United Foods Company reviews regional expansion to boost food security   

UAE – United Foods Company (PJSC), a leading UAE-based manufacturer and distributor of edible oils, fats, and various food products, is actively reviewing expansion into Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Syria to expand its regional footprint for regional growth, diversification and enhanced innovation.  

This ambitious plan for growth and business transformation to meet the region’s changing needs coincides with the UAE food major celebrating 50 years of operations in the UAE.  

Under new CEO Mohamad Itani, who joined in September 2025, the Dubai Financial Market-listed firm (DFM: UFC) has revamped its Research & Development (R&D) team and is pursuing organic and inorganic growth, targeting diversification into margarines, butter blends, and frozen foods amid shifting consumer demands.  

This strategic pivot aligns with the UAE’s food security imperatives and the MENA region’s high-growth markets, where localised production can enhance supply chain resilience.   

Itani’s vision emphasizes closer-to-market facilities to complement Jebel Ali’s legacy in ghee, oils, and value-added products under brands such as Aseel, Nawar, Safi, SuperSun, Mumtaz, and Mabrook.   

By eyeing neighbouring hubs, United Foods aims to streamline distribution to households, hotels, restaurants, and cafés, capitalizing on Saudi Vision 2030, Egypt’s population-driven demand, and Syria’s recovery potential while navigating geopolitical dynamics.  

The expansion review dovetails with enhanced innovation, as the restructured R&D drives premium offerings to meet preferences for healthier, convenient foods.   

Beyond core refining, the region’s oldest, United Foods, has partnered with global giants, fortifying its portfolio across MENA and beyond.   

Investments in automation, Emiratization, and sustainability underscore operational excellence, positioning the company to capture rising exports in a sector facing climate and logistical pressures.  

“United Foods Company prides itself on playing a vital role in the UAE’s food security, aligning with government strategies to boost local food production and supply, and after 50 years, that role matters more than ever,” said Mohamed Itani, CEO, United Foods Company.   

“Our success stands on the quality of our products, our understanding of consumers’ needs, and our investment in young talent and sustainability.  We are developing a food ecosystem that is as resilient as it is innovative to remain ahead of the curve, building on our heritage to meet the future needs of people across the region.”  

Participation at Gulfood 2026, including Itani’s panel on January 28, will showcase these evolutions from ghee pioneer to diversified powerhouse.   

Analysts view the moves as timely, forecasting strengthened competitiveness in the growing GCC food market, fueled by urbanization and premiumization.  

United Foods will be exhibiting at Gulfood 2026, spotlighting innovations in fats and oils, sustainable production and regional distribution.    

This transformation cements its legacy while adapting to tomorrow’s palate.  

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