Key Takeaways
- Plenty and Mawarid Partnership For Vertical Farming in GCC: Plenty Unlimited Inc. and Mawarid Holding Investment have announced a multi-year, exclusive partnership to supply locally grown fresh produce to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
- Significant Investment: The joint venture will invest over AED 500 million (US$130 million) in its first project, an indoor vertical farm in Abu Dhabi, aimed at producing more than 2 million kilograms of strawberries annually.
- Future Expansion: The partnership plans to develop up to five farms in the next five years, requiring an investment of up to AED 2.5 billion (US$680 million) and generating numerous employment opportunities.
- Food Security and Sustainability: The project will enhance year-round berry supply, reduce food miles, and align with the UAE’s food security initiatives.
- Driscoll’s Collaboration: Global berry leader Driscoll’s will partner in the project, providing proprietary genetics and market expertise.
Today, Plenty Unlimited Inc. and Mawarid Holding Investment—a subsidiary of Alpha Dhabi Holding, a major publicly listed company on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX)—announced a landmark, multi-year partnership to revolutionize fresh produce supply in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. This collaboration aims to establish a series of indoor vertical farms, beginning with a significant investment in Abu Dhabi.
AED500 Million Investment in an Abu Dhabi Vertical Farm
The joint venture’s first project will see an investment of over AED500 million (US$130 million) to construct an indoor vertical farm in Abu Dhabi. This facility, designed to produce more than 2 million kilograms of strawberries annually, marks a significant step towards enhancing local food production capabilities in the region. The farm will ensure a year-round supply of high-quality berries with peak-season flavor, catering to both local markets in the UAE and export demands across the GCC.
Plans for Regional Expansion
Over the next five years, the joint venture plans to develop up to five such farms across the GCC. This ambitious expansion will require an estimated investment of AED2.5 billion (US$680 million) and is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities. This initiative aligns with the broader goals of boosting local food production and reducing reliance on imports, thereby enhancing food security and sustainability in the region.
Collaboration with Driscoll’s
Driscoll’s, a global leader in premium berries, has pre-committed to the entire production output of the Abu Dhabi farm. Driscoll’s will bring its proprietary genetics, global brand, and extensive market experience to the project, ensuring that the berries grown meet the highest quality standards. “As part of our strategy to delight berry consumers around the world, we are excited to partner with Plenty and Mawarid on this pioneering project,” said Soren Bjorn, CEO of Driscoll’s. “The Gulf region and the United Arab Emirates specifically have long been great markets for Driscoll’s, and this project will help ensure we can meet the demands of consumers in this market into the future.”
Technological Advancements and Food Security
The Abu Dhabi farm, covering approximately 7,500 square meters (81,000 square feet), will be the world’s first commercial-scale vertical strawberry farm outside of North America. Construction is targeted to be completed by late 2026. Mawarid’s Group CEO, Mr. Kashif Shamsi, emphasized the strategic importance of this venture: “Mawarid has increasingly focused on adopting cutting-edge technologies in support of the UAE mandate to build innovative food security capabilities. Our global search for a sustainable solution to the challenges we face in the Middle East led us to the incredible team at Plenty.”
Leveraging Advanced Technology For Vertical Farming In GCC
Plenty’s CEO, Arama Kukutai, highlighted the significance of this partnership: “Plenty has built the most technologically advanced indoor farming platform aimed not only at meeting year-round consumer demand but making it possible to build a long-term food security infrastructure that can adapt to the needs of regions like the Middle East.” This collaboration leverages Mawarid’s extensive expertise in agriculture and land management, making it a perfect fit for addressing the dual challenges of food security and sustainable agriculture in the GCC.
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