Spring Valley, a UAE-based agro-commodity supplier, is investing AED184 million to establish a state-of-the-art distribution hub at Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza).
The facility, spanning over 106,000 square feet, will enhance food processing and storage capabilities, supporting regional food security efforts.
The hub will feature advanced processing operations, including consumer packaging, roasting, and grinding. Its first phase is set for completion within two years, with full operations expected to process over 65,000 metric tonnes of staple food ingredients—such as pulses, spices, and nuts—generating an estimated AED440 million in annual turnover.
Abdulla Al Hashmi, COO, Parks & Zones, DP World GCC, highlighted Dubai’s pivotal role in the region’s food trade, managing 75% of the UAE’s food imports.
“With 80% of the region’s food supply being imported and global demand expected to surge for two billion more people by 2050, food security is more critical than ever. Jafza’s dedicated F&B terminal and advanced logistics network continue to drive innovation in securing the global food supply,”
he said.
The global agricultural commodity market is projected to grow from $220 billion in 2024 to $277 billion in 2028, driven by the increasing demand for healthier diets and a growing global population.
Toms Mathew, Executive Director of Spring Valley Food Industries, emphasized the hub’s strategic significance.
“Our location next to a world-class port ensures efficient logistics, strengthening the UAE’s position as a regional food hub,”
he noted.
Committed to sustainability, the facility will operate with 100% carbon-neutral processing and feature a solar power plant in line with Dubai’s renewable energy goals. It will also adhere to stringent international food safety standards, including HACCP and BRCGS certifications.
Jafza remains a key player in the UAE’s food trade sector, hosting over 770 F&B businesses—up 14% year-on-year. In 2023, its F&B sector facilitated trade worth AED23.2 billion, accounting for 26% of Dubai’s total F&B trade value.
News Source: Emirates News Agency