Are you planning to set up a food business in the UAE? Here’s what you need to know about the food manufacturing business. 

The UAE is considered one of the fastest growing markets, which certainly indicates a high purchasing power and increasing quality of life. The focus on achieving economic sustainability development goals creates a great platform for investors and now is the right time to start a business in the Food and Beverage industry.

Food and beverage trade in the UAE increased steadily to reach over $20 billion in the first nine months of 2021, supported by growing demand and expanded efforts to enhance food security and diversify food imports, new analysis from the Dubai Chamber of Commerce shows.

According to FCSC, in 2021 (Q1-Q3) the top 10 product groups accounted for around 76% of UAE’s F&B imports from around the world. Fruits and nuts took the largest share of 13%, followed by meat (11%), dairy (10%), oil seeds (7%), cereals (7%), and other edible food products (6%).

Here are the most common Food & Beverage Businesses options:

• Hotels and Cafes, Restaurants
• Food Truck
• Bakeries
• Butcheries
• Food Catering Units (Events, Suppliers to cruise ships, etc.)
• Food Factories and Food Warehouses
• Food Packing Material Manufacturers and Suppliers
• Grocery stores

One of the most promising areas in F&B is manufacturing.

How to start your food manufacturing business in the UAE?

STEP 1:

DETERMINE what category your product falls into:

• Natural and Organic Food
• Meal Products
• Cereal
• Flavors and Fragrances
• Baby Food
• Poultry Products

STEP 2:

CHOOSE  the correct activity for your manufacturing business and submit the necessary application documents to the Department of Economic Development (DED) for trade name reservation and initial approval for an industrial license.

STEP 3:

NOTARIZE  the (MOA) Memorandum of Association with the partners.

STEP 4:

SELECT a suitable warehouse to set up your manufacturing facility. At this stage, you will obtain a lease agreement (tenancy contract) and Ejari from the landlord.

The Food Code in the UAE regulates food manufacturing companies. See below the few requirements, that need to be considered.

• Dedicated construction plans
• Install proper lighting and ventilation to meet requirements
• The plumbing system and sewage and waste disposal lines
• Procure the necessary equipment for food manufacturing

STEP 5:

OBTAIN the necessary approvals from the Municipality of the particular Emirate.

STEP 6:

SUBMIT the documents to the Environment Department for industrial clearance and obtain a NOC from the civil defense.

STEP 7:

SUBMIT all documents to the DED (Department of Economic Development) and make the payment to issue the industrial license.

Whether you are looking to start a manufacturing business or expand your existing business, the UAE is one of the best places to do so. The UAE offers government support, a world-class trading hub, repatriation of profit and capital, a ready sales market, tax benefits, labor advantages as well as political and economic stability.

At Bizzmosis, our service is not limited only to facilitating the licensing procedures. We provide transparent, impartial guidance and support. We ensure we have the latest relevant updated information on the UAE corporate legal framework at a federal level.

To learn more, contact us

📧 hello@bizzmosis.com ☎️ +971 4 568 6522 📞 +971 52 979 8169

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