Solico Group has strengthened its presence in the UAE with the launch of SoFood, a AED 130 million ($35.4 million) production facility in Jebel Ali Free Zone.
The site will serve as the group’s GCC innovation and international manufacturing hub, marking its largest UAE investment to date and supporting the nation’s goal of high-value, export-ready food production.
The purpose-built facility spans 5,000 m² and is equipped with advanced European technologies, offering an initial capacity of up to 40 tons per day. Its modular design allows Solico to expand into new food categories quickly, supporting resilience amid growing regional demand.
“The UAE has created one of the most dynamic ecosystems in the world for food manufacturing,”
said Gholamali Soleimani, Founder and Group Chairman of Solico Group.
“This investment enables us to transfer expertise, build local capability, and contribute to food security for years to come.”
The first phase of SoFood will focus on meat and protein production under Solico’s Pemina brand, with scaled distribution across the GCC and export markets. Later phases will expand into cheese, dairy, premixes, sauces, and co-packed solutions for hotels, airlines, and food service clients, aligning with regional tastes and export potential.
SoFood will also act as a regional innovation centre, reducing supply chain distances, enhancing product freshness, and creating local employment while fostering skills development. Sustainability is a key focus, with energy- and water-efficient systems, waste-minimizing processes, and multiple certifications including ISO 22000, HACCP, Halal, and Dubai Municipality Grade A.
Located within DP World’s Jebel Ali ecosystem, the facility benefits from direct access to global logistics corridors, enabling Solico to reach over three billion consumers.
His Excellency Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, DP World Chairman and CEO, highlighted the investment as a reflection of Dubai’s competitive industrial ecosystem and its role in advancing food security and value-added manufacturing.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
