The Dh200 million manufacturing facility will open in Dubai Industrial City in 2025, strengthening the UAE's commitment to developing a self-sufficient food security programme.

SLG Group's manufacturing base joins a large number of food manufacturers and processing firms that produce and export foodstuffs globally from the industrial hub, boosting foreign trade and supporting the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.

The new facility will support the distribution of wholesale bakery products such as butter, whey powder, and vegetable shortening to bakeries, restaurants, ice cream manufacturers, hotels, caterers, and other users across the GCC, African market, and Southeast Asia.

Speaking on behalf of Dubai Industrial City, Saud Abu Alshawareb, executive vice president of Industrial Leasing - Tecom Group, stated that one of the UAE's top priorities is food security.

"With a growing volume of Dubai-based food manufacturers located in one address, Dubai Industrial City is leading the way for Dubai to cultivate a self-reliant food programme," he said.

The Middle East and Africa dairy ingredients market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.7% between 2020 and 2025, according to Mordor Intelligence. Whey protein popularity, driven by a renewed emphasis on active lifestyles and fitness, and the growing use of infant milk formula all contribute to increased demand for milk products.

“Our business is growing rapidly, fuelled by a growing demand for powdered milk and related products across the region," Shereen Saeed, general manager at SLG Group, said.

"Our ability to cater to this demand, in terms of both output and timely delivery, hinges on our facility. Dubai Industrial City offers us a fully equipped industrial infrastructure to easily set up a state-of-the-art manufacturing and logistics centre from which we can better cater to many other markets,” she said.

SLG Group's new facility, which will employ over 300 people, is designed to meet the growing market by utilising advanced technologies and fully automated machinery and equipment.

The strategic location of Dubai, combined with the extensive transportation network of Dubai Industrial City, including land, air, sea, and soon Etihad Rail, will provide SLG Group with unrivalled and convenient access to key markets.