Abu Dhabi Ports Group – Kizad Economic Zones and Barakat Group, a prominent food production company in the UAE, have announced the initiation of construction on a dedicated facility for producing baby food within Kizad. This project is a collaboration between Barakat Group and Pure Baby Food Industries.
The company has earmarked a total investment of approximately 150 million dirhams for the facility, which is set to boost local manufacturing capabilities in the food sector while addressing the increasing regional demand for locally produced infant nutrition products. Once the facility, covering an area of 10,000 square meters, is fully operational, it is projected to achieve an annual production capacity of up to 90 million units of baby food products, including pureed fruits and vegetables, as well as protein-rich baby foods from meat and fish.
The project is expected to generate around 200 direct job opportunities across various fields, including manufacturing, quality assurance, food safety, logistics, and operational support, along with indirect employment opportunities through local supply chains and the agricultural production sector.
Job Opportunities
Abdullah Al Hamli, CEO of Economic Cities and Free Zones at Abu Dhabi Ports Group, stated that this investment reflects the scale and advancement of food manufacturing projects based in Kizad, emphasizing the project’s anticipated production capacity and the job opportunities it will create. He highlighted the economic value of specialized industries and their crucial role in enhancing the resilience of the food sector.
Business Model
Kenneth De Costa, General Manager of Barakat Group, mentioned that the facility will bolster the group’s integrated business model and aid in scaling up the production of high-quality baby food. He added that establishing a specialized factory in Kizad will allow the group to better meet regional market needs while creating new job opportunities and maintaining the highest halal food quality standards.
The facility is designed in accordance with the highest international standards for food safety, quality, and traceability, focusing on nutritional value and the quality of products made from natural ingredients without artificial additives. It is expected to reduce reliance on imports and develop a local halal food manufacturing system for children.
The project includes the establishment of the first industrial facility in the Gulf Cooperation Council dedicated exclusively to producing pureed baby foods. The site is designed to meet all standards and has obtained full halal certification for children’s food production, implementing a comprehensive accreditation system covering all stages of production and product categories, including protein options such as pureed meat and fish for infants. This initiative addresses a notable gap in the GCC markets, where local alternatives that comply with halal standards remain limited, particularly in the category of protein foods for young children.
The facility will utilize fresh ingredients, including fruits, vegetables, meats, and fish in product manufacturing, which will be packaged and marketed in flexible bags and glass containers. Furthermore, the facility will also produce a selection of packaged juices that can be safely stored at room temperature as part of its integrated industrial activities.