Solico Group has strengthened its regional manufacturing footprint with the launch of its AED 130 million SoFood facility in Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), Dubai—an investment that underscores the growing importance of integrated processing-packaging in export-oriented food production.
The facility, designed with an initial production capacity of up to 40 tons per day, will cater to multiple food categories including meat, dairy, premixes, sauces, and foodservice solutions. This multi-category approach is expected to drive demand for diverse packaging formats, ranging from high-barrier flexible structures to rigid containers and portion-controlled formats suited for institutional and retail channels.
“The UAE has created one of the most dynamic ecosystems in the world for food manufacturing and economic diversification,” said Gholamali Soleimani, Founder and Group Chairman, Solico Group. “This investment allows us to deepen our regional footprint and build manufacturing capability that will support food security for years to come.”
The inclusion of co-packed solutions for hotels, airlines, and foodservice operators highlights a shift towards customised packaging configurations, reflecting evolving consumption models and distribution requirements across the GCC.
With a strong export orientation, packaging will play a critical role in ensuring product integrity, shelf life, and compliance across international markets. Certifications including ISO 22000 and HACCP further emphasise the need for high-performance, food-safe packaging systems integrated within processing operations.
His Excellency Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO, DP World, noted that Jafza continues to attract manufacturers targeting regional and global markets, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a value-added industrial hub.
The facility’s modular design also signals a shift towards flexible, scalable packaging and production systems capable of adapting to evolving product portfolios and market demands