our people, while recognizing that the global food system accounts for four quarters of greenhouse gas emissions.” Plant-based meat produces 30% to 90% less greenhouse gas emissions than conventional meat, contributing to a more sustainable food supply.”

The minister noted that the new facility has been opened for the Year of Sustainable Development and as the country prepares to host the COP28 climate change conference.

“Our track record will have a significant impact on the world when we focus on solutions COP, which outlines practical action on mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage, and climate finance. Accelerating national efforts, food production is the core pillar,” she said.

“We are investing in a thriving ecosystem that fosters innovation and growth through partnerships and investments in sustainable food production. This project exemplifies the public-private partnership and ingenuity necessary to achieve our food security and climate action goals. “

Last month, IFFCO Group opened the region’s first 100% plant-based meat factory in Dubai.

According to statista.com, the value of meat alternatives in the UAE is rising with an annual growth rate of 27.19%.

Saeed Al Bahri Al Ameri, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, emphasized the importance of increasing local production to meet consumer demand for protein by providing alternative sources of animal meat.

Abdullah Al Hameli, Chief Executive Officer, Economic Cities and Free Zones, AD Ports Group, said: “With the support of our visionary leadership, innovation and sustainability are at the heart of our strategic objective to make the UAE a world leader in food security by 2051. A key component. Companies like Switch Foods can go a long way in supporting the goal of minimizing our reliance on food imports.”

Edward Hammond, founder and CEO of Switch Foods, added: “Our aim is to lead the way towards a sustainable food system by introducing localized, innovative plant-based meat alternatives that are healthier for the environment and consumers Transition.”