NRTC Group has opened a new AED 50 million processing facility for its Taaza business in Jebel Ali Industrial Area 1, Dubai, expanding its fresh food preparation and packaging operations for quick-service restaurants (QSRs), hospitality companies, retailers and institutional foodservice customers.
The facility covers more than 60,000 sq. ft. and integrates fresh produce preparation, washing, sanitisation, cutting, juice processing and packaging. Its semi-automated operations provide customised vegetable cuts, portion sizes, bulk packaging and private-label formats according to customer specifications.
The site incorporates segregated processing zones, temperature-controlled environments and defined handling procedures for hygiene and product quality. Handling arrangements also include traceability measures, according to NRTC’s chief executive.
“The new facility represents a strategic step in NRTC Group’s evolution towards a more integrated food supply chain, connecting fresh produce sourcing and distribution with value-added processing and customer-ready food solutions,” said Mohammed Alrifai, Group CEO of NRTC Group.
Taaza currently supplies fresh-cut vegetables and juices. NRTC plans to extend its range to sandwiches, wraps, dips, continental-style dishes and prepared meals. A proposed kitchen operation is intended to produce approximately 2,000 meals daily, adding ready-to-eat products to its portfolio. The group is targeting QSR customers to represent approximately 20% of Taaza’s business in the first year, increasing to 40% over three years.
NRTC said its existing sourcing and distribution network spans more than 50 countries and handles approximately one million tonnes of fresh produce annually. The Dubai investment brings additional processing activities into that supply chain.
The facility will serve customers requiring different preparation specifications, portioning arrangements and packaging formats, including high-volume kitchens. Its processing capabilities accommodate bulk foodservice orders as well as packaged products for retail and private-label customers in the UAE.