Silal Agri-Food launches largest food distribution facility in KEZAD

UAE- Silal, Abu Dhabi’s leading food, agriculture, and technology company, has launched one of the largest food distribution facilities in Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD).

The 41,000-square-meter facility includes warehouses and 36,800 storage platforms. It also includes advanced cold rooms and storage facilities to preserve foodstuffs.

The UAE announced it equipped the facility with the latest infrastructure, logistical technologies, and loading platforms consisting of 36 loading points and sea berths.  

The facility is expected to serve as a major food distribution hub in the country and optimize transportation logistics.

With a 38-dock loading area to handle many food shipments, the facility is predicted to enhance trading opportunities for the Middle East nation. 

Trade opportunities will be enhanced through efficient warehousing and transport logistics solutions to retailers, suppliers, and other trade stakeholders worldwide.  

Moreover, the KEZAD warehouse has been equipped with re-export and repackaging facilities, which will make it sensitive and responsive to supply chain disruptions.

This will go a long way toward aiding the country in managing the ever-evolving challenges of food distribution. 

The government also revealed that the facility will provide opportunities for sustainable partnerships with local distributors, retailers, and global manufacturers. The facility’s technological capabilities will ensure a continuous supply of essential food products.  

The facility’s launch is part of Abu Dhabi’s strategy of making the country an important global supply chain hub, facilitating the global distribution of food products with full traceability.  

In March, the government announced a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between KEZAD, Etihad Cargo, and Abu Dhabi Airports to create Fresh Corridor 2.0, the largest origin-to-destination air corridor for perishable goods in the Middle East.  

Suresh Vaidhyanathan, Abu Dhabi Food Hub’s CEO said, “We are excited to support the global food players in accessing the regional consumer markets with integrated supply chain solutions and incorporating the most recent technologies and further be a key enabler in food trade diversification and the UAE’s food security agenda.”

Continued expansion and innovation 

This development follows closely on the heels of Silal’s recent opening of a high-tech packhouse in Al Ain.

Spanning 14,000 square meters, this facility can deliver up to 216 tons of fresh produce daily, making it the largest of its kind in the UAE.

The packhouse features advanced technology for post-harvest operations, enabling the packing of locally grown produce in under 60 seconds.

With the capacity to process 325 tons and over 180,000 packs daily, it aims to enhance efficiency and meet the increasing demands of clients. “This state-of-the-art facility will increase efficiency and reliability, meeting the ever-growing demands of our clients,” a company representative said in a LinkedIn post.

The facility includes a grading and packing area spread across 4,930 square meters. An automated system calculates the weight, dimensions, and condition of fruits and vegetables, adjusting the packing process to ensure top quality.

The packhouse is expected to handle 65% of Silal’s future crops, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and supporting local agriculture.