MAFI to initiate Middle East’s largest food industries complex in Egypt

EGYPT – The Middle East Agribusiness and Food Industries Company (MAFI) is set to establish the Middle East’s largest food industries complex in Egypt as part of the government’s efforts to enhance industrial capabilities and exports.

The complex, located in Sadat City, will cover 154,000 square meters and produce up to 100,000 tons of food products annually in its initial stage.

MAFI’s Board Chairman, Ahmed Abu Hashima, highlighted the project’s significance in creating over 7,000 direct and indirect jobs, contributing to economic growth.

The complex aims to utilize advanced technology, with Luca Bordini, General Manager of JBT, a US technology solutions provider, stating that it will be the largest and most advanced in the Middle East, exporting products globally.

The complex will house five plants producing a variety of food products, including orange concentrates, tomatoes, various fruits, and essential oils.

It will also feature one of the world’s largest freeze-drying facilities and a plant for freezing fruits and vegetables.

The signing ceremony, attended by Egypt’s Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Minister of Trade and Industry Ahmed Samir, and CEO of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI) Hossam Heiba, marked a significant step in Egypt’s efforts to attract investments, support production expansion, and boost exports.

Additionally, in a separate agreement between MAFI and Elsewedy Industrial Development, the industrial complex will become a key player in the country’s push for economic recovery and growth in 2024.

The Egyptian government’s incentives to support the private sector align with the country’s goal of increasing exports and attracting foreign currency.

In a related development, Nestlé is expanding its product range in Africa with the launch of Maggi-branded Soya Chunks, offering an affordable and nutritious plant-based meat alternative for consumers in Central and West Africa.

According to the food manufacturer, the product is a ‘tasty’ and ‘affordable’ plant-based meat alternative that enables consumers in Central and West Africa to add ‘high-quality’ protein to their diets.

“Made from soy, the product contains less saturated fats and cholesterol compared to animal protein,” the company noted.

“We’re focused on using more plant-based ingredients as part of our efforts to deliver affordable, nutritious products that contribute to closing the protein gap that exists for many consumers,” Céline Worth, R&D Program Manager for Affordable Nutrition at Nestlé added.

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